As Canada’s leading veal producer, Quebec accounts for 70% of the country’s total production. Our veal enjoys a well-established reputation, with 60% of our veal meat sold outside Quebec.

Veal production at a glance

Milk-fed veal production flourished in the early 1980s. Before then, farmers were at a loss as to what to do with the male veal calves produced by our many dairy cows, and our milk by-products (milk powder) were not being sold. Inspired by the European model, our producers decided to forge ahead and combine these two critical production components. A few years later, they came out winners! They succeeded in developing a thriving agricultural sector and, above all, in providing consumers with high-quality meat, sought after for its tenderness, pale colour and good taste.

From the dairy farm…

	It all starts at the dairy farm, where, to produce milk, the cow must also produce calves. After a nine-month gestational period, the cow delivers a small veal calf, whose future is determined by its gender. Male veal calves are destined for veal production, whereas female calves (heifers) ultimately become dairy cows.
	…to the veal farm
	Male veal calves are bought by veal producers who, during the 20-week rearing period, provide optimum conditions for the calves: a balanced diet, a healthy environment and personalized care-everything needed to ensure their comfort, good health and growth!

Milk-fed veal production in Quebec: a few statistics

• 250 farms located primarily in the Saint-Hyacinthe, Bois-Francs and Quebec City regions
• Annual production of 150,000 veal calves
• Farmgate value of $127 million
• 175,000 veal calves produced by Quebec’s dairy farms available to producers
• A type of production that often attracts young families, thereby ensuring future generations for this agricultural sector
• The average family farm produces 600 veal calves yearly

Did you know?

• In its lifetime, a milk-fed veal calf will drink the equivalent of 600 pounds (270 kg) of milk.
• Milk-fed veal calves are given top-quality milk that is also used in human food products, such as high energy drinks.