Today’s Veal Farms: A Smaller Footprint, A Bigger Commitment

While veal might not be as common on the dinner table as other meats – a new study sheds light on strides veal farmers are making when it comes to sustainability.

As reported in Lancaster Farming, a 2025 study shows that veal has a smaller environmental footprint than beef and is on par with pork and chicken in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. This first-of-its-kind life cycle assessment (LCA) from the American Veal Association marks a major milestone in transparency – giving consumers real data about how veal is produced today.

With continued improvements in animal care and sustainability practices, veal farmers are focused on doing what’s right for animals, people and the planet.

We encourage you to learn more in the full article about the LCA and what it means for the future of veal.    

Veal Industry Sets New Ethical Standards to Strengthen Consumer Trust

The American Veal Association (AVA) has adopted a new set of ethical commitments aimed at strengthening consumer trust and showcasing the industry’s dedication to responsible practices.

These commitments focus on key areas like animal welfare, food safety, environmental stewardship and labor and human rights. Designed to be both proactive and transparent, the commitments reflect the veal industry’s desire to earn consumer confidence and trust by clearly communicating the values and standards guiding veal production today.

AVA President Sonia Arnold shared with Lancaster Farming that the commitments bring more awareness to the good work already happening on veal farms across the country. The AVA represents roughly 400 farmers and companies involved in raising milk-fed veal, mostly in states with strong dairy industries like Pennsylvania, New York and Wisconsin.

“We have a good story to tell,” Arnold said. “Now we’re making sure people hear it.”

Learn more about today’s veal industry and its ethical commitments here.

Why the U.S. Veal Industry is Poised for Resurgence

The U.S. veal industry, once in decline, is making a strong comeback thanks to major improvements in animal welfare, sustainability and transparency.

Practices of the past have been replaced by group housing, tailored nutrition and strong veterinary oversight. Dairy bull calves, which previously had little value, are now being transformed into high-quality food, as well as other products.

Dairy Herd Management takes a look at the evolving veal industry and how it’s promoting its positive story to the food industry and a new generation of consumers. Learn how veal is “poised to come back stronger and smarter than ever before.”