Rose Veal is a delicacy that we should all be encouraged to eat.

There has been controversy in veal-raising methods over the years and traditionally the bleak images of calves in cramped crates or being herded on to lorries linger in the memory. And so they should – as a reminder of the worst excesses of indifference to animal welfare they take some beating, but strict legislation is now in place, and crating used to house young calves has been illegal in the UK since 1990.

At Norbury Farm we have never used this method and abhor the ill-treatment of any animal, whether livestock or one of our pets.

It is estimated that over a quarter of a million male dairy calves are killed each year in the UK. At Norbury Farm we have always been upset with the destruction at a very young age (hours rather than days) of perfectly healthy animals just because they were born the wrong sex.

Because we wholeheartedly disliked the unfairness of the treatment of bull calves, we investigated all the alternatives to early slaughter, and we have done extensive research into our other options.

An option could be that they’re exported to Europe, where the continental craving for pale meat means their welfare is profoundly compromised, and they have huge distances to travel. This is not an option that we would choose.

So instead they are reared here at Norbury Farm, where they were born.