Based on preliminary observations in various veal units, 20 units were selected for this study. The units were selected based on how the farmer was observed to interact with the calves. In half the units the farmers had predominantly positive interactions with the calves, whereas in the other units the farmers had predominantly negative interactions with the calves. The units that had ‘positive farmers’ produced calves that were less fearful of people within the veal unit, were easier to load and unload onto the truck, had lower heart rates during loading and unloading and had fewer accidents (falling down, hits against structures, slips) while at the slaughterhouse compared to calves that came from units with ‘negative farmers’. Calves that had experienced positive interactions had carcasses that were paler, lower in pH, moisture, and redness than the carcasses from calves that had experienced negative interactions. The farmers’ behaviour was found to have a significant effect on the emotional responses of the veal calves in this study. Positive behaviour towards the calves was found to result in less emotional reactivity during stressful events, which improved ease of handling, meat quality and decreased accidents.