Six feedlots from across the country have today been named finalists in the 2024 Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition by the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA).
Since its inception in 1991, the Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition has focused on encouraging continual improvement within the sector and gives recognition to those feedlots who operate at the forefront of the NFAS.
From a rigorous initial judging round based on the feedlot’s ability to meet and exceed the standards and guidelines set out in the industry’s quality assurance program, the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS), the top six entrants from across Australia are now vying to be named 2024’s Australian Feedlot of the Year at ALFA’s BeefEx 2024 Conference held in Brisbane on 15-17 October.
The finalists in the 2024 Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition are:
Category: Between 3,000 – 8,000 head feedlot
Gundamain Pastoral - Gundamain Feedlot
Macquarie Downs Feedlot
Category: Between 8,000 – 15,000 head feedlot
Barmount Feedlot
Hancock Agriculture - Gunnee Feedlot
Category: Above 15,000 head feedlot
Smithfield Cattle Co - Sapphire Feedlot
Teys Australia - Condamine Feedlot
ALFA President, Barb Madden, said the Competition demonstrates the lot feeding sector’s strong commitment to continually striving to operate not only to, but above the requirements set out in the NFAS.
“The feedlot industry prides itself on the integrity of our long-standing quality assurance scheme, and this competition shows the dedication our sector has to fulfilling the high standards we sign up to,” Mrs Madden said.
“This competition continually showcases what high-performance in lot feeding looks like and inspires and encourages businesses alike to operate at the very best standard.”
The competition is composed from the five core principals of NFAS; quality assurance culture; product integrity; environmental responsibility; animal welfare responsibility; and business planning.
The second-round judging involves an independent judging panel made up of industry representatives evaluating key areas within these pillars including innovation, employer attractiveness, responsibility throughout the supply chain, and community engagement. These factors aid in distinguishing the top performing feedlots from the pool of entrants.
“ALFA commends the incredible work these feedlots have done to become finalists, and for the efforts they make in continually meeting and exceeding the NFAS’ requirements.” Mrs Madden said.
More information on the Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition can be found on the ALFA website at feedlots.com.au/floty.
The Australian Feedlot the Year Competition is an initiative of ALFA and proudly independently run by the leading provider of agribusiness auditing, certification and training services, AUS-MEAT Limited.
ENDS.
Media Enquiries:
Barb Madden
ALFA President
(02) 9290 3700
Madie Hamilton
ALFA General Manager - Communications & Engagement
madeleine.hamilton@feedlots.com.au
0447 617 428