ALFA brings the best of industry together at SmartBeef23

Last week the Australian Lot Feeders' Association hosted their SmartBeef23 event in Tamworth and Elders’ Killara Feedlot in Quirindi
The event featured an on-site demonstration day with the latest R&D and technology, and a full social calendar
SmartBeef23 brought together the best of the industry celebrating a big 12 months

The Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) was delighted to host the grain fed beef industry’s premier technical event, SmartBeef23, last week in Tamworth and Quirindi.

More than 350 feedlot professionals and industry stakeholders attended the event, comprised of an on-site demonstration day at Elders’ Killara Feedlot showcasing the latest in research, development and technology, and a full calendar of social events including the Industry Dinner and an inaugural SmartBeef Campdraft Competition.

Kicking off the event, guests enjoyed drinks before the Industry Dinner, where the industry’s top talent and initiatives were rewarded for their work. Whyalla Beef’s Tim Brennan was awarded the highly coveted ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award for his passionate work addressing industry retention issues.

The ALFA Community Heroes Award, aimed at recognising feedlots across Australia for their outstanding contributions to local communities, was won by Stockyard Beef for their Education Program which supports agricultural studies for kids and works to provides pathways to meaningful careers in lot feeding.

The following day delegates attended the on-site demonstration day at Elders’ Killara Feedlot, where groups visited five rotations delving into topics such as compost management & soil carbon, thoracic ultrasound & wearable technology, pen riding technique, autonomous bunk scanning technology and the latest in shade research and development.

Concluding the demonstration day was the presentation of ALFA’s Innovation Competition winner and runner-up, which was awarded to Smithfield Feedlot for their “MaxiMukMoover” and to Connors Junction for their “T-Grab”, respectively.

The inaugural ‘SmartBeef Cup’ Campdraft Competition kicked off with a bang, with eight teams representing feedlots across the country vying for the Cup and more importantly, bragging rights.

After a hotly contested battle, the Condabri Team of Will Drury, Lindsey Doolan, Noah Mallroy, came out on top claiming the cup.

The individaul winners were taken out by our hosts, with Killara's Linda McCulloch and Stuart Boyce taking out the Individual Female winner and Individual Male winner respectively.

The Campdraft was possible thanks to the support of ABCRA and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

A donation was awarded to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service from ALFA President, Barb Madden on the night, with the event raising $3,500 for the cause.

The electric atmosphere did not stop there, with delegates heading back to the Country Music Capital for the official “Roto-Mixer” after-party, held at the Longyard Hotel. This served as the perfect backdrop for delegates to relax, unwind and mingle after the big event.

ALFA President, Barb Madden, said the massive success of the SmartBeef23 event would not have been possible without the incredible support from our sponsors and Platinum Members.

“This SmartBeef was a truly amazing event, and a lot of that is due to the efforts of our major sponsors Meat & Livestock Australia and Elders’ Killara Feedlot which we wish to thank.

“We also thank everyone that came along to the event. It was wonderful to host the biggest crowd we have ever seen at a SmartBeef, it shows the strength in our industry, and that the future is bright,” Mrs Madden said.

At SmartBeef, ALFA announced the dates for its next conference, BeefEx, which will be held on 15-17 October 2024 in Brisbane QLD.