Since 1991, the Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition has aimed to encourage continuous improvement within the feedlot industry and to recognise those feedlots that are operating their business at the forefront of the principles of the National Feedlot Assurance Scheme (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.
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.
This year, we have six entrants from across Australia who are vying in their respective categories to be named 2024’s Australian Feedlot of the Year at ALFA’s BeefEx 2024 Conference held in Brisbane on 15-17 October.
In the 3,000 – 8,000 head category, QLD’s Macquarie Downs Feedlot has been named a finalist. Read on to find out more about their story.
What are your business values?
Macquarie Downs Feedlot is a beacon of excellence in the world of long-fed Wagyu beef. Our dedication to quality over quantity is reflected in our focus on a meticulously managed feedlot and our commitment to proven genetic data. We believe that a thriving workplace culture is key to producing the best beef, so we foster an environment where our staff are not only motivated but genuinely proud to be part of our team.
We don’t just wear our logo; we live it, embracing it as a symbol of our collective pride and dedication.
Our approach is inclusive and involves not only our internal team but also our valued clients and suppliers. Together, we form a cohesive unit, driven by shared goals and mutual respect, working in harmony to deliver top-tier Wagyu beef.
How important is environmental responsibility and sustainable practices to your feedlot?
At Macquarie Downs, we believe that strong operating processes and procedures are fundamentally linked to our commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Effective practices such as pen cleaning, effluent management, pest control, animal husbandry, and weed control are essential not only for the well-being of the animals and team but also for fostering a healthier and more productive environment. The by-products from these practices contribute valuable fertilizers for our crops and help maintain a cleaner, more efficient working environment ensuring that Macquarie Downs remains a thriving, successful feedlot for generations to come.
What does animal welfare look like at your feedlot?
As a whole team here at Macquarie Downs, we understand that the well-being of our animals directly impacts their performance. We prioritize a range of practices to ensure the health and happiness of our cattle, which in turn enhances their productivity and our operational success.
Our daily pen checks, careful acclimation, thorough record keeping, and rigorous hygiene practices contribute to maintaining 5-star feedlot conditions. We ensure that our pen surfaces are of high quality, and we invest in a skilled team who are key to our low rates of death and sickness in the feedlot. Our approach is targeted: we do not blanket treat pens but instead address treatment on an individual basis as needed.
For recovery, we utilise sand spread across the surfaces of recovery pens and maintain a conveniently located handling facility to minimize stress from long walks. Our commitment to animal welfare includes providing shade, regular cleaning of troughs, and ensuring access to fresh, clean water.
We also emphasise staff training on animal welfare and implement a stringent vaccination program for our own cattle, which we actively promote to our custom feed clients. These measures collectively support our goal of maintaining a healthy, productive herd and reinforce our commitment to high standards in animal care.
How would you describe the feedlot’s focus on community engagement?
At Macquarie Downs Feedlot, we believe in actively contributing to and engaging with our local community.
Our commitment is demonstrated through a variety of initiatives and partnerships:
Local Involvement: We form a touch football team each year to participate in the local Pittsworth competition, encouraging team spirit and community connection.
Sponsorship and Support: We proudly sponsor four local campdrafts and supply cattle for three of these events. Additionally, three to four of our staff members serve as committee members, strengthening our ties with the local agricultural community.
Work Experience: We host work experience for local and international students, providing valuable opportunities for learning and professional growth.
Industry Engagement: Chantal Winter, a former member of the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) board for nine years, including a year as president, exemplifies our dedication to industry leadership. Macquarie Downs also sponsors and attends the AWA conference annually, remaining at the forefront of industry developments.
Tours and Transparency: We offer tours of our facilities, sharing our practices and genetic data to promote transparency and build positive relationships.
Local Partnerships: We prioritize using local suppliers including vets, rural stores & machinery service centres which in turn results in loyalty and value to the local economy.
Charity Support: We participate in charity events, such as charity auctions, demonstrating our commitment to giving back to the community.
Competitions: We enter events like the Ekka Carcase Competition and AWA Branded Beef Competitions, showcasing our commitment to quality and excellence.
What's next?
Macquarie Downs Feedlot now moves on to the second round of judging, which 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.
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.
