Clever ideas and innovations that have been incorporated into day-to-day feedlot operations are encouraged to enter the ALFA Innovation Competition, proudly supported by Integrated Animal Production (IAP).
The winner and runner-up will be determined by popular vote and announced at BeefEx, held in Brisbane on 15-17 October 2024.
To vote for your favourite entry, simply click the 'heart' button on the post (this indicates a like i.e. vote). The top four most 'hearted' entries will be offered a complimentary full delegate ticket to attend BeefEx 2024.
The entry with the most votes will be announced as the winner. The entry with the second highest will be awarded the runner up. Voting is open from August 10 - September 23. The decision made will be final.
Barmount Feedlot's 'Bunk Call Guide' Innovation
What is your innovation?
The Barmount Bunk Call Guide is a software program we developed that provides bunk callers with real-time recommendations to either increase, decrease or hold feed allocations prior to the commencement of feeding. During the morning bunk call, the caller enters the estimated total feed remaining in each bunk.
Our program references feedlot management software to source the current head count for each pen to then calculate the estimated feed remaining on a per-head basis for each pen. This then generates recommendations to the bunk caller to either increase, decrease or hold feed allocations which aligns with bunk protocols provided by our feedlot nutritionist.
What issue/challenge is your innovation solving?
Our innovation addresses several key challenges in feedlot bunk management:
Consistency: It ensures uniformity in bunk decisions among different callers, reducing variability and promoting consistent feed management practices.
Efficiency: By eliminating the need to reference lengthy documentation, it saves valuable time and streamlines the decision-making process around bunk calls.
Accuracy: The program automates complex calculations, enhancing the precision of feed assessments and recommendations, which minimises human error and optimises feed utilisation and performance of cattle.
Cost of Innovation: Approximately $250.
Decided by popular vote, the top four most popular innovations will receive a full delegate ticket to BeefEx 2024 in Brisbane this October. The overall winner and runner up will be announced at BeefEx, receiving a prize of $2,500 and $1,000 respectively.
Vote for your favourite innovation!
To vote for your favourite entry, simply click the 'heart' button on the post (this indicates a like i.e. vote). The top four most 'hearted' entries will be offered a complimentary full delegate ticket to attend BeefEx 2024.
The entry with the most votes will be announced as the winner. The entry with the second highest will be awarded the runner up. Voting is open from August 10 - September 23. The decision made will be final.
With thanks to our long-term supporter of this award, Integrated Animal Production (IAP)
