The Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA) has named three talented young professionals as Grand Finalists in its prestigious Young Lot Feeder of the Year award, proudly sponsored by Performance Feeds.
This award provides a chance for young professionals to demonstrate their vision for the future of the industry, with the winner receiving a $5000 study bursary to further their contribution to the feedlot sector.
After formal interviews with the independent judging panel followed by a presentation and meet & greet with the ALFA Board in Sydney, three of the six Finalists have progressed in the award as Grand Finalists.
Brenton Watterson
Operations Manager at AACo - Aronui Feedlot
"Feeding the Future - Bridging the gap for skilled school leavers, entering the Feedlot
Industry"
Why did you apply for the Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award?
My previous involvement with ALFA has brought excellent networking opportunities and has helped to develop my career along with some rewarding personal development. I look forward to the great opportunity this award would bring to further network within our industry and with people alike.
If I was to be successful it would be a real privilege - I would endeavour to use the money to enrol in my Cert IV in Training & Assessing. I would also like to travel to further broaden my knowledge and understanding of the feedlot industry.
How do you hope to contribute to the industry?
I believe the feedlot industry is an exciting industry to be apart of, there is a lot of progression with new technologies, innovation and sustainability. I’m interested to learn more about the methane reduction trials, improvements in feedlot efficiencies and welfare components. I am passionate about educating the younger generation of workers and encouraging them to have a rewarding career themselves.
Progressing my own feedlotting career to the next step and becoming a Feedlot manager and building a strong resilient team has been a goal of mine for a few years now. I believe
contributing to the ALFA committees with one day earning a place on the ALFA board
is a good way to give back to industry and advocate for feedlots Australia wide.
The overall winner of the ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award will be announced at ALFA’s BeefEx 2024 Conference held in Brisbane on 15-17 October.
For more information on the Award, visit feedlots.com.au/ylfya.