Individuals and businesses continue to be praised today through feedlot industry awards presented at the ultimate celebration of the sector, BeefEx 2024, by the Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA).
Three prestigious awards were presented, recognising excellence in education, community engagement, and innovation.
ALFA President, Barb Madden, said the presentation of the ALFA Excellence in Feedlot Education Medal, ALFA Community Heroes Award and ALFA Innovation Competition highlighted the achievements of lot feeding businesses and the talent they cultivate.
“This year’s entrants’ commitments, whether to education, community engagement, or innovative solutions, embody the forward-thinking approach that keeps our industry at the top of its game,” Mrs Madden said.
ALFA EXCELLENCE IN FEEDLOT EDUCATION MEDAL
Proudly sponsored by Zoetis, the ALFA Excellence in Feedlot Education Medal is paramount in recognising the individuals who actively invest in upskilling themselves through the Australian Feedlot Training, Education & Careers Hub, Feedlot TECH.
Showing incredible passion and commitment, 2024’s Medal was awarded to Erin Gaff, Q&A Compliance Coordinator at Drury Farming Company’s Condabri Beef Feedlot.
Mrs Madden said Ms Gaff’s focus on upskilling herself as well as her enthusiasm about her future in lot feeding made her a worthy recipient of the Medal.
"Erin's commitment to professional development exemplifies the dedication we see across our industry. Continuous learning is crucial for the growth and sustainability of lot feeding in Australia," said Mrs Madden.
ALFA COMMUNITY HEROES AWARD
Sponsored by Lallemand Animal Nutrition, the ALFA Community Heroes Award recognises and rewards feedlots that are actively nourishing their local communities and environment by going above and beyond to give back.
The 2024 Award was won by Queensland based lot feeding business Mort & Co for its comprehensive mental health initiative, which included fundraising events, partnerships with mental health organisations, employee training, and support for preventative research.
"Mort & Co's efforts in promoting mental wellbeing within their company and the broader community are truly commendable.
"Mental health can often be overlooked, and thanks to this incredible initiative, Mort & Co is making a huge impact," said Mrs Madden.
ALFA INNOVATION COMPETITION
The ALFA Innovation Competition, sponsored by Integrated Animal Production, celebrates non-commercialised innovations that enhance day-to-day feedlot operations.
Determined by popular vote, the winning innovation was Barmount Feedlot’s ‘Bunk Call Guide’ innovation, designed to make the bunk calling process more efficient. The runner-up innovation was AACo - Aronui Feedlot's ‘Cattle Scratcher 2000', designed to improve animal welfare outcomes by fostering grooming and scratching behaviour.
Mrs Madden praised the winners, saying the ingenuity displayed by both Barmount and Aronui feedlots demonstrates the forward-thinking approach our industry takes in improving efficiency and animal welfare.
Reflecting on the awards presented at BeefEx 2024, Barb Madden said that these awards are more than just recognition of individual excellence, but a testament to the strength, innovation, and community spirit that define Australia's lot feeding industry.
"The recipients of these awards represent the best of our industry - committed to education, community support, and innovative thinking. Their achievements not only benefit their operations but strengthen the entire Australian lot feeding sector," Mrs Madden said.
For more information about BeefEx 2024 and ALFA’s Awards Programs, please visit beefex.com.au/awards.
ENDS.
Media Enquiries:
Barb Madden
ALFA President info@feedlots.com.au
(02) 9290 3700
Annabelle Madden
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
0417 610 150