Industry talent from across the lot feeding sector have been recognised and rewarded at the Gala Dinner of the industry’s premier conference, BeefEx 2024, hosted by the Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA).
ALFA honoured outstanding individuals and feedlots across several awards, highlighting the sector's commitment to developing its people, quality assurance, and leadership.
The Coopers and Allflex Gala Dinner saw three esteemed industry awards presented, including the winner of the ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award, the Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition, and the ALFA Outstanding Services to the Australian Lot Feeding Sector Award.
ALFA President Barb Madden said the awards presented as part of ALFA’s Recognition of Excellence Program are incredible accolades representing the quality within the feedlot sector.
“It’s truly inspiring to see the calibre of individuals and businesses recognised, and this is testament to the work feedlots are doing in performing to the highest standards and empowering the people in our sector,” Mrs Madden said.
ALFA YOUNG LOT FEEDER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sponsored by Performance Feeds, the ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award aims to foster individuals who have a clear outlook for the future of the feedlot industry, and an aptitude for leadership in their work.
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 progressed in the award as Grand Finalists.
For his incredible vision and compelling essay, Angus Lee was named the 2024 Young Lot Feeder of the Year. Mr Lee impressed the judging panel with his essay titled "Changing Public Perceptions of Feedlots through Improved Advocacy and Policy to Ensure we Maintain our Social License to Operate", demonstrating his innovative forward thinking, imperative for the industry’s future.
“ALFA is consistently impressed by the calibre of young people this Award brings forward each year, with Angus being a standout in their presence, passion, and thoughtful leadership”, Mrs Madden said.
AUSTRALIAN FEEDLOT OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
Feedlot businesses from around the country vied to take home the win for their category in the 2024 Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition. 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.
Running for over 30 years, this Competition is among the highest business accolades for Australian feedlots.
The 2024 winners, selected from a pool of top-performing feedlots nationwide, are:
3,000 – 8,000 head category: Gundamain Pastoral Co – Gundamain Feedlot
8,000 – 15,000 head category: Barmount Feedlot
Above 15,000 head category: Teys Australia Condamine Feedlot
These feedlots not only met but exceeded the stringent standards set by the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS), showcasing operational excellence and demonstrated their industry-leading practices.
Mrs Madden said that the feedlot industry prides itself on the integrity of our long-standing quality assurance scheme.
“The Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition shows the dedication our sector has to fulfilling the high standards we sign up to, and the three winners personify this commitment”.
ALFA OUTSTANDING SERVICES TO THE AUSTRALIAN LOT FEEDING SECTOR AWARD
The night’s awards presentation concluded with the ALFA Outstanding Services to the Australian Lot Feeding Sector Award. This honour is reserved for individuals who have made longstanding valuable contributions to the current and future existence of the Australian feedlot industry.
Industry stalwarts Kev Roberts and Malcolm Foster presented the honour to the deserving recipient, David Brown of West Talgai Feedlot. Mr Brown’s significant contributions to the feedlot industry's development and sustainability throughout the years were evident through comments made by Mr Foster and Mr Roberts on the night.
“David has been involved in the ALFA Research & Development committee for more than 20 years. Along with his veterinary science background and owning and operating his own feedlot for the past 40 years, David is well renown as a successful businessman outside of the feedlot industry, with few lot feeders being able to match his scientific and practical experience,” they commented.
Mrs Madden praised Mr Brown’s contributions, noting that his dedication to our industry over the years has been nothing short of remarkable.
“His work has helped shape the lot feeding sector into what it is today, and as an industry we are grateful for his unwavering commitment".
ALFA awards underscore the Australian lot feeding industry's commitment to developing its people, working to a high standard, and recognising the contributions of those who make the sector as successful as it is.
“ALFA thanks all our long-time Award sponsors, as well as our Gala Dinner supporter, Coopers and Allflex, who continue to support the lot feeding sector time and time again,” said Mrs Madden.
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 & Communication Coordinator
0417 610 150