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 accolade recognises and rewards those who exemplify passion, leadership, and a visionary outlook towards the future of lot feeding. From a talented pool of entrants, six progressed to the second judging round where they undertook a formal interview with the independent judging panel followed by a presentation and meet & greet with the ALFA Council on August 23 in Sydney, NSW.
The winner will be announced at the ALFA SmartBeef Industry Awards Dinner to be held in Tamworth NSW on October 11, 2023.
Jacob Leak
Operations Manager at Teys Australia's Jindalee Feedlot
"Feeding for the Future"
Why did you apply for the Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award?
I am applying for this award in order to start conversations. Conversations about our industry, what we are doing, why we do it and looking forwards to the future. I believe the only way to improve not just our industry but the whole cattle industry is by having conversations. One small conversation can go a long way to changing an incorrect perception of an industry but can also open new opportunities.
Through starting a conversation in combination with more research and data I believe we can collaborate, the lot feeding and dairy industry. This collaboration benefiting both industries whilst creating an improved vision and perception of the cattle industry. I am also applying for this award as I believe the process behind the Young Lot Feeder of the year award and training involved with the different stages of nomination, in combination with the thought process that goes into the application will help me grow and develop personally as an individual and a leader.
How do you hope to contribute to the industry?
I see my contribution to the lot feeding industry in the future in a leadership and mentoring role. I believe in order to maintain an improved perception of the industry with continued improvement and advancement we need to see skilled young leaders emerging through the ranks. Being in a leadership role allows me to contribute back to the industry. I aim to guide and mentor new coming people to the industry to help develop a more informed and better equipped individuals securing the future of our industry.