Clever ideas and innovations that have been incorporated into day-to-day feedlot operations have been entered into the ALFA Award for Innovation 2021, proudly supported by Integrated Animal Production (IAP).
The winner and runner-up will be determined by popular vote and announced at the ALFA Industry Awards Ceremony on October 20.
To vote for this entry, simply click the 'heart' button at the bottom right of this page. The innovation with the most votes wins, the second highest voted innovation will be named the runner-up. Voting closes 3pm, 20 October.
post pot digger
What's the issue/challenge?
The issue of pen posts rusting at the base is a problem many feedlots encounter, and have traditionally overcome this by securing posts in the ground with concrete. This process can be long, costly and labour intensive as it requires more concrete and setting time, or more labour to hand dig around the posts.
How does the innovation/idea work?
To save valuable time and resources, the Jindalee Post Pot Digger was designed and manufactured by our on-site maintenance team. Attaching to the drive of a post hole digger, the Post Pot Digger bores a hole 250mm in diameter around a rammed post, allowing a PVC sleeve to slip over the post. The PVC sleeve is 400mm in length and 225mm in diameter, allowing it to be 200mm above and below ground.
The sleeve is then filled with concrete, leaving a secure pot around the post. By using the Post Pot Digger, a team of two can now install a new pen fence in less than a day, rather than three days. The Post Pot Digger uses 50% less concrete, compared with concreting the entire post.
When digging around an existing post the Post Pot Digger will bore a hole in less than a minute - much less time and effort than the usual 30 minutes when using a crowbar and shovel. The Post Pot Digger attaches to the hydraulic drive of an existing post hole digger.
The attachment to suit the drive was manufactured using re-purposed steel off-cuts, and the blades were made from the auger flighting of an old auger. The auger teeth were the only items purchased, at a cost of approximately $100.
Cost of Innovation:
$100
Enter your innovation/idea into the ALFA Award for Innovation 2021 for your chance to win prize money, and bragging rights! Entries close 1 September 2021 and can be submitted at https://www.feedlots.com.au/innovator.
With thanks to our long-term supporter of this award, Integrated Animal Production (IAP)
WANT TO VOTE FOR THIS ENTRY?
To vote for this entry, simply click the 'heart' button at the bottom right of this page. The innovation with the most votes wins, the second highest voted innovation will be named the runner-up. Voting closes 3pm, 20 October.