Two new representatives from the cattle lot feeding sector were elected to join the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) Council in 2020/21 at their Annual General Meeting held today.
Daryle Belford, Whyalla Feedlot, Qld Daryle managed cattle properties in Central Queensland between 1990 and 2004 before moving into an Agribusiness and Financial Advisory role based in Emerald up to 2009. In this role Daryle assisted clients in arranging finance and banking solutions, reviewing business performance and managing growth, succession planning and implementation of strategies. Daryle entered the feedlot industry in 2010 at Whyalla feedlot, having worked in numerous parts of the business up to his current position of Assistant General Manager.
Thomas (Tom) Green, Thomas Foods International Iranda Beef Feedlot, SA Tom worked in North America on large scale bull breeding properties before entering the feedlot industry in 2012 when he joined Teys Australia at Jindalee feedlot. Tom commenced as a Graduate Manager before becoming the Livestock Manager followed by the Operations Manager. In 2016, Tom joined Thomas Foods International, Iranda Beef as Operations Manager before being appointed General Manager of Feedlot and Farming in 2018. Tom was awarded Young Lot Feeder of The Year in 2017 and a Nuffield Scholarship in 2019. Tom has been an external representative on ALFA’s Feedlot Management committee during 2019 and ALFA’s R&D committee during 2020.
ALFA Office Bearers who were also endorsed at the AGM included Bryce Camm re-elected as ALFA President for his second year, Barb Madden as Treasurer, and Grant Garey and Paul Vogt re-elected as Vice Presidents.
ALFA Office Bearers and Councillors confirmed for 2020/21 are:
Bryce Camm (President)
Barb Madden (Treasurer)
Grant Garey (Vice President)
Paul Vogt (Vice President)
Tony Batterham (Councillor)
Scott Braund (Councillor)
Daryle Belford (Councillor)
Tom Green (Councillor)
Trevor Hinck (Councillor)
Stephen Martin (Councillor)
Grant Melrose (Councillor)
Amanda Moohen (Councillor)
Todd Newton (Councillor)
Andrew Rushford (Councillor)
Broadcast to ALFA members via webinar due to COVID-19, ALFA President Bryce Camm reported on the Association’s achievements over what has been a challenging 12-month period.
“ALFA proudly represents over 80 percent of Australian cattle feedlot capacity. We strive for excellence in all services that ALFA delivers on behalf of our members, including industry representation, guidance of MLA research and development, training and technical services,” Mr Camm said.
“The past twelve months has seen persistent drought, catastrophic bushfires, floods, a welcome break in seasonal conditions plus a global pandemic, however despite these enormous challenges the Association has continued to strive to deliver value to the lot feeding community,” Mr Camm said.
Highlights reported to members from “ALFA’s 2020 Year in Review” included:
Supporting feedlots through COVID-19 by delivering a range of guides to help feedlots prepare for and manage the impact of the virus which were subsequently downloaded over 1,000 times from the ALFA Website.
Over 370 delegates attended ALFA’s SMARTBEEF conference at Dalby in October 2019.
180 feedlot staff participated in ALFA’s Managing Summer Heat Workshop Series in September 2019.
70 feedlot staff trained in Certified Animal Welfare Officer Training in March 2020, before it was postponed due to COVID-19.
Delivery of ALFA’s Recognition of Excellence Awards Program which encourages and celebrates excellence through scholarships and awards such as the Young Lot Feeder of the Year, the Outstanding Services to Industry Award, the Innovator of the Year Award, and the Excellence in Feedlot Education Medal.
Continued promotion of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines resulting in 59% of NFAS audited feedlot respondents indicating they have voluntarily adopted a Stewardship Plan within their enterprise, up from 39% the previous year.
Continued partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia to undertake effective Research and Development on behalf of lot feeders with progress made in the areas of feedlot automation, dark cutting research, and methane emission suppression.
“ALFA released its Strategic Operating Plan titled “ALFA Initiatives 2020-2023” in July 2020 which outlines our priorities going forward that will ensure we continue delivering value to members whilst also contributing to the Industry’s overall objectives set out in RED MEAT 2030,” Mr Camm said.
Mr Camm welcomed incoming Councillors, Daryle and Tom, and acknowledged retiring Councillor and Vice President, Tony Fitzgerald.
“The election of Daryle and Tom to the ALFA Council will help us continue to represent the interests of members and innovate and improve the Association to help members drive further growth and development in the Australian lot feeding sector,” Mr Camm said.
Mr Camm thanked retiring Vice President Tony Fitzgerald for his service to ALFA spanning just shy of a decade.
“Tony was elected to Council in December 2011 and has been an active contributor to the success of ALFA. He held the position of Vice President from 2017 to present and numerous Committee Chair positions including most recently the Research & Development Committee,” Mr Camm said.
“On behalf of ALFA members and past and present Councillors our gratitude and appreciation goes out to Tony for his generous contribution to ALFA, and we wish him well in his future endeavours,” Mr Camm said.
For more information:
Bryce Camm
ALFA President info@feedlots.com.au
(02) 9290 3700
Madie Hamilton
Manager - Membership, Communications & Capability madeleine.hamilton@feedlots.com.au
0447 617 428