The Australian Lot Feeders' Association awarded Stockyard Beef as the winner of the ALFA Community Heroes Award at its SmartBeef23 Industry Dinner, for their Education Program initiative.
Stockyard intends to use their $5,000 in prize money to improve facilities for local school children and accelerate the adoption of agricultural-based learning opportunities.
The Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) was proud to name Stockyard Beef’s Education Program initiative as the winner of its Community Heroes Award in Tamworth as part of their SmartBeef23 Industry Dinner proceedings.
Proudly sponsored by Lallemand Animal Nutrition, this heart-warming award recognises and rewards feedlots across Australia for their outstanding contributions to local communities and the environment.
Molly Sage accepting the 2023 Community Heroes Award winner on behalf of Kerwee Feedlot
Stockyard’s initiative was initially borne out of a desire to support local school fundraising efforts but had grown to include supporting agricultural studies and providing pathways to meaningful careers in agriculture. The program’s mission is to enrich the community's educational landscape and help to secure a vibrant future for the feedlot industry.
The program covers primary and secondary years and has three streams of support:
Funding of resources and facilities for local schools
Financial and in-kind support of agricultural studies in the curriculum
School based placements and work experience at Stockyard’s Kerwee Feedlot
Of the program, Marketing and Brand Development Manager, Ali Hart said that providing pathways to meaningful careers not only keeps kids engaged, but they are also far more likely to stay in the region.
“This is a win for our local communities as we keep kids in the region, but it is also a win for our industry as we are providing a steppingstone for careers and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. This makes for a thriving, sustainable community and industry,” Ms Hart said.
2023's Community Heroes Award winner Kerwee Feedlot, represented by Molly Sage, alongside ALFA President Barb Madden and Award Sponsor Jordan Minniecon from Lallemand
ALFA President and 2021 ALFA Community Heroes award winner, Barb Madden from Smithfield Cattle Company, said the Community Heroes Award plays an important role in highlighting the impact that feedlots have in supporting rural and regional Australia.
“Stockyard Beef’s initiative, alongside all the finalists, demonstrates the extraordinary efforts lot feeders go to, to give back to their local communities and the land,” Mrs Madden said.
“We, as lot feeders, often make these contributions organically, because our communities are such an innate part of who we are and are vital to the success of all feedlot businesses.
“The Community Heroes Award gives these initiatives a platform to be seen, recognised and rewarded for their efforts. It is always inspiring to see the fantastic achievements of our members showcased through this award,” she said.
As the winner of the ALFA Community Heroes Award, Stockyard Beef has received a $5,000 cash donation which can be used towards a local charity, business, or to further develop their feedlot initiative to create more impact.
“We have chosen to split the prize money equally between our two local primary schools to further improve the facilities for our local children and accelerate the adoption of agricultural-based learning opportunities for these individuals,” Mrs Hart said.
ALFA is proud to recognise and acknowledge the work Australian feedlots do to better their environment and communities. To read more about the winning initiative and all entries, visit www.feedlots.com.au/communityheroes
ENDS.
Media Enquiries:
Barb Madden
ALFA President info@feedlots.com.au
(02) 9290 3700
Madie Hamilton
ALFA General Manager - Communications & Engagement
0447 617 428