Three up-and-coming leaders named Grand Finalists in ALFA Young Lot Feeder Award

Today three emerging leaders have been named Grand Finalists in the coveted Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award, announced by the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA).

Proudly sponsored by Performance Feeds, the ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award provides a chance for young professionals to demonstrate their vision for the future of the industry, with the winner receiving a $5000 study bursary to further their contribution to the feedlot sector.

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 have progressed in the award as Grand Finalists.

ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award entrants were required to submit an essay outlining a perceived or real industry challenge, discussing its implications to the feedlot industry, and exploring a proposed solution.

In alphabetical order, the ALFA Young Lot Feeder Award 2024 Grand Finalists and their essay topics are:

Angus Lee, Australian Country Choice - Opal Creek Feedlot
1. Changing Public Perceptions of Feedlots through Improved Advocacy and Policy to Ensure we Maintain our Social License to Operate
Brenton Watterson, Australian Agricultural Company - Aronui Feedlot
1. Feeding the Future - Bridging the Gap for Skilled School Leavers, Entering the Feedlot Industry
Kassandra Lees, Stockyard Beef - Kerwee Feedlot
1. The Utilisation of a Pre-Conditioning Program for Angus Feeder Cattle to Combat Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD)

The Grand Finalists will now partake in professional development training offered by ALFA to build upon their industry leadership skills and assist in their overall growth and development, before heading to ALFA’s BeefEx Conference in October for the announcement of the overall winner.

ALFA President, Barb Madden, said the ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award holds great value within the industry, representative of the exceptional young talent within the grain fed beef sector.

“This year we’ve had six impressive individuals show us how passionate and excited they are about the future of lot feeding, and now three are progressing to the next stage of the award,” Mrs Madden said.

“The award provides a pathway for aspiring leaders to develop their skillset and advance their careers in the lot feeding industry, while also recognising their significant contribution to the sector.”

“We thank our long-standing sponsor and ALFA Platinum Member, Performance Feeds, for their continuous support of the professional development of our industry’s rising talent,” Mrs Madden said.

Delivered on behalf of industry as part of ALFA’s Recognition of Excellence Program, this Award is one of many ways the lot feeding sector seeks to recognise and celebrate individuals and businesses that strive for excellence.

The overall winner of the ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award will be announced at ALFA’s BeefEx 2024 Conference held in Brisbane on 15-17 October. Early bird tickets are available until the 6th of September 2024.

For more information on the Award, visit feedlots.com.au/ylfya.