Award win fuels leadership journey
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- 3 min read
By Kate Stark, Editor of the ALFA Journal
Growing up on mixed farming properties in western Queensland, the rhythms of agriculture were woven into everyday life for 2024 Australian Lot Feeders’ Association Young Lot Feeder of the Year Angus Lee.
Raised among cattle, sheep and cropping enterprises alongside his father and brothers, Mr Lee developed an early appreciation for livestock production and the seasonal challenges that come with it.
“Life on the land was all I knew and loved,” he said.
“Agriculture wasn’t just where I lived, it was what my life revolved around throughout school and beyond.”
After completing university, Mr Lee entered the grain fed cattle sector as a graduate with Australian Country Choice, seeking to broaden his experience beyond the breeding and backgrounding systems he had grown up with.
It was there he discovered the intricacy of modern feedlot operations.
“I quickly realised there was far more to lot feeding than simply placing cattle in pens and feeding grain,” he said.
“The operational complexity, the need for rapid decision making, data/analytical based decision making and the fast paced, intensive nature of the environment immediately appealed to me.”
While the technical side of the industry initially attracted him, Mr Lee said it was the people that ultimately cemented his long-term career in lot feeding.
“Being part of others’ career journeys, supporting their development and working alongside skilled professionals and industry-leading businesses has been incredibly rewarding.”
That commitment to both operational excellence and people development was recognised when he was named the Young Lot Feeder of the Year in 2024.
He described the moment as both surreal and humbling.
“To be recognised by a judging panel of industry experts was a tremendous honour.
“It was also rewarding to see the team at ACC acknowledged for their strong commitment to developing their people.”
Mr Lee said the prestige of the award was highlighted by the calibre of previous winners, many of whom have gone on to become respected leaders across the agricultural sector.
“Being recognised alongside those individuals really reinforces the standards the award represents within the lot feeding industry.”
The competition also pushed him well outside his comfort zone. Preparing for the award required skills beyond the day-to-day technical demands of management, including public speaking, and speech writing.
He admits those experiences were initially nerve-racking.
“I wouldn’t naturally describe myself as highly extroverted,” he said. “But growth rarely happens without discomfort.”
Since winning the award, he has placed an even stronger focus on building team culture and encouraging others to raise their standards.
“One quote that resonates with me is, ‘The standard you walk past is the standard you accept’,” he said.
“It’s a reminder to lead by example and foster a culture of accountability and excellence.”
Mentorship also remains a central part of Mr Lee’s role. He regularly works with team members to help them develop their skills while giving them the freedom to find their own solutions.
At the same time, he continues to seek guidance from senior colleagues.
“Having someone challenge your thinking, provide perspective and hold you accountable is essential for continuous improvement,” he said.
Looking ahead, he is particularly excited about opportunities to contribute to expansion projects within the business and help integrate new technologies across feedlot operations.
For those considering a career in lot feeding - or entering the Young Lot Feeder award themselves - Mr Lee’s advice is simple.
“Step outside your comfort zone and give it your best,” he said.
“There is still enormous opportunity for innovation and progress across the sector, and this award is a great platform to share ideas and connect with industry leaders.”
