The talent, diversity and enthusiasm within the grain fed beef industry will once again be on show in 2022, with Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) launching its annual Recognition of Excellence Program.
An opportunity to showcase and applaud those who have a passion for the industry and strive to make it better each and every day, there are four awards up for contention, including Young Lot Feeder of the Year, Excellence in Feedlot Education Medal, Community Heroes Award, and Award for Innovation.
Proudly supported by a number of long-standing partners, award entries opened on May 2 and ALFA President Barb Madden is encouraging lot feeders to throw their hats in the ring.
“The annual Recognition of Excellence Program is proof that the feedlot industry is bursting with leadership, pride and dedication,” Ms Madden said.
“No matter your role within the sector, I encourage every member of a feedlot’s team to get to know the awards that are up for grabs and either nominate yourself or inspire your work colleagues to do so.”
Winners will be announced and celebrated at the grain fed beef industry's premier conference, BeefEx22, in Brisbane, QLD, on October 18-20, with a host of prizes accompanying the awards.
The ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year is proudly sponsored by Performance Feeds. The award embodies passion, leadership, development and initiative, and encourages emerging, dedicated employees to contribute their ideas and vision for lot feeding at a national level.
The winner receives $5,000 funding towards undertaking a professional development course or study trip, and a grain fed beef industry scholarship to attend the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s TRAIL: for emerging leaders program, valued at $10,450. Entries close June 30.
The ALFA Excellence in Feedlot Education Medal is proudly sponsored by Zoetis. The Medal recognises and awards individuals who are demonstrating excellence in feedlot operation skills as a result of undertaking training.
The winner receives $750, a complimentary registration to an ALFA 2023 workshop of their choice, along with the opportunity to participate in the two Zoetis-facilitated sessions within the ALFA Course 13 Margin and People Management (MPM) Program. Entries close June 30.
The ALFA Community Heroes Award is proudly sponsored by Lallemand Animal Nutrition. This award recognises and rewards those feedlots that are actively nourishing their local communities and environment by going above and beyond to support their community, ‘give back’ and better the environment around them.
The winner receives a $5,000 cash donation towards a local charity, business, or feedlot initiative, and the opportunity to have their story shared with a national audience via ALFA publications (i.e., the ALFA Lotfeeding Journal and grainfedbeef.com.au). Entries close August 31.
The ALFA Award for Innovation is proudly sponsored by Integrated Animal Production. The award acknowledges excellence in innovation by companies servicing the lot feeding sector and encourages future innovation.
The winner and runner-up are recognised on stage at BeefEx 2022, and the winner is featured in an article in the Lotfeeding Journal. Entries close August 31.
Ms Madden said the quality of talent that vied for the awards last year was outstanding and clearly demonstrated the strong commitment to continuous improvement held by Australian grain fed beef producers.
“I can’t wait to see who will shine in 2022.”
For more information about each of the awards:
ALFA Award for Innovation - https://www.feedlots.com.au/innovator
ALFA Excellence in Feedlot Education Medal - https://www.feedlots.com.au/medal
ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year - https://www.feedlots.com.au/ylfya
ALFA Community Heroes Award - https://www.feedlots.com.au/communityheroes