Feedlot Futures: how feedlot development is shaping new opportunities for regional Australia
- niamh552
- 31 minutes ago
- 3 min read
26 February 2026 | 3pm – 4:30pm AEDT | Delivered by ALFA and MLA
ALFA, in collaboration with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), is excited to announce an upcoming live webinar focused on shedding light on the benefits of partial covered housing systems in Australian feedlots.
Across Australia’s regional heartlands, something interesting is happening. Towns built on agriculture and hard work are finding new momentum as feedlot developments continue to expand and evolve. Jobs, local business growth, infrastructure improvements, the ripple effects reach far beyond the feedlot gate.
But what exactly does this growth look like on the ground? And why are feedlots becoming such important economic anchors for rural communities?
Our upcoming industry webinar, delivered in partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia, will dive into these questions, using a mix of economic modelling, lived experience and real-world case studies to paint a clear picture of feedlot development in action.
Big impacts, often in quiet ways
For many communities, the benefits of a new or expanding feedlot don’t arrive with much fanfare, they are felt gradually with everyday improvements. These developments create more reliable work for local residents, boost demand for regional suppliers, strengthen business activity across transport, retail and essential services, and drive new investment in local infrastructure. Together, these factors contribute to greater stability and resilience for regional populations, reinforcing the vital role feedlots play in supporting local economies.
This webinar looks at those impacts through the lens of fresh insights from Deloitte’s economic modelling. The kind of data that helps quantify what many communities already feel intuitively: feedlots create jobs, stimulate spending, and attract further investment.
Pair that with on-the-ground case studies, and the story becomes even clearer. Feedlots aren’t just agricultural businesses, they’re economic engines.
Bringing regional voices to the fore
What makes this conversation especially valuable is the diversity of perspectives. Attendees will hear from a blend of industry practitioners, regional representatives and development specialists who have seen feedlot expansion from different angles.
The session will feature insights from industry leaders who understand the long-term vision, regional representatives who see the day today community impact, approvals experts who guide developments through regulatory pathways, feedlot operators sharing firsthand experiences from both northern and southern regions, and processors who rely on a strong, stable feedlot sector. Together, these perspectives create a well-rounded understanding of what successful feedlot development looks like and where the opportunities lie.
Presenters include
Matt Van der Saag – MLA Feedlot Program Manager
Cedric Hodges - Deloitte
Amanda Moohen - Condabri Beef
Craig Price - Kilcoy Global Food’s
James Sage – Thomas Foods International
And more…
From development applications to regional growth
One of the most valuable aspects of the session will be the practical experiences shared across navigating planning and approvals, engaging effectively with councils and communities, building strong supplier relationships, supporting workforce growth, and aligning developments with regional priorities.
These aren’t theoretical discussions, they’re real lessons learned from real projects. And they’re exactly the kinds of insights that make a difference for anyone exploring development or expansion.
Who will get the most out of this session?
This webinar will resonate with a wide audience, but it will be especially relevant for people who are:
considering expanding or developing a feedlot
involved in agribusiness or the beef supply chain
working within local government or regional development
helping clients through planning, approvals or regulatory pathways
shaping industry policy or strategy
teaching or studying agriculture, economics or regional development
Whether you’re looking at feedlots through the lens of investment, community benefit, planning, or long-term industry direction, the conversation will offer something meaningful.
Why this matters now
Regional Australia is in a moment of transition. As industries shift and populations ebb and flow, rural communities need stable, forward-looking investment. Feedlot development provides exactly that.
This webinar is a chance to pause and look at the bigger picture: the economics, the opportunities, the challenges, and the real stories from people doing the work every day.
If you’re interested in the future of the feedlot industry this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
Register now
This webinar is hosted in conjunction with Meat & Livestock Australia.
