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Feedlot Maintenance Fundamentals

The smooth operation of a feedlot relies on more than just livestock handling and nutrition, it depends on strong infrastructure, working equipment, and a proactive approach to maintenance. That’s where the Feedlot Maintenance Fundamentals course comes in. This new online training series, developed by the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) in partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), is now available on Feedlot TECH. 



This comprehensive eLearning series provides the essential knowledge and practical skills required to keep a feedlot running safely, efficiently, and reliably, no matter the season or challenge. Whether you’re just starting in a maintenance role or want to formalise your knowledge, this course covers the foundational practices you need to prevent issues, reduce downtime, and maintain safety and productivity. 



COURSE OBJECTIVES

From vehicles and water systems to pens and infrastructure, maintenance staff play a vital role in the success of a feedlot operation. This course explores critical topics like proactive maintenance, hazard awareness, and emergency preparedness - ensuring you're equipped to protect both people and livestock. 


Feedlot Maintenance Fundamentals is divided into four focused modules.



Module 1: Introduction to Feedlot Maintenance 

Maintenance teams are the backbone of a feedlot's daily operations. In this module, you'll learn the key principles of feedlot upkeep across infrastructure, systems, and processes. 


This module will cover: 

  • The value of proactive maintenance for feeding and water systems. 

  • Roles and responsibilities within a feedlot maintenance team. 

  • How to report and escalate issues effectively. 

  • Key areas to maintain - including roads, water troughs, and feeding infrastructure. 

  • Safe maintenance practices, including hazard awareness and PPE use. 

  • Emergency response protocols and first aid preparation. 

  • How to create preventative maintenance schedules. 

  • Budgeting for both planned and unexpected maintenance costs. 





Module 2: Vehicle & Machinery Maintenance 

Ensuring vehicles and machinery are well-maintained keeps the feedlot moving. This module dives into the systems and routines that support safe, efficient equipment use. 


This module will cover: 

  • Pre-start checks to identify issues early. 

  • Scheduled inspections and servicing to reduce breakdowns. 

  • Cleanliness routines to prevent fire hazards and corrosion. 

  • Operator responsibilities and correct damage reporting. 

  • Breakdown procedures to minimise delays and costs. 

  • Record-keeping and maintenance logs. 

  • Accident reporting processes to improve safety. 





Module 3: Pens & Handling Facility Maintenance 

Well-maintained pens and handling systems are essential for cattle welfare and staff safety. Learn the practical tasks that help keep everything in top condition. 


This module will cover: 

  • How to inspect and repair pens, bunks, and troughs. 

  • Preventative maintenance to reduce long-term costs. 

  • Identifying hazards that impact cattle health. 

  • Basic welding principles for feedlot repairs. 

  • PPE and safety practices when undertaking repairs. 





Module 4: Utilities Maintenance 

A reliable water and energy supply is essential to feedlot operations. This module focuses on the upkeep of critical utilities. 


This module will cover: 

  • Identifying suitable water sources and ensuring availability. 

  • Managing seasonal variations in supply. 

  • Calculating flow rates and assessing water system efficiency. 

  • Repairing water supply systems with minimal disruption. 

  • Trough design, placement, and maintenance best practices. 

  • Exploring energy options and developing backup power plans. 




Feedlot maintenance isn’t just about fixing things when they break, it’s about preventing issues before they happen and keeping everything running smoothly, from machinery and roads to water systems and pens. This training equips your team with the knowledge and tools they need to do just that. 

 


Available now on Feedlot TECH, the Feedlot Maintenance Fundamentals course is part of ALFA’s broader career development and training strategy, supporting the people who keep Australia’s feedlots productive, safe, and future-ready. 


Whether you’re stepping into a maintenance role for the first time or looking to sharpen your existing skills, this course is a must. 


An initiative of ALFA, in collaboration with MLA, the Feedlot Maintenance Fundamentals eLearning series is available through the feedlot industry’s Training, Education and Careers Hub, Feedlot TECH. 

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