Future Feeders Network Forum: meet the speakers shaping the future of lot feeding

The 2025 Future Feeders Network Forum is set to be a day of meaningful learning, connection and inspiration and that’s largely thanks to the incredible lineup of speakers who will be sharing their experiences and insights.

Drawn from across the Australian lot feeding industry and beyond, this year’s Forum speakers represent the depth of experience, passion and future focus that continues to drive the sector forward.

Here’s a look at who you’ll hear from on the day.

Welcome session

Grant Garey

General Manager Feedlots, Teys Australia

As ALFA’s current President (since November 2024), Grant brings decades of feedlot experience and leadership to the Forum. A former Young Lot Feeder of the Year (2000) during his time at Jindalee, Grant has worked across Sandalwood and now leads the Teys feedlot operations nationally. He has also served extensively on ALFA Committees.

Tim Brennan

Chair, Future Feeders Network Committee

Winner of ALFA’s Young Lot Feeder of the Year in 2022 and current FFN Chair, Tim brings a strong voice for youth in the industry and will lead opening and closing remarks.

Claire Taylor

MC, 2023 Nuffield Scholar & Founder of Advocacy Consulting

Claire will guide the day’s discussions and share her own reflections during the closing session, drawing on her advocacy and communications expertise.

The Future of the Feedlot Industry

Jack Sher

Feedlot & Project Director, BeefCorp

Jack leads a large-scale Wagyu operation where all cattle are bred, raised and fed internally. With deep family ties to the introduction of Wagyu to Australia, Jack brings commercial insight and a clear perspective on the industry’s direction.

Tom Coggan

Manager, Coggan Agriculture

Owner of a mixed operation that includes a lamb feedlot, Tom offers valuable insight into succession planning, growth and diversification in smaller, family-run enterprises.

Darren Hamblin

Founder, Strathdale Wagyu and Masterbeef

An engineer by training, Darren brings a unique lens to lot feeding. Having founded his own Wagyu operation, he will share lessons learned and the importance of innovation and resilience.

The power of networks and mentorship

Megan Krause

Assistant Livestock Manager, Sandalwood

A strong advocate for professional development, Megan has participated in ALFA’s MPM program, the TRAIL leadership course, and serves on ALFA’s Industry Capacity Committee.

Jeff Dight

Feedlot Manager, Myola (Bindaree Food Group)

A respected leader and current ALFA Director, Jeff is passionate about guiding the next generation and recently completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course through an ALFA/MLA scholarship.

Amanda Moohen

COO, Condabri

A driving force behind the FFN and founder of WOLF (Women of Lot Feeding), Amanda brings a wealth of experience, including roles at Camm Agricultural Group and Harmony in WA. A long-time mentor and advocate for emerging talent, Amanda currently serves as an ALFA Director and Chair of the Industry Capacity Committee.

Leadership & storytelling: shaping your career narrative

Lyndsey & Patrice Douglas

Co-founders, Centred for Success

Known for their engaging and practical approach to communication and leadership, Lyndsey and Patrice will deliver a hands-on session to help attendees develop their own career stories and leadership style.

Lot Feeders – Then & Now

Emily Perkins

General Manager, Ravensworth Agriculture

Emily’s career spans corporate and private feedlots, with a return to lot feeding after time in adjacent sectors. She currently manages a large feedlot in southern NSW and feeds several thousand head of her own cattle. A 2014 Young Lot Feeder of the Year and mentor to many, Emily offers a real-world view of the feedlot journey.

Grant Melrose

Director & Coach, Authentic Minds Coaching

Former ALFA Board Member and ARLP graduate, Grant now runs a coaching business focused on supporting mental health and personal growth in rural communities. His story is one of resilience, transition and purpose.

Skills for the Future – What Employers Want

Lisa Sharp

CEO, Stockyard Beef

Formerly with MLA and Herefords Australia, Lisa leads Stockyard’s people and culture strategy. She will share insights into the importance of workplace culture, leadership and team development in feedlot operations.

Todd Newton

Chief People Officer, Bindaree Food Group

With a strong HR background and experience on the ALFA Board, Todd will discuss what progressive employers look for when hiring and how to attract the right people through strong branding and communication.

Lauren McNally

HR Consultant

A founding member of the FFN Committee, Lauren is a culture and recruitment expert who has worked across agribusiness and feedlot operations. She’ll offer a no-nonsense perspective on recruitment, retention and what good people practices look like in feedlots today. Lauren is also a talented artist, with one of her pieces set to feature in the Soiree’s silent auction.

Changing Perceptions – Lessons from Beyond the Feedlot

Claire Taylor

Claire draws on her Nuffield Scholarship research and years of advocacy work to challenge thinking, share new approaches to community engagement, and highlight how telling our story better can shape the future of our industry.

Closing Remarks

The Forum will close with remarks from:

• Tim Brennan, FFN Chair

• Lauren McNally, FFN Co-founder

• Amanda Moohen, ALFA Industry Capacity Committee Chair

• Grant Garey, ALFA President

• Claire Taylor, MC

The Future Feeders Network Forum promises to be a unique and valuable event, driven by passionate industry leaders and emerging talent. If you haven’t yet secured your place, registrations are open now.

Learn more and book your ticket at www.feedlots.com.au/events