Industry's finest recognised as Australian Feedlot of the Year finalists announced
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MEDIA RELEASE
Seven feedlots from across Australia have today been named finalists in the 2026 Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition by the Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA).
Since its inception in 1991, the Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition has recognised feedlots operating at the forefront of the industry's quality assurance program, the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS), while encouraging continual improvement across the sector.
Following a rigorous first round of judging against the standards and guidelines set out under NFAS, seven finalists have progressed to the second and final round, where they will compete to be named the 2026's Australian Feedlot of the Year at the Coopers Animal Health Gala Dinner, held as part of ALFA's BeefEx 2026 Conference at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, from 22–24 September 2026.
The finalists in the 2026 Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition are:
Category: Under 3,000 head feedlot
Woods Livestock – Waggaba Feedlot
Strathdale – Struggle Downs
Category: 3,001 – 8,000 head feedlot
Gundamain Pastoral - Gundamain Feedlot
Cadelga Cattle Co – Cadelga Feedlot
Category: Above 15,000 head feedlot
Wainui Feedlot (North Australian Pastoral Company)
Smithfield Cattle Co – Sapphire Feedlot
Teys Australia – Condamine Feedlot
ALFA President, Grant Garey, said the calibre of this year's finalists reflects the lot feeding sector's commitment to operating not only in compliance with NFAS, but continually striving to exceed standard.
"Once again this year's finalists have demonstrated the depth of talent and innovation across Australian feedlots, from smaller family-run operations right through to the largest integrated supply chains," Mr Garey said.
"Whether it's a sixth-generation family business investing in covered housing and biosecurity, a purpose-built greenfield site pioneering robotic feeding, or long-established operations pushing the boundaries on emissions reduction and animal welfare research, this year's competition showcases exactly what high performance in lot feeding looks like.
"This competition continues to showcase best practice and inspires businesses across the industry to keep raising the bar."
The second and final round of judging is conducted by an independent panel of industry representatives, who assess finalists against these pillars alongside innovation, research and development, engagement, employer of choice initiatives, supply chain responsibility, and community engagement.
"ALFA congratulates all seven finalists on this outstanding achievement, and thanks them for the work they do every day to meet and exceed the standards required under NFAS," Mr Garey said.
More information on the Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition is available at feedlots.com.au/floty.
The Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition is an initiative of ALFA, proudly and independently administered by AUS-MEAT Limited, the leading provider of agribusiness auditing, certification and training services.
ENDS.
Media Enquiries:
Grant Garey
ALFA President
(02) 9290 3700
Niamh Bartley
ALFA Marketing & Communications
0417 610 150
