Six finalists in the prestigious ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award have been announced
Finalists will attend second round judging in August to reveal Top Three Grand Finalists
Winner will be announced at ALFA’s SmartBeef23 event in Tamworth, NSW on 11 October 2023
The Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA) has once again embarked on its quest to identify the exceptional talent within the grain fed beef industry, with one outstanding individual set to receive the prestigious Young Lot Feeder of the Year award, proudly sponsored by Performance Feeds.
The accolade recognises and rewards those who exemplify passion, leadership, and a visionary outlook towards the future of lot feeding. Following an extensive first round of evaluation by the independent judging panel, today six entrants have been selected as National Finalists who each bring a diverse range of expertise and dedication to the sector.
To apply, all entrants were required to submit an essay outlining an industry problem (perceived or real), discussing its implications to the feedlot industry, and exploring a proposed solution. The title of the finalists' essays are included below.
The finalists in the ALFA Young Lot Feeder Award 2023 (in alphabetical order) are:
Jacob Leak, Teys Australia – Jindalee NSW
Feeding for the Future
James Keatley, Teys Australia – Charlton VIC
The concept of water footprint and its relation to grain-fed beef
Maddison Fryer, Rangers Valley – Rangers Valley NSW
The Importance of Shade Structures During Winter for Animal Welfare and Overall Feedlot Production – Trial at Rangers Valley Cattle Station
Tahlijia Sheahan, Teys Australia – Charlton VIC
Sourcing and Retaining Quality Staff
Temeka Woosley, Bindaree Food Group – Myola NSW
Improving Animal Welfare
Timothy Brennan, NH Foods – Whyalla Beef NSW
Improving industry retention through ground level Leadership Development
The ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award serves as a platform to empower emerging industry leaders to contribute their innovative ideas and progressive vision to shape the future of lot feeding on a national scale.
The Award’s core objective is to encourage participants to foster the qualities that allow them to be bold, embrace their creativity and think outside the box. By doing so, ALFA seeks to motivate participants to explore the vast potential of the Australian lot feeding industry and contribute to its ongoing growth and success.
ALFA President, Barb Madden, said it is always a very exciting time of year for ALFA to showcase the inspiring young talent in the industry.
"With each passing year, the level of talent attracted to this award is incredible to witness. It's a testament to the progress we're making in attracting, nurturing, and empowering exceptional individuals.”
This Award is a part of ALFA’s greater Recognition of Excellence Program, delivered on behalf of industry as one of several ways the lot feeding sector endeavours to recognise and celebrate individuals and businesses that strive for excellence.
“We extend our gratitude to long-standing sponsor and ALFA Platinum Member, Performance Feeds, for their ongoing support of the professional development of our sector’s rising talent.
“It is an absolute pleasure to showcase the remarkable achievements and ambitions of our up-and-coming industry leaders through this Award,” Barb said.
Finalists now progress to a second judging round, including a face-to-face interview with the esteemed independent judging panel in August. The outcome of this round will determine the individuals who will progress as one of three distinguished Grand Finalists.
The highly coveted prizes the winner receives include a $5,000 study bursary, which can be used towards undertaking a professional development course or an overseas study trip, and a prestigious grain fed beef industry scholarship to partake in the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s renowned TRAIL: for emerging leaders program, valued at $11,550.
The winner will be announced at ALFA’s SmartBeef23 event, held at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre (TRECC) on 11 October 2023.
ENDS
Imagery for download and use
Photos Available: Google Drive: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Pit1NWiFtkP2fKc49
Headshots of Finalists in the ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year 2023:
Jacob Leak, Operations Manager at Jindalee Feedlot
James Keatley, Feedlot Graduate at Teys Charlton Feedlot
Maddison Fryer, Feedlot Data and Operations at Rangers Valley
Tahlijia Sheahan, Compliance Officer at Teys Charlton
Temeka Woosley, Animal Health Supervisor at Myola Feedlot
Timothy Brennan, Livestock Team Coordinator at NH Foods Whyalla Beef
Media Contacts:
Barb Madden
ALFA President
E: info@feedlots.com.au P: (02) 9290 3700 Madeleine Hamilton ALFA General Manager – Communications & Engagement E: madeleine.hamilton@feedlots.com.au M: 0447 617 428