Online courses bring staff up to speed
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Kate Stark
Smithfield Cattle Co is reinforcing its commitment to staff development by embedding Feedlot TECH’s online training platform into the induction of new employees.
Company director, and former ALFA president, Barb Madden said Smithfield has worked with the education platform since its inception, with a renewed focus over the past year on integrating its modules into structured, role-specific training plans.
“Over the past 12 months, our focus has shifted to more deliberately integrating the available modules into structured, role-specific training plans,” Mrs Madden said.
“This has allowed us to better align training content with individual departments within the feedlot and ensure new and existing staff are receiving relevant, consistent education that supports both operational and compliance requirements.”
New staff encounter Feedlot TECH early in their employment, with courses delivered progressively as part of a broader development pathway.
“Feedlot TECH is included in our staff training plan, with new employees registered and courses completed in stages to support their overall development within the feedlot,” she said.
According to Mrs Madden, the flexibility of online learning has proven particularly valuable in a 24-hour operational environment, especially for workers new to the feedlot sector.
“Online training provides flexibility and structure, particularly for staff who are new to the industry and may be unfamiliar with feedlot systems and terminology,” she said.
“We generally allocate dedicated time during work hours for employees to complete modules, usually in the office environment.
This ensures training is prioritised while still accommodating shift work and operational demands.
She added the industry-designed nature of the platform enhances engagement.
“Feedlot TECH courses have been designed by lot feeders for lot feeders, so the content is very practical and relatable.”
At Smithfield, digital learning is not viewed as a replacement for hands-on experience but as a complement that strengthens on-the-ground capability.
“The online modules complement hands-on training by providing foundational knowledge that supports practical learning on the ground.
“They reinforce why tasks are performed in certain ways, particularly around animal welfare, compliance, QA requirements, and record keeping.”
Training pathways are tailored to individual roles, with core modules shared across the workforce and additional learning assigned by department.
Cross-training is also encouraged to broaden operational understanding.
Since formally embedding Feedlot TECH into onboarding, Mrs Madden said Smithfield has seen measurable cultural and operational benefits.
“The key benefits have been improvements in overall knowledge, consistency, and workplace culture,” she said.
“Staff demonstrate a clearer understanding of feedlot systems, compliance expectations, and their individual responsibilities… contributing to increased confidence, better communication across teams, and a more aligned approach to operations.”
For a business operating across multiple sites, standardisation has been another major advantage.
Online delivery enables staged completion of training without travel costs while maintaining consistent baseline knowledge regardless of location or supervisor.
“Feedlot TECH helps ensure everyone starts with the same baseline of knowledge, regardless of department, location, or who delivers their on-the-job training,” she said, adding it was important that feedlots have at least one person onsite, who can champion the adoption of Feedlot TECH.
“They [should] understand how to navigate their way around the Feedlot TECH portal and have a good understanding of each of the departments and skills needed.
“For us, this has been Lisa Watson.”
Looking more broadly at the sector, she believes online learning is particularly well-suited to feedlot environments when integrated into a wider training framework rather than treated as a compliance exercise.
“A common misconception is that online training is simply a compliance ‘tick-the-box’ exercise,” she said.
“When used effectively, it can improve engagement, support staff development, increase retention, and contribute to a more competent and confident workforce.”
For Smithfield Cattle Co, Feedlot TECH is now a central pillar of that evolution.
“Feedlot TECH has become a valuable component of our broader training framework.
“When combined with strong leadership, hands-on experience, and clear expectations, it supports the development of a capable, informed, and engaged workforce.”
