Struggle Downs feedlot's 'Mobile division fencing in shedded feedlots' Innovation

Clever ideas and innovations that have been incorporated into day-to-day feedlot operations are encouraged to enter the ALFA Innovation Competition, proudly supported by Integrated Animal Production (IAP).

The winner and runner-up will be determined by popular vote and announced at BeefEx, held on 22 - 24 September 2026 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

To vote for your favourite entry, simply click the 'heart' button on the post (this indicates a like i.e. vote). The top four most 'hearted' entries will be offered a complimentary full delegate ticket to attend BeefEx 2026. 

The entry with the most votes will be announced as the winner. The entry with the second highest will be awarded the runner up. Voting is open from August 07 - August 21. The decision made will be final.

struggle downs feedlot's mobile division fencing in shedded feedlots' Innovation

What is your innovation?

Electric mesh fences divide cattle cohorts and can be positioned anywhere under the shed, as long as they cross the apex line. The main live wire runs the full 200m length under the shed apex, with wire droppers placed wherever the fence sits. This solves ongoing fencing headaches — cleaning underneath, animal rub damage, and rusting/breaking — since the fences can be quickly moved for a full clean and cattle respect them without damaging them. Other benefits include infinitely variable pen sizes, better control of cattle-to-floor density ratios, support for NFI trial work without utilisation inefficiency, easy pen reconfiguration, and the ability to clean pens without moving cattle out.

How does the innovation/idea work?

Electric mesh fences are used to divide cattle cohorts. The fence can be put in any location under the sheds so long at is crosses under the shed apex line. The main live wire runs under the apex of the shed for the full 200m length. Wire droppers can be placed wherever the fence is located. What issue/challenge is your innovation solving? Fences in feedlots are a continuous issue to manage for the following reasons-

- cleaning under them

- damage from animals rubbing on them

- rusting and breaking

By using our mobile electrified fencing the fence can be quick moved for a full under fence clean. The animals respect the fences and do not damage them. They are fast and easy to erect.

Other benefits the system include-

- the ability to make infinitely variable pens sizes to accommodate cohort sizes

- manage cattle / floor density ratio which is the key to keeping shedded conditions to optimal moisture levels

- allow NFI trial work to be carried out on genetic or genomic lines due to variable sizing without feedlot utilisation inefficiency

- Move animals around bens by simply swinging the fences to new locations

- Create movement lanes along inside of pens

-Allow pen cleaning without need to move cattle out.

-As the floor material builds up the fence can be lifted and dropped on top again to follow the floor contour. This is particularly useful considering cleaning out only is required on 2-3 year basis.

Cost of Innovation:

Fence mesh $300 per fence

Electric fence exciter unit $1,500 per shed

Insulated droppers $75 per shed.

Plain wire $100 per shed

Decided by popular vote, the top four most popular innovations will receive a full delegate ticket to BeefEx 2026 at the Gold Coast this September. The overall winner and runner up will be announced at BeefEx, receiving a prize of $2,500 and $1,000 respectively.

Vote for your favourite innovation!

To vote for your favourite entry, simply click the 'heart' button on the post (this indicates a like i.e. vote). The top four most 'hearted' entries will be offered a complimentary full delegate ticket to attend BeefEx 2026. 

The entry with the most votes will be announced as the winner. The entry with the second highest will be awarded the runner up. Voting is open from August 07 - August 21. The decision made will be final.

With thanks to our long-term supporter of this award, Integrated Animal Production (IAP)