Welcome to the ALFA Feedlot TECH Training Hub

A simulation exercise entitled “High Steaks” was conducted in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia on 16 and 17 May 2024, using a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak scenario. The exercise was conducted by the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF). Exercise participants include government staff, lot feeding owners and senior managers, ALFA senior management and directors, representatives of processing companies and the meat industry representative organisation as well as major transport companies. The aim of the exercise was to test the preparedness of the lot feeding industry and Queensland government to respond to an FMD incident in the Australian livestock industry. The objectives of the exercise were to: • assess key methods for destruction, disposal and decontamination in a feedlot environment • identify gaps in emergency animal disease (EAD) preparedness and response that are unique to lot feeders • identify opportunities to enhance EAD preparedness in the lot feeding industry.   This is a recording of the presentations from the exercise. Read more

Developed by MLA and ALFA, this course will demonstrate how to implement MSA pathways into your business, improve your confidence in communicating with buyers around MSA and improve your performance in delivering a compliant product. By completing this module you will learn how to: Describe the MSA program and how it benefits your business. Meet your core responsibilities as an MSA livestock supplier. Communicate with buyers in a way that ensures you provide the right MSA livestock when selling. Supply complete and accurate information when submitting vendor declarations. Describe the factors that affect carcase grading results and potential price received. Actively engage with carcase feedback to improve your livestock quality. Read more

ALFA in collaboration with MLA conducted a webinar focused on shedding light on the benefits of partial covered housing systems in Australian feedlots. The free webinar provided valuable insights into the decisions surrounding the implementation or upgrading of shade and shelter infrastructure within feedlots. For lot feeders considering retrofitting existing feedlot pens with either shade or shelter, partial coverage is a very viable option backed by solid data on improved performance and animal welfare emerging from studies, which will be presented as part of the webinar. Learn from out presenters: Dr Melissa George - Veterinary Consultant and Research Scientist - Bovine Dynamics Chris Gibson - Long Gully Feedlot VIC Dr Joe McMeniman - MLA Program Manager - Feedlot Dr Matt Van der Saag - MLA Feedlot Project Manager Jeff House - ALFA/MLA Technical Services Officer   Read more

This course is part of the NFAS: Mastering the Fundamentals online skills training. There are several steps feedlots must take to become accredited under the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS) and then to maintain their accreditation. This module will cover gaining NFAS Accreditation and how to maintain your NFAS accreditation including audits, activities and statement of authority holders. This E-learning series has been funded by grain-fed levies and matching federal government R&D contributions in consultation with the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association.  Read more

This course is part of the NFAS: Mastering the Fundamentals online skills training. The feedlot industry has a number of responsibilities under the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS). In this module you’ll learn about responsibilities feedlots have under the NFAS, and how management plans and risk assessments help feedlots meet these responsibilities and achieve their NFAS accreditation. This E-learning series has been funded by grain-fed levies and matching federal government R&D contributions in consultation with the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association.  Read more

This course is part of the NFAS: Mastering the Fundamentals online skills training. The National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS) underpins the entire lot feeding industry. This module will introduce you to the NFAS and the standards of grain fed beef and their requirements. In this module, you’ll be introduced to Grain fed Beef, the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme, and their requirements. This E-learning series has been funded by grain-fed levies and matching federal government R&D contributions in consultation with the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association.  Read more