Welcome to the ALFA Feedlot TECH Training Hub

Feedlots rely on digital systems every day to manage livestock, track performance, process payments, and communicate with suppliers and customers. Protecting these systems is essential to keep operations running smoothly and to safeguard valuable business information. In this course, you will learn how to recognise common cyber threats and take simple, practical steps to reduce risk in your workplace. By the end of this course, you will be able to: Explain why cyber security matters in a feedlot business Identify common cyber threats affecting agriculture Recognise phishing emails and suspicious activity Apply simple actions to protect systems and data Respond appropriately to a suspected cyber incident These skills will help you play an important role in protecting your workplace and supporting safe, reliable operations. Read more

Destruction, Disposal and Decontamination 2026 Webinar Series - EAD Planning Join The Australian Lot Feeders' Association for a 5 session series on everything you need to know about enhancing your feedlot biosecurity. This practical series will outline how to implement meaningful biosecurity actions whilst meeting the recent NFAS changes.   The series will contain 5 recorded webinars with the following topics-   Webinar 1: EAD Action Planning –hear from expert presenters to outline available resources and how to apply those resources to implement a tailored EAD Action Plan on your feedlot.   Webinar 2: Depopulation – hear from expert presenters on what methods are available for large scale mass depopulation Participate in break out sessions on how and where these activities might occur on a feedlot and gain insights into how you might tailor your plan for your feedlot.   Webinar 3: Disposal - hear from expert presenters on what methods are available for large scale mass disposal. Participate in break out sessions on how and where these activities might occur on a feedlot and gain insights into how you might tailor your plan for your feedlot.  Webinar 4: Decontamination – hear from experts on what methods are available for decontamination, including where to find key information for your plan.   Read more

In the feedlot environment, understanding euthanasia and post-mortem practices is critical for ensuring animal welfare, ethical treatment, and biosecurity compliance. This module provides essential guidelines and techniques to equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions regarding euthanasia and perform post-mortems effectively.    This module will cover:  Recognising conditions that necessitate euthanasia to prevent prolonged suffering and uphold ethical standards.  Choosing the appropriate euthanasia method (firearm or captive bolt) and executing it with precision and safety.  Confirming the effectiveness of euthanasia through a comprehensive check to ensure humane outcomes.  Practising firearm safety, including compliance with licensing and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.  Ensuring proper carcass disposal through composting or deep burial to meet environmental and biosecurity standards.  Conducting post-mortem examinations to identify disease causes and take samples for laboratory analysis, supporting herd health management. Read more

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

Exploring Feedlot Energy Webinar  Understanding the technologies available to improve water and energy usage and efficiency on feedlots. This 1.5hours online webinar was delivered on 24th March 2021.  This workshop will benefit feedlot owners/operators and feed mill teams.   Topics Covered:  Making the most of energy sources  Carl Duncan, Smart Business Hub What are the sources of energy on a feedlot? Deep diving into the results of a 12-month energy audit of a 20,000 head feedlot. What did they discover? Feedlot energy and water usage, how do we stack up? Opportunities for energy efficiencies.   Exploring thermal energy & how to improve cost efficiencies  Max Barnes, All Energy Pty Ltd Procuring best cost energy sources for feedlots. Energy sources to improve feedlot sustainability: the next 10 years   Advancements in boilers & energy  Rob Fowler, East Coast Steam  Key tips for maximising boiler efficiency and saving money. Economizers & combustion control – costs & benefits.   Proudly brought to you by the Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).   Disclaimer & Copyright This E-learning series has been by funded grain-fed levies and matching federal government R&D contributions in consultation with the Australian Lot Feeders' Association. Care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this training course. However, MLA does not accept responsibility for the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information or opinions contained in this training course. This training course is intended to provide general information only and it has been prepared without taking into account your specific circumstances, objectives, or needs. You should make your own enquiries before making decisions concerning your interests. Your use of, or reliance on, any content is entirely at your own risk and MLA accepts no liability for any losses or damages incurred by you as a result of that use or reliance. © 2021 Meat & Livestock Australia Limited ABN 39 081 678 364. You may not copy, republish, download, transmit, communicate, or otherwise use this content in any way without the prior written consent of Meat & Livestock Australia Limited ABN 39 081 678 364. Any such enquiries should be directed to info@mla.com.au, or the Content Manager, PO Box 1961, North Sydney, NSW 2059. Read more

Energy is one of the largest controllable operating costs in many feedlots. Understanding how energy is used, where costs occur, and which technologies can improve efficiency allows businesses to reduce operating costs while supporting sustainability goals. This course explores practical opportunities for improving feedlot energy performance, including energy monitoring, electricity management, renewable energy options, and boiler efficiency technologies. Read more