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

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

This series provides all of the Feed Allocation & Bunk Management Fundamentals courses in one place.  This comprehensive eLearning series is designed to help feedlot professionals have a deep understanding of the principles of bunk management, empowering them to make informed decisions that benefit both the cattle and the feedlot’s overall performance. This series includes: The Art of Bunk Management The Bunk Sheet Nutrition Basics The Feeding Period Your Daily Routine Putting it into Practice Read more

Feed Shed Loader Operations This course is part of the Fundamentals of Feedlot Nutrition, Feeding and Milling Operations learning path  Loader operators are responsible for the batching process from start to finish. Correct loader operation plays an important role in the efficiency of the feedlot and health and performance of the cattle. This online course covers the basics in loader operation, walking you through the role of operating the loader safely and efficiently in the feed shed, pre-start and safety checks, feed shed organisation, correct ration batching processes and clean-up and shed hygiene. After completion of the online training, an on the ground competency assessment is available so you can demonstrate your skills and competency in this area. This needs to be completed at your feedlot and signed off by your supervisor.   Estimated length of time It will take you approximately 1 hour to complete the online module.   This module has been mapped to the Australian Curriculum grades 7-9 and State Curriculums for grades 10-12. Details can be found here: Curriculum mapping - Feed Shed Loader Operation 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

Feed Truck or Wagon Operation This course is part of the Fundaments of Feedlot Nutrition, Feeding and Milling Operations learning path.  Feedlot cattle need to be fed correctly every day, and feed truck or wagon operators play a key part in ensuring their health and welfare. Your role in the team also has a big impact on the cleanliness and integrity of vehicles, and the cost and efficiency of production at the feedlot. This online course covers the basics in feed truck or wagon operation. It will take you through the essential daily vehicle maintenance checks, understanding how to complete a scale check and how to correctly feed cattle accurately and efficiently.  After completion of the online training, an on the ground competency assessment is available so you can demonstrate your skills and competency in this area. This needs to be completed at your feedlot and signed off by your supervisor.   This module has been mapped to the Australian Curriculum grades 7-9 and State Curriculums for grades 10-12. Details can be found here: Curriculum mapping - Feed Truck Operation 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

This course provides all of the Feeding and Milling Fundamentals modules in one place.  This course includes: 1. Feed Shed Loader Operator 2. Feed Truck Operator 3. Milling and Processing Grain - An Overview 4. Milling and Processing Grain 5. Commodity and Ration Testing 6. Feedstuff Energy and What Constitutes a Ration 7. Record Keeping Read more