Welcome to the ALFA Feedlot TECH Training Hub

On Wednesday 6 April 2022, the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture held a public webinar on carbon farming. 0-39 minutes: Introduction to carbon farming, types of greenhouse gas emissions, Scope 1-3 emissions, co-benefits and trade-offs associated with GHG emissions mitigation, cautions and market risks on trading carbon, reforestation, afforestation, savanna burning, herd management, carbon neutral (net zero) businesses versus carbon neutral products   39-55 minutes: Greenhouse gas emissions associated with land use change, land sparing versus land sharing   55 minutes-1:01 hr Tasmanian Carbon Farming Advice Rebate Program   1:14-1:45 hrs: Available carbon accounting tools for grain, sheep and beef cattle, self-assessment approaches, including worked examples   1:45-2:23 hrs: Questions and answers to the panel. These covered carbon markets, scope 1-3 emissions, carbon estimation areas, markets, soil carbon, biochar, the role for governments, farmers, advisors, how to identify bugs in carbon accounting tools, certified carbon accounts, carbon footprints, greenhouse gas emissions (methane, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, water vapour), costs associated with carbon farming and forestry, biodiversity credits, environmental stewardship, state and national government policies, forages for enteric methane mitigation, manure management, low interest bank loans (Green Loans), benefits of new technology, land-use change, approaches for burning stubble to reduce emissions, carbon offsetting and insetting, and more!   More information: A/Prof Matthew Harrison: matthew.harrison@utas.edu.au   Read more

PRESENTERS Attendees will hear from experts in their fields, including: Sharon Dundon, R&D Manager, Meat & Livestock Australia John Langbridge, GM Corporate & Industry Affairs, Teys Australia Melissa George, Consulting Veterinarian and Research Scientist, Bovine Dynamics Ben Wieland, Livestock Logistics & Relationship Officer, Kilcoy Global Foods Jennifer Rotili, Manager, Codes of Practice Regulatory Policy and Standards National Heavy Vehicle Regulations Cara Lauder, System Manager, New Zealand Transport Agency   TOPICS Fit to load - managing expectations from when the cattle leave the feedlot, during transportation and arrival at the abattoir; the challenges and remedies. Short Duration Lairage & Truck Effluent Research Projects Outcomes - Key findings: impact on carcase quality, MSA and food safety, and the economic benefits gained. Processor perspective - Implementation of short lairage at Kilcoy National Heavy Vehicle regulator – rules and regulations Truck effluent dumps; New Zealand perspective - Information on the network of truck effluent dumps in New Zealand Read more

The webinar will extend the research findings of MLA Research Projects in relation to feedlot shade structures suitable for Australian feedlots. This workshop will benefit feedlot owners and those interested in advancements in shade design to improve animal welfare and productivity in feedlots. PRESENTERS Hosted by Jeff House, ALFA/MLA Feedlot Technical Services Officer and joined by: Matt Van der Saag, MLA Project Manager - Feedlot & Sustainability Dr Peter McGilchrist, University of New England Researcher Dr Angela Lees, University of New England Researcher Tom Dawkins, Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association CEO Ben Giblett, Berrimah Export Yards Manager Ian Lean, Scibus Managing Director Mike Ryan, Eagle Direct Managing Director   WORKSHOP TOPICS Introduction to and overview of the research - Background to the project and the issues it is addressing, including an overview of Shade and Covered housing R&D Strategy - MLA Feedlot Program. Shade & shelter solutions in a southern Australian feedlot - An overview of the projects including results from the Summer & Winter Trials, and the recommendations that have come from these. Experiences from the top end with covered shed management of cattle on feed in live export yards - Drawing on insights from some of the leading feedlots in SE Asia and how this shaped Berrimah Yards' approach to its tropical climate management using an Entegra Shed. Learnings from the Dairy Industry using covered housing - experiences from the dairy industry on covered housing, exploring production and adoption elements alongside design and sensing technologies. Q&A This webinar has been developed in collaboration with Meat & Livestock Australia. Read more

The webinar recording will extend the research findings of MLA Research Projects in relation to feedlot automation, such as the bunk trials, automatic crush and bunk scanner, to promote understanding and adoption of the new technologies available to automate processes on Australian feedlots. This workshop will benefit feedlot owners and those interested in technologies to improve lot feeding efficiencies.   PRESENTERS Joe McMeniman, MLA Jeremy Blampied, Te Pari Products Matt George, Bovine Dynamics Sam Platts, Bovine Dynamics Jeff Jurd, Mort & Co Pinegrove Feedlot Stuart McCarthy, Manabotix Hosted by Jeff House, ALFA/MLA Technical Services Officer   WORKSHOP TOPICS Introduction to and overview of the research - Background to the projects and the issues the tech aims to address. Cattle crush automation - An overview of the automated cattle crush that catches, injects and backlines the beast, how the product works, video of NZ Trial site. Bunk scanner trials - Introduction to the technology, overview of project results, what are the benefits to day-to-day feedlot operations. Case study: implementing the BunkBot - Introduction to technology, implementation process from a technical point of view, benefits seen at Pinegrove since implementation, implementation process from a practical point of view; change in processes, staff training, adoption lead time. Q&A   This webinar recording is provided for those who registered for the webinar and were unable to attend the live session. This webinar has been developed in collaboration with Meat & Livestock Australia.  Read more

  This webinar and all resources are now available via the AUS-MEAT NFAS Webpage.  https://www.ausmeat.com.au/services/list/livestock/nfas/nfas-downloads/   This webinar outlines the recent changes to the NFAS Standards and Guidelines as of 2nd August 2021, and will benefit feedlot owners and operators.   PRESENTERS Jim Cudmore, FLIAC Chair (Feedlot Industry Advisor Committee) Craig Firrell, NFAS Program Manager, AUS-MEAT Tony Batterham, Feedlot Veterinarian Verity Price, ALFA Policy Manager Duncan Roland, Stock Feed Manufacturers' Council of Australia Jeff House, ALFA/MLA Feedlot Technical Services Officer   TOPICS NFAS changes (Rules and Standards) – what feedlot operators need to do and when compliance is required by LM5 Animal Health - Antimicrobial Stewardship QM7 Product Recall and Notification of Non-conforming Product FS4 Additive, Premix and Liquid Supplement Manufacturer Accreditation LM8 Livestock Incident Reporting Opportunity for Questions & Answers   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.     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