Welcome to the ALFA Feedlot TECH Training Hub

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

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.     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

Antimicrobial Stewardship Series Antimicrobial stewardship describes practices and protocols designed to reduce the need for antimicrobial use and to ensure that when antimicrobials are required they’re utilised in a way that maximises efficacy while minimising adverse effects – including the development of antimicrobial resistance. In Australian feedlots, antimicrobials play an indispensable role in helping us manage the health and welfare of cattle under our care. Antimicrobial resistance has become a concern of both medical and livestock policymakers, medical professionals, veterinarians, producers, and the general community. It occurs when the bacteria causing people or livestock to be ill become resistant to antimicrobial treatment. This can be caused by overuse or inappropriate use of antimicrobials. Concerns about reduced antimicrobial effectiveness, coupled with fewer new antimicrobial technologies being discovered, means we must preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials currently available. The Australian Lot Feeders’ Association is dedicated to preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobials, and to protecting human and animal health, by promoting responsible antimicrobial use. The Australian beef industry has a great reputation to uphold; previous surveillance has reported levels of antimicrobial resistance in Australian cattle that are either absent or very low. The Antimicrobial stewardship Guidelines provide a continuous improvement framework that will help lot feeders understand and ensure appropriate use of antimicrobials and therefore reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance. These guidelines are aligned with Australia’s First National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy (Australian Government 2015). The guidelines outline five stewardship principles which are collectively termed the ‘5Rs’ - responsibility, review, reduce, refine and replace. These principles will help guide lot feeders toward best practice management use of antimicrobials and prevent overuse, which may contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance.     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. © 2019 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

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

Moving Towards Carbon Neutrality Webinar  Understanding your feedlot's carbon footprint, how to calculate it, and the opportunities available to reduce or offset carbon emissions.  This webinar was presented on the 12th May 2021. Viewing this webinar will benefit feedlot owners and operators.    Presenters Maik Kindermann, 3NOP Inventor Dr Stephen Wiedemann, Integrity Ag & Environment Dr Amelia de Almeida, University of New England Daryl Savage, NAPCO Wainui Feedlot QLD Joe McMeniman, Meat & Livestock Australia Doug McNicholl, Meat & Livestock Australia   Topics covered:  Our industry footprint - Understanding the feedlot industry's baseline carbon emissions  Carbon neutrality - Introducing the Carbon Neutral Booklet 3NOP Feed Additives - Interpreting the research  Case studies, a lot feeder's perspective - How reducing/offsetting carbon on site has made a difference Carbon offset modelling - Price premiums on retail product    This webinar is proudly delivered by the Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), and sponsored by DSM.    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

ALFA Pen Cleaning, Manure & Environmental Management Workshop Bringing the Waste Management and Utilisation Manual to life to improve health and welfare of grain fed cattle.  Workshop Presented by ALFA in March 2021. This course includes online access to the recordings of the workshops, for feedlots who attended the sessions.  Workshop presenters include:  Rod Davis Robyn Tucker Joe McMeniman  Lot feeder case studies  Read more