Mort and Co feeding and milling operator Matthew Sharp was named the winner of the 2012 Pfizer Medal for up and coming lot feeding industry employee of the year at yesterday’s BeefEx 2012 conference, hosted by the Australian Lot Feeders Association.

The Pfizer Medal recognises high performing feedlot industry workers who are in the process of furthering their development by undertaking a certificate level program at TAFE.

Matthew was chosen from a field of four finalists that included fellow Mort & Co Pinegrove Feedlot employee Anthony Low, Chris Williamson from Ranges Valley, Glen Innes, and Andrew Hoare from AA Co’s Goonoo Feedlot.

Matthew grew up on his family’s cotton and grain farm at Brookstead and joined Mort & Co’s Pinegrove Feedlot immediately after graduating from Pittsworth High School.

Scott Pavey from Pfizer said feedlot industry employees nominating for the Pfizer Medal were assessed on several areas including general knowledge of the Australian feedlot industry, skills relating to their particular work area, and their potential to make a positive impact to the future of the industry.

He said the judges were extremely impressed by the calibre of this year’s entrants.

“I have got to say if it came down to skills for the jobs they do, it would have been a dead heat,” Mr Pavey said.

“They are all high quality young people and they really impressed us with the skills and knowledge they have, they are a credit to their operations and the industry.”

Each finalist received a trip to BeefEx and a swag, while as the winner Matthew Sharp also received a medal and $500 from Pfizer and entry into a management course conducted by ALFA next year.

Matthew is currently studying to achieve a certificate III in Feedlot Operations, and has been recognised by Mort & Co as a valuable team member, an informal leader of a young team and a standout choice for further development.

“I really enjoy what I do, and I’m glad to be part of this industry,” he told the audience after he accepted his award.