SIX talented young professionals working in the lotfeeding sector have been selected as finalists in the 2024 Young Lot Feeder of the Year award, being conducted as part of this year’s BeefEx feedlot conference.
Sponsored by Performance Feeds, the Australian Lot Feeders Association’s Young Lot Feeder of the Year award identifies and rewards exceptional talent among the next generation for their passion, leadership, and visionary outlook for the feedlot industry.
The award was inaugurated in 1994, producing a long list of senior lotfeeding and beef industry personal and industry representatives over the past 30 years.
Following an extensive first round of selection by an independent judging panel, six entrants have been identified as finalists, each bringing strong expertise and diverse perspectives to the sector.
They include:
- Angus Lee, Australian Country Choice, Opal Creek feedlot, Millmerran
- Brenton Watterson, Australian Agricultural Co, Aronui feedlot, Bell
- Cindy-Lee Dowdell, Paradise Enterprises, Paradise Beef
- Kassandra Lees, Stockyard Beef, Kerwee feedlot, Jondaryan
- Temeka Woosley, Bindaree Food Group, Myola feedlot, Moree
- William Fagan, Smithfield Cattle Co, Sapphire feedlot, Goondiwindi.
The finalists will now progress to the second judging round involving face-to-face interviews with the judging panel in August. Outcomes from this round will determine the individuals who will progress as the three grand finalists that will participate in ALFA’s BeefEx Conference in October, where the winner will be announced.
ALFA president Barb Madden said the award highlighted the growing pool of engaged young people who strive for the betterment of the industry.
“This is an exciting time of year for ALFA to witness the many young professionals who put their hat in the ring and show us their ideas for the future of lotfeeding,” Mrs Madden said.
“It’s inspiring to see the calibre of individuals observed through this award, and this is testament to the work lotfeeders are doing in attracting, nurturing and empowering the young people in our sector.”
Delivered on behalf of industry as part of ALFA’s Recognition of Excellence Program, the Young Lotfeeder award is one of many ways the lotfeeding sector seeks to recognise and celebrate individuals and businesses that strive for excellence.
The overall winner of the 2024 award will be announced at ALFA’s BeefEx 2024 Conference held in Brisbane on 15-17 October. Early bird tickets are available until 6 September. Click here to access.