Jason Johnstone from Cadelga Cattle Co, Inglewood is one of the finalists in  this year’s ALFA Feedlot of the Year competition

SEVEN well-credentialed feedlots from across Eastern Australia have been named finalists in the 2026 Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition, being staged as part of the Australian Lot Feeders Association’s upcoming BeefEx conference on the Gold Coast.

Following a rigorous first round of judging against the standards and guidelines set out under NFAS, finalists in three feedlot capacity ranges have progressed to the second and final round, where they will be judged to be named the 2026 Australian Feedlots of the Year at the Coopers Animal Health Gala Dinner, held as part of the BeefEx conference from 22–24 September 2026.

The competition has a rich history of acknowledging achievement, tracing back to the first BeefEx event in 1991.

The finalists in the 2026 Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition are:

Category: Less than 3000 head

• Woods Livestock – Waggaba Feedlot, Dalby QLD
• Strathdale – Struggle Downs, Leyburn QLD

Category: 3000-8000 head

• Gundamain Pastoral – Gundamain Feedlot, Mathoura NSW
• Cadelga Cattle Co – Cadelga Feedlot, Inglewood QLD

Category: Greater than 15,000 head

• North Australian Pastoral Company – Wainui Feedlot, Bowenville QLD
• Smithfield Cattle Co – Sapphire Feedlot, Goondiwindi QLD
• Teys Australia – Condamine Feedlot, Condamine QLD

Since its inception 35 years ago, the Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition has recognised businesses operating at the forefront of the industry’s quality assurance program, the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme, while encouraging continual improvement across the sector.

ALFA president Grant Garey said the calibre of this year’s finalists reflected the lotfeeding sector’s commitment to operating not only in compliance with NFAS, but continually striving to exceed standard.

“Once again this year’s finalists have demonstrated the depth of talent and innovation across Australian feedlots, from smaller family-run operations right through to the largest integrated supply chains,” Mr Garey said.

“Whether it’s a sixth-generation family business investing in covered housing and biosecurity, a purpose-built greenfield site pioneering robotic feeding, or long-established operations pushing the boundaries on emissions reduction and animal welfare research, this year’s competition showcases exactly what high performance in lot feeding looks like.

“This competition continues to showcase best practice and inspires businesses across the industry to keep raising the bar.”

The second and final round of judging is conducted by an independent panel of industry representatives, who will assess finalists against these pillars alongside innovation, research and development, engagement, employer of choice initiatives, supply chain responsibility, and community engagement.

“ALFA congratulates all seven finalists on this outstanding achievement, and thanks them for the work they do every day to meet and exceed the standards required under NFAS,” Mr Garey said.

Applications closing for innovation, community and research awards

Applications close this weekend for three remaining BeefEx industry awards:

Community Heroes Award: Sponsored by Lallemand Animal Nutrition, the award recognises feedlots making meaningful contributions to communities and environment, celebrating engagement, education, environmental stewardship and land management, with a $5,000 donation. Click here to lodge an application

Innovation Competition: Sponsored by Integrated Animal Production, the Innovation Competition recognises practical, day‑to‑day feedlot innovations improving efficiency, animal welfare, sustainability or workplace practices, rewarding winners with cash prizes and industry recognition nationally. Click here to lodge an application.

Communicate Your Research: Sponsored by Bovine Dynamics, the Communicate Your Research competition recognises students and early career researchers who clearly present feedlot‑relevant research through posters or oral presentations, helping bridge research and practical application across the industry. Click here to lodge an application

The Australian Feedlot of the Year Competition is an initiative of ALFA, independently administered by AusMeat, provider of agribusiness auditing, certification and training services.