ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Tim Brennan (left) accepts his trophy from 2021 winner James Guest and Scott Sloss from Performance Feeds.

FIFTH generation Darling Downs beef producer Tim Brennan has joined a long list of young industry achievers and future leaders by being named the 2023 ALFA Australian Young Lot Feeder of the Year.

The award was announced at the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association SmartBeef23 industry dinner in Tamworth on Wednesday night.

Tim is the livestock supervisor at NH Foods Whyalla Beef.

The award, sponsored by Performance Feeds, recognises and rewards young achievers in the Australian lot feeding industry who exemplify passion, leadership, and a visionary outlook towards the future of lot feeding.

The entry process requires nominees to submit an essay on a real or perceived industry issue, discussing the implications of that issue for the feedlot industry and identifying a  proposed solution.

Each entrant must also demonstrate their leadership potential based on a defined set of criteria, with the competition judged by Scott Sloss (Performance Feeds), Jim Cudmore (ALFA Life Member) and Molly Sage (Young Lot Feeder 2020, Stockyard Beef).

Also named as grand finalists this year were Jindalee Feedlot operations manager Jacob Leak and Rangers Valley feedlot data and operations officer Maddison Fryer.

2023 winner Tim Brennan focused his entry on staff retention issues and drawing attention to the importance of ground level leadership development.

Mr Brennan has identified opportunities to provide more support and resources to emerging leaders.

“In an analogy to our Wagyu reaching full marbling potential through support in their early stages, setting up growth and leadership development of our emerging leaders to reach their potential needs support in early stages.

“I aspire to be involved in establishing industry leadership programs for ground level management.

“There are many challenges the industry is facing currently, but for me the struggles of labour shortages tops the list.

“I see an industry already delivering extensive training and education, however is struggling with staff retention.

“I am passionate about advocating for careers in lot feeding. I can see opportunities to develop formalised training and recognise lot feeding as a reputable career pathway in agriculture.”

Tim Brennan and ALFA president Barb Madden

ALFA President, Barb Madden, said the Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award holds great value within the industry and has continuously been a marker of future leaders in the grain fed beef sector.

“The ALFA Council is consistently impressed by the calibre of young people the Award brings forward each year, with Tim being a standout in his presence, passion, and thought leadership.

“We’re eager to follow Tim, Jacob and Maddie’s professional journeys. They certainly have a bright future ahead of them in the lot feeding sector.”

As the winner of the ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award, Tim receives a $5000 study bursary, which can be used towards undertaking a professional development course or an overseas study trip.

He is also awarded a grain fed beef industry scholarship to partake in the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s TRAIL: for emerging leaders program, valued at $11,550.

Grand finalist video presentations

Tim Brennan

Maddison Fryer

Jacob Leak

Previous ALFA Young Lot Feeders of the Year

1994 – Warren Salter, Sandalwood

1995 – Roger Matthews, Myola

1996 – Michael Doyle, Beef City

1997 – Greg Gibbons, Aronui

1998 – Jason Shearer-Smith, Smithfield

1999 – Stephen Reynolds, Charlton

2000 – Grant Garey, Jindalee

2001 – Troy Setter, Killara

2002 – Gina Lincoln, Peechelba

2003 – Andrew Rushford, Miamba

2004 – Geoff Cornford, Wainui

2005 – Scott McDouall, Charlton

2006 – Shane Bullock, Jindalee

2007 – Briana Daly, Charlton

2008 – Will McCrohon, Prime City

2009 – Matthew Luhrs, Mungindi

2010 – David Maconochie, Hopkins River

2011 – Nick Chambers, Riverina Beef

2012 – Jordan Peach, Grassdale

2013 – Stephen Martin, Killara

2014 – Emily Perkins, Prime City

2015 – Andrew Slack, Smithfield

2016 – Emily Pollock, Gunnee

2017 – Thomas Green, Iranda

2018 – Ben Attewell, Acc Brindley Park

2019 – Ben Emery, Rangers Valley

2020 – Molly Sage, JBS Beef City

2021 – James Guest, Smithfield Cattle Co – Sapphire

2022 – Kailen Hodgson, Smithfield Cattle Co – Smithfield