PRODUCERS have been invited to the WA Lotfeeders’ Association (WALFA) Better Beef 2019 event, to be held over two days in April.
Kicking off at Kylagh Feedlot, Tammin, on Thursday, April 11 and continuing on Friday, April 12, at the Ucarty Feedlot, Dowerin, the event will be packed with information relevant to all stakeholders in the WA beef industry from cow-calf producers to backgrounders and lotfeeders.
Day one will include a presentation from the Australian Lotfeeders’ Association president Bryce Camm.
Mr Camm is leading from the front when it comes to meeting the expectations of today’s consumer, especially in the area of animal welfare and environment.
Lotfeeders are proud of their welfare and environmental credentials but the question needs to be asked, are they doing enough to retain and grow the respect of their customer base?
Highly-regarded industry analyst Robert Herrmann, Mecardo, will interrogate the data to determine the realistic possibility for high value grainfed beef produced in WA.
Mr Herrmann will also discuss the outlook for grain prices, beef prices and customer demand.
Miho Kondo, Meat & Livestock Australia, will follow with a presentation of the latest trends in export markets and will challenge delegates to think outside the square when capitalising on them.
David Beca, Red Sky Agricultural, will be talking about understanding why cost of production and related KPIs like ‘profit margin’ are so essential to understanding how to develop a profitable, sustainable feedlotting business.
Attendees will also hear from Kylagh feedlot owner Ivan Rogers and his team who will share the integral steps of collecting data throughout the business, in order to be well-placed to make data-driven decisions.
Finally, Bonnie Ravenhill from Ravenhill Pastoral will share her tried-and-tested tips and tools for creating the optimum workplace, including staff contracts, performance reviews, rewards, retention, training before an afternoon session will take place including a round robin around the feedlot and a working induction session.
Rounding out the first day will be the Advanced Feeds Industry Dinner and auction at The York Palace Hotel, York.
Day two at Dowerin will focus on the second greatest cost facing lotfeeders – grain and hay commodities and the best way to store and handle.
WALFA chairman Trevor Hinck said his board was pleased to present the event.
“It is an event that will inform and challenge all of those involved with the feedlot industry,” Mr Hinck said.
The full program and registration details will be released soon.
For more information contact WALFA via email at eo@walotfeeders.com.au.