THE WA Lot Feeders' Association (WALFA) is encouraging all those involved in the beef industry to get along to its Better Beef 2019 event which is to be held at the Kylagh Feedlot, Tammin, on Thursday, April 11, and continue on Friday, April 12, at the Ucarty Feedlot, Dowerin.
The two-day event promises to be packed with information relevant to all stakeholders in the WA beef industry from cow-calf producers to backgrounders and lot feeders.
WALFA chairman Trevor Hinck said his board was pleased to present the event and they were encouraging current and prospective lot feeders and those involved in associated beef value chain enterprises to attend this year's conference.
"It is an event that will inform and challenge all those involved with the feedlot industry," Mr Hinck said.
"We are really pleased to have brought together a great group of presenters that will both inform and challenge all delegates.
"The conference is designed to provide delegates with valuable information around current and future markets and how to best leverage their operations into profitability.
"Understanding cost of production is critical in an environment where feedlot margins have been decreasing over time.
"WALFA also welcomes a large contingent of next generation beef industry leaders from Murdoch University and the WA College of Agriculture, Cunderdin.
"Having a mix of current and future feedlot participants is always exciting and leads to a different level of conversation and perspective.
"The program also caters for feedlot operatives and I would encourage feedlot owners and managers to bring their staff as the conference will deliver plenty of on the ground practical advice."
Day one at Kylagh Feedlot features an impressive list of speakers - led by Australian Lot Feeders' 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.
Lot feeders will 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.
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 from Red Sky Agricultural will discuss understanding why cost of production and related KPIs like 'profit margin' are so essential to understanding how to develop a profitable, sustainable feed lotting 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 and training, before an afternoon session will take place including a round robin around the feedlot and a working induction session.
Rounding out day one will be the Advanced Feeds Industry Dinner and auction at The York Palace Hotel, York.
Day two will take place at Ucarty feedlot, Dowerin, with Tim Giumelli from Glencore Ag to discuss the elements influencing grain prices in 2019 and Ben White from the Kondinin Group to explore the economics of grain storage.
Registrations need to be completed ASAP by emailing eo@walotfeeders.com.au.
A special offer on registration for the event is being offered and that is the fourth registration from the same business is free.
