Australian feedlot sector welcomes new focus on young leaders with inaugural Future Feeders Network Forum
The Australian Lot Feeders Association (ALFA) is set to pioneer a new era in the feedlot sector with the inaugural Future Feeders Network Forum taking place on Wednesday, 17 September at The Empire Theatre in Toowoomba. This forum is designed to unite young professionals under 35, providing a platform for connection, support, and empowerment within the grain-fed beef industry.
ALFA President Grant Garey emphasised the importance of such initiatives in addressing industry challenges. “Attracting and retaining talent is one of the most important challenges facing our industry, and initiatives like this play a key role in building a strong, connected, and capable workforce,” he stated. His comments encapsulate ALFA's broader commitment to the future sustainability and growth of the sector.
The Future Feeders Network (FFN) was established in January, highlighting ALFA's strategic focus on fostering a new generation of leaders. Chaired by Tim Brennan, the 2023 Young Lot Feeder of the Year, the committee is composed of a diverse group of individuals from various operational backgrounds, including April Kratzmann from Smithfield Cattle Company and Brianna Meacle of Whyalla Beef. They share a common goal: to deliver industry-focused initiatives that enhance skills, promote collaboration, and encourage leadership development.
Set to attract around 200 attendees, the FFN Forum promises a dynamic one-day event, culminating in a networking evening. While the program targets younger participants, it remains inclusive to all ages, ensuring a broad array of insights and experiences. The event will feature a strong line-up of speakers, including Gary and Lisa Sharp, CEO of Stockyard Beef, alongside Lyndsey and Patrice Douglas from Centred for Success, who will address personal brand storytelling — a critical skill in today's competitive landscape.
In addition to inspiring speakers, the forum will offer interactive panels focusing on mentorship and career development, where attendees can engage directly with employers to discuss the evolving needs of the workforce. Tim Brennan affirmed the event's potential impact, stating, “It’s set to be a dynamic and engaging event – one not to be missed.”
Strategically, the FFN Forum is scheduled just before the Meat and Livestock Australia Research & Development Symposium, which will also be hosted at The Empire Theatre. This allows participants of the FFN Forum the opportunity to extend their learning on the latest feedlot research and development initiatives.
The establishment of the FFN is indicative of a strategic shift within ALFA, particularly as the association has recently retired its long-standing SmartBeef Conference. This transition reflects their renewed focus on professional development, a point reiterated by Garey, who described it as essential for nurturing talent within the industry. The FFN is part of a larger initiative to enhance ALFA's offerings and respond to the future needs of the sector.
This inaugural event, alongside future initiatives like the biennial BeefEx conference, aims to cultivate a robust pathway for young leaders in the feedlot industry, setting the stage for sustained growth and innovation in Australia's grain-fed beef sector.