Elders Killara Feedlot to host Red Meat 2019 producer tour
26 September 2019
Elders Killara Feedlot General Manager, Andrew Talbot.
Elders Killara Feedlot on the NSW Liverpool Plains at Quirindi will open its gates to red meat producers when it hosts a producer tour as part of Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) flagship industry event, Red Meat 2019 in November.
The tour to Elders Killara Feedlot on Monday, 18 November, is one of two properties the producer tour will visit on the first day of Red Meat 2019, being held from 18-20 November at Tamworth.
MLA General Manager – Producer Consultation and Adoption, Michael Crowley, said the tour will give producers the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the impact effective backgrounding has on livestock performance on feed.
“The tour also provides the opportunity for producers to hear how a connected supply chain with breeders, backgrounders, lot feeders, processors and customers builds efficiencies that add value through the supply chain,” Mr Crowley said.
“As well as learning about Elders Killara Feedlot business, producers will also hear about the market opportunities for grainfed beef, feedlot R&D, linking genetics to target market specifications, and the role of feedback in making better decisions for the benefit of the supply chain.
“The lot feeding sector continues to support national beef production and has been a critical link in the supply chain during the ongoing dry conditions across many beef production regions of Australia.”
Elders Killara Feedlot is a 20,000 head facility located on 610ha, including backgrounding paddocks for 1500 head.
It employs 35 staff, turning off in excess of 60,000 head per year, utilising 100,000 tonnes of feed per year, and selling by-products from 50,000 tonnes of manure per year.
Elders Killara Feedlot General Manager, Andrew Talbot, said the tour will give producers an understanding of where their product goes once they sell it and the markets the feedlot targets.
“We’re aiming to give producers a better understanding of where feedlots sit in the beef supply chain and post-farm gate, the issues relevant to the feedlot industry,” Mr Talbot said.
“Our cattle are sourced from right across New South Wales from the paddock.
“Our feeding programs range from 70 days through to 150 days or more. We are a supplier of high grade, grainfed cattle with a number of loyal long-term customers throughout Australia and overseas.
“We are Woolworths’ largest supplier nationally, and have been supplying cattle to Woolworths since 1996. Our heifers are all British breeds and produced to target Meat Standards Australia (MSA) specifications.
“Our products are exported throughout the world to premium food service customers. In South East Asia, Killara branded products are distributed in partnership with our business partners, Elders Indonesia and Elders China. Our mid-fed Angus products are supplied to Europe alongside other premium markets.”
The producer tour on 18 November will also visit Romani Pastoral Company’s ‘Windy Station’ at Quirindi.
Producers will visit both properties with buses departing from the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre at 7.30am, returning by 5pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Registration for the producer tour is essential.
Red Meat 2019 is open to all members of the red meat and livestock industry. The event is free, but registration is essential to assist with planning and catering requirements.
