Australian Feedlot Research Institute Feasibility Review

Summary

This project explored the feasibility of the Australia Feedlot Research Institute (AFRI). The purpose of the AFRI is to accelerate adoption of world leading animal health, welfare and biosecurity production practices.

The creation of the AFRI is aligned with Red Meat 2030 and is consistent with the MLA Feedlot Productivity Business Plan (2019-2022).

Objectives

• Develop a risk management plan to enable successful operation of the Australian Feedlot Research Institute (AFRI).
• Confirmation of proposed AFRI structure through consultation with the Australian Lot Feeders Association (ALFA) and Meat & Livestock Australia.
• Conduct an independent assessment of feasibility to enable ALFA and MLA board approval.

Key findings

• A viable structure is presented for the AFRI to enable large pen feedlot research. A total of 9 large pen research trial would be completed per year projects would of been completed per year, along with 3 training workshops and an annual cattle feeders day.
• A world class feedlot research facility with best practice operating standards would be constructed adjacent to a commercial host feedlot site. The host feedlot would construct the facility to best practice design standards, lease the facility to the AFRI and sell it steam-flaked grain for a 10-year timeframe.
• Relative to an annual budget for AFRI projects, MLA in consultation with ALFA would identify priority research areas. MLA would then seek quotes from research organisations and contract research to be conducted at the AFRI. The AFRI staff consisting of a manager and 4 graduate interns would execute the project methodology with supervision as required by the research organisation. A cattle and feed trading account would be established to enable rapid commencement of trials.

Benefits to industry

If approved by both the ALFA and MLA Boards, the AFRI provides a strategic opportunity to accelerate development and adoption of feedlot management strategies and technologies enhancing the profitability and sustainability of the industry.

MLA action

No further MLA action is planned on the Australian Feedlot Research Institute concept at a single dedicated site.

Future research

Currently, no further development of the AFRI is planned as the ALFA Board did not support the initiative. The ALFA board did not support concentrating R&D at a single site, and maintained the need to conduct R&D across diverse geographical sites.