B.FLT.4028 - Australian lot feeding industry shade and shelter investment intentions survey
ALFA’s Shade Initiative, launched in 2020, is transforming Australian feedlots. Shade access has grown from 56.3% in 2020, projected to reach 83.5% by 2026 – driven by proven benefits for animal health, welfare, comfort and performance.
| Project start date: | 01 October 2024 |
| Project end date: | 01 February 2026 |
| Publication date: | 10 December 2025 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
The Australian feedlot industry aimed to improve animal welfare by increasing shade access, as heat stress impacts cattle health and performance. MLA supported the Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA’s) Shade Initiative by conducting a comprehensive survey and thematic analysis to understand current shade adoption, barriers, and future intentions across NFAS-accredited feedlots. The study found strong industry support for shade, with 80.5% of constructed feedlot capacity already providing access and projections reaching 83.5% by 2026.
Objectives
1. Develop a survey for each of the following groups of lot feeders:
a. those that currently have installed shade and/or shelter across 100% of their feedlot pen capacity
b. those that have installed shade and/or shelter across part of their pen capacity within the feedlot
c. those that own more than one feedlot with different proportions of shade or shelter across those respective sites
d. those that have not installed shade or shelter at their site(s).
2. Undertake a survey of each of the groups of lot feeders identified in Objective 1, to represent 80% of cattle capacity in each of the categories (1.a. – 1.d.). A diversity of geographic locations and feedlot business sizes within each category must be surveyed. Minimum 25 feedlots in each category required.
3. Determine the reasons for adoption/non-adoption of shade or shelter by the Australian lot feeding industry in each of the categories (1.a. – 1.d.).
4. Determine the percentage of residual non-shaded Australian feedlot pen capacity that is scheduled for shade or shelter installation and included in formal capital expenditure plans each year for the next five years.
Key findings
Results from this survey indicate approximately 80.5% of the constructed feedlot capacity provided cattle with access to shade. This indicates that the previous figure of 70.4% may be an underestimate, with the actual pledge percentage higher. Projections from the survey indicate a gradual increase in shade installation, with shade access expected to rise to approximately 83.5% of total constructed capacity by the end of 2026 and 84.5% by the end of 2029. Achieving the ALFA pledge of 100% compliance by 2026 remains unlikely due to existing significant resistance from some feedlots.
Benefits to industry
1. Animal welfare and health:
a. reduces heat stress, improving cattle comfort and wellbeing
b. lowers morbidity and mortality during extreme heat events
c. supports compliance with welfare standards and community expectations
2. Productivity and performance:
a. improves feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion efficiency
b. helps maintain consistent performance during summer months
c. reduces losses during excessive heat load events.
3. Sustainability and market access:
a. 91% of respondents believe shade supports long-term industry sustainability
b. enhances social license and public perception of animal care
c. aligns with ethical standards, helping secure market access and meet customer expectations.
4. Operational and environmental benefits:
a. better management of cattle during extreme weather events
b. potential improvements in environmental efficiency (e.g. reduced water use)
c. supports industry reputation and resilience against climate variability.
MLA action
MLA has collaborated with ALFA on a communications strategy to the feedlot industry where this final report will be used to support ALFA communications the positive impacts of increased shade adoption.
Future research
No
More information
| Project manager: | Liz Pearson |
| Contact email: | Reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | Meehan AgriBusiness Solutions |
