As the winner of the ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award, Tim receives a $5,000 study bursary.
The Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) has named emerging lot feeder Tim Brennan, Livestock Supervisor from NH Foods’ Whyalla Beef as the winner of the 2023 Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award at the SmartBeef23 Industry Dinner in Tamworth.
The Award, proudly sponsored by Performance Feeds, recognises and rewards those who exemplify passion, leadership, and a visionary outlook towards the future of lot feeding.
Entrants are required to submit a compelling essay on a real or perceived industry issue, discussing its implications to the feedlot industry and explore a proposed solution. They must also demonstrate their leadership potential through a defined set of criteria
From a pool of talented entrants, six progressed as finalist and undertook an interview with the independent judging panel followed by a presentation and meet and greet with the ALFA Council in August.
Tim Brennan, alongside Jacob Leak (Operations Manager at Jindalee Feedlot) and Maddison Fryer (Feedlot Data and Operations at Rangers Valley) were named Grand Finalists, progressing to the final round where they created short videos to showcase their story and essay topic. The videos can be viewed on YouTube.
Tim Brennan achieved the accolade thanks to his compelling essay addressing the staff retention issues faced in Australian lot feeding businesses. His approach towards improving industry retention through ground level leadership development impressed judges Scott Sloss (Performance Feeds), Jim Cudmore (ALFA Life Member) and Molly Sage(Young Lot Feeder 2020, Stockyard Beef).
ALFA President, Barb Madden, said that Tim’s deserving win means his name is now cemented in the long and distinguished list of Young Lot Feeder winners that have gone before him.
“The Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award holds great value within the industry and has continuously been a marker of future leaders in the grain fed beef sector,” Mrs Madden said.
“The list spans from the very first winner, Warren Salter in 1994 who remains connected to the lot feeding sector, as does the majority of the 29-strong list; a testament to our sectors ability to foster and support our emerging leaders via this prestigious Award.
“The ALFA Council is consistently impressed by the calibre of young people the Award brings forward each year, with Tim being a standout in his presence, passion, and thought leadership.
“We’re eager to follow Tim, Jacob & Maddie’s professional journeys. They certainly have a bright future ahead of them in the lot feeding sector,” she remarked.
As the winner of the ALFA Young Lot Feeder of the Year Award, Tim receives a $5,000 study bursary, which can be used towards undertaking a professional development course or an overseas study trip. He is also awarded a grain fed beef industry scholarship to partake in the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s TRAIL: for emerging leaders program, valued at $11,550.
“We thank our long-time Award sponsor and ALFA Platinum Member, Performance Feeds, who has continued to support the professional development of lot feeding talent for many years.
“It is always pleasing to be able to highlight the achievements and aspirations of our future leaders through this Award,” Mrs Madden said.
-ALFA