Three young lot feeders from Queensland have been announced as finalists in the Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA) Young Lot Feeder of the Year 2021 Award.
James Guest from Smithfield Cattle Co, Sapphire, Kelly Dudley from B Feeders, Rodgers Creek, and Simon Kensit from AACo Goonoo, Comet, join three interstate finalists in contention for the award.
The winner will be announced at the ALFA SmartBeef conference to be held at Dalby in October.
ALFA president Bryce Camm said the quality and number of entrants received this year was testament to the sector's work in attracting, retaining, and upskilling its talent.
"We have heavily invested in promoting the various career opportunities in the lot feeding sector to those seeking a rewarding career," Mr Camm said.
"Sustained support and initiative from feedlot managers in encouraging their staff to participate has ensured the award has gone from strength to strength."
Mr Camm said the award sat within a greater Recognition of Excellence Program that ALFA delivered on behalf of industry, and was one of the many ways the lot feeding sector sought to recognise and reward individuals and businesses that strove for excellence.
Finalists now progress to a second judging round, including an interview with the independent judging panel in August.
The outcome of this round will determine who will progress in the competition as one of three grand finalists.
The winner receives $5000 towards undertaking a professional development course or overseas study trip.
They also receive a grain-fed beef industry scholarship to attend the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation's TRAIL emerging leaders program, valued at $10,450.
2020 Young Lot Feeder Molly Sage will present the winner's cup at the ALFA SmartBeef conference.
The ALFA Young Lot Feeder Award 2021 finalists are:
- Caitlin Herbert, Gundamain Pastoral, NSW
- James Guest, Smithfield Cattle Co, Sapphire, Qld
- Kailen Hodgson, Teys Australia, Charlton, Vic
- Kelly Dudley, B Feeders, Rodgers Creek, Qld
- Lucy Morris, Lake Preston, WA
- Simon Kensit, AACo Goonoo, Comet, Qld
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