The R&D Forums are designed to consult directly with cattle industry stakeholders to provide updates on both domestic and international market programs and the Bovine Respiratory Disease Initiative.

MLA Feedlot Project Manager Joe McMeniman said the forums were an opportunity not only for lot feeders but all stakeholders in the grainfed cattle industry to provide feedback on R&D priorities.

“Both MLA and ALFA place a high degree of importance on consulting with stakeholders and improving adoption of R&D, and the Feedlot R&D Forums are an ideal platform for us to do this,” McMeniman said.

ALFA president Tess Herbert said open workshops would be held at each forum for stakeholders to voice their views.

“Face-to-face contact is very important and we see the forums as a good way to get feedback from the industry,” Herbert said.

According to ALFA only around 34 per cent of Australia’s 28 million strong cattle herd are finished in feedlots and spend an average of 95 days being fed before export or slaughter. Unlike in the United States where up to 90% of at the nation’s cattle are finished in feedlots and spend around 180 days in feedlotting operations.

ALFA has responsibility for consulting with grainfed levy payers and obtaining approval for the grainfed investment in the MLA R&D and marketing activities each year. MLA is investing $12.6 million on behalf of grainfed cattle producers in 2015/16.

The total includes a $6.92m investment in R&D, with $3.46m from levies matched by a contribution from the Federal Government of $3.46m. The remaining $5.7m has been directed to marketing, with a proportion allocated to specific grainfed marketing and the remainder contributing to beef marketing in partnership with the grassfed cattle sector.

The Feedlot R&D Forums run from 9.30am to 3pm, with lunch included, and are free to attend but pre-registration is essential:

• Emerald, Queensland – Monday, April 11, Emerald Explorers Inn
• Dalby, Queensland – Wednesday, April 13, Russell Tavern
• Moree, NSW – Thursday, April 14, Moree Service Club
• Tamworth, NSW – Tuesday, April 19, Ibis Styles Hotel
• Wagga Wagga, NSW – Wednesday, April 20, Mercure Hotel
• Echuca, Victoria – Thursday, April 21, Mercure Hotel
• Hahndorf, SA – Friday, April 22 – Old Mill Inn

To register for the Feedlot R&D Forums contact Dr Joe McMeniman, MLA Feedlot Project Manager, on 0447 264 341 or email: [email protected]