Feedlot Sector Continues to Impress at BeefEx: A Testament to Innovation and Growth

Sector Forward

The Australian feedlot industry once again showcased its resilience and forward-thinking approach at BeefEx, cementing its role as a crucial player in the beef supply chain. The biennial event, which attracts the nation’s top feedlot operators, suppliers, and industry experts, was a testament to the sector’s ongoing innovation, sustainability efforts, and its ability to meet growing global demand for premium beef.

Feedlotting, a cornerstone of Australia’s beef industry, provides a consistent and high-quality beef product, catering to both domestic and international markets.

This year’s BeefEx highlighted how feedlots are not only maintaining these high standards but are actively advancing in key areas such as animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and datadriven effciencies.

Innovation Driving the

One of the major themes at this year’s conference was the integration of cutting-edge technology to enhance productivity and animal care. From automated feeding systems to precision livestock management, feedlots are leveraging technology to improve operational effciency and reduce the environmental footprint. Presenters showcased how innovations such as drones, smart sensors, and AIpowered analytics are enabling operators to monitor cattle health in real-time, optimize feed conversion, and streamline overall management. These advancements are particularly signifcant as the industry responds to increased scrutiny around sustainability practices. With consumer demand for ethically produced beef on the rise, feedlots are under pressure to reduce emissions, conserve water, and improve the welfare of their livestock.

At BeefEx, several operators discussed their investment in renewable energy sources, such as solar power and methane capture, to minimize their carbon footprint while increasing proftability.

A Focus on Sustainability

Sustainability was at the forefront of many discussions, with an emphasis on how the industry can meet global climate targets without compromising on production quality. The feedlot sector has made strides in adopting more sustainable practices, such as water recycling, rotational grazing, and waste management systems that convert manure into valuable by-products.

A standout feature of BeefEx was the collaboration between industry leaders and sustainability experts, exploring how the sector can further reduce its environmental impact.

Speakers highlighted the importance of ongoing research and development in areas like methane reduction and carbon sequestration, both of which will be critical for the industry’s long-term success.

Supporting Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is a non-negotiable priority for the Australian feedlot sector, and BeefEx reinforced the industry’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care. Presentations and panel discussions highlighted the latest developments in pain mitigation, low-stress handling techniques, and health monitoring systems.

Feedlot operators shared their experiences of implementing best practices to ensure the wellbeing of cattle throughout the feeding process.

The conference also underscored the importance of transparency and consumer education in building trust with the public. As more consumers become interested in the origins of their food, the industry is focused on ensuring that its practices align with societal expectations around humane treatment and ethical sourcing.

Looking to the Future

With global demand for Australian beef continuing to rise, particularly in key export markets across Asia and the Middle East, the feedlot sector is poised for signifcant growth.

BeefEx 2024 offered a platform for stakeholders to discuss how to balance this growth with sustainability and innovation, ensuring that the industry remains competitive on the world stage.

The feedlot sector’s performance at BeefEx is a clear indication that it will continue to be a driving force in Australia’s agricultural economy. By embracing new technologies, prioritizing animal welfare, and committing to sustainability, the industry is wellpositioned to meet the challenges of the future while continuing to deliver high-quality beef to consumers around the world.

BeefEx 2024 was more than just a showcase of the sector’s current achievements; it was a glimpse into the future of Australian feedlotting, where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. As the industry evolves, it remains clear that the feedlot sector will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Australian agriculture.

Craig Owen Simpkins July 6th, 1962 – October 31st, 2023 our hearts you will stay loved and remembered every day. Love Mum, Sisters and Brothers

Late of Casino, passed away surrounded by family on 15th October 2024, aged 91 years.

Dearly loved Wife of John (dec’d) and formerly Keith Reid (dec’d). Much loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Robyn and John; Kerryn; Terry; Donna and Jeff. Loved Nana to her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Norma’s funeral, to be held at the Warwick Funerals Chapel, 48 Willi Street, Warwick, Qld, service commencing at 10:00am (Qld time), followed by interment at Eden Gardens Memorial Park, Little Warner Street, Warwick, Qld, Thursday, 24th October 2024. Alternatively, the service will be available via live stream, please go to www.burstows.com.au/tribute-centre

“Sadly missed by all who knew her” page

WAPPETT, VERNA DOREEN

29. 09. 1937 ~ 12. 10. 2024

Late of Crowley Village Ballina. Passed away peacefully at Lismore Base Hospital on Saturday 12th October 2024, aged 87. Beloved wife of Graeme. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Craig & Barbara, Karen & Baj. Devoted grandmother to Brittany, Madison, Adam, Kim, Crystal, Joshua, Lace and Tylah and her great grandchildren. Loved and sadly missed by her extended family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Verna’s Memorial Service to be held in the Rainbow Chapel, Rainbow Avenue Ballina on FRIDAY (October 25, 2024) commencing at 2.00 pm. e family are asking those attending the Memorial Service to please wear pastel coloured clothing.

Passed away peacefully at Ballina Hospital early on Sunday morning 13 October aged 85 years.

Beloved wife of Russell (deceased); and loving mother to Jade and Glen. Grandmother to Nyree, Kye and Jaye; and great grandmother to Aidan, Lily, Willow, Logan and Harvey.

Always remembered with love and affection.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering for Joan to be held at the Jullum Room, upper level of Ballina Surf Club, Lighthouse Beach, at 10:00am on Monday 28 October 2024.

Northern Rivers District:

Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming E/NE 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening. Thursday. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a storm in the afternoon and evening. Winds north to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light during the evening.

Northern Tablelands District: Mostly sunny. Light winds.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers in the south, slight chance elsewhere. The chance of a storm. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then tending southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening.

New South Wales:

Showers developing across the far south of the state, more likely about the southern ranges and coast later in the day. The chance of a shower along the north coast. Dry and mostly sunny elsewhere. The chance of fog across the central east and ranges. Northeast to northwesterly winds tending westerly about the ranges ahead of a southwesterly change spreading across the west and south of the state during the day. Fresh NE winds developing along the coast in the afternoon. Thursday. A few showers across the eastern half with storms possible along central and northern parts of the coast and adjacent ranges. Snow possible on the Alpine peaks above 1400 metres in the evening. Dry and sunny elsewhere in the west. Daytime temperatures above average in the northeast and near or below average across the south and west. Northeast to northwesterly winds in the northeast at first. A cooler, S/SW’ly change spreading across the state, fresh at times in the far west and along the coastal fringe.

Byron Coast: Winds: South to southwesterly 10 to 15 knots shifting north to northeasterly during the evening. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing to 1 metre during the morning. 1st Swell: Southerly 1.5 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the morning. 2nd Swell: Easterly around 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore south of Yamba. Weather: Mostly sunny. Coffs Coast: Winds: Southerly 10 to 15 knots shifting north to northeasterly during the afternoon. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing below 1 metre during the morning. 1st Swell: Southerly 1.5 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the morning. 2nd Swell: Easterly around 1 metre, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres during the morning. Weather: Mostly sunny.

Gold Coast Waters: Winds: South to southwesterly 10 to 15 knots becoming variable about 10 knots during the morning then becoming north to northeasterly 10 to 15 knots during the afternoon. Seas: Below 1 metre. 1st Swell: Southerly 1 to 2 metres, decreasing to around 1 metre during the afternoon. 2nd Swell: Easterly around 1 metre. Weather: Mostly sunny.

Harwood frst drop batter

Coby Tabor has scored the frst century of the season in the CRCA frst grade competition in his team’s frst innings win over Coutts Crossing.

Tabor resumed on 50no and guided his team to a commanding 8/254 in 57 overs before skipper Ben McMahon sent Coutts back in, looking for outright points.

Younger brother Hayden McMahon, who had snared seven wickets on day one, completed a stunning double for the game, scoring 44 as Harwood ground the Coutts attack into the Harwood Oval wicket.

Harwood was within two wickets of securing outright points as Coutts held on for 41 overs to fnish at 8/141. No details were available from the innings.

Stubborn batting from the South Services/ Westlawn tail has secured a rain-affected draw in their game against Lawrence at Ellem Oval, Grafton.

At 8/62, 100 behind Lawrence’s frst innings total and 25 overs scheduled for play, the Lawrence attack as closing in for the kill.

But Nathan Blanch and Max Forwell had other ideas and set about a stonewalling effort that blunted the Lawrence bowling.

In blocking 25 overs, the pair scored just two runs and ensured tensions in the Lawrance camp mounted as stumps got closer.

Day two began with Lawrence on 4/139 chasing quick runs.

But Souths ripped through the lower order, taking 6/23 to bowl them out for 162.

Skipper Dylan Cleaver did most of the damage, taking 5/61 from 18 overs.

But South Westlawn’s run chase began disastrously when Jack Cheney bowled Brendan Cotten with the frst ball of the innings.

Skipper Dylan Cleaver, 22, and Brendan Dunn 23, knuckled down for a 40-run stand, putting Souths in with a chance to start the season with a win.

But the loss of one wicket led to six and within half an hour Souths were clinging on for a draw.

The destroyer was Jarrod Ensbey, who wheeled down 10 tight and penetrative overs to fnish with 5/13.

At Ulmarra Tucabia Copmanhurst swept to victory over GDSC Easts on the back of twin contributions from veterans Matt Pigg, 61, and Brad Chard, 45. Easts would have fancied their chance of defending their below par total of 156 when the early breakthroughs came.

But a 55-run partnership for the sixth wicket between Pigg and

Travis Anderson, 16, took them to 142 just 15 runs short.

Pigg was dismissed at 7/154 with three needed for victory.

Chard and new batter Chris Adamson knocked off the runs, but when the score his 165, the afternoon got more exciting.

The last three wickets fell for no runs and GDSC Easts were asked to bat for a second time.

Easts opening bowler Aaron McFadyen enjoyed his return to the team after a season’s absence, taking 6/67 from 20 overs. His opening partner Shannon Connor took 3/38 from 22.1 overs.

Batting a second time Easts imploded for 65 with Matt Pigg’s off spinners snaring 4/20 and Anderson taking 3/4 to suddenly put an unlikely outright in sight. With a victory target of 55 in fve overs Tucabia went out swinging and came up just 15 short for the loss of two wickets. Anderson led the way with 19 not out, but time ran out.

On Saturday another round of two-day games begin.

At Ellem Oval hosts the GDSC Easts and Harwood clash, Ulmarra Showground is the venue for the Coutts Crossing v South Services Westlawn game and Lower Fisher Turf is the venue for the match between Lawrence and Tucabia Copmanhurst.

MAHJONG RESULTS – OCTOBER 18TH, 2024

1. Lorna Simpson

2. Jan Boardman

3. Lynda Lovett

4. Linda Lloyd

5. Ramsay Roper

6. Jan Small

7. Pauline Kearney

8. Sally Lowry

9. Val Heinritz

10. Joy Lowien

11. Pam Farrell

12. Margaret Bryant

13. Yvonne Weddup

14. Rosemary Russell

15. Valda McLerie

16. Vanessa Reynolds

17. Jeanette Henwood

18. Lisa Wong

19. Barbara Ellan

20. Susan Scott

21. Jan Henley

22. Gail McDonagh

23. Janene Jarvis

24. Shirley Atkinson

25. Cindy Smith

Congratulations to all participants!

CASINO WOMEN’S BOWLS RESULTS

– WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16TH

On Wednesday morning, October 16th, the Casino Women’s Bowls Club held another enjoyable session on the greens. The competition was lively, and all participants showcased their skills and sportsmanship. The standout performers of the day, based on the highest score, were the team of Ivy Watson and Julie Creighton, who secured a well-earned victory over Tanya Maxwell and Raelene Skirrey.

In a closely contested match, Maria Hellyar and Chris Haynes triumphed over Carmel Doyle and Mary Mead, rounding off an exciting day of bowls with a narrow win. Congratulations to all participants for their efforts and competitive spirit!

CHERRY STREET CROQUET CLUB RESULTS

Association Croquet

• S. Hume defeated G. Porter 14-13

Ricochet Croquet

• D. Scott / G. Porter defeated G. Kerr / R. Chapman 14-11

• J. Hannigan / B. Wellings defeated P. Bolte / M. Russell 13-11

• P. Scott / J. Doust defeated B. Bill / N. Watts 17-7

• P. Bolte / D. Scott defeated J. Hannigan / R. Poynting 14-12

• R. Allen defeated B. Wellings / B. Bill 15-13

• J. Bate and A. Mangan fnished level at 15-15

• M. Russell / P. Scott defeated M. Field / N. Barnes 14-10

Golf Doubles OBE Club Championship

• 1st: D. Taylor / B. Wellings

• 2nd: M. Russell / E. Astley

• 3rd: N. Barnes / J. Copeland

• 4th: J. Doust / N.

Watts

Upcoming Events

• Twilight Social Golf

Croquet: Every Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 PM

• Croquet for Kids: Every Thursday afternoon at 3:30 PM

All new players are very welcome!

CORAKI VETERANS GOLF RESULTS

A total of 52 golfers participated in Thursday’s Single Stableford competition, with excellent performances across the board. Congratulations to the following top fnishers:

• Winner: J. Sauer

• 2nd Place: N. Cuppitt

• 3rd Place: W. Henwood

The free game was awarded to B. McDonald.

Chicken/Ball Winners: K. Lloyd, W. Lunnon, R. Earnshaw, R. Rodda, D. Vagne, R. Mackay, T. Woods, R. Gacioppa, J. Weaver, A. Ganter, D. Bullock, R. Black, G. Flaherty, and B. Micheal.

Nearest the Pin:

• 3rd/12th: B. Micheal

• 6th/15th: P. Martin life and plays a vital role in bringing communities together.

Looking ahead, next Thursday will feature another Single Stableford event with a shotgun start at 8:30 AM.

Until then, happy golfng!

The Minns Labor Government has committed $200,000 to boost multicultural involvement in rugby league.

This investment was announced during the launch of the 2024 Heritage Rugby League season at the NSW Rugby League Centre of Excellence.

Heritage Rugby League’s mission is to foster greater participation from multicultural communities by promoting unity and understanding among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups.

The funding will help raise awareness of rugby league participation opportunities, develop leadership within CALD communities, celebrate cultural heritage through sport, and strengthen social cohesion.

A key focus will be on forming teams that allow players to represent their ancestral backgrounds, including countries like India and China.

Additionally, efforts will be made to increase the participation of CALD women in various roles, including playing, coaching, volunteering, and leadership.

Minister for Sport

Steve Kamper said:

“Sport is a key part of the fabric of Australian

“Whether it’s kicking a ball at the local sports ground, swimming at the beach or playing cricket at the park, sport has the power to connect us all regardless of background.

“The NSW Government’s support of Heritage Rugby League aims to give people from multicultural communities the opportunity to participate in rugby league and build community connections which can be so important when you’re a new Australian.”

Ensuring a safe, inclusive and fun experience is essential for all people trying a new sport for the frst time so they want to keep coming back”

Heritage Rugby League President Javed Hamidi said:

“Our communities work tirelessly to provide people with the opportunities to celebrate culture and to represent their heritage through playing rugby league.

“This grant will provide opportunities to connect more deeply with CALD communities, grow multicultural participation, create leadership opportunities, and showcase role models for the next generation to follow.”

Last week, the Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Club (RRDBC), Lennox Head-Ballina, was awarded the prestigious Dragon Boat New South Wales (DBNSW) 2023-2024 ‘CLUB of the YEAR.’

On hand at the Sydney International Regatta Centre to accept the award from Kathy Cummings, president of the DBNSW Board was Carmel Smith RRDBC

• Masters Games in Adelaide - three bronze medals for Senior A Women 10s, Senior B Women 20s and Breast Cancer Survivor 10s

• Currumbin Regatta in October - two silver medals for the Women 10s and the Mixed 10s

• Coast2Coast Regatta at Kawana in November

– no medals received but did participate strongly in all race categories vice president, who said “It was such an honour to be representing the club. This is an acknowledgement to us all, that we are such a strong club in so many ways.”

Smith summarises Cummings’ speech “It’s our well-run regatta, our growth, the strong support we receive from the community, and head coach Mary Davis’s support to local

• Broadwater Regatta in February – a bronze medal in the Open 10s

• Grafton Regatta in March – the Women’s 10s came in frst and the Open 10s team got a third. A third place was also gained in the 6km race on the Saturday

• Attempted to attend the NSW State Championships in April – 20 paddlers put their hand up and were clubs and her position on the DBNSW Advisory Board.”

The award criteria was rigorous and recognised that the club is now one of the State’s largest (126 members), has a 20 year history, good governance, a schools program with Ballina Coast High and an inclusive 4 week “New Paddler Program.”

Whilst in the past year, Rainbow Dragons has ready for racing and travelled to Sydney only to be disappointed at the cancellation of the event

• Kalang Regatta in May – a very successful regatta for the club placing third in the 100m Dash race, second in the 7.5km Marathon, frst in the Women’s 20s 200m fnal and third in the Women’s 10s fnal.

• Rainbows Regatta in August - the Rainbow had representative competitors at regional level, provided volunteer offcials at regional regattas, and the club has competed at national masters, regional and interstate regattas.

President Lu Cooney said “What an honour to receive this recognition from DBNSW, for the commitment, positive energy and hard work from all members of our club.”

Women 10s team for the second year running won this category with the Brisbane Typhoon club team coming in second.

After the event, the Rainbows Team Manager was told by the Brisbane Typhoon Club Manager that this same Typhoon Women’s team had won the QLD State Championships earlier this year.

Liam Jennings

The Australian ultra-marathon runner Nedd Brockmann has concurred the ‘Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge’ a 1,600 km (1,000 mile) run which has raised over $3 million for Homelessness Charity We Are Mobilise.

Brockmann, the 25-year-old ex-sparky from Forbes, completed the challenge over 12 days, running in circles around the same 400m running track at Sydney Olympic Park.

This however is not the frst great challenge that Brockmann has completed.

Back in 2022

Brockmann ran 4,000 km in 46 and a half days from Western Australia to Bondi, raising $1.85 million, again for We Are Mobilise to combat homelessness.

Brockmann was attempting to break a new world record in the ‘Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge’, however his injuries prevented him from taking home the record.

Instead took home over $3 million in donations to combat homelessness.

Brockmann posted to his Instagram account on day 10 stating the extent of his injuries.

“As the tenth ‘day’ out here comes to a close, 1426 km chewed up. I’m stuck out here between a limp and a brisk walk. Alternating those every 200 metres.”

“I’ve had no function of my right ant tib since the end of day three, so I’ve been snapping

“(Sunny) obliterated the 18-year-old he fought,” said Smith.

There is no stopping the talent from Maddog Boxing, based at Meerschaumvale.

Sixteen-year-old Woodburn boxer Sunny Maclean recently won his lightweight division in the boxing State of Origin series, NSW vs QLD held at Lone Star Tavern on the Gold Coast a couple of weeks ago.

Sunny and the small team from Maddog, including coach, Scott Smith, were in enemy territory with the majority of the crowd backing their Queensland rivals.

That didn’t stop the small cohort from coming away from their fghts as winners.

“Although he fought for NSW, because we fght in Queensland a lot, he has been picked in the Queensland team to fght dictus band rubbers left right and centre. No sleep because the tendinitis everywhere punches me in the throat come rest time.” He continued.

But Brockmann was determined to keep on going.

“We are so much more capable than we think.” He posted.

“Sometimes, you need to have the courage to pursue something beyond your limits. Often, when something goes wrong or not to plan, we throw in the towel and look for every excuse to get comfortable.”

“Stick with it, fnd a way, and fght to the very end, no matter the cost.”

So Brockmann pushed on, and on day 12 he completed the challenge, posting to his Instagram “12 days 13 hours 16 minutes and 45 seconds. Average 128 kilometres a day. 2.6 million raised for Aussies experiencing homelessness and counting.”

With a goal of raising $10 million for combating homelessness, donations can still be made to help reach that target. in the Australian titles in November at Gosford.”

You can follow Nedd Brockmann’s journey by following his offcial Instagram account @ neddbrockmann.

To donate, please see the QR code below.

The other boxers who came away as champions include Baby Viane, from New Zealand who has only been in the country for eight months and fghts in the super heavy weight division.

“We had everything against us and Baby was a last minute decision,” said Smith.

“We only had that day to prepare him and he ended up beating his opponent, Ben Gilman.

“It was one of the most exciting fghts I’ve ever been involved in.”

Other champions from the Maddog gym include 16-year-old Dylan Wright from Wollongbar who won his fght in the welterweight division.

Then there was Lui Mclean, also 16 and also from Wollongbar, who won the featherweight Queensland state title.

Smith laughed that he is getting asked what he is feeding his champions at the gym, because it is obviously working.