Better Beef Countdown
For this year’s 2021 Better Beef event, we have developed a dynamic program to appeal to all areas of the Western Australian grain-fed beef supply chain, bringing practical knowledge and diverse demonstrations that participants will be able to apply to their everyday businesses.  

The last 12 months have been a tough time for all Australians, and the agricultural industry has led the way in maintaining operations in times of uncertainty. We have built Better Beef 2021 on the back of this perseverance, with a focus on looking forward to the future, and also providing attendees with take-home knowledge to best equip them to operate with longevity and endurance in these challenging times.

We are confident that the program we’re pulled together, combining the much anticipated Beef Connections Sundowner and Dinner, with two jam packed days of exceptional speakers bestowing information and feedlot demonstrations that I am sure all sectors of the WA beef supply chain will be able to apply directly to their operations.

We look forward to welcoming you to Better Beef ’21!

Todd Fotheringhame (WALFA President)
Location
Day 1 Camarri Feedlot
431 Cundinup West Road, Cundinup

Day 2 Paradise Beef Feedlot
3115 Silipo Road, Paynedale
Date & Time
April 15, 2021, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
April 16, 2021, 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Location - Day 1
Camarri Feedlot
Camarri Feedlot, 431 Cundinup West Road, Cundinup
Directions From Bunbury
Head towards Busselton on Bussell Highway
Before Busselton turn left onto Sues Road (Sign Posted towards Nannup)
Turn Left onto Vasse Highway
Travel approx. 31 km and turn Left onto Cundinup West Road

Directions from Central Areas
2 km south of Kirup on the South West Highway turn onto Cundinup- Kirup Road (Sign Posted to Nannup)
At the end of the Cundinup-Kirup Road (20km) turn right onto Cundinup West Road.

Note: All roads should be bitumen.
Location - Advanced Feeds Beef Connections Dinner
ABBEY BEACH RESORT - 595 Bussell Highway, Busselton, Western Australia
Location - Day 2
Paradise Beef Feedlot 3115 Silipo Road, Donnybrook 
Directions from Abbey Beach Resort
Travel Time - Approx. 55 minutes.
Take the Bussell Highway (Busselton Bypass) towards Capel and Bunbury
Turn Right onto Spurr Street (just before Capel)
Turn Right onto Goodwood Road 
Turn Left (31 km along Goodwood Road) onto Silipo Road

Advanced Feeds
'BEEF CONNECTIONS DINNER'
The Beef Connections Dinner brings the Western Australian Grain Fed Beef supply chain together to celebrate the industry’s achievements. It provides the WALFA community with the opportunity to thank key stakeholders for their support, and recognizes delegates who are working tirelessly to produce some of the world’s best produce. This year we will proudly be announcing the winners of the WALFA Researcher of the Year, the WALFA Innovator of the Year and the WALFA Life Member. Join us to celebrate excellence and recognize life long service to the WA lot feeding sector.
Dress Code: Cocktail Attire
If you have special dietary requirements we will do our best to accommodate them, but please let us know by COB 12th April 2021.
Keynote Speaker: Hayden Ballantyne '"From Fremantle Dockers Superstar to West Coast Wool & Livestock Agent"
Also featuring the WALFA Awards Charity Auction: Raising money towards the expansion of the awards system for 2023, and sending a rising superstar in the lot feeding industry to an national ALFA feedlot conference.
Event Accommodation
Abbey Beach Resort
The Abbey Beach Resort has event accommodation available.
To utilise this please see below online booking option, alternatively contact the resort directly and quote promo code BEEF2021.

Booking your Accommodation Online: in order for you to book your accommodation at Abbey Beach Resort for the event please follow the below instructions.
  1. Log into www.abbeybeach.com.au
  2. Select the dates requested.
  3. Chose the number of people
  4. Enter Promo Code – BEEF2021
  5. Click on SEARCH
  6. Proceed with steps to make the booking
  7. Please book as soon as possible to secure availability 
Room Options:
       Studio Spa Suit – Sleeps two people.
       One Bedroom apartment – sleeps two people.
       Two Bedroom Apartment – Sleeps four people.
       Three Bedroom Apartment – Sleeps six people.
PROMO CODE: BEEF2021
Program Day 1 Hosted by Camarri Feedlot
8:30 AM
Registrations and Trade Stalls
This year we have some spectacular trade stalls attending to showcase a range of innovative solutions across animal health, feedlot data management, machinery, feedstuffs and much much more!
9:00 AM
Welcome to BETTER BEEF 2021
Todd Fotheringhame (WALFA President) welcomes delegates to Better Beef 2021.
9:05 AM
Introduction to Session One
Introduction to the first session by sponsor Nutrien Ag
9:10 AM
Social License and ALFA Shade Strategy
Bryce Camm, ALFA President, delivers virtually on the emerging national shade initiative.
9:50 AM
Bridging the Gap from Producer to Consumer
Thomas Green, Iranda Beef General Manager, explores feeding through winter and shade benefits
10:30 AM
Morning Tea
Sponsored by Morgan Feed Supplies
10:50 AM
Introduction to Session Two
Introduction to the second session by sponsor Coopers Animal Health
10:55 AM
Why is WA Lagging in R & D Adoption
Dave Pethick from Murdock University shares the changes in the beef industry seen throughout his career in research.
11:20 AM
Processing in the West
Andrew Fuda, CEO of Western Meat Packer Group, gives delegates insight into their current operations and the future expansions.
11:45 AM
Feedlot Financials
Bryce Camm, CEO of Camm Agricultural Group, shares his insights into driving profitability in feedlots past and present.
12:10 PM
Zoetis Animal Health Products
We hear from sponsor Zoetis, on their journey in supporting the Australian Beef Supply Chain thorough their globally recognised animal health products.
12:15 PM
Lunch
Sponsored by Zoetis.
12:55 PM
Introduction to Session Three
Introduction to session three by sponsor Integrated Animal Production (IAP).
01:00 PM
Shelter Reality
David Gillett of Jalna Feedlot provides a virtual tour of his facility and illuminates his investment into shelters.
01:20 PM
What's on in the West
David Miller from Murdock University shares the ground-breaking research happening right here in WA.
01:40 PM
Lets Talk Science
Jeff House, ALFA Technical Services Officer and shade guru, walks us through the research and benefits of shade.
02.00 PM
WALFA President
Todd Fotheringhame, President of WALFA, shares his perspective on ALFA's shade initiative and how the WA industry can kick goals in this space.
02.10 PM
Panel Session
Bryce Camm, Thomas Green, Jeff House, David Miller and Todd Fotheringhame have an open discussion on national shade policy and what it means for WA feedlots.
02.40 PM
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea sponsored by Zambonetti & Wedderburn Transport.
ROTATION SESSIONS (Three 30 minute small group sessions) 
03.00 PM
ROTATION 1 Fundamentals of Antimicrobial Stewardship
Jeff House (ALFA) and Enoch Bergman (Swans Veterinary Services) deliver the practicalities of AMS and what it means for your operation.
03.30 PM
ROTATION 2 Mills Investment
Rob Lawrence (Integrated Animal Production) and host Matt Camarri cover off on the practicalities of milling and the value of making good investment into the heart of your feeding operations.
04.00 PM
ROTATION 3 Spotlight on Silage
Dario Nandapi from Smart Cow divulges the ins and outs of making great silage, and how to make it work for you
04.30 PM
Close of Day 1 Sessions
06.30 PM
Advanced Feeds BEEF CONNECTIONS DINNER
The Beef Connections Dinner will be held at the Abbey Beach Resort Ballroom, Busselton.
Thank you to the Better Beef 2021 Sponsors for their support of the event. Click on their logo's below to find out more about these fantastic business's and how they can help your operation to thrive!
Program Day 2 Hosted by Paradise Beef Feedlot
7:30 AM
Coffee and Conversation - AGM Breakfast
Brought to you by sponsor AUSTASIA
8:30 AM
Registrations, together with trade exhibitions
This year we have some spectacular trade stalls attending to showcase a range of innovative solutions across animal health, feedlot data management, machinery, feedstuffs and much much more!
8:55 AM
Welcome to Better Beef Day 2
Welcome by Ivan Rogers WALFA Vice President
9:00 AM
Imagine Automation
MLA's Feedlot Program Manager, Joe McNeniman, introduces delegates to new age technology automating the industry.
9:30 AM
WOW!
An objective review and results from 'Walk Over Weighing' technology in the feedlot space by Rachelle Hergenhan from the University of New England
9:45 AM
Towards Technology
Tony Batterham from Apiam Animal Health provides insight into where animal health technology can be applied to your business.
10:00 AM
What's Happening with Markets?
Rob Kelly from LIVEstock Pricing enlightens on the current progress of cattle and grain markets in WA.
10:25 AM
Morning Tea
Sponsored by Morgan Feed Supplies
10:45 AM
Rotation Session 1
1. Nuts and Bolds - Annie Brox of Origo Farms lays out practical solutions to automation in feedlots and beyond
2. Get up close and personal with the WOW technology with Rachelle Hergenhan
11:35 AM
Rotation Session 2
1. Accomplishing an Autopsy - Enoch Bergman from Swans Veterinary Services explores the overwhelming value of a post mortem and his top tips for doing it well.
2. Get up close and personal with the REALWARE technology with Tony Batterham.
12:25 PM
Hear from the Host
Gary Dimasi, Owner Operator Paradise Enterprises, discusses the incorporation of shelter and the use of technology in their operations.
12:45 PM
Paradise Beef Feedlot Tour
1:15 PM
Departing Lunch brought to you by DPIRD
2021 PRESENTOR PROFILES
This year we are thrilled to welcome some incredibly talented experts across a range of areas to share their expertise in topics such as social license, shade, technology, finance, research and much much more!
Bryce Camm
CEO Camm agricultural group / president ALFA
Bryce Camm hails from Dalby in Queensland’s Darling Downs region where he oversees his family’s company Camm Agricultural Group; an integrated beef and cropping enterprise with interests across Queensland. Bryce has been CEO of the group for the past six years.

Prior to that he was the Manager of the group’s award winning Wonga Plains Feedlot for eight years where he oversaw the operation triple in size.

Bryce undertook a dual degree in Business Administration and Communications at Bond University.

Bryce is currently the Chairman of Beef Australia Ltd and President of the Australian Lot Feeders Council
Dr. Rachelle Hergenhan B. Rur. Sci. (Hons)/PhD
Industry Engagement Manager UNE SMART Farms
Dr. Rachelle Hergenhan (B. Rur. Sci. (Hons)/PhD) is the Industry Engagement Manager for the UNE SMART Farms. She is the conduit between UNE researchers and external stakeholders to facilitate high quality and industry relevant research on the SMART Farms.  

Rachelle also contributes to the commercial operations of the farm to support the implementation of technology and best farming practice. She has recently undertaken the carbon audit of the SMART farms to determine their position as carbon neutral.

 As a cattle and sheep producer, Rachelle brings both practical and scientific knowledge to this role and is passionate about supporting research which has real industry outcomes.
Annie Brox
FOUNDER / MANAGING DIRECTOR
Annie Brox grew up on a mixed farming operating in Norway, producing grains, potatoes and livestock. A graduate of the prestigious University of Trondheim in Norway, Annie is an experienced and accomplished executive with global experience in technology, telecommunications, marketing and business management.

Her career has included working for the United Nations in various roles, and 19 years of experience in senior management positions in the ICT industry.

Annie arrived in Australia in 2012 with the intention of starting an IT services business and became the Founder and Managing Director of Origo Pty Ltd proving Agriculture Operations Support Services in the Australian Market.
Dario Nandapi
Veterinary Scientist / Consultant for smartcow
Dario graduated as a Veterinarian from the University of Melbourne in 1987. He is a member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Dairy Medicine and Production (1996), and was awarded a residency position in production animal medicine by Murdoch University in 1997.
Dario has been working in the Western Australian Dairy industry since 1994, and has been running his consulting business 'SmartCow' since 2005.

Dario is an accredited trainer for a number of programs such as Countdown Down Under (National Mastitis Project), In Calf(National fertility project), Feeding Pastures for Profit (National grazing Management project), Feeding Finesse (National Dairy Nutrition Course) and is also an Examiner for Australian Association of Ruminant Nutritionist and the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Animal Nutrition.

Dario lives in Binningup with his wife Ruth and two daughters, and is a 1st Lieutenant in the local volunteer bush fire brigade.
David Miller
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
David is an agricultural scientist from WA. After completing his undergraduate degree and PhD at UWA, David spent 10 years in the UK researching environmental impacts on farm animal production, health and welfare.
In 2005 David returned to WA and joined the Veterinary Biology group at Murdoch University. He has conducted research into welfare of transported livestock, automated data capture to monitor on-farm wellbeing, heat load in livestock exported to foreign feedlots, and the impact of handling conditions and novel environments on feedlot cattle.

His current research interests include production, health and welfare monitoring and management throughout the beef, lamb and pork supply chains.

David is about to undertake an MLA-funded research program on the ‘Benefits of shade for feedlot cattle in a temperate climatic region’. Testing the benefits (performance, health, welfare) will set a benchmark to assess the advantages and payback period of adopting a shade solution.

Better knowledge of the benefits of shade to animal health and welfare will add to the industry’s externally presented reporting around good animal welfare standards to provide information for public education and greater product awareness.
Dr. Joseph McMeniman
Feedlot Program Manager – Meat & Livestock Australia
Since 2015 Joe has worked closely with the lot feeding industry to identify opportunities to improve feedlot animal productivity, health, welfare and sustainability.

Prior to joining MLA, Joe obtained a M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal science from Texas Tech University, and worked in the feedlot industry as a consulting nutritionist.
Thomas Green
Iranda Beef General manager / ALFA Councillor 2020
Qualifications: Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Animal Production (Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga)
 
Experience: Following graduation from university Tom travelled and worked in North America on large scale bull breeding properties for 12 months. Entering the feedlot industry in 2012 Tom joined Teys Australia, working in a variety of feedlot roles before joining Thomas Foods International in 2016.

Thomas Foods International Feedlot is a 17,500HD feedlot located in Tintinara, South Australia. The feedlot is surrounded by 12,000HA of grazing and irrigation land that is used to breed cattle, trade steers, and produce fodder for the feedlot. Throughout 2021, a large-scale expansion to the feedlot is taking place that will see it grow to 30,000HD capacity.
 
Tom was awarded young lot feeder of the year in 2017 and a Nuffield Scholarship in 2019 with a focus topic of animal welfare in intensive animal production.

Tom has been an external representative on the ALFA Feedlot Management committee (2019) and R&D committee (2020).
Andrew Fuda
CEO Western Meat packers group (WMPG)
Andrew Fuda has a wealth of meat industry knowledge that he puts into practise daily overseeing the processing of world class Margaret River Fresh beef onto the shelves of major National and International supermarket chains. Andrew learned early in his career as a butcher, that presentation of the offering is equally as important as the quality of the produce as the keys to building a thriving business. He travels and attends conferences constantly, staying abreast of technology and innovation trends that can be applied in the ever-growing WMPG business.

Andrew’s roles also include CEO of MAPWA of which he was instrumental in establishing through a collaboration with Coles management and sits on the AMIC Board as the voice of both local and export markets.

With a passion for beef, Western Australian produce and state of the art technology, Andrew melds these interests into action in the thriving businesses he oversees. These efforts have seen the Margaret River Fresh brand grow into a multiple category winner year upon year.

In 2020, Andrew was the driving force behind bringing Margaret River Fresh produce wholesale direct to public with the first WA Big Butcher retail direct outlet opening in Osborne Park, Western Australia. This outlet showcases how Andrew believes fresh produce should be presented and is augmented with Western Australia’s largest Dry Age commercial fridge.
David Pethick
Professor of Biochemistry & Nutrition

Dave grew up on the family farm in Sth Australia that is now run by his brother. He trained in Agricultural Science at Adelaide University and then completed doctorate at Cambridge University, UK.

He has worked in the farm animal Industries for 42 years post graduation as a university academic, researcher, teacher and industry practitioner. Currently actively involved in meat science of sheep and cattle across the value chain.

Dave has played a key role in the development of the world renowned Meat Standards Australia Beef and Lamb Grading systems
Rob Kelly
FOunder livestock pricing
Rob grew up on a sheep and cropping farm in Kojonup and has a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural (Hons) and an MBA from the University of Western Australia (UWA).

He spent 10 years at Plum Grove and oversaw accumulation, commodity risk management and supply chain management as the Senior Derivatives Manager. During this time he was also heavily involved in the development and scale up of DailyGrain before it was sold to CBH.

In 2018, he founded his company LIVEstock Pricing. A price discovery platform for the Australian livestock industry.
 Join us on April 15th and 16th 
We look forward to hosting you!

Processing Registration...

Powered by: