Leading the sessions on using modern genetic technologies to breed and select better feeder cattle were Dr Peter Parnell, Director of NSW DPI Beef Industry Centre, Armidale, (left) with Bob Dent of Angus Australia, Glen Innes, and Wayne Upton, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, Armidale. Dr Parnell and Bob Dent along with Bob Gaden of NSW DPI organised the school.

Organisers and participants at the Armidale Feeder Steer School are calling this year’s school another rousing success.

More than 80 participants from across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria representing all levels of the cattle and feedlot industry attended the school, with a particular focus from the feedlot and stock agent sector.

The program featured the beef industries biggest players delivering the latest Beef Co-operative Research Centre (Beef CRC) research and practical skills to help improve the paddock to plate supply chain.

Representatives from Australia’s largest cattle producer, the Australian Agricultural Company, Australia’s largest processor, Australian Meat Holdings and one of the countries largest feedlots, Rangers Valley addressed participants.

Organiser, Bob Gaden of NSW DPI says the ongoing popularity of the school is pleasing, and confirms the right information is being delivered.

“Word of mouth about the school has been phenomenal, so we are obviously hitting the mark but I’m not surprised, considering we are putting up some of the best speakers in the industry,” Mr Gaden said.

“Not everyday do you get to hear the likes of president of the Australian Lot Feeders Association, Malcolm Foster offer his thoughts on the growing strength of the feedlot industry or Brett Campbell of Australian Meat Holdings, the biggest buyer, processor and exporter of cattle in Australia.”

From tree-changers to intensive feedlotters, Mr Gaden says the school is able to target all levels of the industry, but he emphasises it’s not all theory.

“The opportunity to visit Rangers Valley, a 24,000-head feedlot, as well as hands-on sessions enabled participants to go home with practical skills.

“And we can’t forget the networking opportunities, enabling cattle producers to mix and meet major players in the industry.”

Angus Australia’s Bob Dent says the school offers cattle producers and backgrounders the chance to learn how to maximise the opportunities when selecting and preparing cattle destined for the feedlot trade.

“Using a mix of practical and theory sessions the school shows producers and backgrounders how they can apply the latest breeding, nutrition and marketing research to generate a more productive and profitable herd.”

Planning has already begun for the 2008 Armidale Feeder Steer School.

Contact Bob Gaden, Armidale, (02) 6770 1812.