Industry Excellence to take centre stage at BeefEx 2026 Coopers Animal Health Gala dinner
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
The Australian Lot Feeders' Association (ALFA) is inviting the lot feeding industry to celebrate the people, businesses and innovations shaping Australia’s lot feeding industry at the Coopers Animal Health Gala Dinner, one of the signature events of BeefEx 2026.
Held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 23 September as part of BeefEx 2026 - 22–24 September, the Gala Dinner will bring together feedlot operators, producers, researchers, students and industry partners from across Australia for an evening dedicated to recognising excellence and celebrating the achievements of the sector.
The Coopers Animal Health Gala Dinner is the Australian lot feeding industry's premier awards event, recognising the people, businesses and innovations shaping the future of the sector.
ALFA President Grant Garey said the Gala Dinner reflected the spirit of an industry committed to innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
"BeefEx is where our industry comes together to share ideas, build relationships and explore the future of Australia lot feeding industry. The Coopers Animal Health Gala Dinner provides a special opportunity to recognise the people and businesses whose leadership, innovation and commitment continue to strengthen our industry.” Mr Garey said.
"BeefEx brings together students beginning their careers through to feedlot businesses leading the way in innovation and community engagement, the awards and across the program showcase the depth of talent across our industry. I encourage anyone eligible to nominate, apply or encourage others across the industry to get involved."
ALFA encourages all eligible individuals and businesses to submit entries for its awards, scholarships and industry recognition programs before applications close on 31 July 2026.
Applications currently open include:
Communicate Your Research – Recognising students and early-career researchers who can effectively communicate research with practical application for Australia's lot feeding industry.
Community Heroes Award – Proudly sponsored by Lallemand Animal Nutrition, the Community Heroes Award celebrates feedlots making a meaningful contribution to their local communities and environment, recognising initiatives ranging from community engagement and education through to environmental stewardship and land management. The overall winner will receive a $5,000 cash donation to direct towards a nominated charity, business or feedlot initiative.
Student Scholarships – Delivered in partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), ten scholarships are available for tertiary students studying agriculture and related disciplines. Each scholarship includes a full BeefEx delegate registration and a $450 travel bursary.
Innovation Competition – Sponsored by Integrated Animal Production, this competition recognises practical innovations developed by feedlot businesses and their teams that improve productivity, sustainability, animal welfare and workplace practices.
Guests attending the Coopers Animal Health Gala Dinner can also look forward to two of the industry's most anticipated announcements of the year, with the Feedlot of the Year and Performance Feeds Young Lot Feeder of the Year award winners set to be revealed during the evening.
These prestigious awards recognise excellence in leadership, innovation and operational performance and celebrating the businesses and individuals helping drive the continued success of Australia's grain fed beef industry.
For many years, Coopers Animal Health has proudly partnered with ALFA to support the BeefEx Gala Dinner, reflecting its long-standing commitment to recognising excellence and investing in the future of Australia's grain fed beef industry.
"Coopers and Allflex are proud to support the BeefEx Gala Dinner for another year. It's a time to celebrate the success of the industry and the innovative and hard-working people that work within the sector.
Our feedlot team has thoroughly enjoyed working with many feedlots across the country for many years to help improve health outcomes and the performance of feedlot cattle. With our Bovilis range of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) vaccines, Revalor range of HGPs, Allflex feedlot tags and eID reader systems, and new innovations in the pipeline, we look forward to working with our feedlot partners for many years to come" said Rob Baines, Commercial Manager - Feedlot, Coopers Animal Health.
ALFA encourages eligible individuals, students and businesses to submit their nominations, apply for available programs and secure their place at BeefEx 2026.
For more information on how to apply, nominate or attend, visit www.beefex.com.au.
ENDS.
Media Enquiries:
Grant Garey
ALFA President
(02) 9290 3700
Niamh Bartley
ALFA Marketing & Communications
0417 610 150
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