New head a guiding light

New WA Lot Feeders’ Association president Todd Fotheringhame has the task of invigorating the State with sustainable growth while opportunity knocks.

The 35-year-old Karlgarin feedlotter, with his parents Keith and Jill and wife Anika, and their 8-month-old son, George, has been the guiding force to his family’s goal of reaching a 5000-head feedlot.

“We have continually invested in new infrastructure and built strong relationships with cow/calf suppliers as our contract with Woolworths flourishes,” he said.

Mr Fotheringhame, who served as WALFA vice-president for the past seven years, said he had great mentors in outgoing president Trevor Hink and past president Ivan Rogers, both of whom were successful operators of WA feedlots.

Mr Hink, who served seven years as WALFA president, said he had high regard for his replacement, which was announced at the annual general meeting held in York during last week’s Better Beef two-day forum.

“Todd fitted the role like the ‘T’ in T-bone steak, he is connected to the feedlot industry from head to toe, willing to take on the challenges with total confidence,” he said.

Mr Fotheringhame, who recently completed an Australian rural leadership course said he wanted to further progress and engage the WA lot feeding industry.

“We will actively undertake social media communications in association with the Australian Lot Feeders Association to benefit our 50 members,” he said.

“There is always much work to accomplish in sharing knowledge in animal health and welfare, particularly important to align with ALFA in its proactive approach to animal activist campaigns.”

ALFA president Bryce Camm, of Queensland, who congratulated the newly appointed WALFA president, said his organisation was actively on the front in meeting the expectations of today’s consumers.

“The consumers of the world want to be reassured of where their beef comes from, of which Australia holds a clean and green reputation, particularly towards animal welfare stan

Mr Fotheringhame said he firmly believed there were huge opportunities for WA beef feedlot industry.