Mathew Dench

Day-to-day management of a 5,000-head beef cattle feedlot.

The role primarily oversees daily feedlot operations, working with the administration team, livestock team, feeding and milling team, and maintenance team.

The position required independent thinking, taking ownership, and being confident and accountable for decisions made in the daily operation of the feedlot.

As a Feedlot Manager, I was expected to:

• Provide team leadership using proven leadership techniques

• Motivate a medium size team to perform consistently with a focus on outcomes

• Exhibit self-motivation and independent thinking

• Seek out and Introduce the latest innovation and technology in feedlot management

This role was accountable for the following activities

• Ensuring that animal welfare is paramount and that this is supported by contemporary animal husbandry techniques

• Ensuring that animal nutritional requirements are managed to a high level

• Overseeing the daily operations of Dimboola Feedlot

• Reviewing and developing standard operating procedures

• Ensuring that all Quality Assurance Schemes are operating in accordance with guidelines

• Ensuring the Feedlot is a safe place to work underpinned by relevant OHS guidelines within the feedlot

• Ensuring that Environmental regulations are maintained

• In consultation with each area Manager, developing and assisting with the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for livestock management and livestock systems

• Developing, implementing and managing internal audit procedures and corrective actions against group SOPs

• Developing and implementing a culture of Continuous Improvement in all Feedlot operations

• Establishing and maintaining training programs to ensure all staff in Feedlot operations or management are competent and appropriately skilled to be able to fulfil their roles

• Reporting to the appropriate Manager or other parties as required, on these activities.

• 24-hour on-call duties, looking after livestock during transit between Australia, Indonesia, and other countries around the world.
• Ensuring cattle are put into pens in the correct order and correct densities.
• Monitoring the health and welfare of livestock on board the ship and rectifying any problems found.

Management of livestock handling, preparation and movements including recievals, loadouts and processing.

• Management and co-ordination of day to day operational activities of the property.

• Supervision and co-ordination of all casual staff including recruitment, rosters and activities of onsite contactors.

• Supervision of the continued development of infrastructure, repairs and maintenance related to all aspects of the property.

• Ensure continued development of animal welfare standards.

• Compliance with live export and other departmental licensing protocols related to the facility.

• Management and responsibility for insuring smooth administrative operation of the facility including insuring documentary compliance for AQIS and other licensing requirements.