2025 FEEDLOT TRIAL
PAKADERINGA FEEDLOT
148 head inducted at Pakaderinga Feedlot. Strong Industry Backing supported by 13 producers and key partners
70- and 100-day feed programs underway.
A FIRST FOR THE BREED
The Santa Gertrudis breed has reached an exciting milestone with the launch of the inaugural Santa Gertrudis Feedlot Trial, which kicked off on February 18 at Pakaderinga Feedlot in Kingaroy, Queensland. With 148 head of cattle inducted into the trial, this landmark event sets the stage for producers to gain valuable insights into feedlot performance and carcase results.
Field directors Russell Yeates and Russell Smyth, both pivotal figures in organising the program and cattle, oversaw the induction alongside the Pakaderinga team led by owners Lachie Brown and Emma Worstear. Their combined expertise ensured a smooth start to the trial.
The event attracted 13 stud and commercial producers, with cattle transported from up to 1000 kilometres south and 600 kilometres west. Local producers also added to the strong lineup, showcasing their dedication to advancing the Santa Gertrudis breed.
"This landmark event set the stage for producers to gain valuable insights into feedlot performance and carcase results."
After the feeding period, the cattle will be processed at Teys Beenleigh, with trade cattle scheduled to be killed on May 1 and export cattle scheduled for June 3.
Cattle intake breakdown
The trial comprises:
• 96 steers on a 100-day feed program (average weight: 431 kg
• 46 steers on a 70-day feed program (average weight: 348 kg
• 6 heifers on a 70-day feed program (average weight: 367 kg
Partnerships driving success
The trial has not only brought together producers but also garnered significant support from industry partners.
Black Box Co, a leader in livestock data analytics, has joined as the principal partner, offering participants the opportunity to receive comprehensive performance data for their cattle spanning both the feedlot and the kill floor.
Additional key supporters include:
Stephen and Katherine Beddows, of Beddows Pregnancy Scanning and Semen Testing, Kingaroy; Ken Mills Toyota, Kingaroy and Seilers Transport, Kingaroy offering cash support.
Scott Reed of Multikraft, donating product for the duration
Mark Peters of Datamars, contributing feedlot tags.
Teys Australia and Brad Passfield, of Hourn and Bishop, Moura, providing invaluable support.
Simplifying data to generate informed decisions
How Black Box Co is giving Santa Gertrudis breeders more certainty, clarity and confidence.
For today’s beef producers, the ability to make decisions based on onfarm and supply chain data is nothing new.
However, the overwhelming volume and complexity of such data often leave producers wondering where to start or how to make progress.
Integrating this wealth of information into an easy-to-understand format presents yet another challenge.
Peter Mahony, of Gyranda Pastoral Company, Theodore, Qld puts it succinctly: "The hard bit about data is being able to utilise it and form it into something that helps you make decisions.
“If you can make data collection simple for people, and then the analysis of it simpler, that’s a powerful tool and in my view where Black Box is headed.”
Answering this challenge, Emma Black and Shannon Speight set out to fill the gap in the market. Five years ago, they launched Black Box Co., an innovative livestock analysis and insights software tool.
The platform is designed to simplify the process of data collection, analysis, and application for beef producers, regardless of enterprise size or target market.
Before leaning into the inaugural Santa Gertrudis Feedlot Trial to furnish entrants with information, we spoke with Emma Black, the company ’ s chief operating officer, to learn more about how Black Box is transforming data into actionable insights for producers everywhere.
Do you see Black Box as producers supporting producers?
What sets Black Box apart is its deep understanding of producer challenges. The team producers themselves knows firsthand the frustration of trying to make sense of fragmented data.
With a passion for supporting the industry, they offer personalised guidance to help every producer make the most of their information.
So, whether you ' re aiming to optimise genetic decisions, improve herd performance, or simply save time in the office, Black Box Co. might just be the missing piece in your puzzle.
Emma Black (Kingaroy, QLD): 0419 805 790
Lucy McGilvray (Augathella, QLD): 0429 786 880
Meg Anderson (Clarke Creek, QLD): 0428 805 774
Edwina Warby (Wagga Wagga, NSW): 0419 332 895
https://www.blackboxco.com.au
