Future-proofed: How grain fed beef contributes to environmental and food security
- niamh552
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Australia’s grain fed beef industry contributes to the production of consistent, high-quality protein, while also playing a role in maximising land use efficiency, supporting food security, and adapting to a changing climate.
At the forefront of this effort is Teys Condamine, a 30,000-head feedlot on Queensland’s Western Downs, where environmental stewardship is embedded into everyday operations. We chatted to Phillip Lambert, the General Manager at Teys Condamine, to learn more.
Innovation meets stewardship
Teys continues to support and encourage Red Meat industry innovation and sustainable improvements. As part of the integrated Teys Australia supply chain, the Condamine team has invested heavily in sustainable practices to ensure long-term viability.
“Our feedlot has always aimed to be at the forefront of innovation,
from being early adopters of steam flaking and batching systems to implementing solar energy well before it was mainstream. We’ve had two solar systems operating since 2019, including a 300-kw plant that powers the majority of our site.
At this site, we also worked closely with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) as a trial partner for benchmarking energy and water use across commercial feedlots. We installed monitoring equipment across every part of the site, tracking diesel, gas, steam, electricity and water usage down to a per-head basis. This gave us a baseline to identify inefficiencies and make strategic upgrades that deliver long-term environmental and economic value.”
Sustainability with community in mind
Sustainability at Teys Condamine isn’t just about technology or data, it’s about people. The feedlot supports local growers by purchasing inputs and returning nutrient-rich compost. It reduces its transport footprint by sourcing close to home and prioritises community engagement at every step.
“We want to be known as good neighbours and good stewards. Looking after our animals, our people, and our environment is the only way we stay successful for the next 75 years.”
Efficiency in Land Use
One of the biggest misconceptions about feedlot systems is around land use. While extensive grazing can require vast tracts of land, feedlots are a form of land-efficient protein production.
“Feedlots take pressure off fragile, drought-affected pastures.
We finish cattle here when pasture conditions can’t support them, which helps producers maintain land condition and animal welfare.”
Because feedlots often use non-arable land and feed cattle on grains not typically consumed by humans, like downgraded or lower-grade cereals, they make efficient use of inputs that might otherwise go to waste. This system complements broader mixed farming models and supports an integrated ecosystem approach to sustainable agriculture.
Climate resilience and consistent supply
Feedlots were originally built as a drought resilience tool, and that legacy continues. By providing cattle with a grain-based ration regardless of seasonal conditions, feedlots offer a consistent, climate-resilient supply of beef.
“In drought years, feedlots keep food on shelves and help stabilise pricing for consumers.
Grain feeding means we can deliver a consistent quality product year-round, regardless of what’s happening in the paddock.”
This is particularly important as Australia faces increasing weather variability. By producing more kilograms of beef in less time and with greater feed conversion efficiency, grain fed systems reduce overall resource use per unit of protein produced.
Measuring progress, driving improvement
Teys has been an active, ongoing participant in numerous MLA sustainability trials. More recently, they’ve begun exploring ways to reduce methane emissions from livestock and decarbonise the supply chain.
“This is where the future lies. We’re excited by innovations that can help us reduce emissions even further, without compromising animal health or performance.”
The feedlot tracks energy use on a per-head basis and continually looks for opportunities to improve. Aligning with the The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework, Teys sees sustainability not just as a responsibility but as a competitive edge.
“We’re always asking, how do we reduce our footprint without compromising performance?
For us, sustainability and commercial viability go hand-in-hand. We’re committed to leading the industry when it comes to energy and water efficiency, not because we have to, but because we believe it’s the right thing to do. The choices we make today should preserve the environment for future generations.”
Feeding the future
As global food prices and climate volatility rise, the role of intensive agriculture is more vital than ever.
“Grain fed beef is not just about marbling, it’s a climate-resilient, efficient, and sustainable way to feed a growing population.”
“We need to deliver nutritious, affordable protein, produced in the most sustainable way possible.
Grain feeding helps us do that, it reduces the time and energy required to finish cattle while improving outcomes for both the animals and the consumer.”
Grain fed beef production like at Teys Condamine are helping future-proof Australia’s food system supporting both environmental health and economic viability. Through innovation, collaboration, and a deep respect for nourishing the land, cattle and community, the industry is showing how sustainability and productivity aren’t opposites, they’re partners.
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