Our Story

Situated near Quirindi on the Liverpool Plains, in New South Wales, Killara Feedlot has been a cornerstone of Australian beef production since 1971. Originally established as a joint venture, it became fully owned by Elders in 2011, marking a new chapter in innovation and sustainability as the feedlot continued to expand.

From humble beginnings to massive expansion, retrace our journey below

1971

A feedlot was first established on the site, a joint venture between Japan's Mitsubishi Corporation and local farmers, the McInnes Brothers. It was one of the first feed yards in the fertile Liverpool Plains region.

1980

Mitsubishi bought out the Australian shareholders and applied for an expansion in 1986.

1993

The feedlot was expanded to its then-capacity of 20,000 head, and steam flaking (a feed processing method) was introduced.

1998

Mitsubishi sold the feedlot to a new joint venture that included Elders, Taiwan Sugar, and Taiwan Pineapple.

2010-2011

Elders increased its stake and moved to 100% ownership of the facility.

2012

Killara received the Woolworths Supplier of the Year award.

Present Day

Killara operates under the Elders Feed & Processing division flag. It has a capacity of 20,000 head, with an approved expansion to 22,250 head in 2024. It supplies major domestic supermarkets like Woolworths and exports premium beef to markets including the EU, Japan, the Middle East, the US, and China.

Our Future

Vision for the next 10 years

Feedlot covered housing and shade

Investing in more shading and covered housing facilities to improve cattle comfort and welfare.

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Expansion

Killara Feedlot is growing to meet future demand with new facilities, expanded grass-fed programs, and sustainable infrastructure upgrades.

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Automation and Technology

Killara Feedlot leverages advanced automation and integrated technology to streamline operations, improve animal welfare, and enhance sustainability across every stage of production.

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Feedlot covered housing and shade

These shaded areas reduce heat stress, support animal health during summer. Killara feedlot has commenced a major investment program of covered housing facilities, across three lanes to house in excess of 4,000 cattle aimed at improving animal comfort, pen rider safety, and improved live stock performance (year round). These shaded and covered housing areas reduce heat stress, support animal health during summer and winter, providing a significant improvement in animal performance outcomes. These developments meet NFAS and EPA compliance requirements.

Additionally, Killara uses weather stations and heat load management systems to monitor conditions and ensure cattle remain comfortable year-round.

Expansion

Investing in additional irrigation systems to promote high quality pasture growth and acquiring additional land for expansion of our grass fed program and crop production. Killara feedlot continues to hold discussions with state and local regulators to allow feedlot capacity expansion. This is underpinned by no increase in odor emissions or community impacts. This is an exciting stage for Killara with significant economic and human benefits for both the agriculture sector of NSW and Liverpool plains shire council regions.

A circular sustainability economy incorporates processed manure, feedlot effluent and underground water to irrigate high value crops which are used in the formulation of ration for feedlot cattle.

Automation and Technology

Methane Reduction

Through precision feeding and improved ration formulation, Killara reduces methane emissions while optimising cattle nutrition for better performance and environmental outcomes.

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Feed and Livestock

Automated batching systems and feed management software ensure accurate rations for every class of cattle, improving efficiency and consistency across the feedlot. Killara boasts the introduction of grain analyser system to automatically control starch release levels and flaked grain consistency.

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Induction of Cattle

Digital systems in place track cattle from arrival to exit – including induction, recording tags, treatments, and program allocation to maintain compliance and traceability for domestic and export markets. Induction occurs in a fully shedded new facility prioritising safe and low stress cattle handling and separation between people and livestock.

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Pre-emptive Animal Health Detection

Real-time data and monitoring tools allow for early detection of animal health issues, reducing stress, and improving recovery rates through proactive care. Ensuring our commitments to anti-microbial stewardship are delivered.

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Energy Sources

Killara integrates renewable energy solutions, including solar power, alongside efficient infrastructure upgrades to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and lower emissions.

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Awards and Recognition

Killara Feedlot has been recognised for excellence in quality, sustainability, and industry leadership. A highlight of our achievements includes receiving the Woolworths Supplier of the Year Award in 2012 and finalists in this category between 2012 – 2025.

Killara received the Alexander Lang team of the year (Elders) in 2014 along with being finalists in 2023 and 2025.

A testament to our commitment to delivering premium beef and maintaining the highest standards of compliance and care. These accolades reflect our dedication to innovation, animal welfare, customer satisfaction, and building strong partnerships across the supply chain.