Gallagher technology is helping set the benchmark for performance at Australia's premier grass-fed Steer Trial.

In Gippsland, Victorian beef producers gather to see first-hand how animal performance data is transforming herd management through Gallagher's data collection technology.

The Lardner Park Steer Trial - the only one of its kind left in Australia - offers a vital chance for producers to evaluate their livestock against industry standards. 

As the front gates swing open and producers from across the state arrive at Lardner Park, CEO Craig Debnam explains why the trial has become such an important benchmarking tool for the industry.

“They can really use that data to become more efficient and productive across their operations.” he says. “It’s a benchmarking opportunity for producers to find out if their genetics can be improved, whether they can introduce calmness in their cattle and what their ultimate fat scores and meat cuts are going to be.” 

A long-standing partner of Lardner Park, Gallagher plays a key role in the trial, giving producers the opportunity to experience the latest animal management technology while gathering valuable performance data to compare breeds and genetics.

Gallagher Territory Manager and dairy farmer Phil Johnstone is helping on the tools for induction day, operating the heavy-duty Gallagher and Norton Crush as 90 steers move through the yards.

“If you don't measure it, then you've got no idea what's going on,” Phil remarks as the next steer makes its way through. “That's where Gallagher fits in. We've got average daily gains, overall weight gains and all the performance data at our fingertips. We can see exactly how the cattle are performing as it happens.”

All the induction data is captured through Gallagher's TWR-5 Weigh Scale and Reader, which connects up the EID readers, load bars and animal management software into a single system.

“The TWR-5 is the brains behind it all,” explains Gallagher Area Manager Jack Linn, who’s also getting stuck into the action at Lardner Park. Through this system we can capture lifetime data, treatments and traits. Every time an animal comes through the crush, we can record up to nine different traits."

“Giving access and insight to the Gallagher technology empowers the farmers to make data-driven decisions. To know exactly what they're working with,” he says, as he keys in the number of the next steer. 

“If you don't measure it, you can't manage it,” Phil adds. “It’s as simple as that.” 

Throughout the trial, regular weigh-ins will track animal performance. This year, the team is also using the StrongBo Auto Weigher, allowing cattle to be weighed remotely in the paddock without repeated trips through the yards.

“Every time you move steers, they can get jumpy and that has an impact on the quality of their health. So if you can measure them in paddock, you're making a huge difference. It really lessens the impact of bringing them through the crush over and over again,” Craig explains.

“I’m really excited about this new addition, I think it’s just an amazing piece of technology,” he adds.

The trial is also showcasing Gallagher’s eShepherd virtual fencing technology. Craig believes the GPS-enabled neckbands worn by each steer could dramatically reduce the workload involved for his team, headed by his “steer whisperer” Anthony.

"Anthony spends a lot of time moving hot wires across the property during the steer trial,” Craig explains. “It’s the same for the breeders, they spend hours and hours going out and bringing cattle into a location. They don’t necessarily need to do that now because we can control boundaries with Gallagher’s neckbands all connected through an app. Imagine how much time that frees up?”

As induction wraps up and the steers head out to pasture, the focus shifts from collecting data to putting it to work. Over the coming months, every weight gain, treatment and movement will add to the picture, giving producers practical insights they can take back to their own operations.

“Our partnership with Lardner Park is a really good example of how we can partner with farmers for farmers,” Jack says.

“This is where we get the opportunity to learn what's wanted in the market, what's needed in the market. From here, we can go away and develop products that match farmers' needs.”

“By introducing these technologies, we can change lives here and bring people back to farming,” Craig adds. ”There’s no better partner for Lardner Park and the Steer Trial than Gallagher.”

As the trial continues, Gallagher's technology will help capture every stage of the steers' journey, providing valuable data that supports better decisions for producers today and helps shape the livestock systems of tomorrow.

For more information on the Gallagher technology in use throughout the Steer Trial, visit our weighing and EID section.