Livestock producers trust in Gallagher technology to deliver real-time data insights.

For Victorian beef producers, every kilogram matters. That's why, as cattle arrive for the 51st Lardner Park Steer Trial, competitors are relying on Gallagher technology to turn livestock data into practical insights for their farming operations.

Long-time Gallagher customer Alfred Hackett is entering the competition for the first time, eager to see how his cattle stack up against some of the state's best.

“We’ve always wanted to do the trial,” he says. “The more data the better. To get the data back and be able to benchmark, to see how our animals are actually going, it’s brilliant.” 

By entering pairs of steers into the six-month trial, producers can compare growth rates, feed efficiency and carcass quality under independently managed grazing conditions. The results provide valuable benchmarking data they can take back to their own breeding programs.

Throughout the trial, Gallagher technology underpins every stage of data collection. From induction and electronic identification through to weighing and ongoing performance monitoring, producers can see first-hand how connected livestock systems deliver accurate, real-time information that supports better management decisions.

Running a 2,500-acre livestock operation at Bayrook Pastoral in Gelantipy, Alfred has entered two pairs of Hereford and Shorthorn steers into this year's competition.

While Alfred might be new to the Steer Trial, he’s no stranger to Gallagher technology. Across his operation, Gallagher systems support everything from fencing and water monitoring to satellite connectivity and livestock weighing.

“Gallagher is more or less like a one stop shop for me,” he says. “The set up and design of all the equipment just works. What you see is what you get.”

“I have a pretty good relationship with my local Gallagher team,” Alfred says. “The backup support is unreal. If there’s ever any problems, there’s always somebody on the end of the phone wanting to fix it.”

“We know what every animal’s doing thanks to Gallagher.”

Alfred isn't alone. Across the yards, many competitors are already using Gallagher technology to manage their livestock, including two-time Steer Trial winner Tim Wilson from the Amphitheatre Farm. Tim relies on the Gallagher TWR-5 Weigh Scale Reader to capture weight gains, treatments and animal health records in one connected system.

Having competed in the trial for the past decade, the Labertouche local says benchmarking his cattle against other producers is what keeps him coming back.

“First and foremost I just enjoy coming out and talking to people,” he laughs. “But it’s also to stamp my genetics against others and see how my produce is working in the field.”

For Tim, the weight gain and carcass results are the most valuable information he takes home each year.

“It’s all about analysing those each year and making sure that we’re heading in the right direction, staying on that upwards trajectory,” he says. 

The TWR-5 helps make that process easier.

“ It stores all your health information, which is really important for all our documentation. Plus you can follow all your weight gains and it's all done in front of you, so you don't even have to go back and calculate it at home.”

One piece of technology attracting attention this year is Gallagher's StrongBo Auto Weigher, allowing cattle to be weighed remotely in the paddock without repeated trips through the yards.

“I'm very interested in getting into these in-paddock weighing systems like the one on display here today,” says Tim. “Anything to get more real data in real time.”

Alfred’s also keen to try out the in-paddock tech. “The real-time data you could get from this could just be off the charts,” he says. 

While producers compare notes around the yards, Lardner Park CEO Craig Debnam is looking forward to seeing how the competition unfolds.

“I think there's a bit of banter between the breeders on who is going to win the coveted prize,” he says with a grin. “Time will tell.” 

As the final steers head out to pasture, the benchmark has been set for the months ahead. Every weigh-in and performance result will help producers like Alfred and Tim build a clearer picture of their livestock, turning performance data into meaningful insights that support the future of their breeding programs.

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