William Scott
At Rangers Valley Feedlot in New South Wales, cattle move freely between open-air exposure and covered protection under a 440m x 30m Ridgeback® shelter.
For this 40,000-head operation, this structure isn’t just about shade—it’s about animal welfare, feed efficiency, and long-term sustainability. More than that, it represents a strategic infrastructure investment that is already delivering strong financial returns.
Recent Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) research, unveiled at BeefEx 2024, revealed that partially covered pens with bedding can generate an additional $47 per head.
The Ridgeback® at Rangers Valley was at the centre of this study, confirming what the feedlot’s Managing Director Keith Howe and his team had anticipated: infrastructure that enhances efficiency and welfare can significantly improve profitability.
A High-Impact Infrastructure Project
Rangers Valley is one of 400 Australian feedlots investing in shade and shelter as part of the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) pledge. However, its high-rainfall, cold-climate location near Glen Innes required a different approach than traditional shade structures used in hotter regions.
“Considering the environment, our colder and longer winters and quite mild summers, we felt that a shade, or a netting-type solution over the cattle pens was not going to provide adequate benefits and actually give us some challenges,” Keith explained.
“So, we decided to put up a permanent structure that would allow cattle the freedom of choice—whether to stay undercover or go out into the elements.”
This $1.5 million infrastructure investment was backed by a cost-benefit analysis, which identified multiple performance and efficiency gains, including:
- Increased carcass weights – 6.3kg heavier hot standard carcass weights (HSCW) compared to outside, bedded pens.
- Higher exit weights – Up to 11.1kg heavier final liveweight.
- Lower morbidity rates – 2.43% for cattle in bedded, sheltered pens vs. 4.06% in non-bedded, sheltered pens.
- Improved feed efficiency – Increased 0.45kg dry matter intake per head per day, leading to a 0.09kg per day higher average daily gain (ADG).
- Reduced water wastage – Cattle under shelter drank 5 litres/head/day less in summer compared to those in open pens.
- Cleaner cattle, fewer dags – Reduced need for washing, improving processing efficiency and animal welfare.
These findings were shared during a national ALFA webinar, highlighting the widespread potential of partially covered housing systems for Australian feedlots.
Unlocking Productivity Through Design & Construction
The Ridgeback® is a testament to how innovative design and construction can unlock major productivity gains. As a specialist in large-scale engineered infrastructure, Entegra provides turnkey solutions that improve efficiency, sustainability, and business performance.
By integrating advanced engineering and smart design, Entegra helps agribusinesses and industrial operations optimise their infrastructure for long-term success. Key design innovations include:
- Patented ventilation technology – 20% more air changes per hour than traditional gable sheds, reducing heat stress and improving airflow.
- Optimised structural engineering – Designed for maximum longevity and efficiency, tailored to the specific needs of the operation.
- Efficient water management – Rangers Valley’s Ridgeback® captures 10 million litres of rainwater per year, reducing runoff and improving sustainability.
For feedlot operators, processing facilities, and agribusinesses, investing in well-designed infrastructure isn’t just about compliance—it’s about enhancing productivity, reducing operational costs, and future-proofing the business.
Data-Driven Decision Making for Future Investments
Rangers Valley’s Ridgeback® is not just a standalone investment—it’s part of a long-term strategy to optimise infrastructure.
The facility was designed to reduce maintenance costs by:
- Minimising pen erosion – Less water infiltration = lower repair costs.
- Improving manure management – Drier, more consistent manure = easier handling & reduced processing costs.
- Enhancing cleaning efficiency – Smart column placement maximises machine access for pen maintenance.
“Having more substantial shelter structures may be a really good longer-term position, and that’s the approach we are leaning on,” Keith said.
“With the data being collected and analysed independently, it should give us a robust outcome to help us decide what our future stages are.”
Talk to Entegra About Your Next Infrastructure Project
As a leader in design and construction, Entegra works with feedlots, agribusinesses, and industrial operations to deliver custom-built infrastructure solutions that enhance efficiency and long-term profitability.
If your business requires high-performance infrastructure, Entegra’s team of experts can help design and construct purpose-built facilities to meet your specific needs.
Call 1300 296 206 or visit www.entegra.com.au to discuss how a custom-designed structure could transform your operation.
