Feedlot expands, prepares to begin fertiliser manufacturing

The Mort & Co has completed the expansion of its Grassdale feedlot, including its own gas-fired power plant, and is preparing to launch a new fertiliser pellet manufacturing facility.

Mort & Co is the country’s second-biggest feedlot business, and has three locations in Queensland and one in NSW. Last year it won the Queensland Exporter of the Year in the Agribusiness, Food and Beverage category.

“The prolonged drought that’s impacting cattle supply across Queensland and NSW makes it even more imperative that the feedlot industry continues to grow,” said executive chairman Charlie Mort.

“This will ensure a consistent supply of quality products for beef markets, both export and domestic.”

The Grassdale feedlot’s capacity has grown to 200,000 cattle a year. The power plant is allowing Mort to generate its own energy and export to the grid. And the new fertiliser plant, to be completed mid-year, will turn 60,000 tonnes of manure into into pellets annually.

“This process will provide the feedlot with an environmental solution to waste issues, while also generating a new form of revenue for the company,” said agricultural development minister Mark Furner.

The expansion has added 50 new operational jobs, according to a statement from the Queensland government, and was supported by the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund.

Picture: www.beefcentral.com

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