Harvest Road
Group was pleased to welcome world-leading cattle expert Professor Temple
Grandin to Western Australia last week.
Dr Grandin is
currently advising Harvest Road on a plan for its newly acquired site at Koojan
Downs, near Moora, 170km north of Perth. The Group is developing a world-class
feeding facility on the site, which will produce lines of premium WA beef for
local and international markets.
The
philosophy of the Koojan facility will be built on the innovative cattle
husbandry practices of Dr Grandin. Her methods are recognised globally and
deliver significant improvements to animal welfare.
Last week, Dr
Grandin visited Harvest Road facilities, observed livestock, met with employees
and attended the celebration of Harvey Beef’s 100-year anniversary.
“It has been
a pleasure to visit Western Australia and see Harvey Beef’s farmers at work,”
Dr Grandin said.
“It is clear that a passion for animal welfare drives the work of this organisation, from farmer to producer to customer.”
Harvest Road
Group oversees the agrifood businesses of the Forrest Family’s Minderoo Group
and is the parent company of Harvey Beef.
Minderoo Foundation co-founder Nicola Forrest AO spent time with Dr Grandin during her visit and said she was inspired by her insights.
“It was our pleasure to host Temple during her
whirlwind trip to WA,” Ms Forrest said.
“Her passion
for animal welfare is inspiring, and we are thrilled she is advising us on the
way forward for Koojan.”
The new
facility is planned to accommodate 40,000 cattle at one time and will supply
the Harvey Beef processing facility with 100-day grain-finished cattle.
Harvest Road
Group’s general manager of livestock and agriculture Kim McDougall is excited
for the opportunity to continue to work closely with Dr Grandin.
“We want the
Koojan facility to be a world leader in animal welfare,” Mr McDougall said.
“Temple’s
knowledge of the animals and their needs is second to none, and we’re excited
to learn from her,” Mr McDougall said.
Harvest
Road’s Koojan Down facility is currently in a development phase, it is
estimated the facility will be operational in 18 months.
Dr Grandin will continue to advise Harvest Road as work on the new facilities continues.
Please note that as of 13 May 2020, Minderoo Group formally changed its name to Tattarang.
