AGV Reveal Makes a Buzz at Beef 2024 in Rockhampton

Beef 2024 in Rocky delivered again with the team from DOM Distribution enjoying a great week with thousands from Australia’s beef industry. The company had been working hard to get the prototype of their autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) at the once-every-three year event. DOM Distribution’s Managing Director Pat O’Brien had a tense lead up, “I was a bit nervous that we weren’t going to make it up there. But some long days, and nights, from the team got it on the ground on time.”

The cover lifted on Monday 6th of May, Day 1 of Beef 2024, at 10am. Streaming live online, Pat said a few words as people looked on. Afterwards, a seemingly endless line of people wanted to see and hear about the new machine.

 “What really assured us that it was worth it was how many people from the industry stopped at the DOM Distribution site to discuss it,” says Pat. From beef producers with modest-sized family operations, to some of Australia’s biggest feedlots, there was a desire to understand how it worked, how efficiently it would deliver feed, and when it would be available. The interest centered around labour savings and ration consistency.

 Over the next few days, the DOM team continued fielding enquiries at Beef 2024 and online. As they gathered for dinner at one of the incredible eating venues for a night of celebration, they were greeted with knowing nods and short remarks - the Aussie way of showing support.

 The AGV has arrived back on home ground at DOM’s headquarters in Dalby, Queensland. According to Pat, “Now the hard work of refining, testing, and manufacturing is in front of us. We really want this to be something Australia makes, and something that helps Australia’s cattle industry have a competitive advantage.”

If you want to follow the progress of the Autonomous Guided Vehicle for cattle feeding, fill out the form below and select ‘AGV’.