BeefEx Grabs DOM’s Automated Feeding Solutions
DOM Distribution's Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV) was a standout at the recent BeefEx conference, capturing the attention of attendees with its innovative design and potential to revolutionize the cattle feeding industry.
"The industry is hungry for automation. They can see the great gains in using automation to combat labour shortages" said Pat O'Brien, DOM Distribution's managing director. "We had a lot of people discussing alternative options for efficiency and sharing information about what's working well for them. There was a real atmosphere of sharing information across the entire industry."
The AGV is a self-driving vehicle that delivers feed to bunks and/or bins in cattle operations. It’s designed to be compatible with existing feedlot equipment and futures pieces of DOM Distribution’s automated livestock feeding system. This ability to go one step at a time makes for a cost-effective solution for producers.
Positive feedback from BeefEx attendees
"The Senator (Anthony Chisholm - Assistant minister for Agriculture) couldn't believe it was built in Dalby," said O'Brien, highlighting the innovation and sophistication of the AGV technology, which is being developed and manufactured in regional Australia.
The AGV's appeal was evident in the well-attended event. "We had people from large household name type agricultural groups through to private operators discussing how the AGV could improve their bottom line."
There was collaborative atmosphere at BeefEx, with attendees sharing information and ideas about how to improve their operations. There was a sense of renewed passion for taking steps forward to male Australia a world leader in the feedlot industry.
One of the key drivers in putting this machine together has been having components that are both easily accessible and easily sourced. Key components are available Australia wide. This is so that AGV maintenance and repairs don’t rely on specialist parts, or components unique to DOM Distribution. The CAT engine is well known, and this is a reason to be confident in bringing the AGV into an operation.
The AGV's benefits extend beyond management. "Not just managers, but operational staff were impressed by the AGV," O'Brien explained. "The technology is well-suited for integration into existing feedlot operations, and we've been talking to teams about how to best implement it."
Strong demand for the AGV
DOM Distribution is confident in the AGV's potential to make a significant impact on the cattle feeding industry. "We've had a lot of interest from private family operations," said O'Brien. "With a strong succession plan in place, these businesses are looking for ways to improve efficiency and grow their operations."
"We just need to get it ready to go tomorrow and sell about 40 of them," O'Brien said, highlighting the strong demand for the AGV.
DOM Distribution's vision for fully automated feeding systems
The AGV is just one part of DOM Distribution's vision to create fully automated feeding systems for Australian feedlots. By combining the AGV with other innovative technologies, the company aims to improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and increase productivity for feedlot operators.
"We are committed to developing solutions that meet the needs of the Australian beef industry," said O'Brien. "The AGV is a significant step forward, but we are always looking for new ways to innovate and improve our products."