The Smithfield Story

Smithfield Feedlot began operation on 2 July 1986, with Robert Smith, Manny Pidgeon and Percy the dog; 115 head of cattle from Springsure were placed on feed. Feed was purchased and delivered by the South Burnett Dairy in Proston, and pens were originally built around what is now known as "The Old Dip Yards". During 1986, the feedlot continually expanded, and by the end of the year there were around 1,000 head of cattle on feed. Expansion continued at a steady rate, so that in 1990 the capacity of the feedlot had reached 3,500 head.

Early during the feedlot’s operation, cattle fed at Smithfield were mainly marketed and sold as Jap Ox, while some cattle were also sold into the Korean and Trade markets. At this stage, no contracts existed between the feedlot and its suppliers. The beef market crash of 1990 had a great impact on Smithfield, leaving the feedlot with just six head of cattle on feed, which were owned by Robert Smith. Following this, beef prices began to resurrect and the feedlot continued its development, implementing a bunk feeding system in 1993 with the goal of producing their own feed. This goal was achieved in February 1994, when Smithfield began production of their own cattle feed, under the guidance of Hub Meat.

Following the installation of bunks and the commencement of feed production, a second beef market crash during 1996/1997 saw grain fed beef prices plummet from $3.05/kg to $1.50/kg. However, the feedlot recovered swiftly once beef prices began to restore, and so began some lasting supply contracts and major clients of Smithfield, many of which have continued to develop.

In 1998, Smithfield began tempering grain; this was the first major change in the way in which grain was processed at Smithfield. From 1998 to 2000 all facets of operation at Smithfield were expanded, with pen space, cattle numbers and employee numbers all steadily increasing. Many improvements were made to the feedlot during this time, including the construction of new and improved pens. At this time Smithfield had a capacity of around 12,500 head, a license for 15,000 head and employed 20 full time and casual staff.

A major upgrade of the feed mill at Smithfield was undertaken in 2000, with the implementation of a fully computerised tempering and rolling system. Early in 2001, Smithfield began steam flaking grain, and saw a tremendous increase in cattle performance and in grain utilisation by cattle. Today, Smithfield runs three steam flaking mills to process mainly sorghum, barley and wheat. In 2006, Smithfield purchased and installed two batch boxes, which have since proven highly successful in increasing feed batching and delivery efficiency.

Today, Smithfield Feedlot has a licensed capacity of 18,500 standard cattle units and employs 30 full time and casual staff. The feedlot is becoming increasingly involved in research and development, with a number of projects being ongoing and a number planned for the near future.

At present, three properties make up the Smithfield enterprise.

"Teignmouth" located 4km west of Proston is the property on which the Feedlot lies, consisting of 2268 hectares. In addition to the development of the Feedlot in 1986, the property was extensively used for cattle breeding up until 2001, before breeding was scaled back to run more backgrounding cattle for the Feedlot.

"Mondure Park" is located 29km east of Smithfield Feedlot and consists of 261 hectares. This property is largely used for the production of sorghum silage for use at the Smithfield; 200 hectares are under irrigation.

"Blacklands" consists of 140 hectares and is located just north of Proston. The property comprises what is regarded as some of the best Brigalow scrub soil in the South Burnett, 100 hectares of which is under cultivation with the remainder being grazed.

The Smith family’s involvement in the community as business operators has been long standing. In 1927 Alf Smith together with Bob Levitt opened a butcher shop in Hivesville.

A second butcher shop was opened in 1937 in Blake Street, Proston. The Levitt and Smith butcher shop located at Proston employed local lad Col Reinke as their first apprentice. The butcher shop was operational for many years, up until 1966, when the shop was sold to Hec Coulson.

A third butcher shop located at Kinleymore was also operational around the same time.