ALFA: Young feedlot leader now a successful beef consultant

Ms Lincoln started her career at Cargill Foods Australia's Stockinbingal site, working under Roy Stuart in the livestock crew from 1992 to 1995.

In her first year of employment she was assistant manager for the Japanese section, with 2000 steers on feed for 400 to 520 days.

In her second year she was transferred to the US section that included 11,000 steers, on feed for 120 to 150 days, and she also worked as the health coordinator before moving north to work at Myola Feedlot, North Star, in late 1995.

After a stint with Twynam, she joined the team at Ravensworth, in a career defining role.

"Ravensworth was going through some management changes and I was forced to grow up very quickly," Ms Lincoln said.

"While there were a few turbulent years, Ravensworth allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. I was able to fill Ravensworth Feedlot and run it successfully."

Her work at Ravensworth led to her manager role at Peechelba Feedlot in 1999, where she stayed until 2011.

"I pride myself on the work I did at Peechelba," Ms Lincoln said.

"It look about five years but the feedlot turned around in all areas, making good profit for the company that owned it.

RELATED READING:

"I will always be grateful to Doug Shears for giving me the opportunity to work for him. He is and was a great mentor, father figure and guide to me over the years."

A milestone in Ms Lincoln's lotfeeding career was winning the Young Lot Feeder of the Year award in 2002 with her essay on biosecurity and protecting the beef industry.

She was able to visit the UK, where she looked at the impact of BSE (mad cow disease) on the beef industry, as well as touring feedlots in Texas, US.

"I was the first female to win the award and I hope that I was able to give other women at the time the confidence to achieve that.

"It's great that over the years there have been so many other young woman win the award, who are now in management roles.

"I look at the industry now and it is so great that we have equal opportunity across the board and I think ALFA and the industry in general should be proud of this."

After leaving Peechelba, Ms Lincoln worked as livestock manager at Blackmore Wagyu for five years, before establishing her consultancy business Linc Ag Pty Ltd.

She works with Wagyu and Angus grass and grain-fed beef producers, consulting on animal health, husbandry, nutrition and management.

Her work ranges from genetics programs such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer for Angus and Wagyu producers, to backgrounder, grower and finisher programs for Wagyus, as well as weaning and backgrounder programs for Angus.

"I am very grateful that over the years in the lotfeeding industry, I was able to look at various areas, and grateful that I grew up in the beef industry with my Dad and learnt so much from him and many others along the way."

On top of her busy career, Ms Lincoln was the first female ALFA councillor from 2008 to 2011, and in November 2019 she was elected to the Australian Wagyu Association board.

"I'm looking forward to continuing my work with Wagyu members through that space but also through my client base.

"I still have a huge interest in feeding cattle and although I am now a visitor to most yards, I still find it a very rewarding part of the industry."

Ms Lincoln counts her dad, who would let her tag along to the yards or backgrounding places as a kid, as her greatest mentor, but she also had the support of many in the industry.

"I had the opportunity to meet some great people, most of whom I am still able to work with now.

"Lex Crosby was always in my corner, as was Rob Backus and I think Theresa Craig helped me a lot and showed faith in my management.

"I also look up to Dr Matt George who's not only a mentor but a good friend; and, of late, Dr Simone Holt who assisted me with my new business as a sounding board and guide."