Cattle feedlot
Use and development of cattle feedlots
All use and development of cattle feedlots must comply with the Victorian Code for Cattle Feedlots 1995 (the code). Applicants must comply with the code to the satisfaction of the responsible authority.
Victorian code for cattle feedlots 1995
The code aims to help the cattle feedlot industry develop, financially and environmentally. It provides guidelines for planning, designing, approving and operating feedlots, and aims to encourage investment in feedlots. It will also help protect the environment and the amenity of people living near such developments.
There are a range of zones where cattle feedlots may be permitted, and this is outlined in the Victoria Planning Provisions:
- Farming Zone
- Rural Activity Zone
- Green Wedge Zone
Cattle feedlots are prohibited in all other zones.
Consider local laws when determining if an activity is permissible.
For more information on permit requirements across zones in Victoria, download:
Cattle feedlot production systems
Production cycle
Cattle feedlots are used for growing and finishing cattle for beef production. They are not used for breeding cattle. Typically, cattle spend a minimum of 50 days on feed in a feedlot. Some specialist long-fed cattle are kept for 400 days or more.
Types of facilities
Conventional feedlots
Conventional feedlots keep cattle in outdoor pens. Recommended stocking densities range from 9 m2/SCU (standard cattle unit) and 25 m2/SCU. The optimum stocking density depends on climatic, site and management factors.
Feed is provided in open bunks or self-feeders. Water is provided in troughs.
A conventional feedlot may include some form of shelter, which will be partly covered with a high, open-sided shed, shade cloth or partial roof. However, most pens are outdoor. Impermeable material is used for the:
- floor of the pens
- drains
- sedimentation system
- effluent holding pond
- manure stockpile and composting areas.
Conventional feedlots sit in a controlled drainage area. Run-off typically flows through a sedimentation system to an effluent holding pond.
Manure is regularly cleaned from the pens. It is immediately reused, stored and/or composted in a dedicated area before reuse on land. Effluent is typically evaporated and/or reused on-property. However, in some circumstances, it can be used offsite.
Covered feedlots
Covered feedlots include both covered, open-sided sheds and enclosed sheds covering the feedlot pen surface. Floors are impermeable and may be covered with bedding.
Feed can be provided in open bunks or self-feeders
Spent bedding is regularly cleaned from the pens and is stored or composted in a dedicated area ahead of reuse on or off-property. The spent-bedding storage or composting area has an impermeable base and is confined within a controlled drainage area. Roof stormwater is collected and not allowed to run off directly into pens.
Contact
For all agricultural land use planning enquiries, contact the Agriculture Victoria Planning and Advisory Service at agvic.planning@agriculture.vic.gov.au.