WE HELP DEFINE THE PERFECT SCOPE
Understand how you can use this to your advantage
The RAAD Program is creating a real opportunity to improve feedlot performance through better shade and shelter. The outcome, however, depends on how the project is planned, designed, and delivered.
Before applying, it’s worth understanding what a buildable, high-performing shade structure actually involves — and where projects can go wrong.
What is the RAAD Program?
The RAAD Program, delivered by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA), is a $45 million, five-year investment into commercially focused research and development across the feedlot sector.
The first funding round is focused on shade and shelter, supporting projects that improve cattle comfort, reduce heat load, and enhance operational efficiency.
What the Funding Means for Your Project
Funding can support:
- Improved shade and shelter outcomes
- Better animal comfort and heat management
- Operational efficiency improvements
- Long-term performance of your facility
But funding does not define the solution.
The structure, layout, engineering, and build approach will determine whether the project performs as intended.
What to Get Right Early
Before applying, it’s worth being clear on:
- Layout and flow | How cattle move, feed, and rest — not just where structures sit
- Ventilation and heat management | Designing for airflow, not just shade coverage
- Span and structural approach | Clear spans, access, and operational efficiency
- Durability and environment | Corrosion, manure exposure, and long-term performance
- Engineering and compliance | Ensuring the solution is practical, compliant, and buildable
Getting these right early reduces risk, protects your budget, and improves the outcome.
Planning a project under the RAAD Program?
Getting early clarity on layout and structure can make a significant difference.
A Clear Approach to Feedlot Projects
We’ve worked on feedlot projects where early decisions around layout, ventilation, and span directly impacted performance on site, these are not decisions to leave late. This is where our 3C Advantage can help you.
Concept
This is where your project takes shape.
We work with you to understand your operation, site constraints, and goals — then help define a practical, buildable shade and shelter solution.
That includes early thinking around layout, cattle flow, span requirements, and how the structure will actually function day to day.
Configure
This is where the detail gets locked in.
We help align design, engineering, approvals, and documentation so the project is clear, compliant, and ready to move forward.
At this stage, the focus is on removing unknowns; so timelines, costs, and scope are understood before construction begins.
Construct
This is where everything comes together.
With the right planning in place, the build phase becomes more predictable — with fewer surprises, less rework, and a clearer path to completion.
If you’re considering applying, this is the stage where getting clarity early can prevent costly changes later.
This approach gives you confidence that your project is not just funded, but properly planned, buildable, and set up to perform.
Where Projects Go Wrong
We often see:
- Rushed concepts driven by funding timelines
- Layout decisions made before operational needs are clear
- Engineering brought in too late
- Builders engaged after key decisions are already locked
The result is often rework, delays, or a structure that doesn’t perform as expected.
Funding supports the project. It doesn’t remove the need for clear planning.
Get Clarity on Your Feedlot Project Before You Apply
A clear, practical approach early will strengthen your application and improve your project outcome.
Remember: Funding supports the project, but performance comes from how the structure is designed, engineered, and integrated into your operation.
We can help you:
- Define a buildable solution
- Pressure-test your layout and approach
- Identify risks early
- Align your concept with real-world delivery
Speak with us about your feedlot project
1800 350 450
FAQs
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What is the RAAD Program?
The RAAD Program is a funding initiative led by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA ) and the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA). It supports commercially focused research and development across the feedlot sector, including projects related to shade and shelter.
The program is designed to improve animal welfare, operational efficiency, and long-term performance outcomes for feedlot operations.
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Who is eligible for RAAD funding?
Eligibility depends on the specific funding round and criteria set by MLA. This typically includes feedlot operators and industry participants involved in projects that align with the program’s objectives.
It’s important to review the official guidelines and requirements before applying to ensure your project meets the criteria. This is something our team can help you navigate.
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What does shade and shelter funding cover?
Funding is focused on improving animal welfare and operational outcomes. This includes infrastructure that supports heat management, cattle comfort, and overall feedlot performance.
Projects are generally assessed based on how well they deliver measurable improvements, not just the structure itself, but how it performs within the operation.
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What should I consider before applying?
Before applying, be clear on how your project will actually work, not just what it looks like on paper.
That includes your layout, structural approach, engineering requirements, and how the build will be delivered on site.
Think about how cattle will move through the space, how heat load will be managed, and whether the solution is practical and buildable for your conditions.
This is where we often see issues, concepts that look right early, but don’t hold up once engineering or construction begins.
Getting clarity at this stage helps avoid rework, delays, and cost overruns once funding is secured.
Early input from a structural partner like TechSpan can help ensure the concept is not only eligible but also practical to deliver.
If you’re working through these questions, it’s usually the right time to get a second set of eyes on your project.
When your project needs more than a standard design, our Custom Solutions give you complete flexibility. We collaborate with you to engineer structures that meet your specific performance, design, and site requirements. All manufactured in-house for quality and precision.
Engineered to fit
Designed around your exact site, workflow, and specifications.
Smarter delivery
Seamless integration from design to fabrication for faster, simpler builds.
Quality you can trust
Backed by in-house engineering, manufacturing, and decades of experience.
Building made simpler, stronger, and smarter. Each kit is pre-engineered for industry-specific use, fully compliant, and designed to suit your site, workflow, and budget. Manufactured in Australia and delivered ready for installation, every SmartKit is built for reliability and ease — giving you confidence to take control of your build.
AgriSpan
Built for life on the land, AgriSpan SmartKits deliver durable, fit-for-purpose structures designed to handle the demands of Australian farming. From machinery sheds to hay and storage facilities, each design is practical, efficient, and made to last.
Our difference
25+
Years of building bigger shed solutions, smarter
2400m2
Manufacturing facility with gantry cranes
1500+
Projects delivered across Australia
50+
Trusted build partners nationwide
100%
Manufactured in-house Armidale, NSW
100%
Australian owned & operated
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Concept
This is where your project takes shape.
We work with you to understand your operation, site constraints, and goals, then help define a practical, buildable shade and shelter solution.
That includes early thinking around layout, cattle flow, span requirements, and how the structure will actually function day to day.