PUBLISHED February 27, 2024
Experienced beef industry manager James Sage has joined Thomas Foods
International to head up operations at the company’s Southern Cross Feedlot.
Mr Sage has relocated from New South Wales to South Australia to take on the
position of General Manager at the Tintinara-based Feedlot which has recently
undergone a major expansion.
In his role, James will be managing a workforce of more than 40 and an expanded
capacity of up to 27,000 head of cattle.
“This is a state-of-the-art facility with a highly experienced and skilled team in place,”
James said.
“TFI has invested a great deal in this feedlot and set it up for a long term future.
“It’s an exciting time to join a leading Australian family company providing the best
quality Australian meat to markets here and overseas.”
Prior to joining TFI, James was the Conargo Feedlot Manager at Australian Food
and Agriculture in the Riverina, New South Wales, during which time he oversaw the
greenfield development of a 12,000 head feedlot facility.
In his 30-year career, James has also worked in Queensland and overseas, holding
the positions of Production Manager and Beef Consultant South East Asia for
Associated Grain, Asia Pacific Beef Manager with Alltech Asia Pacific and Feedlot
Manager with Gibson Partnership in Dalby, Queensland.
James, a recreational flyer with a keen interest in sports, said he was looking forward
to working closely with local livestock and commodities producers.
“I’m keen to form strong personal relationships with all our suppliers and become
involved in the local community,” he said.
“From Day One here at Tintinara, I’ve been made to feel very welcome.
“I’m also looking forward to growing our team and we currently have positions
available at the feedlot across livestock and administration roles.”
TFI Chief Executive Anthony Stewart said Southern Cross Feedlot would play a key
role in the company’s integrated supply chain, with increasing numbers of cattle
required for the new Murray Bridge processing facility.
“We have invested more than $17 million over the past two years expanding and
upgrading the Southern Cross Feedlot,” Mr Stewart said.
“This has included the construction of 95 pens, a feed mill upgrade and taken our
capacity from 15,000 to 27,000 as well as creating new job opportunities along the
way.
“With processing ramping up at Murray Bridge, the demand for high quality Angus
beef continues to rise.
“We’re pleased to have James on board to drive our future growth. He has a strong
reputation and track record within the Australian beef industry and will be a valuable
addition to our management team.”