PUBLISHED October 16, 2025
Thomas Foods International is planning to invest more than $22 million expanding its Southern Cross Feedlot in South Australia.
Australia’s largest 100% family-owned meat processing company also expects to create up to 15 jobs by increasing the feedlot’s capacity by 41%.
Under the proposal submitted to the Coorong District Council, TFI will increase the Tintinara feedlot’s capacity from 27,000 to 38,000 Standard Cattle Units (SCU).
The expansion includes the construction of 66 new shade-covered pens, with each pen accommodating approximately 160 head of cattle.
Additional hay and grain storage will also be located near existing site infrastructure.
TFI’s Southern Cross Feedlot General Manager, James Sage said the expansion would support increased operational demand and create further employment opportunities for locals.
“This is a significant investment in our feedlot operations which play a vital role in TFI’s integrated supply network,” Mr Sage said.
“The Southern Cross Feedlot has been growing steadily in recent times, in part due to the increasing number of cattle required at the Murray Bridge meat processing plant, and the overall outlook is very positive.
“Our feedlot already represents the very best in modern cattle handling systems with a focus on animal welfare and operational efficiency. Through this expansion we are best positioning the feedlot for the long term.”
This expansion represents the latest investment by TFI in the feedlot, with the company investing more than $17 million over the past three years in expanding and upgrading the facilities to its current capacity and with a workforce of 40 staff.
The proposal is currently with the Council for development assessment and if approved, TFI aims to begin building works immediately.