Feedlot in Regional QLD

About The Client

The client operates across 14 locations nationwide, including feedlots, beef processing plants, food manufacturing facilities and distribution operations. One facility is a feedlot located in the Western Downs region of Queensland, operating in a regional environment where reliable telecommunications are critical to day-to-day operations.

The Business Challenge

The feedlot required a secondary terrestrial connectivity solution after their existing fixed wireless service was cancelled by the incumbent provider. The feedlot needed a reliable, scalable service delivering up to 100 Mbps to support business systems and operational requirements.

The existing internet service terminated at a workshop roof mast, with aging onsite fibre infrastructure used to extend connectivity to the onsite Server Room. Any new service would need to be terminated directly into the Server Room, while overcoming:

• Line-of-sight constraints
• Long distances
• The challenges of deploying infrastructure in a working agricultural environment

The client required a high-availability solution that could be delivered quickly, integrate with existing infrastructure where possible, and provide long-term reliability.

The Business Solution

MarchNet was engaged to conduct a detailed Design Study to identify the most suitable connectivity solution for the feedlot. Following desktop analysis and a physical site survey, MarchNet confirmed that a carrier-grade microwave WAN solution was viable.

The recommended solution leveraged existing MarchNet microwave infrastructure in the Chinchilla region, combined with the deployment of a new intermediate microwave repeater site to extend coverage to the feedlot.

Key elements of the solution included:

• 100/100 Mbps symmetrical microwave internet service delivered from MarchNet’s Chinchilla Point of Presence
• Utilisation of existing MarchNet microwave infrastructure, with power system upgrades to accommodate additional load
• Construction of a new 18-metre guyed lattice microwave repeater tower, solar-powered with battery backup designed for extended runtime
• Microwave link terminating at the feedlot grain elevator, the tallest structure on site, ensuring reliable line-of-sight
• Installation of a microwave radio mounted near the top of the grain elevator, and an external field cabinet with backup batteries and heat shielding at the base
• Service handoff via existing onsite fibre from the grain elevator to the Mill Office and onward to the onsite Server Room, in line with the client’s preferred option

MarchNet’s design allowed for efficient deployment while minimising disruption to feedlot operations and maximising reuse of existing infrastructure.

The Business Outcome

MarchNet’s microwave WAN solution delivered a robust, scalable and reliable connectivity platform for the feedlot, restoring confidence in the site’s telecommunications capability.

Key outcomes included:

• Reliable High-Speed Connectivity: A carrier-grade 100/100 Mbps symmetrical service provided consistent, low-latency internet access for critical business systems.
• Improved Operational Resilience: The microwave network reduced reliance on legacy services and mitigated risks associated with onsite legacy telecommunications infrastructure.
• Future-Ready Infrastructure: The network design allows for future bandwidth upgrades and expansion, supporting long-term operational needs.
• Minimal Site Disruption: By leveraging existing structures and onsite infrastructure where possible, MarchNet delivered the solution efficiently within an active agricultural environment.
• Confidence Through Design: The detailed Design Study enabled the client to make an informed investment decision, supported by confirmed line-of-sight analysis and physical site validation.

This project demonstrates how well-engineered microwave solutions can deliver enterprise-grade connectivity to regional and remote agricultural operations where traditional services are unavailable or unreliable.