Mark Ferguson from neXtgen Agri brings you the latest in livestock, genetics, innovation and technology. We focus on sheep and beef farming in Australia and New Zealand and the people doing great things in those industries.
This week, we have Charlie from Stonyhurst on the show. Charlie and Ferg have worked together for a long time, both passionate about breeding healthy, productive sheep. They discuss how Stonyhurst has managed to breed finewool sheep that don't need footrot treatment, improving lambing and weaning percentages, and dropping their micron. Charlie also discusses Stonyhurst's cattle and deer operation and some of the 175 years of history his family have there on the property. If you breed finewools sheep and you've been wondering how to fix your footrot woes, this podcast is the one for you. Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week we're joined by Prue Simson, who's gone from managing the chaos of the Olympics and Formula One to running one of regional Australia's busiest agricultural venues, The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre in Tamworth.Whilst this is slightly different to our normal podcast, Prue's experience leading teams under pressure, dealing with legacy and change and large-scale event management is all relevant to managing a farm, especially around planning for the unexpected, building strong networks, and handling tough conversations well.-The power of planning for what might go wrong-How to build a team that thrives under pressure-Why networks are your best bet in a crisis-And how she's balancing career ambition with raising a young familyHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
We're sticking with cattle for one more week, and this time we have Paul Hickman from Taimate Angus on the show.Taimate is one of New Zealand's most respected cattle studs, and in this episode Paul shares the story of how the family farm has evolved since 1905 from running sheep studs, to now focusing solely on Angus cattle. Paul discusses the importance of structural strength in breeding, emphasising that it's not just about breeding values. Structure and phenotype still play a crucial role. Ferg and Paul also chat about Roy, a legendary Taimate bull, and how his success has helped open doors for New Zealand Angus genetics internationally.Taimate have their annual bull sale on Monday, 16th of June. https://www.taimateangus.co.nz/angus.htmlHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
We're back with another podcast from the World Angus Forum. This time, we have Chris Earl from CK6 Consulting, sharing his insights on ranching, genetic consulting, and the challenges faced in the cattle industry. He and Ferg chat about the importance of cash flow management, building a brand, and the innovative strategies for selling meat. Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Listen to the podcast live from the World Angus Forum. Ferg chats with Chuck Grove, retired American Angus Association President, to talk all things Angus cattle. Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
When Sherri Symons looked at five years' worth of crossbred wool gathering dust in the shed, she didn't just see a problem, she saw an opportunity.Today, she's the founder of Aussie Wool Pellets and WoolGrow, creating environmentally friendly, biodegradable gardening products from 100% Australian wool. Her products: ✅ Provide slow-release nitrogen ✅ Hold three times their weight in water ✅ Feed soil microorganisms ✅ Deter slugs and snails naturally ✅ Break down into the soil to boost carbon and soil healthHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Want to know how to future-proof your family farm for generations ahead? This is the podcast for you. Our guest this week is fellow podcaster Ben Law, aka “The Financial Bloke”. Ben is a former financial advisor who now works as a strategic coach, helping farming families grow, protect, and transition their wealth across generations.Ben shares his background in financial law, the reasons behind his career shift and the work he does now with farming families. He explains he common challenges faced by farming families in succession planning and his approach to guiding them through the difficulties. Tune in to hear about:How to avoid the common pitfalls that derail family succession plansWhy financial success isn't enough to keep the family business strongWhat proactive families are doing now to set up for smooth transitions laterHow to prepare both on-farm and off-farm kids for their future rolesWhy rethinking time, work ethic and communication matters more than you thinkThe power of mastermind groups to shift mindset and spark meaningful changeHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Nigel is back again to discuss the business of farming, and mindset in particular. Expanding on our previous two podcasts with Nigel, he shares his approach to business, the evolution of his mindset and strategies for managing risk and climate variability. He also talks about the importance of continual learning and, as Nigel puts it, “buying brains”. In this episode, we discuss:✔ How to build a resilient farm business✔ What good leadership really looks like on-farm ✔ Why scaling up isn't always the answerIf you're looking to future-proof your business, manage labour better, and build systems that don't fall apart under pressure, tune in today. Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
“Engage, not educate.” That's Claire Taylor's mantra when it comes to agriculture's public perception.From a career in political journalism to a Nuffield Scholarship spanning 16 countries, Claire has seen firsthand how farming is scrutinised around the world. We chat about:- Breaking out of the agricultural echo chamber.- The power of agritourism- Why trust-building, not just broadcasting, is the key to better advocacy.- The latest farming unrest in the UK and- Her move from Scotland to Australia to launch Agvocacy Consulting.https://www.agvocacyconsulting.com/Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week on the podcast we have our sponsors, MSD Animal Health, discussing Clostridial diseases and proper vaccine protocols. Our guests, Felicity Wills and Hamish Pike, are both Veterinary Technical Advisors for the company, and discuss the prevalence, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies associated with Clostridial diseases.From Pulpy Kidney to Blackleg, we cover what happens, what to look for, and why vaccines are a simple but essential tool for preventing losses.Why clostridial diseases turn up so oftenHow to spot the signs before it's too lateGetting the most out of vaccines (without wasting money)The myths, the mistakes, and the must-knowsHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week we're giving you a bonus episode on the Head Shepherd Podcast. Our host Mark, also hosts the Fibre Frontier podcast and we thought this interview with Dr Susan Robertson was worth sharing with our audience here on Head Shepherd.The Fibre Frontier is supported by AgriFutures Australia and the Goat Fibre Producers of Australia. Find more on AgriFutures Australia's Goat Fibre Program here - https://agrifutures.com.au/rural-industries/goat-fibre/.You can find related information and a world of likeminded people at the Goat Fibre Gateway - check it out here - https://gateway.goatfibre.com/.If you're keen on mohair and cashmere, or just love a good yarn about agriculture, share this episode, leave a like and a review, and let's spread the word about The Fibre Frontier!Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week on the Head Shepherd podcast, we're joined by Dr Pedro Fontes from the University of Georgia to talk about beef cattle reproduction. Pedro's research focuses on optimising fertility through artificial insemination (AI), synchronisation protocols, and embryo transfer strategies.Mark and Pedro discuss the latest findings on GnRH compounds, how pre-synchronisation boosts conception rates, why improved ultrasound technology is enhancing embryo recipient selection and how excess bull condition affects fertility. If you're looking for new ways to improve reproductive efficiency in your herd, this episode is a must-listen. Send us a message Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week on the Head Shepherd podcast, we're deep-diving into Toxoplasma Gondii with veterinary parasitologist Connor Bury. Connor walks us through the lifecycle of the parasite, how it's impacting sheep farmers across the world, and what we can do to reduce the impacts of it.Whilst many know cats are the main culprits in spreading Toxo, did you know the importance of water quality when it comes to reducing the spread of the parasite? Tune in today to learn more and equip yourself with the knowledge to lower your sheep's risk of toxoplasmosis.Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week on the podcast, our guest is Amber Smith- our newest livestock consultant to join the team. Raised on a Merino stud in central-west New South Wales, Amber developed a deep connection to livestock early on, working with sheep, cattle, dogs and horses. After completing an honours degree in Animal Science at the University of New England, she ventured north to the cattle stations of the Northern Territory.Returning south, Amber launched her own sheep contracting business, gaining valuable insights into different production systems, infrastructure efficiencies, and breed-specific management. Now, as part of the team, she's excited to work with farmers to improve productivity, genetics, and overall flock performance.Based in New South Wales, Amber is ready to hit the road, meet clients, and apply her expertise to help farmers get the most out of their livestock.Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
How do we get the next generation onto farms while helping established farmers transition out? In this episode of Head Shepherd, Mark chats with Sarah How, co-founder of Landify and New Zealand finalist for the Zanda McDonald Award. Sarah shares her journey from family farming in Mid-Canterbury to launching a platform that connects farmers, aspiring landowners, and investors. Sarah co-founded Landify after years of working in agronomy and research when she saw firsthand the challenges both young farmers and retiring landowners faced. Transitioning from a stable career to entrepreneurship wasn't without its challenges, but with a passion for problem-solving and a belief in the power of partnerships, Sarah is determined to reshape the future of farm ownership.Mark and Sarah discuss what's next for the platform- Whether you're a farmer looking to transition, an investor curious about opportunities, or someone dreaming of owning a farm, this episode is packed with insights to help you take the next step. https://www.landify.co.nz/Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Most farmers focus on production—but how many focus on profit? In this episode, Jeremy Hutchings explains how mastermind groups and business coaching are changing the game for farmers.Do you know your key business numbers?Do you have a 3–5 year plan for your farm?Are you surrounded by people who push you forward?Jeremy Hutchings has worked with hundreds of farmers to turn good farms into great businesses. In this episode, he explains why mindset, strategy, and networks separate top-performing farmers from those just getting by.Find out more at the link below:https://www.farmownersacademy.com/Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
From dairy farming to mussels, Maegen Blom's family took an unexpected turn into aquaculture—and she jumped right in. Now, as Operations Manager at Mills Bay Mussels, Maegen is tackling the challenges of farming a live product, managing an unpredictable supply chain, and pushing for better mussel genetics. In this episode, we get into the quirks of mussel farming, from harvesting wild spat to outsmarting snapper, and why the industry is still full of untapped potential.How a dairy farming family ended up in aquacultureWhy mussel farming is all about patience, not controlThe genetic unknowns of a wild-caught industry Snapper, rain, and other farming headachesHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Some rams at sales are not what they seem. Foot trimming and excessive feeding can cover up genetic faults, and buyers are paying the price. This week, Ferg breaks down what's really happening in the industry and how we can fix it.
What does it take to build a successful red meat brand from the ground up? Hamish Best, a sheep and beef farmer near Wellington, shares his journey in this episode, from his background in agronomy and sales to his return to farming. He chats about the challenges of maintaining product quality and consistency while growing a brand that resonates with consumers. Hamish also discusses his plans for the future and how he's making his farming model economically sustainable. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone looking to grow and improve their farming business.Hamish's journey from agronomy and sales back to farmingThe challenges of maintaining product quality and consistencyGrowing a red meat brand that resonates with consumersFuture growth plans for his farm and brandEnsuring his farming model remains economically sustainableHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week it's Ferg on the podcast, discussing the trans-Tasman, if not global, issue of drench resistance in sheep. From monitoring worm burdens to selecting rams with the right genetics, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies to help sheep farmers manage internal parasites more effectively. Testing drench efficacyUsing refugia to manage resistanceGenetic tools for long-term solutionsHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week on Head Shepherd, Ferg chats with Nick Martin about the crossover between sports psychology and farming. Off the back of his Kellogg Rural Leadership research into the performance psychology of elite Canterbury sheep and beef farmers, Nick shares practical tools like self-talk, visualisation, and box breathing to help sharpen focus and navigate high-pressure situations. The conversation highlights what sets top performers apart, with a focus on mindset, self-awareness, and goal setting. It's a fascinating look at how small changes can drive big results both on the farm and on the pitch! You can read Nick's full report below:https://ruralleaders.co.nz/the-performance-psychology-of-elite-canterbury-sheep-and-beef-farmers/Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Andrew Glover, known to most as Gloves, has spent his career navigating the ins and outs of the sheep industry, managing operations that run 600,000 sheep a year. Started his career straight out of school wool classing and is now station manager at one of Australia's largest and most innovative sheep studs, Pooginook. Andrew's passion for the job has only grown, as has his understanding of what makes farming work. He knows that success comes down to investing in the right places—genetics, infrastructure, and people.Andrew has some great advice for those wanting to begin a career in ag. He says that leadership isn't about titles; it's about action. He values hands-on experience, seeing it as the foundation of a solid farming operation.Andrew has a true passion for sheep farming and his story is proof that a clear vision and a relentless focus on improvement can keep you, and the industry, moving forward.Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week, Mark chats with Matthew Coddington of Roseville Park Merino Stud, one of Australia's leading Merino studs. Spanning 4,400 hectares near Dubbo, the farm is home to 11,000 sheep and a legacy of innovation and resilience built by Matthew's family.Matthew shares insights into the evolution of sheep breeding, from traditional practices to advanced technologies like genomic profiling and embryo transfer. He highlights the importance of long-term breeding goals, diversification, and creating a culture of learning within the industry.The podcast also touches on strategic cattle trading, pasture management using drones, and navigating challenges like droughts.Packed with practical insights, this episode offers a glimpse into the future of sheep farming and the relentless pursuit of excellence at Roseville Park.Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
We recorded our final episode of Head Shepherd 2024 live on the Hub where Mark answered listener questions. Mark also chatted about the work he has been involved with in 2024.- GEPEP project and its applicability to composites and strongwool sheep- Should you be breeding your own rams?- Testing for efficiency in confinement- Grazing behaviour of sheepThanks to everyone who tuned in to Head Shepherd in 2024Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
In this episode, Ferg is joined by Rudolph Linde, the Business Manager of Genetic Services at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), who shares his journey from diversified farming operations in South Africa to a career across New Zealand, the UK, and now Australia. With a strong passion for animal science and genetics, Rudolph delves into the principles of genetic improvement, the importance of variation, and how Australia's leading genetic databases are driving innovation in livestock production. He also explores advancements in reproductive technologies, such as IVF and sexed semen, and their role in improving animal welfare and sustainability, stressing the need to make genetic tools accessible to all producers, from early adopters to newcomers. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of livestock genetics and its impact on agriculture.How the breeder's equation underpins genetic improvement across all livestock species.The critical role of Australia's unparalleled genetic databases in driving innovation.The exciting potential of reproductive technologies for productivity and welfare.Making advanced genetics practical and accessible for producers of all levels.Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
In this episode of Head Shepherd, we're thrilled to introduce Dr Emma Pettigrew, our new North Island consultant at nextGen Agri. Emma brings a wealth of experience and passion for the sheep and livestock industry, having grown up on a stud sheep and beef farm in the Manawatu and earning her PhD in animal science.This episode is packed with practical knowledge and forward-thinking ideas for farmers wanting to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. Tune in to hear how Emma plans to make an impact in her new role and what's on the horizon for sheep farming in the North IslandInsights on genetic selection and shedding sheep.Challenges and opportunities for NZ sheep farmers.Emma's plans to drive innovation in the North Island.Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Hayley Grosser is a farmer and business coach based in Victoria, Australia, who helps farmers change their relationship with money so they can create more abundance in their lives. Hayley and her partner both grew up on a farm, and they started their own farm when they got married. They encountered financial difficulties early on and struggled for years to break through a financial ceiling. Through research, mentors, and coaches, Grosser realised that it was their mindset about money that was holding them back, and as they learned to think about money differently, their financial situation dramatically improved. Now, Grosser teaches other farmers how to retune their mindsets to wealth and abundance, so they can experience the same kind of transformation.Shifting to an abundant mindset can unlock financial success. When you believe in the infinite nature of money, you are more likely to see opportunities that can lead to positive financial outcomes.An important aspect of achieving an abundant mindset is changing your language about money. When you reframe negative money beliefs into more positive affirmations, your mind is more likely to look for evidence that supports abundance, leading to new opportunities.Viewing your time and money as investments can help you prioritise activities that yield the greatest return. Recognising that working harder isn't always the answer can lead to more efficient and profitable operations.Surrounding yourself with like-minded people and seeking mentorship can be invaluable. Learning from individuals who have successfully implemented abundant mindsets in their own lives can accelerate your progress and provide support.Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Looking to level up your pasture and crop management? This week's guest is Cam Nicholson of Nicon Rural, an agronomist with four decades of experience. He breaks down the essentials of soil fertility, grazing management and the big impact of getting these right. Cam and Ferg chat about the benefits of grazing cereals, managing animal weight on stubble and the real cost of picture-perfect pastures. Tune in for practical tips on balancing perennials and annuals, matching species to the environment and using tools like Pasture Picker to boost productivity.- Tips on grazing cereals and animal weight management on stubbles.- How to balance lush pastures with a solid bank balance.- Matching species to the environment for better pasture persistence.- Practical tools and resources for evaluating and managing pasture options.Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
We're talking feet on this week's podcast! Guests Jim Walsh, Veterinary Technical Advisor at MSD Animal Health Australia, and Kim Kelly, Veterinary Technical Advisor at MSD Animal Health New Zealand,join Mark in a fantastic discussion about effective solutions for improving foot health in sheep.They dig into the issues of footrot and foot abscesses, covering effective diagnosis, management strategies, information on the Footvax® vaccine and the impactful role of genetics in strengthening sheep resilience to foot-health challenges.Tune in to hear about:Effective strategies for managing foot health in sheep, including solutions for footrot and foot abscesses.The role of genetics in improving sheep resilience to foot-related health issues.Practical tips on footbathing, vaccination and biosecurity.How to effectively use Footvax® vaccine.Proactive approaches to improve flock health and productivity.Thanks to our sponsors, Allflex/MSD Animal Health, for joining us to chat about such an important topic for sheep producers. Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
What is actually occurring within a sheep with worm resistance? This week on the podcast we have a fascinating discussion with Dr Kelsey Bentley who has spent her career so far looking into the immune mechanisms of Katahdin sheep in the US. Kelsey runs us through what happens biologically within the sheep to make it ‘resistant'. She has also researched the importance of the role of colostrum in lamb immunity. Kelsey explains how it provides essential immunological benefits - particularly through IgG and IgA antibodies - and that colostrum quality varies between sheep and therefore is under genetic influence. Highlights:- The make-up of the Katahdin breed- The biology of parasite resistance- The genetics of parasite resistance- The effect of worm resistance on other traits like growth- The importance of good quality colostrum - Behavioral responses to illnessesHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Sophie and Ferg catch up about Ferg's recent trip to Ontario, Canada, where he visited 14 different sheep farming enterprises on his 10-day trip with Ontario Sheep Farmers. Highlights:- The differences in production systems, compared with New Zealand and Australia - Feeding strategies- Lambing systems- Health challenges- Market dynamics- The potential for genetic improvements in sheep breedingHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
John Francis, director of Agrista, an agricultural consultancy, discusses benchmarking, understanding optimum stocking rates, maximising pasture utilisation, feed efficiency and much more. Maximise pasture use and adjust stocking rates seasonally to boost profitability.Measure to manage.Profit varies by livestock system, so choose one that suits your resources.Benchmarking offers insights but avoid relying solely on past data.Stay flexible and adaptable to respond to market shifts effectively.Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Bec Malseed, who manages AWI & RIST's Lifetime Ewe Management course, in her spare time is a female central/field umpire in her local country footy regional league. It's fair to say that she is trailblazing a path for other women and girls to follow - in 2023, she became the first female field/central umpire in senior mens football in the Mininera & District Football League. Her conversation with Ferg puts a spotlight on her experiences breaking into this traditionally male-dominated space, highlighting the importance of communication, seeing different perspectives and building resilience - in umpiring, as well as in life outside of sport. The conversation also covers how sport strengthens rural communities, helping people move through challenging periods. Bec shares her hopes of encouraging more women to get involved in umpiring and reflects on the personal growth she's gained from her time in the game.Key role of communication Importance of rural sports and community-buildingHow umpiring has built Bec's personal resilienceBeing able to see different perspectives, both on the pitch and offHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Ben Simpson from OGA Creative Agency shares his passion for the varied landscape of Australian agriculture - focusing on storytelling, ethics, and innovation. He discusses with Ferg how effective communication, AI and visual storytelling are shaping the future of livestock marketing. Ben highlights the importance of ethical practices, brand values and initiatives like Meat and Livestock Australia's ‘Australian Good Meat' program in enhancing Australia's global standing. Agriculture storytellingAI impactBrand valuesEthical practicesGlobal reputationHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week we have David Thompson of Moojepin Foods on the podcast. David talks about his career breeding trait-leading Merinos, how he is addressing salinity issues in Western Australia with the exploration of saltbush and halophyte agriculture, along with his latest idea: saltbush beer! David has to be one of the most innovative and enthusiastic people in Agriculture. Tune in for an absolutely fantastic episode.- The evolution of Merino sheep breeding- Challenges and innovations in mutton production- Exploring saltbush and halophyte agriculture- Navigating the culinary world with chefs- Innovations in beer and gin production Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Angus Gidley-Baird, Senior Analyst - Animal Proteins at Rabobank, joins us this week to share his expertise on the sheep and beef industries across Australia and New Zealand. Angus helps us understand market dynamics, global demand and the impact of seasonal conditions on the market. In this episode we cover the:Current state of the Australian and New Zealand sheep and beef marketsImpact of drought and seasonal conditions on supplyGlobal demand for lamb and beef, particularly from China and the USFuture of the sheep industry in Western Australia in light of the live export banTrends in lamb carcass weights and consumer preferencesPotential for marketing premium lamb products and objective quality measuresFrom changing lamb prices driven by consumer demand to the effects of market shifts on land prices, Angus does a great job of explaining the various challenges and opportunities within the livestock sector, both on a trans-Tasman scale and globally. Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited, we help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best - info@nextgenagri.comThanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week on the podcast, we're chatting all things livestock breeding with Robert Peacock from Orari Gorge Station. Robert discusses how and why they've been breeding for worm resistance. They have also been one of the first to measure feed efficiency and methane emissions, demonstrating the role of genetics in addressing these farming challenges. Tune in to discover how Orari Gorge is setting the standard for sustainable farming.Farming sheep, beef and deer in South Canterbury. How to begin testing for WormFEC.The importance of feed efficiency in livestock. What goes on in a central progeny test?Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited, we help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best - info@nextgenagri.comThanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Our guest this week is veterinarian Enoch Bergman. Originally from the USA, Enoch arrived in Australia in 2003. He fell in love with the people, the landscape and the agricultural innovation of Esperance, Western Australia and has been there ever since. Enoch is passionate about improving the performance of heifers and the use of fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) in commercial breeding programmes, and shares that passion with us today. He explains the process of synchronising heifers and the positive outcomes for conception rates, calving ease, calf and heifer survival, weaning rates and rebreeding rates. He also discusses the economic analysis of integrating fixed-time AI versus natural mating, including the cost of bulls, labour and the value of pregnant heifers.Enoch is also involved with a Producer Demonstration Sites (PDS) programme that aims to encourage the uptake of fixed-time AI. The PDS showed that using fixed-time AI reduced dystocia, calf mortality and heifer mortality. It also improved weaning weights and re-breeding success. Enoch also discusses the benefits of early and short heifer joining and the potential challenges with bull longevity.This podcast was recorded as a video with an accompanying presentation that includes some great graphs and statistics. You can watch it at this link: https://youtu.be/tTgjaMRu9DgHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited, we help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best - info@nextgenagri.comThanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week on the podcast we're celebrating 200 episodes! We thought we'd make a special occasion of it so we recorded our podcast live at Lambex 2024 and who better to have on as a guest than Lambex founder, Dawson Bradford. Mark and Dawson discuss the origins of Lambex. Dawson came up with the idea to “ … bring producers together with the processors and retailers, and get an understanding through the whole industry.” It's safe to say Dawson accomplished that with 1,500 delegates attending in 2024.Mark and Dawson also discuss the Ultrawhite breed's development and the ins and outs of starting a new sheep breed. From facing judgment from others to not knowing quite where the breeding would go in the first few years, it was quite the journey. “It's taught me a lot. It taught me that I didn't know very much before. It's the challenge of bringing together the four breeds and stabilising the type. You think you've got it under control and a wildcard comes in from one of the four breeds,” shares Dawson. “Be aware of what you're producing. Be aware of the faults that come up and move along quickly.”This is a great chat between Dawson and Ferg about genetics and sheep breeding, and we couldn't have picked a better guest to celebrate 200 episodes of Head Shepherd. Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited, we help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best - info@nextgenagri.comThanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
If you farm Merinos in Australia, it's more than likely you will have heard of Merinotech. And if you've heard of Merinotech, it's likely that you know our fantastic guest this week, Bill Webb. For those that don't know, Merinotech is an intensively recorded ram breeding nucleus founded in 1988 by a group of WA Merino breeders who wanted to breed a ram that thrived in their environment, backed up by a breeding plan and strategy that fully embraced the latest developments in breeding and genetics. The stud nucleus was established at Kojonup, Western Australia, with ewes from founding members and they have been applying those founding principles ever since. Merinotech rams are now some of the highest ranking in Australia for traits such as fat, eye muscle depth, worm resistance and weaning rate, as well as high-value wool traits.Whilst Bill is still the chairman of Merinotech, he is no longer actively farming. Once his son Ben returned, Bill decided to hand over the reins straight away, “…so he didn't have my negativity or things like that impinging on his ability to work out what to do,” explains Bill. “I felt I'd done as much as I could to improve profitability and productivity. I didn't know what needed to be done over the next 30 or 40 years and Ben needed to work that out for himself, which he has done very well. We had a good relationship and the idea was to move out and still be involved, but not being present and influencing his decision-making in one way or another. And I'd had several back operations, so trying to do something that didn't involve physical work and continuing to injure or hurt myself was another reason.”And with a response to succession such as that, it's no surprise that Bill re-trained as a psychologist for the second half of his working life. “Initially I was trying to do something I didn't have to study for to earn an income,” says Bill. “I was looking around, trying to work out what to do. I was going to facilitate family meetings for succession planning and conflict resolution, mediation sort of things. And it soon became obvious that people can handle one problem, one or two problems, but when problems become multiple issues that's when difficulty occurs. So psychology became a foundation to work from, to be able to help people work through life events essentially. So it became obvious that I did have to do some study. It took me seven years of full-time study to become registered and this is my 11th year of registration as a psychologist and I'm loving the work.” Bill discusses some of the lessons he's learned over the years in both careers and what he would do differently if he could do it all over again. “Family is terribly important,” emphasises Bill. “Often farmers see the farm as the central focus and the goose that laid the golden egg, which means that the work-life balance and family can be compromised. I think at the end of the day, our family is what we have and we have to treasure and cultivate the importance of the family unit.”Merinotech is holding their next open day on 4 October 2024 at Kojonup. Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited, we help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best - info@nextgenagri.comThanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
As you may have heard in the media recently, triple drench resistance in cattle is quickly becoming an issue for New Zealand farmers. This week on the podcast, we are joined by Dave Leathwick and Christian Sauerman from AgResearch. They share how they came across the issue, why it has occurred and what producers can do to mitigate the risks of developing triple drench resistance. Dave and Christian are both ‘accidental parasitologists', with Dave initially studying entomology, while Christian was focused on biology and zoology. However, both have now been working with parasites for a combined 51 years! Dave explains that drench resistance has been a long-standing issue: “The national survey that was done on cattle in 2004/2005 - virtually every farm in New Zealand had drench resistance to at least one active - and it just made no difference. Nobody paid any attention.” Now, 20 years later, the issue is far worse. The research pair point out that they weren't looking for evidence of triple drench resistance and it only came to their attention when a few farmers had issues with calves not performing well. FEC tests showed alarmingly high worm numbers, considering the animals had been drenched just three weeks prior, and tipped them off to the extent of the problem. Christian highlights the signs and symptoms that cattle will show and also what producers can do to negate the risks of triple drench resistance. But you'll have to tune in for that! Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited, we help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best - info@nextgenagri.comThanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Our guest on the podcast this week is Barbara Webster, co-founder of inMR. Barbara shares with Mark how inMR's Marbl™ technology uses nuclear magnetic resonance to measure intramuscular fat quickly, accurately and non-invasively, delivering a new standard to the industry.In the last few years, the technology has been successfully implemented in lamb-carcass grading. inMR are in the process of adapting it to other applications, such as beef carcasses and live animals. While MRI technology has been around for a while, Barbara shares the challenges of adapting this technology for industrial use in a meatworks environment. One such challenge is speed. Their current model measures around four to five carcasses a minute. One of their development projects is a twin-sensor system that will measure 10 to 12 carcasses a minute. Fortunately, another common challenge frequently faced by the industry - labour shortages - has been less of an issue for inMR. They chose to pursue an automated process, with data feeding directly into the system, rather than relying on someone standing there to do the measuring. “The weight of our sensor took us down that path, but I think it's a key point of difference and adds a lot of value,” shares Barbara.Barbara points out that funding from organisations such as MLA and SFF Futures, along with investment by Ovation New Zealand, have been instrumental in advancing these innovations. “We've been very lucky and we've had tremendous support from funding agencies that invest in new technology development,” explains Barbara. With the continuous innovation in robotics, sensors and AI, the next decade is going to be very interesting when it comes to tech in agriculture. Current technologies such as x-ray scanning and robotic cutting - along with emerging applications for MRI - are already in use. Mark and Barbara both share the belief that AI opens up doorways for automation and innovation like never before. "I think we're going to see a huge leap forward because our ability to cope with naturally varying product for automation applications is going to only become easier now with those tools,” highlights Barbara. Whether you are a meat industry professional, a technology enthusiast or simply curious about the future of food production, make sure to tune in to this episode to learn more about the cutting-edge technologies that are set to transform the meat industry!Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited, we help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best - info@nextgenagri.comThanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week on the podcast we're discussing heat stress during mating and pregnancy with Dr William van Wettere.Heat stress is classed as anything over 32°C, which can disrupt fertility in ewes, semen quality in rams and embryonic development in lambs, so it has an overarching effect on all aspects of reproduction.Mark and Will start by discussing the effects of heat stress on ewes. Trials show that heat stress affects ewes most in the five days leading up to ovulation and the first five days after ovulation; while heat stress after day eight of ovulation did not affect fertility. Heat stress also reduces the duration of oestrus, with the impact depending on the timing of the heat stress. Trials show that heat stress can shorten the length of oestrus by five to eight hours. Heat stress can also impact the cycle length, lengthening it by nearly two days in some cases.One trial showed that for every additional day above 32°C, lambing percentages decreased by around 3.5%. A lot of this is comes down to disruption of the ewe's follicle development. Because of this, and poor placental development, lamb birth weight and survivability can be affected. Heat stress at different times throughout the pregnancy can also have an effect. Mark and Will also discuss the impact on ram fertility, which can be affected at any time in the 60 days leading up to mating. Heat can cause not only a reduction in the amount of sperm but also cause issues with motility and along with structural abnormalities. Fortunately there are solutions to mitigate heat stress. Research has shown that sheep that have to look for feed are more likely to succumb to heat stress, so confinement feeding with adequate shade could be an option. Another solution is to increase the ram per ewe ratio. There is also research looking into the role of melatonin in mitigating heat stress effects. This is a great factual podcast that will arm you with knowledge about what goes on with your sheep when you're mating during the peak of summer so that you can make a positive change for future matings. Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited, we help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best - info@nextgenagri.comThanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Building resilience and achieving success in agriculture is an unpredictable challenge that involves continuous learning, upskilling, mentorship and adoption of innovative practices. In this episode, Mark chats with Danielle England, both a consultant and farmer, about resilience in the agricultural industry.Danielle currently farms merino sheep with her husband and his family in Keilira, South Australia. However, she has spent most of her career going back and forth across Australia in a variety of roles, most of them focused on risk, resilience and people in agriculture. Her first role was with the Department of Agriculture working in the Sustainability and NRM team before she moved across to Planfarm. There she got involved in the grain and mixed farming businesses and is now lead consultant with AgInnovate. “Nationally, I've led a lot of the decision-making around risk - and how farmers look at risk - and also the role of sheep in broadacre farms and cropping programmes, and what risks do sheep bring to those businesses,” explains Danielle.With the recent announcements on live export, the sheep industry across Australia has suffered the flow-on effect of that uncertainty and a drop in confidence. Through her career in risk management, Danielle has some great insights about how farmers can navigate such an unsettled time. Danielle disagrees that this will all ‘blow over' in a year. “I think this a two- or three-year journey that the industry has to go on. As you know, we can't change sheep genetics very quickly,” she explains. “Sure we can move out of merinos and move into first-crosses or prime lambs, but they're not going to hit the ground till 2025. 2024 mating was decided in 2023, we don't operate in really short turnarounds in livestock.”Danielle suggests that whilst changes need to be made to ride out the wave, it's best not to rush in and make too many changes at once. Sometimes it is not making ‘a' change that is hard, but the decision about which change to make. Here are some key points from Mark's chat with Danielle to consider when implementing change in your farming business: Know your core values.Know what you're good at.Know what you enjoy.Keep an open mind.Don't look back, instead focus on what you want to generate.Don't add or subtract more than 30% in a business at once.Finally, Mark asks Danielle what are the key characteristics of resilient businesses. “Someone once told me, if your farm's still there, you've got a resilient business,” she says. “Farming is a long game and it's an infinite game. We try and set it up for future generations. So whilst it looks stressful now, in the long run it will be okay.”We are launching OptiEwe, a one-on-one consulting service for commercial sheep farmers, and want your input. Please take this quick survey to share your preferences on focus groups:CLICK HEREHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International LimitedThanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
How would you manage your cattle differently (or your sheep for that matter) if you could diagnose pregnancy at day 16? This week on the podcast, Mark chats with Bronwyn Darlington, a trailblazer in the field of disruptive innovation and sustainable agriculture. Bronwyn shares her journey through various ventures and projects, one of which is AgScent.“My area of expertise is looking at the complex systems that interact as far as technology is concerned - to come together to create serious disruption,” explains Bronwyn. “What is life going to be like if you were actually standing on the horizon in 10 years and looking back? What technologies would you be surrounded by?” she asks.“If you thought about what your mobile phone was 20 years ago or 10 years ago, project that out for another 10 years and think of what else that would change. What major disruptions will that cause? And then the task is to build the bridge back.”One of these bridges is AgScent. Bronwyn had been to the US looking at emerging disruptive technologies with university students when she realised that there had been substantial breakthroughs in medical diagnostic technologies and also our ability to build and understand algorithms and create neural networks.Bronwyn returned home (a 5,000-acre property in the southern tablelands of New South Wales) where cattle were being pregnancy-tested “ … the same way we've done since pretty much the pyramids,” says Bronwyn. “I was absolutely struck by how the livestock sector has been so hamstrung by our inability to get the benefits that, say, cropping gets with robotics … that other sectors are getting with new technologies. And I wanted to put those two pieces together.”And so Agscent was born: “If we can look into the breath of a human now and identify lung cancer, why can't I look into the breath of a cow?”. By identifying specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath, Agscent can distinguish pregnant cows from non-pregnant ones as early as 16 days post-insemination.As a next step, the development of technology to measure methane was a no-brainer for Bronwyn. Agscent now sells a versatile GHG sensor unit that can be used both indoors and outdoors to measure methane and carbon dioxide continually (and can be used for both individual and group measurements). AgScent is also working alongside last week's podcast guests, Optiweigh, and have integrated their methane sensor into the weighing platform. For the moment, Agscent can provide early pregnancy diagnosis and methane detection. Bronwyn's plans for the future include broader applications to other livestock species, such as pigs and sheep, with the potential to detect diseases like bovine respiratory disease and pleurisy. Tune in to discover how Bronwyn's ventures are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in agriculture and how they can support changes in your own farming practices.We are launching OptiEwe, a one-on-one consulting service for commercial sheep farmers, and want your input. Please take this quick survey to share your preferences on focus groups:CLICK HEREHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International LimitedThanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week on the podcast we have Bill Mitchell, co-founder of Optiweigh, discussing the Optiweigh system and its unexpected impacts on the farm businesses that are already using the technology. Optiweigh was founded 10 years ago by Bill and Jacqui Mitchell after they decided there must be a better way to closely monitor cattle weights, rather than running them into the yards every week. “There was a walk-over weighing system that I saw first in sheep. And it was just like, how on earth do I make this work on our farm without it taking more effort than it saves?” explains Bill.However, getting cattle to put all four feet on the scales was trickier than they first imagined. “I don't know why I even bothered,” says Bill. “But I thought, I'll collect some two feet weight and take them to the yards and weigh them there too, and see if it's any good.” It turned out that it worked, despite them both not daring to believe it. Then in 2019, the drought forced them to destock, and so they seized the opportunity to launch Optiweigh.From then on, Optiweigh has gone from strength to strength. Every day there is a new revelation about the usefulness of their technology. The immediate nature of the data means producers can see changes in weight instantly and see the impacts of their management decisions in real time.“People have done it to manage their grazing rotations. They've done it to look at the different pastures and different feed types, supplementary feed types or otherwise to look at a change of feeds or compare weight gains on different feeds,” explains Bill. It's also been used to help identify animal health issues - such as the impacts of too-high stocking rates or dirty dam water - that may have otherwise gone unnoticed until it was too late. Optiweigh is being used around the world, from extensive grassland systems to feedlots.Recently, the team at Optiweigh have been working with AgScent (our guests on the podcast next week - make sure to tune into that!) to measure methane whilst the cattle are being weighed. They are also looking to create a sheep weighing system.Bill hopes that Optiweigh will become a staple in livestock farming, providing a variety of data that not only improves farm management but also contributes to environmental sustainability by continuously monitoring animal metrics such as weight, methane emissions, body condition scores and overall health status.If you would like to know more about Optiweigh, you can visit their website here:https://www.optiweigh.com.au/We are launching OptiEwe, a one-on-one consulting service for commercial sheep farmers, and want your input. Please take this quick survey to share your preferences on focus groups:CLICK HEREHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International LimitedThanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
This week on the podcast we have Richard Subtil, from Omarama Station, a 12,000-hectare property in New Zealand's South Island. Over the last 26 years, Richard and his wife Annabelle have made incredible progress on the station, creating a sustainable and efficient operation for their children to take over.There is a vast range of environments found across Omarama Station, from tussock at 1,550 metres to 4,000 hectares of irrigated flats at 450 metres and “... everything else in between,” says Richard. Richard and Annabelle are big fans of adopting new technology and trying new ideas, including foetal aging at pregnancy. This has allowed for better management of the their livestock in the diverse range of environments on the property, explains Richard. “We will put those early twin-bearing ewes on the lower, better blocks that start to grow a bit earlier in the season and then they have access to lucerne paddocks below,” says Richard. “Then, [we can] bring the later lambing ewes down behind… that kind of thing. That makes a massive difference.”But it's not just about making one-off decisions based on the data; data is recorded against each ewe for her whole lifetime. Richard explains: “Once we get that lifetime data, we can also make sure that we are rewarding those ewes that regularly give us early twins every single time, every year. Especially when, at weaning time, you look at a ewe and she's looking a bit tatty. Is that because she's a poor ewe or is that because she's worked really, really hard for you?” Without EID, it is impossible to keep track of so many variables to make an accurate assessment. When Omarama began using EID they classed these better-performing sheep as ‘Royals'. After analysing the data, the difference in performance was quite significant. “If we had been able to convert all the sheep on the place to Royals, there was $150,000 worth of profit, without spending a dollar more on animal health or feeding them more. It was just better sheep,” explains Richard. This just shows that by collecting and analysing lifetime data, collected on EID, it is far easier to make informed decisions that lead to better livestock management and overall efficiency.It is not only technology that makes or breaks a business though. Richard and Annabelle make use of their previous life experience in logistics to make the most of what they produce at Omarama, be it wool, lamb or beef. Richard discusses the importance of long-term contracts and partnerships with brands like Icebreaker and how they impact breeding decisions and the future of the farm. We are launching OptiEwe, a one-on-one consulting service for commercial sheep farmers, and want your input. Please take this quick survey to share your preferences on focus groups:CLICK HEREHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International LimitedThanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
As food producers, should we know more about the nutrition of the products we produce? This week on the podcast we have Dr Anneline Padayachee, a food and nutrition scientist. We dive into the fascinating world of carbs, proteins, micronutrients and more, hopefully leaving you with a better understanding of the food we produce and eat.Anneline provides a brief history of nutrition science. This relatively new field emerged in the late 1800s, after the discovery of the elements of the periodic table, when it became possible to identify essential nutrients like amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Anneline says that nutrition science can be “ … a little bit behind … ”, as it is always reacting to changes in global diets.Nutrition science covers the whole spectrum of diets: from the worst that lead to disease and illness, to the best that lead to populations living well past 100. Anneline discusses the concept of ‘blue zones', regions where people live significantly longer due to an active lifestyle, a strong sense of community and a diet rich in locally sourced, plant-based foods. Anneline is quick to add that while these diets are plant-based, they are not plant-exclusive, emphasising the importance of dietary diversity and moderation in consuming animal products.Mark asks Anneline the obvious question from a farming podcast: what is the truth about the role of meat in a healthy diet?“If you can eat meat, go for it,” says Anneline. “Red meat is nutritionally dense. And when I say nutritionally dense, think about a concentrated cordial versus a diluted cordial. The flavour is very different, you only need a little bit of that concentrate in there. It is very nutritionally dense in protein: it has every amino acid that our body does not produce. In addition to iron, which is absolutely essential, you've also got B12. Without B12, you cannot get the energy out of your carbohydrates, so it is absolutely fundamental. And red meat is our only source of dietary B12. There's no other way we can get it, except to take a supplement or get a shot from the doctor.”Anneline and Mark also discuss ‘lab-grown' meat and cell culture technology in food production and how it might be used in the future. Whilst the costs to produce a kilogram of these novel foodstuffs are exponentially higher than that to produce beef at present, Anneline says there will likely be some highly useful applications of lab-grown meat, especially for the medical sector. But she finishes by pointing out: “In terms of feeding the masses, nothing is more efficient than a cow.”This episode offers a broad exploration of food science, nutrition and health. Dr Padayachee provides valuable insight into how to maintain a balanced diet amidst the noise of marketing strategies and fad diets. Whether you're interested in the history of nutrition science, the intricacies of food production, or practical tips for a healthy diet, this episode is one not to miss.We are launching OptiEwe, a one-on-one consulting service for commercial sheep farmers, and want your input. Please take this quick survey to share your preferences on focus groups:CLICK HEREHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International LimitedThanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
What happens when a Merino sheep farmer turns into a digital marketplace mogul? Our guest this week, Dwain Duxson, founder of Farm Tender and The Farmers Club, shares how and why he switched career paths. While Dwain enjoyed his time farming and breeding Merino rams, in 2011 he decided a change of gear was in order. “For me, [selling rams] was pretty restrictive in how many customers you could serve. I wanted to serve a lot more customers. I had a bit of an idea of what I wanted to do when the internet was kicking into gear. So that was the main reason we left the farm. We just wanted to try something else and service more people.”After a few different business ideas, Farm Tender was born. Farm Tender is an online platform for buying and selling agricultural products across Australia. And, with over 72,000 members and around 40 new members joining daily, their database is huge. Dwain wanted to help farmers get the best deals and also provide them with the top-notch customer service he was accustomed to giving when selling breeding stock. Launching an online platform, however, came with its fair share of obstacles. In the podcast, Dwain discusses the early days of establishing Farm Tender and the challenge of trying to break into the American market. Dwain also talks about his latest venture, The Farmers Club, a daily newsletter that provides agricultural news and articles. This is where Dwain shares his insights on the current landscape of Australian farming. After years of running agricultural businesses, Dwain has realised that writing is what he loves. Through Farmers Club, he can make the dream of writing about agriculture - every day - a reality. If you would like to find out more about Farm Tender, you can visit their website here:https://www.farmtender.com.au/.If you would like to subscribe to The Farmers Club, visit the following link:https://thefarmersclub.com.au/.Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited, we help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best - info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand.These companies are leaders in their respective fields and it is a privilege to have them supporting the Head Shepherd Podcast. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Join us this week and find out how Matt Iremonger manages multiple dairy, sheep and beef operations across 6,500 hectares in Canterbury, New Zealand. Matt shares the challenges and opportunities in such a diverse farming enterprise, as well as his recent experience as a Nuffield Scholar looking at the integration of beef production from the dairy industry to create a high-value premium product.When Matt's parents sold the farm he grew up on, Matt needed to find another way into property ownership. After a stint at the New Zealand Wool Board and some time overseas, Matt returned to New Zealand to lease a farm. Matt and his wife then went into an equity partnership on a larger farm, which they grew for 10 years. More recently they have joined forces with the Thomas family, managing their farming business and purchasing farms in partnership with them. Matt and his wife Katy run dairy, sheep, and beef farming systems that operate across 6,500 hectares in the Ellesmere district in Canterbury. “We think of ourselves as a pastoral business,” explains Matt. “That pastoralism extends to a number of products which include lamb, beef and dairy. Dairy is no different to pastoral sheep and beef, it's just a different harvesting system.”Their stock consists of 1,550 dairy cows (plus replacement heifers); 12,000 mixed-age ewes and 3,000 hoggets (producing 22,000 lambs a year); and 1,200 beef cows (from which they finish the majority of the calves). Running such a diverse business prompted Matt to apply for a Nuffield scholarship in 2023. Matt saw an opportunity in the industry for better utilisation of surplus calves from the dairy side of the operation. Matt spent five months travelling and researching the challenges and opportunities in New Zealand, comparing it with practices in the United States and the European Union, and came across some surprising revelations. Mark and Matt also discuss the breeding principles that apply across these enterprises and how they select their bulls. Matt has valuable insights into managing diverse farming operations for optimal productivity and sustainability, capitalising on opportunities. From navigating partnerships to strategic breeding principles, this week's episode has it all. Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited, we help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best - info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand.These companies are leaders in their respective fields and it is a privilege to have them supporting the Head Shepherd Podcast. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
Ever wondered what it takes to breed top-quality Brahmans? This week on the podcast we have Alf Collins, of ALC Brahmans, sharing how he and the team do just that with a disciplined approach to breeding and selection. Alf discusses the evolution of the ALC herd, the business today and the stringent criteria they apply when selecting their Brahmans. ALC started with Alf's grandfather when he introduced Brahman genetics into his British herds back in the 1950s. This move was met with scepticism by many, who considered Brahman cattle more suitable for a zoo than a farm. However, the benefits quickly became apparent, leading to a legacy that Alf and his family continue to build upon. Today, ALC operates over 70,000 acres in Queensland, with roughly 1,700 seed stock females and 1,200 commercial females.Mark and Alf discuss the selection criteria employed at ALC and their use of EBVs to breed a Brahman that excels in reproduction, survivability and temperament, is well-muscled, and is highly efficient at grazing. Alf explains how they have optimised fertility by not moving their mating date based on weather conditions. Instead, they stick to the 1st of October, regardless of conditions. “We don't change our production year because of the rain, because the reliability is not there. The wet season can start in October. It may start in March. And we don't know. So we've taken an approach that we'll select cattle that work regardless and only keep those that work,” explains Alf. “What we're selecting for is what we call a dry season mating most years. So, a cow in the herd that says, ‘I'll put my hand up and work whether you rain on me or not. And if you do rain on me, I'll go even harder'.”It is not just fertility that ALC focuses on. The Collinses have been breeding for natural resistance to ticks and parasites for many years. He explains that they didn't like the idea of using such severe chemicals, for the sake of both the cows and the humans. It also made good business sense to breed for resistance. “It came back to trying to run a profitable cattle business and the fact that we didn't want to spend money on tickicides,” says Alf. “We just had to be disciplined in the fact that we weren't going to do it. They have to get worms and they have to get ticks. We have to let that happen and remove the ones that can't handle it. And we continue to do it today, and we'll go back and analyse that by sires. If there's linkage here, we'll get rid of the sires too.”Mark and Alf also discuss temperament, muscling and efficiency, along with much, much more. Alf has a clear passion for breeding Brahmans and his enthusiasm is infectious. The success of ALC shows that with a clear goal and strategy, a commitment to science and sustainable practices, and a rigorous approach to culling, huge progress can be made towards improving livestock to meet the criteria of the environment and production system. Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited, we help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best - info@nextgenagri.com.Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand.These companies are leaders in their respective fields and it is a privilege to have them supporting the Head Shepherd Podcast. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
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