Productivity and Profitability Media Series

Welcome to Episode 20 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series! In this episode, we're joined by Dr Gordon Refshaugee to explore fertility and fecundity in Australian sheep flocks over the past decade. Your host, Ellie Hays, and Gordon discuss the average pregnancy rate in Australian sheep flocks and share practical tips to improve fertility and manage the resulting obligations. To watch our webinar with Gordon head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)To access Gordon's research paper head to: An analysis of fertility and fecundity in the Australian sheep flock between 2006 and 2019 | Scientific ReportsMore information on pregnancy scanning, check out the AWI-MLA report links:AWI-MLA The Value of pregnancy scanningawimla_value-of-pregnancy-scanning_report.pdfThis episode is proudly brought to you by Agrista, in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.We'd greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to complete a short survey about the series. By participating, you'll enter the draw to WIN one of @agrista.au 3 tools: the Farm Expansion Calculator, the Exclusion Fencing Calculator, or the Containment Lot Calculator the choice is yours! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7PS8HBM

Welcome to episode 19 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Tim Gole from For Flocks Sake. Tim and I will dive into all thing BredWell FedWell and setting up your breeding flock for success. Your host, Ellie Hays and Tim discuss the importance of pre-joining exams, body condition scoring, scanning, ASBVs and how eID's can be used as an advantage. To find out more on anything was discussed throughout this podcast, visit For Flocks Sake website https://www.flockssake.com.au/. To watch our webinar with Tim head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.

Welcome to episode 18 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Ed Riggall from AgPro Management. Ed and I will dive into integrating livestock into mixed farming systems with the main focus on summer nutrition. Your host, Ellie Hays and Ed briefly discuss on a life on a consultant before diving into summer nutrition, feed requirements for sheep, different grains and much more.To find out more on anything was discussed throughout this podcast, visit AgPro Management website https://agpromanagement.com. Alternatively you can email Ed via ed@agpromanagement.com for any resources mentioned. To watch our webinar with Ed head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.

Welcome to episode 17 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Natalee Johnston from Skilful Decisions. Natalee Johnston was the Royal Australian Navy's first female pilot and with over 24 years of military experience, Natalee has led teams in high-stakes situations, taught as a helicopter instructor, and now runs her own consultancy focusing on human factors, risk management, and safety across various industries. Your host, Ellie Hays and Natalee discuss what you can do to manage high workloads and pressure. Natalee will share her insights on safety culture and risk management and why these skills are critical for performing under pressure. To watch our webinar with Natalee head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)Article on culture ladder by Professor Patrick Hudson and an alternative the Keil Centre https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2017/08/safety-in-mind-hudsons-culture-ladder/ Elements of a positive safety culture https://www.nhvr.gov.au/files/201811-0937-sms-quick-guide-positive-safety-culture.pdf CASA Human factors and human performance https://www.casa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-06/safety-management-systems-book-6-human-factors.pdf The Risk Awareness - PEAR model (simplified risk management) and Rule of three used in Defence https://dasa.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/Maintaining-Risk-Awareness-2022.pdf From worksafe on deliberate risk management process https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/identify-assess-and-control-hazards/managing-risks Some additional reading on Risk Management and Bowtie Risk Assessment https://shoalgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Hocking-and-Sproston-Bowtie-risk-assessment-methodology-in-practice-AMPEAK2019.pdf https://www.juliantalbot.com/post/risk-bow-tie-method This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.

Welcome to episode 16 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Deb Scammell from Talking Livestock. Deb dives into the key questions around mineral supplementation for beef and sheep. Your host, Ellie Hays and Deb discuss the importance of mineral supplementation, when they need supplements and which essential minerals to focus on. Find out how minerals interact in the body, the risks of excess and how to evaluate products to ensure  you're choosing the most effective and cost-efficient options.  To watch our webinar with Deb head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)This is the link to the NRC Sheep book which can be purchased or read online: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/11654/nutrient-requirements-of-small-ruminants-sheep-goats-cervids-and-new The NRC beef cattle version is here: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/19014/nutrient-requirements-of-beef-cattle-eighth-revised-editionThe MLA phosphorus resource can be found here: https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/research-and-development/program-areas/livestock-production/mla---phosphorus-management-of-beef-cattle-in-northern-australia---2nd-edition_v20.pdfThis episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.

Welcome to episode 15 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Matt Ferguson from NeXtgen Agri. Mark talks about the importance of embracing change to continue to be successful in agriculture.Your host, Tanisha Shields and Mark discuss exciting technologies including genomics, robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality and big data. They discuss the impact that these technologies have on agriculture currently and in the future.  This episode introduces the concept of conducting a pre-mortem of your business to prepare for the future. To watch our webinar with Mark head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)Mark recommends the Book "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson within the podcast and your can find it here:https://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-audiobook/dp/B07F7LS2ZW This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.

Welcome to episode 14 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Elke Hocking from Elke Hocking Consulting. Elke talks about the importance of measuring and monitoring to manage for reproductive success in heifers. Your host, Tanisha Shields and Elke discuss that by proactively managing weaner heifers to achieve critical mating weight targets and condition scores prior to joining (60% of SRW prior to heifer joining and 85-90% of SRW prior to second joining), beef businesses have the potential to improve the reproduction rates in their heifers and second calving cows.This episode covers that by developing an annual management and health plan for their beef business, producers can optimise the health and welfare of their animals, reduce mortality rates in their herd, achieve target liveweights and realise the genetic potential of their herd. To watch our webinar with Elke head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)To find out about the project head to: https://www.mackillopgroup.com.au/blog/reproductive-health-and-management-practices-for-beef-heifers/1577113  More information about condition scoring cattle can be found here: https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/content/uploads/2021/07/BCSG_A6_FINAL.pdfhttps://youtu.be/DzOLbANRa_0?si=eYgKVYjjvMSpOB1vOther links to resources to provide more information on this topic are:Final Report: https://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/reports/2024/p.psh.1280---pds-reproductive-health-and-management-practices-for-beef-heifers/More Beef from Pastures manuals: https://mbfp.mla.com.au/  https://paraboss.com.au/annual-program/western-victoria-and-south-australia/https://www.mla.com.au/extension-training-and-tools/tools-calculators/Cost-of-production/This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.

Welcome to episode 13 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Callen Thompson from AgSTAR Projects. Callen talks about growing beef from dairy, the benefits, barriers and next steps for the industry. Your host, Tanisha Shields and Callen discuss the importance of relationships and understanding what the end user of your product wants. Callen highlights the benefits of dairy beef, including carbon emissions, eating quality and consistency of supply. Beef and dairy producers looking to get involved in the Dairy-Beef supply chain need to breed, feed and manage their calves with their end market in mind. To take advantage of these opportunities we will need to address several barriers including increasing capacity to rear calves, developing a greater understanding of market specifications for both beef and dairy producers and producing an animal that consistently meets market specifications.To watch our webinar with Callen head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)To find out about the Growing Beef from Dairy project Callen mentioned head to: Growing Beef from Dairy | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au) This project is funded 50:50 by Meat and Livestock Australia and Dairy Australia. To sign up to receive updates on this project head to: Growing Beef from Dairy - Industry engagement survey (office.com) This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.

Welcome to episode 12 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Sally Martin from SheepMetriX. Sally talks about how electronic identification can be used in your business to add value. Your host, Tanisha Shields and Sally discuss the importance of being clear on what you want to achieve when collecting data. Sally highlights that there are multiple avenues for data collection using eID and it is how you efficiently use this data that will enable you to reap the benefits.Sally's key steps for getting started with eID technology are:1.  Have a plan and a staged approach before purchasing lots of equipment – build your confidence first. 2. Understand how it will fit into your current farming business and operation. 3. Stick to your key profit drivers when deciding what data to collect and use. To watch our webinar with Sally head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)To find out about the eID workshops Sally mentioned head to: Sheep Consultant & Ram Breeding Advice (sheepmetrix.com.au)To learn about setting a breeding objective head to: BredWell FedWell hub | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au) A Benefit: Cost ratio figure for eID investment can be found here: https://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/reports/2019/return-on-investment-for-implementing-electronic-identification-tags-in-a-commercial-sheep-flock--wa/This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.

Welcome to episode 11 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This special edition episode features Dr Shane Thompson from Holbrook Vet Clinic, Ed Rigall from AgPro Management and Felicity Turner from Turner Agriservices. In this episode we discuss the business, pasture and livestock management considerations when managing a late seasonal break or failed autumn period. Your host, Tanisha Shields speaks to the specialist panel about the importance of assessing and managing business risk to make informed decisions to manage the failed autumn. We discuss how to conduct a supplementary feeding analysis, including which stock to feed and for how long and prioritisation of reducing numbers. The expert panel talk about what to consider to promote pasture growth during winter and into spring and the fertiliser budgeting implications for this season and looking ahead for next year. We also cover the animal health and nutritional requirements during the winter period and how to manage lambing and calving with limited feed. Confinement feeding is discussed as a strategy to manage livestock and pastures through to spring. Some key messages from the panel:"No plan survives first contact - you've just gotta keep planning" Ed "The only thing worse than feeding, is feeding and not achieving the outcome" Shane "Be kind to yourself and look after our mates" FelicityTo find out more about containment feeding, listen to our webinar and podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2197784/13976041 or at Webinars + Podcasts - AgristaMore information about managing livestock nutrition can be found at:  https://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/livestock-production/livestock-nutrition/drought-feeding/confinement-feeding/https://www.makingmorefromsheep.com.au/https://www.mla.com.au/extension-training-and-tools/more-beef-from-pastures/This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.

Welcome to episode 10 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Anne Collins of AC Ag Consulting. Anne talks about how to maximise dorper reproductive performance, particularly in challenging environments. Your host, Tanisha Shields and Anne discuss how to utilise condition scoring as a management tool to inform decision making, the importance of pregnancy scanning and how to use the scanning results to improve flock reproductive performance. Shedding sheep breeds are a relatively easy-care, low labour input, enterprise option for producers, particularly mixed farmers who have multiple enterprises competing for their time.  The number of lambs weaned is the key profit driver for a shedding sheep enterprise.Anne talks about the results of a Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) project, including how the adoption of improved management practices in the annually joined flock including: monitoring of ewe condition score; pregnancy scanning; differential management of single and twin bearing ewes; culling scanned empty ewes; ram and ewe soundness checking prior to joining; and timely weaning, resulted in an increase in conception rate in the monitored group of ewes from 125% to 159%. The key take home messages for listeners from this episode are: 1.       Learn how to condition score your animals, actually do it and use the results to make management decisions.2.       Ensure both rams and ewes are fit to join prior to mating through the use of physical examinations and attention to nutrition3.       Pregnancy scan ewes and manage accordingly. Quit or remate empties, feed twins, manage singles. Wet/dry ewes at lamb marking.To watch our webinar with Anne head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)To read the full PDS report head to: https://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/reports/2023/l.pds.2017---pds-maximising-dorper-reproductive-performance/To learn more about the MLA Donor Company project - Quantifying and improving reproductive performance of shedding sheep head to www.mla.com.au/shedding-sheep/ .  Those interested in receiving occasional email updates should send their contact details to bobbie.lewisbaida@adelaide.edu.au. This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.

Welcome to episode 9 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Dr Jason Condon from Charles Sturt University. Jason talks about how implementing improved soil sampling intervals will enable better decisions about liming.Your host, Tanisha Shields and Jason discuss the movement and effect of liming to address lower soil acidity layers. We also discuss the how the management of acid soils removes one of the manageable constraints of the production system. Dr Jason Condon is Associate Professor in Soil Science at Charles Sturt University and has taught and researched soils there since 1996. His research portfolio includes projects on fertiliser management, carbon sequestration, nitrogen cycling, salinity management in Vietnam and the formation and management of soil acidity in Australian crop and pasture systems in collaboration with NSW DPI, Holbrook landcare Network, FarmLink and Central West Farming Systems.  To watch our webinar with Jason head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)The liming charts mentioned by Jason can be found here: NLP Lime Calculator (sfs.org.au), Planning on Liming (nsw.gov.au)This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.

Welcome to episode 8 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Shawn McGrath from Charles Sturt University. Shawn talks about the role of dual-purpose crops in livestock production businesses. Your host, Tanisha Shields and Shawn discuss the benefits of dual-purpose crops, when to sow a dual-purpose crops and how to manage grazing with different livestock species. We also discuss the complexities associated with dual purpose crops and how they alter the feed production curve for your business. To watch our webinar with Shawn head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)To learn more about grazing dual-purpose crops head to: grazing-cropped-land-a-summary-of-the-latest-information-on-grazing-winter-crops-from-the-grain-and-graze-program-2016.pdf.pdf (grdc.com.au)This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.

Welcome to episode 7 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Cam Nicolson from Nicon Rural. Cam talks the carbon space which is rapidly evolving, we should expect the ‘rules' and assumptions to change in the future.Your host, Tanisha Shields and Cam discuss why you should care about carbon, where it all began and how to get an understanding of the emissions in your business. We discuss emissions intensity (amount of emission per unit of product) and why this should be your focus in the next few years, not carbon neutrality.Cam talks about existing practices and technologies that can help reduce emission intensity tomorrow in any farming business. To watch our webinar with Cam head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)To access the MLA carbon calculator head to: MLA Carbon CalculatorTo access the Greenhouse Accounting Framework Tools head to: Tools | Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre (piccc.org.au)This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.

Welcome to episode 6 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Sally Murfet from InspireAg. Sally talks about the importance of managing and working with people in agriculture. Your host, Tanisha Shields and Sally discuss the internal and external factors impacting human agronomy, the importance of clarity, communication and culture and how to get the recruitment process right. To watch our webinar with Sally head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)To access the people in ag website head to: People in AgricultureThis episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia. 

Welcome to episode 5 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features John Francis from Agrista. John talks about how to drive production in your business to manage risk and cost of production to drive profitability. Your host, Tanisha Shields and John discuss what some of the targets for production are, how to design a cost structure to meet these production targets and to remove the focus on chasing price. John talks about the importance of system design in livestock enterprises, ensuring you are matching feed supply and feed demand in order to drive a low cost of production. To watch our webinar with John head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)To access the cost of production calculator head to: MLA Cost of Production Tool To access the feed demand calculator head to: MLA Feed Demand CalculatorThis episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia. 

Welcome to episode 4 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Dr Jillian Kelly from Animal Health and Nutrition Consulting. Jill talks about how containment feeding can be a proactive management strategy for drought, fire, flood or to meet production targets. Your host, Tanisha Shields and Jill discuss why to use containment areas, how to set up a containment area and some of the challenges Jill and her clients have overcome in their experience using containment areas. Jill talks about the importance of data and careful planning with regards to nutrition and management of livestock in containment in order to achieve good results.To watch our webinar with Jill head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)To access the Drought and Supplementary Feed Calculator head to: Drought and Supplementary Feed Calculator (nsw.gov.au)To find the Local Land Services guide head to: A guide to confinement feeding sheep and cattle in NSWThis episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia. 

Welcome to episode 3 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Basil Doonan, Technical Director of Pinion Advisory. Basil speaks about how to manage your pastures during spring, in wet, dry and average seasons. Your host, Tanisha Shields and Basil discuss why spring is the time to "attack" your pasture management, how to deal with excess feed, how to assess and manage pasture quantity and quality. Basil shares insight on how to assess which livestock are the most profitable for your business when deciding to supplementary feed in dry seasons. Basil talks about the importance of understanding animal demand and pasture growth rate before adding inputs to your pastures or supplementary feeding your livestock. To watch our webinar with Basil head to: Webinars & Podcasts - AgristaTo access the MLA Stocking Rate calculator head to: MLA Stocking Rate CalculatorTo access Farming Forecaster head to: Home page - PastureForecasting (farmingforecaster.com.au)This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia. 

Welcome to episode 2 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Dr Penny Schulz, Livestock Technical Specialist with the SA Drought Resilience, Adoption and Innovation Hub. Penny presents an overview of what a value chain approach is, what this means for livestock producers and how genetics play a role.Your host, Tanisha Shields and Penny discuss meeting market specifications, understanding your target market and setting breeding objectives to achieve your profitability goals. Penny shares information about a number of resources that are available to help producers identify their target market and set their breeding objectives. Penny talks about the importance of relationships and becoming the preferred supplier, particularly during tough conditions. To watch our webinar with Penny head to: Productivity & Profitability series | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au) To find out more about BredWell FedWell head to: BredWell FedWell | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au)This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia. 

Welcome to episode 1 of the MLA Productivity and Profitability media series. This episode features Phil Graham, of Graham Advisory, who presents a current seasonal update and implications of this for producers. Your host, Tanisha Shields and Phil discuss how to assess your exposure to a dry spring, taking into account the impact across southern Australia.  Phil shares information about a range of tools and resources that are available to help producers assess current soil moisture. Phil talks about how producers can make the most of a below average spring through better pasture quality. To find out more about Farming Forecaster head to: Home page - PastureForecasting (farmingforecaster.com.au)The Bureau of Meterology soil moisture outlook can be found at Australian Water Outlook (bom.gov.au)Access StockPlan here: 35StockPlan®: a decision aid for management of livestock during drought and other times (nsw.gov.au)This episode is brought to you by Agrista in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.