Head Shepherd

Building Futures in Agriculture with Nancy Crawshaw

09 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we have Nancy Crawshaw, Extension Manager for Angus Australia and winner of the New Zealand Zanda McDonald Award 2024.The con...

The power of staying curious with Nigel Kerin

02 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nigel Kerin returns to the podcast this week to discuss profit drivers, decision rules, staying curious and the importance of science and technology i...

The Future of Sheep: Preview of Lambex 2024 with Jason Schulz

26 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you heading to Lambex this year? If you’re not already going, you’ll want to be there after listening to this week's podcast! Our guest t...

Irrigation Insights with Tessa Chartres

19 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we have one of the fantastic winners of the 2024 Zanda McDonald Award, Tessa Chartres, to discuss her career, how she manages...

What is an estimated breeding value?

12 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Breeding values are something we discuss a lot here at neXtgen Agri. We decided to do a podcast episode explaining exactly what they are and how they ...

How the Rumen Works with Rob Bell

05 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Understanding the rumen is a key part of being a top-performing producer. While we might think of them as herbivores, Rob explains it’s a little mor...

‘Animal science Down Under’ with Alan Bell

28 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we have Professor Emeritus of Animal Science at Cornell University, Alan Bell, discussing his recent paper ‘Animal science ...

Tough Times, Tougher Farmers: The FarmFitNZ Approach with Kane Brisco

21 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When the going gets tough on farm, it's the tough who get going. But what fuels that resilience? This week on the Head Shepherd podcast, we have...

Tackling Ewe Wastage with Anne Ridler

14 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Replacement rates in your sheep flock are determined by your ewe losses and your culling decisions. For every ewe lamb you choose to keep, that’s on...

Precision Farming with Tim Leeming

07 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this current climate, should you be looking for ways to save money on farm? Or should you be looking at upping your production to cover rising cost...

Sheep Producers Australia: Insights from CEO Bonnie Skinner

31 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest on the podcast this week is Bonnie Skinner. Bonnie is the CEO of Sheep Producers Australia (SPA), a levy board that advocates for a better ...

Maximising your pasture potential with Darren Gordon

24 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With greater unpredictability in our weather patterns, managing pastures is an ever-evolving challenge for farmers. This week on the podcast we hope t...

Flexolt®, Innovative Sheep Lice Management with MSD Animal Health

17 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we’re talking about Flexolt®, a revolutionary new oral treatment for lice control in sheep.Our guests are Dr Jane Morriso...

Breeding Values and Objectives Explained with Dr Jamie Courter

10 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What are breeding values? And why do you need a breeding objective? Our guest this week, Dr Jamie Courter, Mizzou Beef Genetics Extension Specialist, ...

From Farm to Fashion with Iris and Wool

03 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in to our latest podcast episode as Emily Riggs, the founder and creative force behind Iris and Wool, shares her inspiring journey. Emily and he...

Setting Up for Shearing Success with Darren Spencer

25 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Darren Spencer, President of the Western Australian Shearing Industry Association (WASIA), discusses some of the key issues ...

Farm Efficiency and Strategic Business Planning With David Cornish

18 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The agricultural trading sector faces challenges with volatile prices and increased government regulations. Our guest this week, David Cornish, explai...

Farmers vs Tech with Dr Penny Schulz

11 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we’re discussing technology adoption and genetics with Dr Penny Schulz.Penny farms in the Limestone Coast region of South ...

The Science of Breeding Livestock with Dr Wendy Rauw

04 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you passionate about breeding robust and resilient animals? If so, this is the podcast for you.Our guest this week is Dr Wendy Rauw, a renowned ex...

Inside the Mind of a Sheep Geek with Mark Mortimer

28 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

📢 Calling all sheep enthusiasts! This week's guest is Mark Mortimer, aka @sheepgeekCP on Twitter. Mark is both a sheep farmer and an innovator...

Proactive Livestock Management with Jillian Kelly

21 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you proactive when it comes to your livestock's health? This week on the podcast, we have vet and “animal agronomist”, Jillian Kelly, on ...

Exploring Genetics in Agriculture: From Beef Breeding to Medical Cannabis with Dr Gemma Jenkins

14 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With extensive experience working with AgResearch, Abacus Bio, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, the New Zealand Medical Cannabis Council and (in ...

"It all starts with the dirt," with Melinda Turner of Farm Nutrient Advisory

07 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's podcast, discover how optimising soil health is your key to farming profitability. We're joined by Melinda Turner from Farm N...

Breeding for Success with Jamie Ramage

31 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week needs little introduction. In this episode, Ferg catches up with Jamie Ramage, a passionate individual in the agricultural industr...

The Humans of Agriculture with Oli Le Lievre

24 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week Mark is chatting to fellow podcaster, Oli Le Lievre. Raised in Sydney, Oli’s connection to agriculture was sparked by his family's fa...

Understanding the Path to Carbon Neutrality with Hayley Purbrick

17 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Mark chats with Hayley Purbrick, a key figure at Tahbilk Winery, one of Victoria's oldest and most esteemed wineries. H...

Explaining Seasonal Breeding in Sheep with Emeritus Professor David Notter

10 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr David Notter spent 25 years looking into the seasonality of breeding sheep and how to reduce it via genetic selection. We are very lucky to have hi...

Introducing Phoebe Eckermann

03 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we introduce our newest team member at neXtgen Agri, Phoebe Eckermann.  Phoebe's journey into agriculture is anything ...

Efficient Ram Usage with Professor David Lindsay

26 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's podcast, we're talking a whole lot about testicles! Our guest, Professor David Lindsay, shares his passion for the biology of...

Corriedales and Progeny Testing with James Cusack

19 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, we have James Cusack, a fifth-generation farmer and Corriedale breeder hailing from south-west Victoria.While James grew up o...

The 24 Hour Butcher Shop with Jacob Wolki

12 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, our guest is Jacob Wolki, owner of Wolki Farms and a 24-hour contactless butcher shop.Initially, Jacob took over his father&...

Pallets and Pastures with Chris Meade

05 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's podcast our guest, Chris Meade, shows that anything is possible with a strong will and a clear vision. Born and raised on a farm,...

Better Heifer Selection Decisions with Ella Holland of PBB

29 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have Ella Holland, National Territory Manager at PBB (Performance Beef Breeders), on the podcast to discuss how you can make better heife...

Comparing New Zealand and Irish Sheep Genetics with Dr Noirin McHugh

22 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

No matter what country you visit, each will always say that they produce the best sheep. But, up until recently, we didn't have a fair comparison...

Life Lessons with John McKillop

15 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is John McKillop, and this episode is an inspiring listen. John has had an incredible career leading agribusinesses around the glo...

Genotype x Environment Interactions and More with Dr Sonja Dominik

08 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week is Dr Sonja Dominik, a research scientist specialising in sustainability indicators at CSIRO in Armidale. Sonja's career beg...

The "Sheep Poo" Study with Beef and Lamb NZ

01 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we have Cara Brosnahan from Beef and Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) discussing the latest research being done to gauge the prevalence and im...

Breeding a Balanced Sheep with Alan Rissmann

24 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Breeding a balanced sheep is no easy feat. But with a head for numbers and a great mindset, our guest this week, Alan Rissmann, is doing just that. Wi...

Genetic Control of Methane with Dr Nicola Lambe

17 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in to hear Dr Nicola Lambe and Dr Mark Ferguson discuss sheep genetics, methane emissions and their intersection with climate change. With an im...

Successfully Navigating the Wool Industry with Nicola Peddie

10 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week Nicola Peddie shares her insights into the wool industry, the power of sustainable innovation, and the potential for personal growth when yo...

Lamb Survival with Dr Amy Lockwood

03 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lamb survival is always a hot topic, especially as producers increase their scanning percentages and improve their feeding practices, leading to more ...

Unleashing the Potential of Grass with Michael Gooden

27 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Maximising the potential of the grass you grow is a critical component of pasture-based agriculture; doing it well is what separates the good farmers ...

What's for Dinner? Exploring Food Production with Jill Griffiths

20 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are we aware of where our food comes from? What about the subtle complexities in our food production systems? Join us as we get a fresh perspective on...

How to Correctly Vaccinate Your Livestock with MSD

13 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you vaccinate your livestock correctly? Do you read the label every time? Is your fridge at the correct temperature to store the vaccine? Today we&...

Embracing Digital Farming and Global Challenges with Robynne Anderson

06 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest this week, Robynne Anderson, is an authority on global agricultural and food policy. Robynne grew up on a farm and started her career in agr...

Making Succession Flow with Pat Barrett

30 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we have our first lawyer on the show, Pat Barrett. He is both a lawyer and farmer in Wagga Wagga, Australia.Pat grew up with a passion for ...

Sheep in the US with Brad A. Freking

23 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we’re heading back over to the US to speak to Brad A. Freking, a research geneticist in the Livestock Bio-Sys...

Growing Cashmere in NZ with David Shaw

16 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we're switching up species and discussing cashmere goats with David Shaw.In 2017, David undertook a self-directed R&...

Driving Genetic Progress in Angus Cattle with Christian Duff

09 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, two genetics enthusiasts delve into IMF, methane, mature cow weight, immune competence and more, exploring the latest developments in...

Breeding Cattle for a Hotter Future with Dr. Raluca Mateescu

02 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wondered why some cattle thrive better through an unusually hot summer?Our guest this week, Dr. Raluca Mateescu, Professor of Quantitati...

Innovation in Angus with Lucinda Corrigan

25 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're back chatting about Angus cattle with another great livestock producer with a passion for genetics.Born and raised on the family ...

Caffeine and Confinement: Lamb Survival and Reproduction with Dr. Susan Robertson

18 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the latest episode of the Head Shepherd podcast, where Ferg is chatting with Dr. Susan Robertson, a senior lecturer in ruminant production ...

Maximising IMF in your Livestock with Charlotte Westwood

11 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we discuss the bigger part of how you make money on the farm - how well you feed the animals. Nutrition of your livestock is one thing that you ...

The Genetics Behind Angus Cattle with Tom Gubbins

04 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to develop your understanding of estimated breeding values (EBVs) in cattle? This week's podcast guest, Tom Gubbins, and our host Mar...

Keys to a Successful Succession with Rick Morris

28 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we sit down with Rick, a seasoned farmer whose parents moved to his family farm in the 70s as a child,  as part of the family's...

Breeding for the Consumer at Cleardale with Ben Todhunter

21 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, our guest is Ben Todhunter from Cleardale Station in Canterbury NZ. Ben's grandfather purchased Cleardale in 1943 and is named after ...

40 Years of Meat Trading with Richard Rains

14 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us today for a chat through Richard Rains's career of 40 years of selling meat around the world. "It became a great passion and I still...

Unlocking the Secrets of Farm Optimisation with John Young

07 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you optimising your farm's production? Today we have John Young, aka Youngy, on the podcast. There are so many ways to optimise your farming ...

Integrated pest management on your farm with Alison Colvin

30 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Integrated pest management for blowfly, worms and lice is the topic of todays podcast, with our guest Alison Colvin.  Alison has published work on pr...

An insight into sheep research in New Zealand with Paul Kenyon

23 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the main topics of today’s podcast is the financial modelling of transitioning to a shedding flock from a Romney our guest, Prof. Paul Kenyon...

Innovative lamb processing with Gundagai Meat Processors

16 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As producers, you're always wanting to get the most for your hard earned produce and it always helps when your processor wants that for you, too....

Connecting the dots of science, people and money with Kate Burke

09 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Every day, we make hundreds of decisions. These decisions affect you, your business and those around you. This week we have Kate Burke on the podcast ...

The latest and greatest in meat quality technology with Graham Gardner

02 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have an old supervisor of Marks, Graham Gardener as our guest. Graham has been involved in a huge multi species project (ALMTECH) focusin...

The future of wool harvesting with Jock Laurie of AWI

26 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bio shearing, wool harvesting practices and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) research is the topic of this week's podcast.We have Jock Laurie, ch...

Maintaining genetic diversity and resilience around the world with Dr. Roswitha Baumung

19 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the podcast we have a different kind of guest! We have the incredible Dr. Roswitha Baumung who currently works at the Division for Animal Pro...

An insight into Irish Sheep Farming with Tim Keady

12 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It is always interesting to compare different farming systems across this world. This week on the podcast we have Dr Tim Keady speaking about farming ...

Building livestock cash flow with Richard Brimblecombe

05 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you can optimise your stocking rate for your season, there's no reason you can't make profit in livestock. However, accessing capital for...

Managing Drench Resistance in Sheep With Ginny Dodunski

26 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Want to know more about sheep parasites? This week we have Ginny Dodunski on the podcast chatting about everything from drenches and capsules, to resi...

Current market trends with @Meat_Watcher - Matt Dalgleish

19 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are discussing markets and were lucky to secure some time with Matt Dalgleish to talk through the current markets and current trends.  M...

Innovation is coming to livestock farming - will it make you or break you? Ferg's thoughts

12 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we bring you Ferg's thoughts on innovation and particularly the role Artificial Intelligence will play in livestock farming in the futu...

Three years into transitioning to a finer wool genotype. With Mark Wragg.

05 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Wragg transitioned from Romney ewes to a finer wool cross three years ago. Today he chats to Mark Ferguson about that process and also about the ...

Feed efficiency and behaviours in sheep with Tricia Johnson

22 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

 This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have another senior scientist of AgResearch, Tricia Johnson. Following on from our podcast with Dr Suzanne...

Building a successful farm business with Prue Bondfield

15 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, we have the wonderful Prue Bondfield. Prue didn't have a traditional pathway into agriculture. 'In terms of the be...

Genetic selection for lower methane in ruminants with Dr Suzanne Rowe

08 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have a fantastic podcast for you discussing a very hot topic, Methane emissions in ruminants.We have Dr Suzanne Rowe, Senior Scientist at...

Ferg's thoughts: New Year Special

01 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have another episode in our "Ferg's Thoughts" series. Seeing as it's the start of a new year, Mark chats about what w...

Implementing a genomics program in a stud context with James Lines

25 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have our freshest recruit, James Lines.After only 9 days on the job, Mark got James onto the head shepherd p...

The story of the incredible Elizabeth Macarthur with Michelle Scott Tucker

18 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast, we're changing gears a little and chatting with author Michelle Scott Tucker.Having an audience of mostly...

Understanding problems in Ag with Sarah Adams

11 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have Sarah talking about genetics, technology and solving problems in the Agricultural industry. Sarah is cu...

Success with sexed semen with Professor Simon de Graaf

04 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have Professor Simon de Graaf, a fellow podcaster and a world expert in sheep reproduction, sperm sexing and...

The benefits of supply chain security with Jason Strong

27 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have Jason Strong, Managing Director of Meat & Livestock Australia Ltd. (MLA)Jason grew up on a farm and...

The key to lamb survival with Cathy Dwyer

20 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd Podcast, we head over to Europe to chat with Cathy Dwyer.Cathy is based in Edinburgh and splits her time between two ro...

Sub-Clover and beyond with Charlie de Fegely

13 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have Charlie de Fegely chatting about things all things sub clover and beyond.Charlie farms in Western Victo...

Bonus Episode. Head Shepherd Premium

06 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, to tide you over between seasons, we've released two of our Head Shepherd Premium podcasts for you. Mark recently uploaded a series o...

Season 8 Q&A with Dr Mark Ferguson

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We've reached the end of season 8 and we've got a great Q&A podcast for you. We have questions from “What's your opinion on Aust...

Improving reproductive performance in maiden ewes, with Charlie Wootton

23 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have Charlie Wootton.Charlie is currently based in Adelaide but is originally from Jigsaw Farms in South Wes...

Thinking outside of the box with Duncan Humm

16 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we have Duncan Humm. Duncan farms Deer for venison and velvet and is also one of the minds behind NZ Farming on Facebook. Mar...

Preparing for the future Agtech innovation, with Georgia Pugh

09 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have our newest recruit at neXtgen Agri, Georgia Pugh. Georgia comes from a background of farming in Western...

Ferg's Thoughts: EID and Replacement Ewe selection

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we have another in our "Fergs Thoughts" series. This week Dr Mark Ferguson talks us through the benefits of using EID and how it c...

Actual to Ideal. Achieving Operational Excellence with Neville Brady

25 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have Neville Brady of Browsup Consulting, a consultancy company "...providing management support for ...

Meeting Export Market Demands with Atkins Ranch

18 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have Pat Maher, CEO of Atkins Ranch. Atkins Ranch supplies premium New Zealand Lamb to Whole Foods in North ...

50 years of breeding seedstock at Lawson Angus with Harry Lawson

11 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have Harry Lawson of Lawson Angus.Harry goes through the progression of the Lawson Angus business, a pioneer...

Building successful farm teams with Drover Ag.

04 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we are discussing employment in the Ag sector. Mark chats with John Boote, CEO of Drover Ag, specialists in Ag ...

What does success look like to you? with Nathan Scott

28 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we have Nathan Scott. With a background in Prime Lamb production, Nathan started his own consultancy firm, Achieve Ag Solutio...

Profit from pasture allocation with Tom Fraser

21 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have a guest from our recent event, the neXtgen Agri Muster. Tom Fraser is a scientist at AgResearch. Tom s...

Successful weaning practices with Rob Bell

14 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have Rob Bell, co-founder and CTO at ProAgni and CEO and Principal Consultant at Formula Ag. In this episode...

The factors of success in a large scale farming enterprise with Julie McDonald

07 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to season 8 of the Head Shepherd podcast. As ever, we're starting off with a bang and have the fantastic Julie McDonald as our first...

BONUS Episode - Genetics of Reproduction

31 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We are currently busily recording season 8 of the podcast.  While we do that we thought we would share with you one of the podcasts from the private ...

Season 7 Q&A with Dr Mark Ferguson

24 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week is our season finale of Season 7 of the Head Shepherd podcast. As ever, we asked our listeners if they had any questions for Mark Ferguson t...

Chasing sheep around the world with Sophie Barnes

17 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast we have Sophie Barnes- sheep fan and producer of the Head Shepherd Podcast. Sophie isn't from a farming background but i...

Culture is the baling twine that keeps a business together, with Sally Murfet

10 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast we have Sally Murfet of Inspire Ag. Sally is a farmer's daughter born and raised in northwest Tasmania on...