Shows / Head Shepherd
Head Shepherd
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. To learn more about neXtgen Agri, visit www.nextgenagri.com.
Episodes
Head ShepherdWhat is an estimated breeding value?
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 are…
Head ShepherdHow the Rumen Works with Rob Bell
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 more complex…
Head Shepherd‘Animal science Down Under’ with Alan Bell
This week on the podcast we have Professor Emeritus of Animal Science at Cornell University, Alan Bell, discussing his recent paper ‘Animal science Down Under…
Head ShepherdTough Times, Tougher Farmers: The FarmFitNZ Approach with Kane Brisco
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 Kane Brisco of…
Head ShepherdTackling Ewe Wastage with Anne Ridler
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 one less to…
Head ShepherdPrecision Farming with Tim Leeming
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 costs?This…
Head ShepherdSheep Producers Australia: Insights from CEO Bonnie Skinner
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 future for…
Head ShepherdMaximising your pasture potential with Darren Gordon
With greater unpredictability in our weather patterns, managing pastures is an ever-evolving challenge for farmers. This week on the podcast we hope to help…
Head ShepherdFlexolt®, Innovative Sheep Lice Management with MSD Animal Health
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 Morrison and Dr…
Head ShepherdBreeding Values and Objectives Explained with Dr Jamie Courter
What are breeding values? And why do you need a breeding objective? Our guest this week, Dr Jamie Courter, Beef Genetics Extension Specialist, explains why…
Head ShepherdFrom Farm to Fashion with Iris and Wool
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 her husband…
Head ShepherdSetting Up for Shearing Success with Darren Spencer
This week on the podcast, Darren Spencer, President of the Western Australian Shearing Industry Association (WASIA), discusses some of the key issues faced by…
Head ShepherdFarm Efficiency and Strategic Business Planning With David Cornish
The agricultural trading sector faces challenges with volatile prices and increased government regulations. Our guest this week, David Cornish, explains how…
Head ShepherdFarmers vs Tech with Dr Penny Schulz
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 Australia…
Head ShepherdThe Science of Breeding Livestock with Dr Wendy Rauw
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 expert in…
Head ShepherdInside the Mind of a Sheep Geek with Mark Mortimer
📢 Calling all sheep enthusiasts! This week's guest is Mark Mortimer, aka @sheepgeekCP on Twitter. Mark is both a sheep farmer and an innovator with an…
Head ShepherdProactive Livestock Management with Jillian Kelly
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 the show talking…
Head ShepherdExploring Genetics in Agriculture: From Beef Breeding to Medical Cannabis with Dr Gemma Jenkins
With extensive experience working with AgResearch, Abacus Bio, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, the New Zealand Medical Cannabis Council and (in her…
Head Shepherd"It all starts with the dirt," with Melinda Turner of Farm Nutrient Advisory
In this week's podcast, discover how optimising soil health is your key to farming profitability. We're joined by Melinda Turner from Farm Nutrient Advisory, a…
Head ShepherdBreeding for Success with Jamie Ramage
Our guest this week needs little introduction. In this episode, Ferg catches up with Jamie Ramage, a passionate individual in the agricultural industry. Ferg…
Head ShepherdThe Humans of Agriculture with Oli Le Lievre
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 farming roots in…
Head ShepherdUnderstanding the Path to Carbon Neutrality with Hayley Purbrick
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. Hayley, a…
Head ShepherdExplaining Seasonal Breeding in Sheep with Emeritus Professor David Notter
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 him as a…
Head ShepherdIntroducing Phoebe Eckermann
This week on the podcast, we introduce our newest team member at neXtgen Agri, Phoebe Eckermann. Phoebe's journey into agriculture is anything but ordinary…
Head ShepherdEfficient Ram Usage with Professor David Lindsay
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 reproduction and…
Head ShepherdCorriedales and Progeny Testing with James Cusack
In today's episode, we have James Cusack, a fifth-generation farmer and Corriedale breeder hailing from south-west Victoria.While James grew up on a farm in…
Head ShepherdThe 24 Hour Butcher Shop with Jacob Wolki
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's hobby…
Head ShepherdPallets and Pastures with Chris Meade
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, his initial…
Head ShepherdBetter Heifer Selection Decisions with Ella Holland of PBB
This week we have Ella Holland, National Territory Manager at PBB (Performance Beef Breeders), on the podcast to discuss how you can make better heifer…
Head ShepherdComparing New Zealand and Irish Sheep Genetics with Dr Noirin McHugh
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 of sheep…
Head ShepherdLife Lessons with John McKillop
Our guest this week is John McKillop, and this episode is an inspiring listen. John has had an incredible career leading agribusinesses around the globe. As…
Head ShepherdGenotype x Environment Interactions and More with Dr Sonja Dominik
Our guest this week is Dr Sonja Dominik, a research scientist specialising in sustainability indicators at CSIRO in Armidale. Sonja's career began with an…
Head ShepherdThe "Sheep Poo" Study with Beef and Lamb NZ
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 impact of…
Head ShepherdBreeding a Balanced Sheep with Alan Rissmann
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. With the…
Head ShepherdGenetic Control of Methane with Dr Nicola Lambe
Tune in to hear Dr Nicola Lambe and Dr Mark Ferguson discuss sheep genetics, methane emissions and their intersection with climate change. With an impressive…
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Successfully Navigating the Wool Industry with Nicola Peddie
This week Nicola Peddie shares her insights into the wool industry, the power of sustainable innovation, and the potential for personal growth when you put…
Head ShepherdLamb Survival with Dr Amy Lockwood
Lamb survival is always a hot topic, especially as producers increase their scanning percentages and improve their feeding practices, leading to more…
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Unleashing the Potential of Grass with Michael Gooden
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 from the…
Head ShepherdWhat's for Dinner? Exploring Food Production with Jill Griffiths
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 this and…
Head ShepherdHow to Correctly Vaccinate Your Livestock with MSD
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're…
Head ShepherdEmbracing Digital Farming and Global Challenges with Robynne Anderson
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 agricultural…
Head ShepherdMaking Succession Flow with Pat Barrett
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…
Head ShepherdSheep in the US with Brad A. Freking
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-Systems…
Head ShepherdGrowing Cashmere in NZ with David Shaw
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&D project to see…
Head ShepherdDriving Genetic Progress in Angus Cattle with Christian Duff
In this podcast, two genetics enthusiasts delve into IMF, methane, mature cow weight, immune competence and more, exploring the latest developments in…
Head ShepherdBreeding Cattle for a Hotter Future with Dr. Raluca Mateescu
Have you ever wondered why some cattle thrive better through an unusually hot summer?Our guest this week, Dr. Raluca Mateescu, Professor of Quantitative…
Head ShepherdInnovation in Angus with Lucinda Corrigan
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 farm, Lucinda…
Head ShepherdCaffeine and Confinement: Lamb Survival and Reproduction with Dr. Susan Robertson
Welcome to the latest episode of the Head Shepherd podcast, where Ferg is chatting with Dr. Susan Robertson, a senior lecturer in ruminant production at…
Head ShepherdMaximising IMF in your Livestock with Charlotte Westwood
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 can get…
Head ShepherdThe Genetics Behind Angus Cattle with Tom Gubbins
Do you want to develop your understanding of estimated breeding values (EBVs) in cattle? This week's podcast guest, Tom Gubbins, and our host Mark Ferguson…
Head ShepherdKeys to a Successful Succession with Rick Morris
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 succession…
Head ShepherdBreeding for the Consumer at Cleardale with Ben Todhunter
This week, our guest is Ben Todhunter from Cleardale Station in Canterbury NZ. Ben's grandfather purchased Cleardale in 1943 and is named after its…
Head Shepherd40 Years of Meat Trading with Richard Rains
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 pinch myself every…
Head ShepherdUnlocking the Secrets of Farm Optimisation with John Young
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 business and…
Head ShepherdIntegrated pest management on your farm with Alison Colvin
Integrated pest management for blowfly, worms and lice is the topic of todays podcast, with our guest Alison Colvin. Alison has published work on practices on…
Head ShepherdAn insight into sheep research in New Zealand with Paul Kenyon
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 of Massey…
Head ShepherdInnovative lamb processing with Gundagai Meat Processors
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.Located…
Head ShepherdConnecting the dots of science, people and money with Kate Burke
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 talking…
Head ShepherdThe latest and greatest in meat quality technology with Graham Gardner
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) focusing on…
Head ShepherdThe future of wool harvesting with Jock Laurie of AWI
Bio shearing, wool harvesting practices and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) research is the topic of this week's podcast.We have Jock Laurie, chair of AWI…