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.
Head Shepherd
Latest Episodes
Redefining the Corriedale with Peter Blackwood
Most breeders pick one thing to improve. Peter Blackwood picked multiple. When he and his wife Claire took over a Corriedale stud in 2006, they committed to lifting fertility, carcass shape, and wool fineness, all at once, by using ASBVs.
Questioning tradition in Merino breeding with Dom Hallam
Looking to change your Merino genetics? What actually happens when you switch types? For our guest this week, Dom Hallam, it started with his parents.Coming from a traditional fine wool background, they began looking for something differ...
Ferg’s thoughts on putting a dollar value on genetic change
What is a trait actually worth to a farming business?Ferg has spent much of his career talking about the value of genetics, but it hasn't always been easy to put that value into real dollar terms that apply to individual farming business...
Data driven sheep breeding at Hannaton with Jonno Hicks
What's the difference between a sheep that looks "right" and a sheep that breeds "right"? Jonno Hicks from Hannaton Poll Merinos and White Suffolks, reckons he's finally found the answer.In this week's episode, Jonno talks through his sh...
How hoof overgrowth impacts bone structure and long-term lameness with Laura Deeming
Ever wondered what's actually happening inside an overgrown hoof? And can you fix it once the damage is done?Our guest this week looked into just that. Dr Laura Deeming did her PhD with Massey University and AgResearch on dairy goat hoof...
