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.
Podcasting since 2020 • 250 episodes
Head Shepherd
Latest Episodes
Using Drone Technology in Ag with SkyKelpie
Ever considered using a drone on your farm? Well, this is the podcast for you. This week, our guest is Luke Chaplain, founder of SkyKelpie. Luke is one of the leading experts in drone mustering in Australia and has spent the last three years re...
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Season 2025
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Episode 246
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21:45
The past, present and future of sheep genomics in New Zealand with John McEwan
If you want to know about sheep genetics in New Zealand, our guest this week, John McEwan, is the person to ask. John has been involved with genomics “since before genomics was a thing.”From discovering key reproductive genes and rolling...
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Season 2025
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Episode 245
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45:35
Breeding a multi-dimensional, modern merino at Willera with Simon Coutts
When you think of a 'modern merino', what comes to mind? For our guest this week, Willera Merino stud principal, Simon Coutts, it means a sheep that works for your business, regardless of the weather or market conditions. Simon expl...
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Season 2025
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Episode 244
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37:14
Inside Headwaters Genetics with Simon Saunders
Simon Saunders is one of the original farmers behind Headwaters and runs the elite ewe flock at his farm, Stag Valley. In this episode, he discusses how the breeding program has evolved, what it takes to deliver consistency at scale, and the fu...
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Season 2025
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Episode 243
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28:46
What can US sheep farmers learn from New Zealand's success? With Dr Whit Stewart
This week, we’re chatting about the differences between US and NZ sheep production systems with Dr. Whit Stewart, an Associate Professor and Extension Sheep Specialist in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Wyoming.Whit...
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Season 2025
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Episode 242
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45:57
