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
313 episodes
Breeding Brahmans with Alf Collins of ALC Brahmans
Ever wondered what it takes to breed top-quality Brahmans? This week on the podcast we have Alf Collins, of ALC Brahmans, sharing how he and the team do just that with a disciplined approach to breeding and selection. Alf discusses the evolutio...
Reducing Drench Usage in Sheep with Nick Cotter
From direct organic lamb sales to a firewood business and developing algorithms for drench recommendations, the Cotter family pretty much do it all. This week we have Nick Cotter of Cotter Agritech on the podcast to chat about their far...
Building Futures in Agriculture with Nancy Crawshaw
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 conversation kicks off with Nancy’s reflections on the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle in her ...
The power of staying curious with Nigel Kerin
Nigel Kerin returns to the podcast this week to discuss profit drivers, decision rules, staying curious and the importance of science and technology in farming.Nigel has a great way of thinking about the business of farming and no decis...
The Future of Sheep: Preview of Lambex 2024 with Jason Schulz
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 this week is Jason Schulz, chair of Lambex. After a six-year break, Lambex is back and better than ever....
Irrigation Insights with Tessa Chartres
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 her work-life balance and much more.Tessa grew up on a farm in Bathurst. She became a...
What 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 ‘built’.Today, Daniel Brown, Principal Scientist at Animal Genetics and Breeding U...
How 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 than that.“They're more what we'd call a ‘fermentivore’. What they actually di...
‘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: a history of research, development and extension in support of Australia’s livestock...
Tough 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 FarmFitNZ to discuss mental wellbeing, farm fitness and community.
Tackling 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 sell. In this week's podcast, our guest, Associate Professor Anne Ridler, ...
Precision 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 week on the Head Shepherd podcast, we hope to answer those questions for you. <...
Sheep 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 Australia’s sheep industry. They do this in a multitude of wa...
Maximising 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 with some handy advice from consultant, Darren Gordon.This week we cover:
Flexolt®, 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 Hamish Pike from our fantastic sponsors, MSD Animal Health.Flexolt is th...
Breeding 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 they are so important for reaching our breeding goals. Do you have a breedin...
From 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 live on a sheep property outside of Burra, South Australia. “I...
Setting 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 the wool industry, as well as how wool producers and the shearing industry can work t...
Farm 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 strategic planning is crucial to position your business to successfully navigate these ...
Farmers 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 (SA) with her husband Jason. She is a livestock technical specialist at the SA...
The 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 animal genetics and breeding. Wendy's career has taken her to various corners ...
Inside 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 incredible mind for numbers and technology.Raised on a merino stud, Mark has been rec...
Proactive 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 about forward planning when it comes to livestock health and husbandry. After ...
Exploring 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 current role) as Genetics Programme Manager at Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), our guest ...
"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 specialist in the fields of animal science, soil and plant sciences. Melinda brings ...
