Head Shepherd
235 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago -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.
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Episodes
Tough Times, Tougher Farmers: The FarmFitNZ Approach with Kane Brisco
April 21, 2024 19:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBWhen 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. In his late twenties, Kane found himself in a tough spot. He’d stopped participating in his local rugby team and his passion for farming had faded, so he didn’t know what to do with himself. Instead of packing up and changing careers, Kane took a step back and worke...
Tackling Ewe Wastage with Anne Ridler
April 14, 2024 19:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBReplacement 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, discusses the findings from her recent study on ewe wastage in New Zealand sheep farming. Anne’s research found that, on average, 28 to 30 per cent of ewes leave the flock annually in New Zealand. The study aimed to understand when and why ewes exit the flock and...
Precision Farming with Tim Leeming
April 07, 2024 19:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBIn 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. Our guest this week, Tim Leeming, is well known for his precision lambing and we’ve had him as a guest on the podcast before (go check that one out here). In this episode, Tim discusses his strategies for farming success. “When it comes to your production...
Sheep Producers Australia: Insights from CEO Bonnie Skinner
March 31, 2024 18:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBOur 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 ways: connecting farmers, consumers and government bodies. They advocate for better outcomes for farmers and direct levy investments towards research, development and industry services. In this episode, Bonnie and Mark discuss the current challenges faced by the industry - ...
Maximising your pasture potential with Darren Gordon
March 24, 2024 18:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBWith 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: The importance of pasture and feed-quality testing The genetics of fat and feed efficiency Maximising profit from pasture Darren emphasises the importance of testing your pastures and feed, including the neutral detergent fibre (NDF). “Just test it, otherwis...
Flexolt®, Innovative Sheep Lice Management with MSD Animal Health
March 17, 2024 18:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBThis 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 the first-ever oral lice treatment for sheep, giving you the ultimate flexibility when it comes to treating your flock. It can be used rain or shine, with any length of wool, revolutionising how and when you can administer a sheep lice treatment. Flexolt marks a si...
Breeding Values and Objectives Explained with Dr Jamie Courter
March 10, 2024 18:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBWhat are breeding values? And why do you need a breeding objective? Our guest this week, Dr Jamie Courter, Mizzou Beef Genetics Extension Specialist, explains why they are so important for reaching our breeding goals. Do you have a breeding objective? This is the first question Jamie asks every producer. “I don't care what your breeding objective is if it makes sense for you,” says Jamie, “I just hope that you have one.” With no farm being the same as another, a breeding objective needs to...
From Farm to Fashion with Iris and Wool
March 03, 2024 18:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBTune 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 fell in love with my farmer and also fell in love with wool,” explains Emily. “I don't actually work hands-on on the farm. So, I thought, how can I contribute to the industry?” Out of this, Iris and Wool was born, offering 100% certified Australian Merino wool knitwear, M...
Setting Up for Shearing Success with Darren Spencer
February 25, 2024 18:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MBThis 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 together more effectively in the future. First up, Darren runs us through what WASIA has done to address the much talked about “shearers’ shortage”. In the wake of COVID, it was obvious to WASIA that there were not enough new entrants coming into the...
Farm Efficiency and Strategic Business Planning With David Cornish
February 18, 2024 18:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBThe 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 issues. In the current environment, “We've seen businesses that were quite profitable or quite sustainable, even 12 months ago, now making a loss,” explains David. With high inflation, high-interest rates, potentially low capital appreciation and low...
Farmers vs Tech with Dr Penny Schulz.
February 11, 2024 18:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBThis 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 Drought Hub, as well as holding several other advisory positions. “My role here with The (SA Drought) Hub is very much focused on farmer adoption,” Penny explains. “I do a lot of farmer-facing workshop work or developing new projects. So a lot of it might...
The Science of Breeding Livestock with Dr Wendy Rauw
February 04, 2024 18:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBAre 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 of the world, working with a diverse range of species, from sheep and cattle to chickens and even fish. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. In this episode, Wendy and Mark explore topics ranging from 'genotype by environment (GxE)...
Inside the Mind of a Sheep Geek with Mark Mortimer
January 28, 2024 18:00 - 56 minutes - 39.2 MB📢 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 recording sheep data for as long as he can remember. One of his first 'inventions' was voice-to-text software so that he didn’t have to write down the numbers his dad called out to him all day in the yards. He soon realised that talking in dusty sheep yards was...
Proactive Livestock Management with Jillian Kelly
January 21, 2024 18:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBAre 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 working as a practising vet around the world, Jillian decided she wanted to approach her job a little differently. She didn’t want to just help calve a cow, for example, she wanted to help make sure that problem never occurred in the first place. “I thought...
Exploring Genetics in Agriculture: From Beef Breeding to Medical Cannabis with Dr Gemma Jenkins
January 14, 2024 18:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBWith 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 this week, Dr Gemma Jenkins, has a passion for genetics. Gemma's primary focus at B+LNZ is genetic improvement in the beef industry via the Informing New Zealand Beef Programme (INZB). “Our main objectives are to drive genetic gain in the beef indu...
"It all starts with the dirt," with Melinda Turner of Farm Nutrient Advisory
January 07, 2024 18:00 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MBIn 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 a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to this complex subject. Melinda discusses some of the common challenges in nutrient management. It's such a vast topic and, with many 'snake oil' sales people out there, it’s no wonder many farmers find it ove...
Breeding for Success with Jamie Ramage
December 31, 2023 18:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBOur guest this week needs little introduction. In this episode, Ferg catches up with Jamie Ramage, a passionate individual in the agricultural industry. Ferg and Jamie begin with one of their favourite topics: maternal efficiency. From there, the conversation covers the evolving landscape of sheep breeding, especially the shift towards composite sheep. We also dive into the ProBreed programme and glimpse into the future of sheep breeding in terms of shedding, wool and health traits, as wel...
The Humans of Agriculture with Oli Le Lievre
December 24, 2023 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBThis 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 western Victoria, "I'm a city boy who fell in love with agriculture," he says. Oli, in his own words, “attempted” university twice, which changed his trajectory in the industry. “I began to gain exposure to the agribusiness and agriculture value chain aspects,” he explains. “I still had a deep love for farming, but the intricate compl...
Understanding the Path to Carbon Neutrality with Hayley Purbrick
December 17, 2023 18:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBThis 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 fifth-generation winemaker, has spent a decade transforming the winery's environmental policies, achieving an impressive feat of carbon neutrality. She is an advocate for understanding data, transforming it from a burden into a tool for efficiency and sustainability. We delve into various topics, including her latest venture focusing on em...
Explaining Seasonal Breeding in Sheep with Emeritus Professor David Notter
December 10, 2023 18:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBDr 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 guest on the podcast today to share his wisdom on all things sheep breeding. In 1977, the American Sheep Industry Association identified a pressing challenge: reducing seasonality in ewe breeding. Virginia Tech became the base for this research, where they aimed to create a flock of sheep capable of breeding throughout the year. They ...
Introducing Phoebe Eckermann
December 03, 2023 18:00 - 14 minutes - 9.71 MBThis week on the podcast, we introduce our newest team member at neXtgen Agri, Phoebe Eckermann. Phoebe's journey into agriculture is anything but ordinary, from a city slicker in Adelaide to being captivated by livestock shows, to owning her first cattle, it's been non-stop. Her deep love for animals led her to carve her niche in the beef industry and embark on an adventure with a herd of Limousin cattle. Phoebe's unique pathway into agriculture shows that there is no one-size-fits-all ap...
Efficient Ram Usage with Professor David Lindsay
November 26, 2023 18:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBIn 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 optimising ram usage on-farm. David was at the University of Western Australia in the 1960s, a time when the region was experiencing significant land clearance. The Department of Agriculture recognised the need for a lecturer in the reproductive physiology of sheep to address the increasing demand for sheep. He took up the role and sh...
Corriedales and Progeny Testing with James Cusack
November 19, 2023 18:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBIn 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 Western Australia, he spent time completing a diesel mechanic apprenticeship before returning to farming in Victoria. James explains, "I was always told I had to do something else, so becoming a diesel mechanic was a practical skill to have. It's come in handy in various ways, but ultimately, my heart was in farming." Now located in S...
The 24 Hour Butcher Shop with Jacob Wolki
November 12, 2023 18:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBThis 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 farm to provide his family with fresh eggs and beef, in a shift to a healthier lifestyle and better-quality food . "I've always been plagued with skin issues and respiratory allergies and stomach issues my whole life,” says Jake. “And my wife, who's very conscientious and very healthy, said, well, maybe it's time to stop stuffing yo...
Pallets and Pastures with Chris Meade
November 05, 2023 18:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBIn 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 dream of becoming a veterinarian was set aside after his father died tragically and Chris ended up in the building industry. At the age of 23, Chris began what is now known as CMTP, a prominent name in the Australian packaging industry. How his enthusiasm for cattle is woven into this story comes later. Beginning in the backyard of ...
Better Heifer Selection Decisions with Ella Holland of PBB
October 29, 2023 18:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBThis week we have Ella Holland, National Territory Manager at PBB (Performance Beef Breeders), on the podcast to discuss how you can make better heifer selection decisions. "PBB was established back in 1996 by Angus New Zealand and NZ Hereford. They saw a gap in the market and they wanted to create a company that would be a one-stop shop for the beef industry and provide them with all the services and products studs needed, and also create a unified voice for the beef industry," explains ...
Comparing New Zealand and Irish Sheep Genetics with Dr Noirin McHugh
October 22, 2023 18:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBNo 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 genetics between countries. That's where Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority of Ireland, and our guest this week, Dr Noirin McHugh, come in. Both Ireland and New Zealand have grass-based systems with an emphasis on export markets. In Ireland, their breeding objectives are similar to those in New Zealand, centring on l...
Life Lessons with John McKillop
October 15, 2023 18:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBOur guest this week is esteemed agribusiness leader, John McKillop, and this episode is an inspiring listen. John has had an incredible career leading many agribusinesses around the globe and, as Mark puts it, “If there's a big name in ag that you haven't worked for, I'm not sure who they are.” From his beginnings on a family farm in western NSW to leading global corporations, John's journey in the agriculture sector offers valuable, and often humorous, insights. His career is a testament...
Genotype x Environment Interactions and More with Dr Sonja Dominik
October 08, 2023 18:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBOur guest this week is Dr Sonja Dominik, a research scientist specialising in sustainability indicators at CSIRO in Armidale. Sonja's career began with an undergraduate degree in Germany, majoring in animal breeding and genetics. Her passion for genetics led her to undertake research work in Australia, where she developed a deep appreciation for the country, its people and its livestock. Sonja moved to Australia to complete her doctoral studies, looking at genotype x environment interact...
The "Sheep Poo" Study with Beef and Lamb NZ
October 01, 2023 18:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBThis 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 facial eczema (FE) in New Zealand. As the global climate shifts, the disease is migrating further southward, causing new challenges for regions and livestock previously unaffected. B+LNZ are trying to understand the spread and severity of the disease, with the aim of devising effective strategies to manage it. North Island farmers wil...
Breeding a Balanced Sheep with Alan Rissmann
September 24, 2023 18:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MBBreeding 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 business tagline 'We breed sheep to work for you, not make work for you', it's no surprise that Rissmerino breeds sheep for higher welfare traits and reduced workload. In his conversation with Mark, Alan dives into the 'why' behind this. "In the industry, there's been this perception that sheep are hard work and they just have to be h...
Genetic Control of Methane With Dr. Nicola Lambe
September 17, 2023 19:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBTune in to hear Dr. Nicola Lambe and Dr. Mark Ferguson discuss sheep genetics, methane emissions and their intersection with climate change. With an impressive 25-year career at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Nicola brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our listeners. From her beginnings as a poultry research assistant, Nicola is now a teacher and project manager at SRUC. Throughout her career, she has played a crucial role in CT scanning work in Scotland, helping farmers bree...
Genetic Control of Methane with Dr Nicola Lambe
September 17, 2023 19:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBTune in to hear Dr Nicola Lambe and Dr Mark Ferguson discuss sheep genetics, methane emissions and their intersection with climate change. With an impressive 25-year career at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Nicola brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our listeners. From her beginnings as a poultry research assistant, Nicola is now a teacher and project manager at SRUC. Throughout her career, she has played a crucial role in CT scanning work in Scotland, helping farmers breed ...
Successfully Navigating the Wool Industry with Nicola Peddie
September 10, 2023 19:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBThis week Nicola Peddie shares her insights into the wool industry, the power of sustainable innovation, and the potential for personal growth when you put your mind to it. Born and raised on a sheep and beef farm in New Zealand, Nicola's passion for wool came from a black and coloured stud flock her mother ran. "From a young age, I used to prepare the wool with Mum and become naturally very fond of it," she says. Nicola gained her wool-classing ticket, but found it difficult to find a ru...
Lamb Survival with Dr Amy Lockwood
September 03, 2023 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBLamb survival is always a hot topic, especially as producers increase their scanning percentages and improve their feeding practices, leading to more multiples. This week on the podcast we have Dr Amy Lockwood, whose research has focused on lamb survival - from paddock size to feed availability. In this conversation with Dr Mark Ferguson, Amy shares the findings from her PhD research on mob size and lamb survival, illustrating how producers can reduce the size of their lambing paddocks, an...
Lamb Survival with Dr. Amy Lockwood
September 03, 2023 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBLamb survival is always a hot topic, especially as producers increase their scanning percentages and improve their feeding practices, leading to more multiples. This week on the podcast we have Dr. Amy Lockwood, whose research has focused on lamb survival - from paddock size to feed availability. In this conversation with Dr. Mark Ferguson, Amy shares the findings from her PhD research on mob size and lamb survival, illustrating how producers can reduce the size of their lambing paddocks, ...
Unleashing the Potential of Grass with Michael Gooden
August 27, 2023 19:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBMaximising 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 great. In this episode of the Head Shepherd podcast, we discuss this and more with Michael Gooden, an Angus seed stock business expert and a champion of sustainable cattle farming practices. Michael hails from NSW, Australia, where he and his family have taken a unique, future-focused approach to their Angus seed stock business. They...
What's for Dinner? Exploring Food Production with Jill Griffiths
August 20, 2023 19:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MBAre 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 more from Jill Griffiths, a science writer, journalist, and author. Her recently launched book, "What's for Dinner?", dives into how our food is grown and our role as food-eaters. With a mix of science, history, and personal stories, she takes us on a fascinating journey to meet the plants, animals, and people who make our meals pos...
How to Correctly Vaccinate Your Livestock with MSD
August 13, 2023 19:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBDo 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 discussing gold star vaccination protocol with Kim Kelly, a Veterinary Technical Advisor from MSD Animal Health. Mark and Kim discuss the common pitfalls people often stumble into when administering vaccines. These range from improper storage to incorrect administration and dosage. Kim lends us her expertise in avoiding these errors and how...
How to Correctly Vaccinate Your Livestock With MSD
August 13, 2023 19:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBDo 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 discussing gold star vaccination protocol with Kim Kelly, a Veterinary Technical Advisor from MSD Animal Health. Mark and Kim discuss the common pitfalls people often stumble into when administering vaccines. These range from improper storage to incorrect administration and dosage. Kim lends us her expertise in avoiding these errors and how...
Embracing Digital Farming and Global Challenges with Robynne Anderson
August 06, 2023 18:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBOur 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 publishing. After selling her first business and taking a short break to contemplate her next move, she founded Emerging Ag Inc. Robynne realised there was a lot of talk about 'food security', but very little understanding of what it takes to grow, share, and distribute food. "Clearly, there was a gap between what we in the farming ...
Making Succession Flow with Pat Barrett
July 30, 2023 19:00 - 46 minutes - 32.3 MBThis 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 agriculture with friends and family involved in the industry and studied Agribusiness and Law at the University of New England with the intention of using the degree in a management position. “I never thought I was going to be a lawyer,” says Pat. But, after an interview planned by his mother with a local lawyer, Pat found himself shaking han...
Making Succession Flow With Pat Barrett
July 30, 2023 19:00 - 46 minutes - 32.3 MBThis 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 agriculture with friends and family involved in the industry and studied Agribusiness and Law at the University of New England with the intention of using the degree in a management position. “I never thought I was going to be a lawyer,” says Pat. But, after an interview planned by his mother with a local lawyer, Pat found himself shaking han...
Sheep in the US With Brad A. Freking
July 23, 2023 19:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBThis 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 Research Unit, Clay Center in Nebraska. Originally, Brad grew up on a small mixed farm. Brad's first connection to genetics came when he went to study at university, working on beef cattle efficiency. Brad then went on to work with pigs; since 2016, he has been devoted entirely to sheep research. Brad currently works in the Livestock Bio...
Sheep in the US with Brad A. Freking
July 23, 2023 19:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBThis 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 Research Unit, Clay Center in Nebraska. Originally, Brad grew up on a small mixed farm. Brad's first connection to genetics came when he went to study at university, working on beef cattle efficiency. Brad then went on to work with pigs; since 2016, he has been devoted entirely to sheep research. Brad currently works in the Livestock Bio...
Growing Cashmere in NZ with David Shaw
July 16, 2023 18:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBThis 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 if he could ‘resurrect’ the cashmere industry. David found that New Zealand had some of the best cashmere fibre in the world. “We know our fibre is whiter and longer. Research indicates that the fibre from this part of the world is relatively softer. We have people wanting the fibre, we have a market, but we don’t have a supply.” So...
Driving Genetic Progress in Angus Cattle with Christian Duff
July 09, 2023 19:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MBIn this podcast, two genetics enthusiasts delve into IMF, methane, mature cow weight, immune competence and more, exploring the latest developments in livestock genetics and breeding strategies for Angus cattle. Yes that's right, we are heading back into the Angus world with Christian Duff, general manager of genetic improvement at Angus Australia. As Mark puts it, Christian is "involved in genetics in a fairly big way." He is very passionate about the power of quantitative genetics to c...
Breeding Cattle for a Hotter Future with Dr. Raluca Mateescu
July 02, 2023 18:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBHave you ever wondered why some cattle thrive better through an unusually hot summer? Our guest this week, Dr. Raluca Mateescu, Professor of Quantitative Genetics and Genomics at the University of Florida, has been focusing on the impact of heat and climate on beef production in the southern regions of North America. Raluca and her team have been looking into how to breed cattle to handle increasing temperatures, with a focus on improving productivity and achieving food security through ge...
Innovation in Angus with Lucinda Corrigan
June 25, 2023 19:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBThis 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 always knew she was going to be involved in the agricultural industry. After growing up on a merino sheep property, she gained a first class honours degree in Agricultural Science, followed by a formative time in the goat industry. Since the mid-1980s, she has been farming with husband Bryan, at one point with multiple livestock b...
Caffeine and Confinement: Lamb Survival and Reproduction with Dr. Susan Robertson
June 18, 2023 19:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBWelcome to the latest episode of the Head Shepherd podcast, where Ferg is chatting with Dr. Susan Robertson, a senior lecturer in ruminant production at Charles Sturt University. Susan has a wide range of research interests - from a PhD looking at staple strength in ewes, then delving more into pasture production, before transitioning into a full-time research role in 2016 with the EverGraze project (which aims to improve sheep reproduction). More recently, Susan has conducted a trial on ...