Head Shepherd

By Mark Ferguson

What's Head Shepherd about?

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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Head Shepherd episodes:

06.30.2024
Mastering the Trifecta: Sheep, Beef and Dairy Management with Matt Iremonger
Join us this week and find out how Matt Iremonger manages multiple dairy, sheep and beef operations across 6,500 hectares in Canterbury, New Zealand. Matt shares the challenges and opportunities in such a diverse farming enterprise, as well as his...
06.23.2024
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...
06.16.2024
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 farm...
06.09.2024
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 home region...
06.02.2024
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 decision is...
05.26.2024
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...
05.19.2024
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....
05.12.2024
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 Unit (AGBU),...
05.05.2024
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 digest is...
04.28.2024
‘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 industries’. In this paper,...
04.21.2024
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. In his...
04.14.2024
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,...
04.07.2024
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...
04.01.2024
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...
03.25.2024
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:The importance of pasture and...
03.18.2024
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 the first-ever oral lice...
03.11.2024
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, Mizzou Beef Genetics Extension Specialist, explains why they are so important for reaching our breeding goals. Do you have a breeding objective?...
03.04.2024
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 fell...
02.26.2024
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 together...
02.19.2024
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 issues. In the current environment, “We've seen businesses...
02.12.2024
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 Drought Hub,...
02.05.2024
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...
01.29.2024
Inside the Mind of a Sheep Geek with Mark Mortimer
01.22.2024
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 working as...
01.15.2024
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 this week, Dr...
01.08.2024
"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 a straightforward,...
01.01.2024
Breeding 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 and Jamie begin with one of their favourite topics: maternal efficiency. From there, the conversation covers the...
12.25.2023
The 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 western Victoria, "I'm a city boy who fell in love with agriculture," he says. Oli,...
12.18.2023
Understanding 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 fifth-generation winemaker, has spent a decade transforming the winery's environmental policies, achieving an impressive...
12.11.2023
Explaining 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 guest on the podcast today to share his wisdom on...
12.04.2023
Introducing 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, from a city slicker in Adelaide to being captivated by livestock shows, to owning her first...
11.27.2023
Efficient 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 optimising ram usage on-farm. David was at the University of Western Australia in the 1960s, a...
11.20.2023
Corriedales 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 Western Australia, he spent time completing a diesel mechanic apprenticeship before returning to farming in...
11.13.2023
The 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 farm to provide his family with fresh eggs and beef, in a shift to...
11.06.2023
Pallets 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 dream of becoming a veterinarian was set aside after his father died...
10.30.2023
Better 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 selection decisions. "PBB was established back in 1996 by Angus New Zealand and NZ...
10.23.2023
Comparing 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 genetics between countries. That's where Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority...
10.16.2023
Life Lessons with John McKillop
Our 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...
10.09.2023
Genotype 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 undergraduate degree in Germany, majoring in animal breeding and genetics. Her passion for genetics led her to...
10.02.2023
The "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 facial eczema (FE) in New Zealand. As the global climate shifts, the disease...
09.25.2023
Breeding 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 business tagline 'We breed sheep to work for you, not...
09.17.2023
Genetic 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 25-year career at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Nicola brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to...
09.10.2023
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 your mind to it. Born and raised on a sheep and beef farm in New Zealand,...
09.03.2023
Lamb 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 multiples. This week on the podcast we have Dr Amy Lockwood, whose research has focused on lamb survival...
08.27.2023
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 great. In this episode of the Head Shepherd podcast, we discuss this and more...
08.20.2023
What'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 more from Jill Griffiths, a science writer, journalist, and author. Her...
08.13.2023
How 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 discussing gold star vaccination protocol with Kim Kelly, a Veterinary Technical Advisor from MSD...
08.06.2023
Embracing 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 publishing. After selling her first business and taking a short break to contemplate...
07.30.2023
Making 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 agriculture with friends and family involved in the industry and studied...
07.23.2023
Sheep 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 Research Unit, Clay Center in Nebraska. Originally, Brad grew up on a small...

What's Head Shepherd about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Head Shepherd episodes:

Mastering the Trifecta: Sheep, Beef and Dairy Management with Matt Iremonger

Breeding Brahmans with Alf Collins of ALC Brahmans

Reducing Drench Usage in Sheep with Nick Cotter

Building Futures in Agriculture with Nancy Crawshaw

The power of staying curious with Nigel Kerin

The Future of Sheep: Preview of Lambex 2024 with Jason Schulz

Irrigation Insights with Tessa Chartres

What is an estimated breeding value?

How the Rumen Works with Rob Bell

‘Animal science Down Under’ with Alan Bell

Tough Times, Tougher Farmers: The FarmFitNZ Approach with Kane Brisco

Tackling Ewe Wastage with Anne Ridler

Precision Farming with Tim Leeming

Sheep Producers Australia: Insights from CEO Bonnie Skinner

Maximising your pasture potential with Darren Gordon

Flexolt®, Innovative Sheep Lice Management with MSD Animal Health

Breeding Values and Objectives Explained with Dr Jamie Courter

From Farm to Fashion with Iris and Wool

Setting Up for Shearing Success with Darren Spencer

Farm Efficiency and Strategic Business Planning With David Cornish

Farmers vs Tech with Dr Penny Schulz.

The Science of Breeding Livestock with Dr Wendy Rauw

Inside the Mind of a Sheep Geek with Mark Mortimer

Proactive Livestock Management with Jillian Kelly

Exploring Genetics in Agriculture: From Beef Breeding to Medical Cannabis with Dr Gemma Jenkins

"It all starts with the dirt," with Melinda Turner of Farm Nutrient Advisory

Breeding for Success with Jamie Ramage

The Humans of Agriculture with Oli Le Lievre

Understanding the Path to Carbon Neutrality with Hayley Purbrick

Explaining Seasonal Breeding in Sheep with Emeritus Professor David Notter

Introducing Phoebe Eckermann

Efficient Ram Usage with Professor David Lindsay

Corriedales and Progeny Testing with James Cusack

The 24 Hour Butcher Shop with Jacob Wolki

Pallets and Pastures with Chris Meade

Better Heifer Selection Decisions with Ella Holland of PBB

Comparing New Zealand and Irish Sheep Genetics with Dr Noirin McHugh

Life Lessons with John McKillop

Genotype x Environment Interactions and More with Dr Sonja Dominik

The "Sheep Poo" Study with Beef and Lamb NZ

Breeding a Balanced Sheep with Alan Rissmann

Genetic Control of Methane with Dr Nicola Lambe

Successfully Navigating the Wool Industry with Nicola Peddie

Lamb Survival with Dr Amy Lockwood

Unleashing the Potential of Grass with Michael Gooden

What's for Dinner? Exploring Food Production with Jill Griffiths

How to Correctly Vaccinate Your Livestock with MSD

Embracing Digital Farming and Global Challenges with Robynne Anderson

Making Succession Flow with Pat Barrett

Sheep in the US with Brad A. Freking

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