Productive Producer

In this episode, we are joined by North West Local Land Services Livestock officer Sally Balmain to discuss practical feeding strategies for sheep and cattle as producers navigate a tricky seasonal shift.

Across parts of the region there has been some useful rain, and paddocks are starting to show a green pick. While that is a welcome change, the key message is that green does not always mean there is enough feed available. Short days, cold conditions and falling soil temperatures mean pasture growth is still slow, and in many cases there is not much bulk sitting behind the green feed.

This creates a challenging period for producers. Livestock are often chasing fresh green feed, but the actual dry matter available may still be limited. At the same time, many winter forage crops are not quite ready to graze. Producers are left in a waiting game, trying to balance the feed that is available now with the feed that is coming.

The episode focuses on how to use supplements with purpose during this period. Rather than simply putting feed out and hoping for the best, the discussion looks at matching supplements to the class of stock, the available pasture, and the production goal. Whether feeding sheep or cattle, the aim is to fill the gap without wasting money or creating animal health issues.

Contacts:

Max Newsome– for livestock advice– 0427 007 190

Local Land Services - 1300 795 299

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of recording (July 2026) and may not be accurate, current, or complete. The State of New South Wales (including Local Land Services), the author, guests, and the publisher take no responsibility and will accept no liability, for the accuracy, currency, reliability, or correctness of any information included in the podcasts (including material provided by third parties). Readers should make their own inquiries and rely on their own advice when making decisions related to the material contained in this publication.

In this episode, Liam Baker livestock officer with North West local Land Sercices us to unpack one of the biggest seasonal and business decisions producers face after a tough run: when to destock, how far to go, and how to think about rebuilding when the season starts to turn.

Following a large destock across parts of the region, many producers are now looking at what comes next. Rainfall may bring optimism, but rebuilding a herd or flock is not as simple as buying numbers back in. It requires a clear look at feed supply, cash flow, breeding priorities, market conditions and the long-term direction of the business.

The episode looks at the difference between reacting to a season and making a planned decision. We talk through why destocking is often a necessary tool to protect core breeders, pasture base and business resilience. We also discuss the importance of knowing what class of stock should stay, what can go, and what the plan is before restocking begins.

A key theme is rebuilding with purpose. Strong markets can make restocking expensive, so it is important to avoid chasing numbers for the sake of it. Instead, producers should focus on the type of livestock that best suits their feed base, labour, joining window, cash flow and long-term enterprise goals.

We also touch on the seasonal shift currently being seen across parts of Northern NSW. Even where there has been useful rain, short days and falling soil temperatures mean pasture growth may not yet match what the green pick suggests. Producers still need to budget for a feed gap, particularly as nutritional demand rises with calving and lambing.

Contacts:

Max Newsome– for livestock advice– 0427 007 190

Local Land Services - 1300 795 299

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of recording (July 2026) and may not be accurate, current, or complete. The State of New South Wales (including Local Land Services), the author, guests, and the publisher take no responsibility and will accept no liability, for the accuracy, currency, reliability, or correctness of any information included in the podcasts (including material provided by third parties). Readers should make their own inquiries and rely on their own advice when making decisions related to the material contained in this publication.

The season has turned dry, now is the time for producers to take a hard look at where things are really at.

In this episode of the Productive Producer Podcast, Georgie Oakes joins us again to talk through the importance of doing a stock take on both cattle and pastures before winter pressure builds. We discuss why early assessment matters, and how timely decisions can protect both livestock performance and pasture persistence.

We cover:

why it is worth taking stock of feed availability and pasture condition now

the value of preg testing and mouthing cattle to guide management and marketing decisions

critically assessing stock and making early calls before options narrow

pasture management considerations as feed tightens

how and why to select a sacrifice paddock

practical steps to help protect the long term productivity of your pastures

This is a practical seasonal discussion focused on staying proactive, protecting your feed base and making sound management decisions early.

Contacts:

Max Newsome– for livestock advice– 0427 007 190

Georgie Oakes - for agronomic advice -

Local Land Services - 1300 795 299

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of recording (January 2026) and may not be accurate, current, or complete. The State of New South Wales (including Local Land Services), the author, guests, and the publisher take no responsibility and will accept no liability, for the accuracy, currency, reliability, or correctness of any information included in the podcasts (including material provided by third parties). Readers should make their own inquiries and rely on their own advice when making decisions related to the material contained in this publication.

Working with your neighbours to control pests and weeds is essential if you want to see a real return on your on-ground efforts. These issues don’t stop at the fence line, and tackling them in isolation often limits results.

In this episode of the Productive Producer Podcast, we’re joined by Karen Heap from the Good Neighbours Program.

Karen walks us through this NSW Government initiative, which is designed to support landholders managing pests and weeds along boundaries where private land meets publicly managed land. We unpack how the program works, who is eligible, and how coordinated, cross-boundary action can lead to better long-term outcomes for both production and landscape health.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re fighting a losing battle along a boundary fence, this episode is well worth a listen.

Contacts:

Max Newsome– for livestock advice– 0427 007 190

Local Land Services - 1300 795 299

NSW WeedWise - https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of recording (January 2026) and may not be accurate, current, or complete. The State of New South Wales (including Local Land Services), the author, guests, and the publisher take no responsibility and will accept no liability, for the accuracy, currency, reliability, or correctness of any information included in the podcasts (including material provided by third parties). Readers should make their own inquiries and rely on their own advice when making decisions related to the material contained in this publication.

In this episode of The Productive Producer Podcast, Glen Innes District Veterinarian Dr Kate DeJong joins Max to shed light on one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed diseases in sheep: Johne’s disease (OJD).

Often mistaken for worms, old age, or poor nutrition, Johne’s disease causes gradual but irreversible wasting in infected animals. Whether you're managing a commercial flock or running a small stud, this episode offers clear, practical advice on how to spot Johne’s, protect your sheep, and make informed decisions.

Contacts:

Max Newsome– for livestock advice– 0427 007 190

Kate de Jong – 0484 603 514

Local Land Services - 1300 795 299

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is based on

knowledge and understanding at the time of recording (August 2025) and may not be accurate, current, or complete. The State of New South Wales (including Local Land Services), the author, guests, and the publisher take no responsibility and will accept no liability, for the accuracy, currency, reliability, or correctness of any information included in the podcasts (including material provided by third parties). Readers should make their own inquiries and rely on their  own advice when making decisions related to the material contained in this publication.

In this episode of The Productive Producer Podcast, we sit down with Glen Innes District Veterinarian Dr Kate de Jong to unpack the big spring health risks facing livestock with a spotlight on clostridial diseases like pulpy kidney and tetanus.

Spring is a high-risk period for sudden deaths, particularlyin fast-growing young stock grazing lush pasture. Kate explains what causes these "spring kills," why clostridial diseases are so deadly yet so preventable, and how producers can sharpen their vaccination strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

Contacts:

Max Newsome– for livestock advice– 0427 007 190

Kate de Jong – 0484 603 514

Local Land Services - 1300 795 299

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is based on

knowledge and understanding at the time of recording (August 2025) and may not be accurate, current, or complete. The State of New South Wales (including

Local Land Services), the author, guests, and the publishertake no responsibility and will accept no liability, for theaccuracy, currency, reliability, or correctness of any information included in the podcasts (including material provided by third parties). Readers should make their own inquiries and rely on their own advice when making decisions related to the material contained in this publication.

 Natural capital playsa vital role in the productivity and resilience of our landscapes, but what exactly is it, and why should producers care? In this episode, we’re joined by Local Land Services Natural Capital Advisor Rachel Lawrence to unpack the basics. We explore how natural assets like soil, water, and biodiversity underpin farm performance and look at simple ways producers can start thinking about and valuing the natural capital on their own properties.

Contacts:

Max Newsome– for livestock advice– 0427 007 190

Rachel Lawrence - M 0475 432 574     E [email protected]

Local Land Services - 1300 795 299

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of recording (July 2025) and may not be accurate, current, or complete. The State of New South Wales (including Local Land Services), the author, guests, and the publisher take no responsibility and will accept no liability, for the accuracy, currency, reliability, or correctness of any information included inthe podcasts (including material provided by third parties). Readers should make their own inquiries and rely on their own advice when making decisions related to the material contained in this publication.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ebony Nowlan, Senior Biosecurity Officer for eID implementation in sheep and goats. Ebony breaks down what producers need to know about the rollout of electronic identification, from key dates and regulatory timelines to what’s happening behind the scenes to support the transition.

We also get into the practical side: how to get started, what systems and setups are working well on farms already using EID, and how producers can use the data to drive better decisions. Whether you're feeling ready or a bit overwhelmed, this episode gives you a clear picture of where we’re headed and how to make the most of the change.

Resources: Tag discount program pre approval NSW Sheep and Goat eID Tag Discount Program | Department of Primary Industries.

HRG LPA Accreditation - LPA| Australia's program for on-farm assurance 

Upcoming events and workshops - UpcomingEvents | Department of Primary Industries

DPIRD sheep and goat eID info for livestock owners - LivestockOwners | Department of Primary Industries

Contacts:

Max Newsome– for livestock advice– 0427 007 190

Ebony Nowlan - Senior Biosecurity Officer eID - 0456 389 699

Local Land Services - 1300 795 299

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is based on

knowledge and understanding at the time of recording
(June 2025) and may not be accurate, current, or complete. The State of New
South Wales (including

Local Land Services), the author, guests, and the publisher take no responsibility and will accept no liability for the accuracy, currency, reliability, or correctness of any information included in the podcasts (including material provided by third parties). Readers should make their own inquiries and rely on their own advice when making decisions related to the material contained in this publication.

In this episode of the Productive Producer Podcast,

Resources

https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/research-and-development/documents/mla-pasture-dieback-manual.pdf

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/1333692/PastureDiebackGuide2ndED.pdf

select-grass-varieties-factsheet-final-approved.pdf

Contacts:

Max Newsome– for livestock advice– 0427 007 190

Local Land Services - 1300 795 299

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is based on

knowledge and understanding at the time of recording

not be accurate, current, or complete. The State of New

Local Land Services), the author, guests, and the publisher take no responsibility and will accept no liability, for the accuracy, currency, reliability, or correctness of any information included in the podcasts (including material provided by third parties). Readers should make their own inquiries and rely on their own advice when making decisions related to the material contained in this publication.

In this episode of The Productive Producer, we dive

Join us as Anya explains how shelterbelts reduce wind

Contacts:

Max Newsome– for livestock advice– 0427 007 190

Local Land Services - 1300 795 299

Disclaimer

The information contained in this publication is based on