In this episode Kerry Lonergan interviews Felicity Richards, Chair of FarmSafe Australia, about recent on‑farm fatality statistics, leading causes (quad bikes, side‑by‑sides and tractors), and common contributing factors such as lack of helmets/seatbelts, speed, and unsafe mounting/dismounting.

In the lead up to Farm Safety Week, the conversation covers vulnerable groups (older farmers and young children near water), the role of fatigue and mental health, and prevention strategies including protective gear, operator protection devices, safe procedures and better inductions. Felicity highlights FarmSafe campaigns like “Second Chance” and the new “Set the Standard.”

Listeners are urged to share safety stories, use available toolbox resources, and visit farmsafe.org to find Farm Safety Week events and practical tools to protect families and workers.

Farm Safety Week takes place from 16 to 25 July 2026

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Counting down to LambEx 2026, The Weekly Grill host Kerry Lonergan explores booming lamb prices and the new carcass feedback program adopted at GMP Gundagai. He chats with GMP CEO Will Barton about DEXA scans, MEQ probes, GLQ scoring and producer bonuses for premium outcomes.

Kerry then chats with lamb producer Jenny Bradley as she shares her experiences with the new feedback program and her operation's firsthand results and on‑farm changes.

The episode previews LambEx 2026 and explores how individual carcass data is shaping a more valuable, measurable lamb supply chain.

In today’s episode of The Weekly Grill host Kerry Lonergan is joined by Beef Central's Jon Condon as they dial in AusMeat Chair, Allan Bloxsom, to discuss AusMeat’s new, industry-agreed rules for breed-specific content claims that take affect from July 1.

The conversation covers how the new export trade descriptions will work (e.g., Angus F1, Angus 50, Angus Composite), verification options (phenotype or optional genetic testing), implications for brand managers, producers and consumers, and impacts on existing 75% and 100% programs and more.

This week on The Weekly Grill, host Kerry Lonergan sits down with Simon Irwin, CEO of Beef 2027, to talk about learnings from Beef 2024 and the plans for the next event in Rockhampton; they discuss record attendances, exhibitor demand, and the event's economic impact.

The episode covers major challenges and innovations: accommodation shortages and solutions (Airbnb partnerships, Camplify and caravans), expanded tech and fifth‑quarter showcases, sustainability and emissions work, security and counter‑terrorism measures, and new digital tools like an interactive app.

Also discussed are global interest and networking opportunities, Next Gen and mentoring programs for young ag professionals, the importance of interbreed championships, and why Beef remains central to regional Queensland.

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Along with eight other young beef industry stakeholders, NSW's Millie Unthank is one of this year's Graeme Acton Beef Connections program participants.

In this episode of The Weekly Grill, Kerry Lonergan interviews Millie, Ag Tech Manager for the McDonald family's MDH operations in North Queensland. She outlines her rural upbringing, studies in bioengineering and computer science, and how she moved from southern saleyards to managing large‑scale agtech in northern beef production.

The pair discuss the importance of clean, foundational data for AI and decision‑making, balancing traditional stockmanship with automation, connectivity solutions like Starlink, and Millie’s recent, early experiences as part of the Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program.

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In today's episode of The Weekly Grill, host Kerry Lonergan interviews Darren Thomas, CEO of Thomas Foods International, about the company’s growth from family beginnings to a multi-billion-dollar global business.

They discuss key issues including China tariffs and trade challenges, the rebuilding of Murray Bridge after the 2018 fire, expansion into the US, goat and seafood operations, feedlot growth, labour and technology pressures, and food security.

Darren also reflects on community support, the importance of youth pathways into agriculture, and how innovation and international investment shape the future of Australian processing and exports.

In this episode of The Weekly Grill Kerry Lonergan interviews veteran cattleman Dick Slaney about his extraordinary career from North Queensland to Venezuela, the US and across Asia. Dick recounts hands-on experiences in live export, feedlots and abattoirs, his role in introducing stunning practices in Indonesia, and reflections on the resilience and changing dynamics of the Australia–Indonesia beef trade.

He also discusses the impacts of trade suspensions, rising competition from cheaper imports, cultural lessons learned while working in Asia, and the people and mentors who shaped his life and career.

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In this episode Kerry Lonergan interviews respected Australian Cattle Vet Dr Ross Ainsworth about the growing threat of exotic livestock diseases discussed at the recent Wagyu Edge 26 conference in Brisbane.

Dr Ainsworth explains how foot-and-mouth disease could abruptly close export markets, devastate herd values and force mass culling, and describes how lumpy skin disease spreads, its impacts and available vaccines.

The conversation covers recent outbreaks in Southeast Asia, biosecurity risks from travellers and feral animals, preparedness options including vaccination and surveillance, and the importance of reporting suspected cases to protect Australia’s industry... and more.

In Australia, suspected exotic animal diseases should be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888

In this week's episode of The Weekly Grill Kerry Lonergan speaks with Andrew Henderson of AgSecure about how fuel and fertiliser shortages expose critical weaknesses in Australia’s food system. They discuss diesel as a ‘‘master constraint,’’ the risks of just-in-time supply chains, and the need for a national food security strategy, strategic stockpiles and greater domestic and regional production capabilities.

The conversation covers policy options such as prioritising agriculture for fuel in crises, building sovereign capacity for fertilisers and crop protection inputs, and leveraging regional partnerships to strengthen resilience.

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In this episode of The Weekly Grill host Kerry Lonergan is joined by Matt Dalgleish and Chris Howie to break down the latest market movements and regional conditions affecting Australian livestock.

They discuss the BOM El Niño forecast and its regional impacts, the record sell-off of cows in New South Wales, diesel and urea supply pressures, disruptions to live sheep exports and changing export demand, and how these factors are shaping lamb and beef prices and opportunities for breeders and buyers.

Key takeaways include short-term price outlooks, transport and input constraints, and practical investment ideas—such as store cattle, heifers and Merino lambs—for producers with feed and infrastructure.