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PODCAST

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.

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All Episodes

49:17

Improving Agriculture’s Future with Trust and...

Head Shepherd ·

2025/04/06

“Engage, not educate.” That’s Claire Taylor’s mantra when it comes to agriculture’s public perception. From a career in political journalism to a Nuffield Scholarship spanning 16 countries, Claire has seen firsthand how farming is scrutinised around the world. We chat about: - Breaking out of the agricultural echo chamber. - The power of agritourism - Why trust-building, not just broadcasting, is the key to better advocacy. - The latest farming unrest in the UK and - Her move from Scotland to...

en-nz

35:38

Managing Clostridial Disease in Sheep and Cattle with...

Head Shepherd ·

2025/03/30

This week on the podcast we have our sponsors, MSD Animal Health, discussing Clostridial diseases and proper vaccine protocols. Our guests, Felicity Wills and Hamish Pike, are both Veterinary Technical Advisors for the company, and discuss the prevalence, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies associated with Clostridial diseases. From Pulpy Kidney to Blackleg, we cover what happens, what to look for, and why vaccines are a simple but essential tool for preventing losses. Why clos...

en-nz

31:15

BONUS EPISODE: Integrating Angoras with Merinos.

Head Shepherd ·

2025/03/26

This week we're giving you a bonus episode on the Head Shepherd Podcast. Our host Mark, also hosts the Fibre Frontier podcast and we thought this interview with Dr Susan Robertson was worth sharing with our audience here on Head Shepherd. The Fibre Frontier is supported by AgriFutures Australia and the Goat Fibre Producers of Australia. Find more on AgriFutures Australia's Goat Fibre Program here - https://agrifutures.com.au/rural-industries/goat-fibre/ You can find related information and a ...

en-nz

51:12

Strategies for Higher Conception Rates in Cattle with...

Head Shepherd ·

2025/03/23

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast, we’re joined by Dr Pedro Fontes from the University of Georgia to talk about beef cattle reproduction. Pedro’s research focuses on optimising fertility through artificial insemination (AI), synchronisation protocols, and embryo transfer strategies. Mark and Pedro discuss the latest findings on GnRH compounds, how pre-synchronisation boosts conception rates, why improved ultrasound technology is enhancing embryo recipient selection and how excess bull co...

en-nz

34:41

All you need to know about Toxoplasmosis with Connor...

Head Shepherd ·

2025/03/16

This week on the Head Shepherd podcast, we’re deep-diving into Toxoplasma Gondii with veterinary parasitologist Connor Bury. Connor walks us through the lifecycle of the parasite, how it’s impacting sheep farmers across the world, and what we can do to reduce the impacts of it. Whilst many know that cats are the main culprits in spreading toxo, did you know the importance of water quality when it comes to reducing the spread of the parasite? Tune in today to learn more and equip yoursel...

en-nz

18:45

From Sheep Contracting to Livestock Consulting with...

Head Shepherd ·

2025/03/09

This week on the podcast, our guest is Amber Smith, the latest livestock consultant to join the neXtgen Agri team. Raised on a Merino stud in central-west New South Wales, Amber developed a deep connection to livestock early on, working with sheep, cattle, dogs and horses. After completing an honours degree in Animal Science at the University of New England, she ventured north to the cattle stations of the Northern Territory. Returning south, Amber launched her own sheep contracting business,...

en-nz

31:03

Bridging the Farm Ownership Gap with Sarah How

Head Shepherd ·

2025/03/02

How do we get the next generation onto farms while helping established farmers transition out? In this episode of Head Shepherd, Mark chats with Sarah How, co-founder of Landify and New Zealand finalist for the Zanda McDonald Award. Sarah shares her journey from family farming in Mid-Canterbury to launching a platform that connects farmers, aspiring landowners, and investors. Sarah co-founded Landify after years of working in agronomy and research when she saw firsthand the challenges b...

en-nz

36:15

Herding the Numbers and Driving Success with Jeremy...

Head Shepherd ·

2025/02/23

Most farmers focus on production—but how many focus on profit? In this episode, Jeremy Hutchings explains how mastermind groups and business coaching are changing the game for farmers. Do you know your key business numbers?Do you have a 3–5 year plan for your farm?Are you surrounded by people who push you forward?Jeremy Hutchings has worked with hundreds of farmers to turn good farms into great businesses. In this episode, he explains why mindset, strategy, and networks separate top-performin...

en-nz

26:16

Farming in the Ocean with Maegen Blom

Head Shepherd ·

2025/02/16

From dairy farming to mussels, Maegen Blom’s family took an unexpected turn into aquaculture—and she jumped right in. Now, as Operations Manager at Mills Bay Mussels, Maegen is tackling the challenges of farming a live product, managing an unpredictable supply chain, and pushing for better mussel genetics. In this episode, we get into the quirks of mussel farming, from harvesting wild spat to outsmarting snapper, and why the industry is still full of untapped potential. How a dairy farming fa...

en-nz

17:50

Better Genetics, Not Better Grooming With Dr Mark...

Head Shepherd ·

2025/02/09

Some rams at sales are not what they seem. Foot trimming and excessive feeding can cover up genetic faults, and buyers are paying the price. This week, Ferg breaks down what’s really happening in the industry and how we can fix it. 🐏 The problem with foot trimming in stud sales – why it hides genetic faults. 📉 How overfeeding sale rams distorts their true potential. 🏡 Why animals should be presented as they are—no sheds, no tricks. 🧬 The push for breeding values to improve foot structur...

en-nz

27:59

Building a Sustainable Red Meat Brand with Hamish Best

Head Shepherd ·

2025/02/02

What does it take to build a successful red meat brand from the ground up? Hamish Best, a sheep and beef farmer near Wellington, shares his journey in this episode, from his background in agronomy and sales to his return to farming. He chats about the challenges of maintaining product quality and consistency while growing a brand that resonates with consumers. Hamish also discusses his plans for the future and how he’s making his farming model economically sustainable. This conversation is pa...

en-nz

27:07

Understanding Drench Resistance in Sheep with Dr....

Head Shepherd ·

2025/01/26

This week it's Ferg on the podcast, discussing the trans-Tasman, if not global, issue of drench resistance in sheep. From monitoring worm burdens to selecting rams with the right genetics, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies to help sheep farmers manage internal parasites more effectively. Testing drench efficacyUsing refugia to manage resistanceGenetic tools for long-term solutionsHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help li...

en-nz

38:07

Elite Sports Strategies for Elite Farming with Nick...

Head Shepherd ·

2025/01/19

This week on Head Shepherd, Ferg chats with Nick Martin about the crossover between sports psychology and farming. Off the back of his Kellogg Rural Leadership research into the performance psychology of elite Canterbury sheep and beef farmers, Nick shares practical tools like self-talk, visualisation, and box breathing to help sharpen focus and navigate high-pressure situations. The conversation highlights what sets top performers apart, with a focus on mindset, self-awareness, and goal sett...

en-nz

25:29

From Passion to Progress in Sheep Farming with Andrew...

Head Shepherd ·

2025/01/12

Andrew Glover, known to most as Gloves, has spent his career navigating the ins and outs of the sheep industry, managing operations that run 600,000 sheep a year. Started his career straight out of school wool classing and is now station manager at one of Australia’s largest and most innovative sheep studs, Pooginook. Andrew’s passion for the job has only grown, as has his understanding of what makes farming work. He knows that success comes down to investing in the right places—genetics, inf...

en-nz

67:50

The Pursuit of Excellence at Roseville Park

Head Shepherd ·

2025/01/05

This week, Mark chats with Matthew Coddington of Roseville Park Merino Stud, one of Australia’s leading Merino studs. Spanning 4,400 hectares near Dubbo, the farm is home to 11,000 sheep and a legacy of innovation and resilience built by Matthew’s family.Matthew shares insights into the evolution of sheep breeding, from traditional practices to advanced technologies like genomic profiling and embryo transfer. He highlights the importance of long-term breeding goals, diversification, and creat...

en-nz

37:13

Head Shepherd LIVE 2024

Head Shepherd ·

2024/12/29

We recorded our final episode of Head Shepherd 2024 live on the Hub where Mark answered listener questions. Mark also chatted about the work he has been involved with in 2024.- GEPEP project and its applicability to composites and strongwool sheep- Should you be breeding your own rams?- Testing for efficiency in confinement- Grazing behaviour of sheepThanks to everyone who tuned in to Head Shepherd in 2024Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock...

en-nz

49:40

The Basics of Breeding Better Animals with Rudolph Linde

Head Shepherd ·

2024/12/22

In this episode, Ferg is joined by Rudolph Linde, the Business Manager of Genetic Services at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), who shares his journey from diversified farming operations in South Africa to a career across New Zealand, the UK, and now Australia. With a strong passion for animal science and genetics, Rudolph delves into the principles of genetic improvement, the importance of variation, and how Australia’s leading genetic databases are driving innovation in livestock produc...

en-nz

22:15

Breeding Better Sheep in the North Island with Dr...

Head Shepherd ·

2024/12/15

In this episode of Head Shepherd, we're thrilled to introduce Dr Emma Pettigrew, our new North Island consultant at nextGen Agri. Emma brings a wealth of experience and passion for the sheep and livestock industry, having grown up on a stud sheep and beef farm in the Manawatu and earning her PhD in animal science.This episode is packed with practical knowledge and forward-thinking ideas for farmers wanting to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. Tune in to hear how Emma plans to make an im...

en-nz

51:05

The Abundant Farmer: Mindset and Money in Agriculture...

Head Shepherd ·

2024/12/08

Hayley Grosser is a farmer and business coach based in Victoria, Australia, who helps farmers change their relationship with money so they can create more abundance in their lives. Hayley and her partner both grew up on a farm, and they started their own farm when they got married. They encountered financial difficulties early on and struggled for years to break through a financial ceiling. Through research, mentors, and coaches, Grosser realised that it was their mindset about money that was...

en-nz

42:57

Managing Pastures for Long-Term Success with Cam...

Head Shepherd ·

2024/12/01

Looking to level up your pasture and crop management? This week’s guest is Cam Nicholson of Nicon Rural, an agronomist with four decades of experience. He breaks down the essentials of soil fertility, grazing management and the big impact of getting these right. Cam and Ferg chat about the benefits of grazing cereals, managing animal weight on stubble and the real cost of picture-perfect pastures. Tune in for practical tips on balancing perennials and annuals, matching species to the environm...

en-nz

270 results

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