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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

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...

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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

54:21

Foot Health Fundamentals in Sheep with MSD Animal Health

Head Shepherd ·

2024/11/24

We’re talking feet on this week's podcast! Guests Jim Walsh, Veterinary Technical Advisor at MSD Animal Health Australia, and Kim Kelly, Veterinary Technical Advisor at MSD Animal Health New Zealand,join Mark in a fantastic discussion about effective solutions for improving foot health in sheep.They dig into the issues of footrot and foot abscesses, covering effective diagnosis, management strategies, information on the Footvax® vaccine and the impactful role of genetics in strengthening shee...

en-nz

37:38

How Genetics Shape Sheep Immunity with Dr Kelsey Bentley

Head Shepherd ·

2024/11/17

What is actually occurring within a sheep with worm resistance? This week on the podcast we have a fascinating discussion with Dr Kelsey Bentley who has spent her career so far looking into the immune mechanisms of Katahdin sheep in the US. Kelsey runs us through what happens biologically within the sheep to make it ‘resistant’. She has also researched the importance of the role of colostrum in lamb immunity. Kelsey explains how it provides essential immunological benefits - particularly thro...

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38:44

Ontario Sheep Farming: Insights from Dr Mark Ferguson

Head Shepherd ·

2024/11/10

Sophie and Ferg catch up about Ferg’s recent trip to Ontario, Canada, where he visited 14 different sheep farming enterprises on his 10-day trip with Ontario Sheep Farmers. Highlights:- The differences in production systems, compared with New Zealand and Australia - Feeding strategies- Lambing systems- Health challenges- Market dynamics- The potential for genetic improvements in sheep breedingHead Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock fa...

en-nz

49:05

Strategic Farm Management with John Francis

Head Shepherd ·

2024/11/03

John Francis, director of Agrista, an agricultural consultancy, discusses benchmarking, understanding optimum stocking rates, maximising pasture utilisation, feed efficiency and much more. Maximise pasture use and adjust stocking rates seasonally to boost profitability.Measure to manage.Profit varies by livestock system, so choose one that suits your resources.Benchmarking offers insights but avoid relying solely on past data.Stay flexible and adaptable to respond to market shifts effect...

en-nz

28:12

Changing the Game with Bec Malseed

Head Shepherd ·

2024/10/27

Bec Malseed, who manages AWI & RIST’s Lifetime Ewe Management course, in her spare time is a female central/field umpire in her local country footy regional league. It’s fair to say that she is trailblazing a path for other women and girls to follow - in 2023, she became the first female field/central umpire in senior mens football in the Mininera & District Football League. Her conversation with Ferg puts a spotlight on her experiences breaking into this traditionally male-domin...

en-nz

34:40

Shaping Aussie Agriculture with Ben Simpson

Head Shepherd ·

2024/10/20

Ben Simpson from OGA Creative Agency shares his passion for the varied landscape of Australian agriculture - focusing on storytelling, ethics, and innovation. He discusses with Ferg how effective communication, AI and visual storytelling are shaping the future of livestock marketing. Ben highlights the importance of ethical practices, brand values and initiatives like Meat and Livestock Australia's ‘Australian Good Meat’ program in enhancing Australia’s global standing. Agriculture story...

en-nz

40:37

Sheep, Salt and Beer with David Thompson of Moojepin...

Head Shepherd ·

2024/10/13

This week we have David Thompson of Moojepin Foods on the podcast. David talks about his career breeding trait-leading Merinos, how he is addressing salinity issues in Western Australia with the exploration of saltbush and halophyte agriculture, along with his latest idea: saltbush beer! David has to be one of the most innovative and enthusiastic people in Agriculture. Tune in for an absolutely fantastic episode.- The evolution of Merino sheep breeding- Challenges and innovations in mutton pr...

en-nz

41:02

Future Trends in Lamb and Beef Markets: Expert...

Head Shepherd ·

2024/10/06

Angus Gidley-Baird, Senior Analyst - Animal Proteins at Rabobank, joins us this week to share his expertise on the sheep and beef industries across Australia and New Zealand. Angus helps us understand market dynamics, global demand and the impact of seasonal conditions on the market. In this episode we cover the:Current state of the Australian and New Zealand sheep and beef marketsImpact of drought and seasonal conditions on supplyGlobal demand for lamb and beef, particularly from China and t...

en-nz

262 results

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