Powered by RND
PodcastsBusinessHead Shepherd

Head Shepherd

Mark Ferguson
Head Shepherd
Latest episode

Available Episodes

5 of 248
  • Breeding a multi-dimensional, modern Merino at Willera with Simon Coutts
    When you think of a "Modern Merino", what comes to mind? For our guest this week, Willera Merino stud principal Simon Coutts, it means a sheep that works for your business, regardless of the weather or market conditions. Simon explains Willara's breeding philosophy, which focuses on developing a "modern Merino" that is multi-dimensional and provides multiple income streams from high-value wool, prime lamb, capital stock, and mutton. Simon and Ferg chat about the three Willera properties and how they work together, as well as the genetic progress they have made by mating ewe lambs and ram lambs. A great insight into a very forward-thinking breeding programme. Willera are having their 2025 ram sale on Friday 29th August”Wadalla” 1072 Old Boort Rd, Bears Lagoon 3517Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: [email protected] to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
    --------  
    37:14
  • Inside Headwaters Genetics with Simon Saunders
    Simon Saunders is one of the original farmers behind Headwaters and runs the elite ewe flock at his farm, Stag Valley. In this episode, he discusses how the breeding program has evolved, what it takes to deliver consistency at scale, and the future of the Lumina lamb programme.If you're wondering how to extract more value from your sheep operation or thinking about speciality lamb production, then this episode is not one to miss! Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: [email protected] to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
    --------  
    28:46
  • What can US sheep farmers learn from New Zealand's success? With Dr Whit Stewart
    This week, we’re chatting about the differences between US and NZ sheep production systems with Dr. Whit Stewart, an Associate Professor and Extension Sheep Specialist in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Wyoming.Whit has spent the last year on a sabbatical in New Zealand, learning and absorbing as much as he can about sheep farming here. Because of this, he has some great insights into the comparisons between systems as well as what we do well, and what we could do better at. He and Ferg chat about predator pressure, grazing public land, the structure of the US lamb supply chain, and what it's like farming in a country where golden eagles can take 40% of your lamb crop. Whit also chats about what he’s learnt here in NZ. Our use of tools like FarmIQ, a strong export focus, and top-notch forage management are our strong points, according to Whit. And he also shares what he thinks we could learn from the US in return.It’s a great conversation with someone who is very passionate about building better sheep businesses, regardless of where he is on the globe! Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: [email protected] to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
    --------  
    45:57
  • Staff, Structure and Systems with Jack O’Connor
    This week we’re (belatedly) joined by Jack O’Connor, winner of the 2025 Zanda McDonald Award. Jack lives and works on the family’s fourth-generation mixed farming operation, Oxton Park, in southern NSW.He and Ferg discuss his career so far and why, for Jack, business success comes down to the people and community he works alongside. And with 20 staff, 15 properties, and both livestock and cropping enterprises, that focus on people is essential!They also chat about the importance of professional development, leadership, and mentorship. It’s a great listen for anyone thinking about the future of agriculture and how to bring their team along with them.Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: [email protected] to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
    --------  
    35:50
  • The future of LAMBPLAN with Peta Bradley
    We're back on the genetic evaluation theme with Peta Bradley, Operations Manager at Sheep Genetics, to talk all things sheep genetics and the exciting changes that are happening at MLA in terms of bringing the two LAMBPLAN databases together. Peta also discusses the evolution of the Sheep Genetics genetic evaluation over the years, the crucial role of genomics as well as phenotypes and a current reference population, as well as her ice-swimming journey! Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: [email protected] to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.Check out Heiniger's product range HERECheck out the MSD range HERECheck out Allflex products HERE
    --------  
    56:48

More Business podcasts

About 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.
Podcast website

Listen to Head Shepherd, The Curve and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features

Head Shepherd: Podcasts in Family

Social
v7.22.0 | © 2007-2025 radio.de GmbH
Generated: 8/12/2025 - 8:08:10 PM