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Head Shepherd

Head Shepherd

By: Mark Ferguson
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About this listen

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.

© 2025 Head Shepherd
Economics Science
Episodes
  • Footrot-free finewools at Stonyhurst with Charlie Douglas-Clifford.
    Jun 1 2025

    This week, we have Charlie from Stonyhurst on the show. Charlie and Ferg have worked together for a long time, both passionate about breeding healthy, productive sheep. They discuss how Stonyhurst has managed to breed finewool sheep that don't need footrot treatment, improving lambing and weaning percentages, and dropping their micron.

    Charlie also discusses Stonyhurst's cattle and deer operation and some of the 175 years of history his family have there on the property.

    If you breed finewools sheep and you've been wondering how to fix your footrot woes, this podcast is the one for you.

    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: info@nextgenagri.com.

    Thanks 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 HERE
    Check out the MSD range HERE
    Check out Allflex products HERE

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    46 mins
  • How to stay calm in chaos with Prue Simson
    May 25 2025

    This week we’re joined by Prue Simson, who’s gone from managing the chaos of the Olympics and Formula One to running one of regional Australia’s busiest agricultural venues, The Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre in Tamworth.

    Whilst this is slightly different to our normal podcast, Prue's experience leading teams under pressure, dealing with legacy and change and large-scale event management is all relevant to managing a farm, especially around planning for the unexpected, building strong networks, and handling tough conversations well.

    -The power of planning for what might go wrong

    -How to build a team that thrives under pressure

    -Why networks are your best bet in a crisis

    -And how she’s balancing career ambition with raising a young family


    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: info@nextgenagri.com.

    Thanks 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 HERE
    Check out the MSD range HERE
    Check out Allflex products HERE

    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • The Art of Angus breeding at Taimate Angus with Paul Hickman
    May 18 2025

    We're sticking with cattle for one more week, and this time we have Paul Hickman from Taimate Angus on the show.

    Taimate is one of New Zealand's most respected cattle studs, and in this episode Paul shares the story of how the family farm has evolved since 1905 from running sheep studs, to now focusing solely on Angus cattle.

    Paul discusses the importance of structural strength in breeding, emphasising that it's not just about breeding values. Structure and phenotype still play a crucial role. Ferg and Paul also chat about Roy, a legendary Taimate bull, and how his success has helped open doors for New Zealand Angus genetics internationally.

    Taimate have their annual bull sale on Monday, 16th of June.

    https://www.taimateangus.co.nz/angus.html

    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: info@nextgenagri.com.

    Thanks 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 HERE
    Check out the MSD range HERE
    Check out Allflex products HERE

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
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