Our guest this week is Vicky Alexandrou, co-founder of Woven Optics.
Over the past eight years, Vicky has helped design and build a handheld microscope that lets you measure wool fibre diameter right there in the yards or shed.
Instead of waiting for lab results, you clip a small sample, take a few quick images along the staple, and within seconds, the device tells you the mean micron, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and comfort factor.
You can scan the sheep’s ear tag so the data is linked instantly, meaning decisions on classing, culling or breeding can be made on the spot with the most up-to-date information.
Vicky and Ferg also chat about the importance of industry collaboration, the current commercialisation of Woven Optics, and the future potential of AI in agriculture.
Woven Optics is available now through your local Heiniger representative.
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
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What does leadership look like in agriculture today? For Felicity Taylor, Area Manager for Rabobank in Moree and a 2025 Zanda McDonald Award finalist, it’s about connection, community and supporting others to succeed.
In this episode, Felicity shares her journey from growing up on a cropping property to becoming the youngest area manager in Rabobank’s history. She talks about the rising costs facing farming, the challenge for young people to get started, and why she believes regional Australia offers opportunities that city life cannot.
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
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What does it take to keep a sheep business moving forward? For our guest this week, Hamish Thomson of Moojepin Merinos, it’s a mix of genetics, management and never being afraid to try something new.
In the podcast, Hamish talks about the progress they’ve made since we spoke to him last, which was four years ago!
They have been continuing to select for traits like growth, muscle and fat, as well as intensifying the focus to welfare traits such as dag, worms and, more recently, foot structure.
He and Ferg also discuss the importance of ewe lamb joining and using ram lambs, containment feeding, and how they are tackling their most unproductive pastures.
Twitter: MoojepinMerinos
Facebook: MoojepinMerinos
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
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Ever considered using a drone on your farm? Well, this is the podcast for you. This week, our guest is Luke Chaplain, founder of SkyKelpie. Luke is one of the leading experts in drone mustering in Australia and has spent the last three years researching drone technology to find the best fits for Agricultural use.
More recently, Luke has gotten involved in the training of drone usage, to give farmers and other industries the necessary tools for effective drone usage. One of these tools is their latest offering, "SkySim", a simulation to help improve drone piloting skills across all sectors.
To find out more about SkyKelpie, you can visit their website here:
https://www.skykelpie.com/skysim
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
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If you want to know about sheep genetics in New Zealand, our guest this week, John McEwan, is the person to ask. John has been involved with genomics “since before genomics was a thing.”
From discovering key reproductive genes and rolling out DNA parentage, to the sequencing of the sheep genome and the industry adoption of genomic selection, John takes us through the milestones that have shaped New Zealand sheep breeding.
Tune in today to hear where we're heading next.
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
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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 3517
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
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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: 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
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: 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
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Check out Allflex products HERE
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: 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
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: 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
This week, we’re joined by Jason Archer, Head of Genetics at Beef + Lamb NZ, to discuss the untapped potential of genomics in livestock.
Jason has spent his career working across beef, sheep, and even deer between Australia and New Zealand. He and Ferg chat about where genomics is taking us, why some of our current systems are holding things back, and what it might take to unlock faster progress in traits like feed efficiency and methane.
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
In this episode, Ferg is chatting with Sharon Paterson from Waikaka Station in Southland, NZ. Sharon is very passionate about her flock of Texels and chats with Ferg about her selection process and her very rigorous culling criteria for structure and litter size, which have led to a uniform and productive line of sheep.
Ferg and Sharon discuss
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
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This week on the podcast, we're joined by James Bruce, a Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer running 6,000-7,000 stock units across hill country in the Maramora area. James shares his practical strategies for managing farmer mental health and well-being.
James discusses his "ripple effect" philosophy of how one person's mood affects their entire team, whether in the farm yards or on the rugby field. He also reveals his tidy approach to balancing multiple commitments, the importance of celebrating small wins, and how mentoring young people has improved both his farming operation and community.
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
Our guest this week is Louis De Jaeger, a landscape designer, author and filmmaker who believes that many of agriculture’s biggest problems start with poor soil. In this episode, he and Ferg explore soil as a living system. One that can reduce costs, improve resilience, and produce more nutrient-dense food when managed well.
They talk about building long-term fertility without synthetic fertilisers, how some farmers are fighting drought and climate change, and the link between soil microbes and human gut health.
If you’re curious about regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems or how farming can work better with nature, this one’s worth a listen.
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
This week, Ferg chats with Greg Mirams, founder of Techion/FECPAK. What started as a tool to do worm egg counts on-farm has evolved into a digital platform that reads samples using AI, returns results in minutes, and is helping farmers tackle drench resistance head-on.
They cover the early days of FECPAK, how AI is speeding up diagnosis, what species ID could unlock for breeders, and why post-treatment testing matters more than ever.
• Why drench resistance is no longer a “maybe” and what farmers can actually do about it.
• How AI now reads worm egg counts in minutes.
• The upcoming ability to identify worm species, making treatments far more targeted.
• How egg count data is being used to track contamination, inform grazing plans, and map resistance across regions.
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
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 fine-wool sheep that don't need footrot treatment, are 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 fine-wool 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
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
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
We're back with another podcast from the World Angus Forum. This time, we have Chris Earl from CK6 Consulting, sharing his insights on ranching, genetic consulting, and the challenges faced in the cattle industry.
He and Ferg chat about the importance of cash flow management, building a brand, and the innovative strategies for selling meat.
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
Listen to the podcast live from the World Angus Forum. Ferg chats with Chuck Grove, retired American Angus Association President, to talk all things Angus cattle.
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
When Sherri Symons looked at five years' worth of crossbred wool gathering dust in the shed, she didn’t just see a problem, she saw an opportunity.
Today, she’s the founder of Aussie Wool Pellets and WoolGrow, creating environmentally friendly, biodegradable gardening products from 100% Australian wool.
Her products:
✅ Provide slow-release nitrogen
✅ Hold three times their weight in water
✅ Feed soil microorganisms
✅ Deter slugs and snails naturally
✅ Break down into the soil to boost carbon and soil health
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
Want to know how to future-proof your family farm for generations ahead? This is the podcast episode for you. Our guest this week is fellow podcaster Ben Law, aka 'The Financial Bloke'. Ben is a former financial advisor who now works as a strategic coach, helping farming families grow, protect and transition their wealth across generations.
Ben shares his background in financial law, the reasons behind his career shift and the work he does now with farming families. He explains the common challenges faced by farming families in succession planning and his approach to guiding them through the difficulties.
Tune in to hear:
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
Nigel is back again to discuss the business of farming, and mindset in particular. Expanding on our previous two podcasts with Nigel, he shares his approach to business, the evolution of his mindset and strategies for managing risk and climate variability. He also talks about the importance of continual learning and, as Nigel puts it, “buying brains”.
In this episode, we discuss:
✔ How to build a resilient farm business
✔ What good leadership really looks like on-farm
✔ Why scaling up isn’t always the answer
If you’re looking to future-proof your business, manage labour better, and build systems that don’t fall apart under pressure, tune in today.
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
“Engage, not educate.” That’s Claire Taylor’s mantra when it comes to shifting 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 Australia to launch Agvocacy Consulting.
https://www.agvocacyconsulting.com/
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
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.
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