Head Shepherd

By: Mark Ferguson
  • Summary

  • 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
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Episodes
  • Managing Clostridial Disease in Sheep and Cattle with MSD Animal Health
    Mar 30 2025

    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 clostridial diseases turn up so often
    • How to spot the signs before it’s too late
    • Getting the most out of vaccines (without wasting money)
    • The myths, the mistakes, and the must-knows

    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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    36 mins
  • BONUS EPISODE: Integrating Angoras with Merinos.
    Mar 26 2025

    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 world of likeminded people at the Goat Fibre Gateway - check it out here - https://gateway.goatfibre.com/

    If you're keen on mohair and cashmere, or just love a good yarn about agriculture, share this episode, leave a like and a review, and let's spread the word about The Fibre Frontier!

    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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    31 mins
  • Strategies for Higher Conception Rates in Cattle with Dr Pedro Fontes
    Mar 23 2025

    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 condition affects fertility.

    If you’re looking for new ways to improve reproductive efficiency in your herd, this episode is a must-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

    Show more Show less
    51 mins

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