Send a text

Alistair from the Gippsland Ag Group interviews Ensay farmer and Hereford stud breeder Barry Newcomen on Season 2. Barry describes extremely dry high-country conditions after a cold winter and windy, low-rain spring, poor hay results, and ongoing concerns about feed and water. Barry explains his farming background (in Ensay since 1960), his earlier work as an A.M.L./Elders agent, and how he started a Hereford stud after advice from his accountant son. He discusses his 23rd on-property bull sale (43 bulls this year; horned and polled) and why he sticks with Herefords. They cover the history of local sheep and cattle selling, including Ensay joining the Mountain Calf Sales, past huge sheep sale numbers, and stock being walked long distances to Bairnsdale. Barry outlines major Mountain Calf Sales changes: moving the Ensay sale to Bairnsdale on Monday morning to address reduced numbers, animal welfare, and buyer demand for weighed cattle, while keeping other sales in a revised order. Barry shares standout calf sale memories and market swings (record 2022 prices followed by much lower averages), explains calf selection and drafting, and details what he looks for in bulls (prioritising 600-day weight and structure, feet, temperament, and eye set). He discusses the impact of Johne’s disease on sheep in the district, the costs of keeping stock through the 2017–2020 drought, and a serious recent yard accident involving a bull. In closing, Barry’s advice focuses on family, manners, and community involvement. He notes receiving an AM (Member of the Order of Australia) for community service, including drought and flood response work and coordinating hay relief.

00:00 Season 2 Kickoff: What Digging Deeper is all about

00:44 Meet Barry Newcomen + a brutally dry season in the High Country

02:15 Who is Barry? From Ensay farmer to Hereford stud founder

04:19 Why Herefords (and how the bull sale stacks up this year)

05:46 Barry’s early life: school, Melbourne years, and learning the wool game

08:35 Back when Ensay sold 21,000 sheep: yards, logistics, and local history

09:45 How Ensay joined the Mountain Calf Sales (and the rise of the black sale)

12:36 Big changes to the calf sale format: weighing, welfare, and moving to Bairnsdale

16:29 Calf sale memories: portable yards, record prices, and market swings

20:47 Managing calves on-farm: selection, drafting, feed, and water worries

23:12 When sheep ruled the hills: walking stock to Bairnsdale and the old droving days

27:02 Why sheep disappeared: Johne’s disease, eradication, and tough years

30:38 Sheep prices then vs now: drought sales and hard lessons

32:03 Evan’s epic fundraiser run: Ensay to Omeo uphill

34:02 What makes the perfect bull? Hereford goals, weights & repeat buyers

35:58 Bull structure checklist: eyes, feet, temperament & calving ease

38:19 Picking replacement heifers & why longevity matters in cows

41:19 Stud bull wins and losses: big purchases, big returns

44:42 Surviving drought: agistment, hay, and the real cost of keeping numbers

47:53 A bull attack in the yards: the day it all went wrong

50:32 Wedding with a footy legend: Ron Barassi and Melbourne days

53:05 Advice to a young farmer: family, community, and earning an Order of Australia

58:06 Wrap-up, thanks, and program credits

Send a text

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Al expresses gratitude for the support from listeners over the past year and outlines exciting plans for 2026. Special guest Chelsea from Herd Solutions discusses her experiences over the Christmas break, including dealing with property maintenance and a personal injury caused by a horse. Chelsea also shares valuable insights into managing livestock diseases, showcasing a specific case involving respiratory issues in cattle. Additional topics include the care and management of fire-affected cattle, the importance of trace elements in animal health, and broader considerations for managing livestock under stress. The episode emphasizes proactive health management and support for producers during challenging times.

00:00 Welcome to Digging Deeper 2026

00:34 Introducing Regular Guests and Updates

01:03 Chelsea's Holiday Recap

03:31 Horse Riding Accident and Recovery

07:40 Vet Duties and Light Work

15:09 Disease Outbreaks and Investigations

26:24 Getting Biopsy Results

27:03 Understanding Hiss Bacteria

29:01 Vaccination Insights

30:53 Management Strategies for Respiratory Diseases

31:10 Economic Considerations of Vaccination

44:40 Handling Fire-Affected Livestock

53:40 Advice to Young Vets

56:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us a text

In this episode of 'Digging Deeper,' Alister from the Gippsland Ag Group talks to Brad Smith and Brett Tonkin about the steps and considerations involved in establishing perennial pastures. The discussion covers soil testing, weed management, nutrient application, and grazing practices, highlighting the importance of good preparation and tailored advice. They share real-world experiences and provide practical tips for farmers looking to improve their pasture management. The episode underscores the value of understanding your land and leveraging professional advice to make informed decisions that enhance farm resilience and productivity.

00:00 Introduction to Digging Deeper Ag Chats Season Two

00:45 Meet the Guests: Brad Smith and Brett Tonkin

01:02 Brett's Agronomy Journey and New Venture

02:30 Brad's Family Business and Operations

03:33 Perennial Pastures Research and Trials

05:46 Establishing Perennial Pastures: Methods and Challenges

14:23 Soil Testing and Fertilizer Strategies

15:23 Weed Management and Species Selection

20:27 Sowing Techniques and Grazing Management

23:59 Managing Pasture Growth and Grazing

24:41 Challenges and Strategies in Pasture Management

27:59 Nutrient Management and Soil Health

30:18 Seasonal Planning and Stock Management

33:13 Practical Tips for Pasture Management

36:45 Producer Demonstration Site Insights

40:49 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Send us a text

In the latest episode of Digging Deeper, host Al reflects on a successful first year of podcasts and unveils exciting plans for 2026, including featuring local producers, regular updates from industry experts Chelsea from Herd Solutions and Morgs from Elders.

Al talks with Morgan Davies about recent cattle and lamb markets, highlighting seasonal trends, strong sales, and challenges. They also discuss the swift community response to recent fire-affected areas, emphasising the importance of support networks in agriculture. Additionally, there are significant updates on the mountain calf sales, including changes in sale dates and locations to improve conditions for buyers and sellers. This episode captures the essence of community resilience, industry updates, and adaptive strategies in agriculture.

00:00 Welcome to 2026: New Beginnings and Gratitude

00:34 Introducing Regular Guests and Updates

01:04 Kicking Off with Morgan Davies

01:39 Market Updates: Cattle Prices and Trends

04:00 Sheep and Lamb Market Insights

08:21 Community Support During Fire Crisis

14:38 Big News: Changes to Mountain Calf Sales

21:24 Conclusion and Farewell

Send us a text

In this episode of Digging Deeper for 2026, the discussion features General Manager Jen Smith reflecting on her journey from Melbourne to agriculture, spearheading projects at Gippsland Agricultural Group, and her experiences with bushfires.

Jen shares insights about her upbringing, educational background in social work, and how she adapted to farming life after marrying Brad Smith. The episode delves into the challenges and strategies of dealing with bushfires, focusing on preparedness, response, and recovery. The conversation also highlights the importance of community support, government grants, and practical farm management during and after fire events.

Jen emphasises the need for robust infrastructure, effective communication, and mental resilience during critical times.

00:00 Welcome Back to Digging Deeper 2026

00:36 Jen Smith's Early Life and Education

03:01 Meeting Brad and Life in Agriculture

06:02 Jen's Career Journey

09:38 Gippsland Agricultural Group and Future Projects

12:52 Experiences with Bush Fires

21:09 Bushfire Recovery Grant and Infrastructure

21:50 Importance of Efficient Feeding Systems

22:32 Navigating Government Grants

24:15 Pre-Fire Preparedness: Farm, Animals, and People

30:03 During the Fire: Immediate Actions and Strategies

38:26 Post-Fire Recovery: Immediate Steps and Long-Term Planning

42:11 Community-Led Recovery and Support

45:12 Silver Linings and Lessons Learned

46:57 Final Thoughts and Resources

Send us a text

In this season finale of Digging Deeper, host Alister from the Gippsland Ag Group is joined by Morgan Davies to extend festive wishes and reflect on the year's events in agriculture. They discuss the importance of resilience in farming, updates on cattle and sheep markets, and the impact of the Gippsland Agriculture Group. The episode highlights the recent field day at Mawarra featuring esteemed cattle judge PJ Butler and a panel of industry experts. Morgan and Alister ponder lessons learned over the year, including the critical nature of seasonal changes. They sign off by encouraging listeners to enjoy the festive season and prepare for 2026.

00:00 Introduction to Season Two

00:43 Holiday Greetings and Reflections

03:36 Field Day Highlights and Panel Discussion

06:51 Gippsland Agriculture Group's Impact

12:41 Cattle and Sheep Market Update

16:26 Seasonal Reflections and Farewell

Send us a text

In this episode of Digging Deeper, host Al welcomes Olivia Betts from Elders Bairnsdale. Olivia discusses her background growing up on a beef farm, her path from taking a gap year to studying agriculture and accounting at university and eventually becoming a leading agronomist at Elders. She shares her experiences, challenges, and the importance of mentorship in her fast-paced role. The episode also dives deep into the topic of Armyworm, including its types, impact on crops, identification, and management strategies, providing valuable insights for local farmers and agronomy enthusiasts.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Olivia Betts

01:03 Olivia's Background and Early Life

03:11 Career Path and Education

06:27 Role at Elders and Daily Responsibilities

09:37 Challenges and Experiences in Agronomy

11:32 Armyworm: Identification and Management

27:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Send us a text

In this episode of Digging Deeper, host Alister interviews Justin Dunn, founder and owner of Shepherd Ag Auto Feeders. Justin discusses his transition from being a school principal to becoming an entrepreneur in agriculture technology. He shares his journey from teaching and developing science and technology programs in schools to addressing labour challenges in sheep farming through automated feeding systems. Justin explains the evolution of his products, the importance of automated precision feeding, and the benefits of his innovative feeder systems which have improved efficiency and animal welfare on his farm. He also touches upon the design and operational aspects of his automated systems, the significance of early weaning and rumen development in lambs, and the challenges and solutions around shade systems in feedlots. Justin emphasizes the need for a balanced approach in combining technology with practical farming to enhance productivity and sustainability.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:50 Justin's Journey and Background

01:36 From Teaching to Technology

03:57 Challenges in Sheep Farming

05:26 Innovations in Feeder Systems

07:45 Evolution of Feeder Technology

10:48 Automated Feeding and Water Systems

15:23 Advanced Farming Equipment

18:31 Efficient Sheep Management

25:44 Lambing in Containment: Design and Benefits

27:36 Feeding Strategies for Lambs

28:28 Managing Lamb Health and Nutrition

33:22 Trading and Induction Processes

39:17 Staff and Operations Management

43:47 Innovations and Future Plans

46:22 The Importance of Shade in Feedlots

48:56 Conclusion and Farewell