You'd never ignore your interest rate, so why aren't you tracking your genetic gain?

This week, Ferg catches up with Chad Taylor for an update on what has been happening at Mumblebone and the recent work around footrot and feet structure they have been involved with as part of the 'Genetics of foot health in Merinos' project.

Ferg and Chad also discuss genetic gain at Mumblebone and how it is being pushed in practical terms. For example they are using ram lambs more heavily, joining ewe lambs, using genomics and utilising custom indexes in selection decisions.

Chad also explains why genetic gain should be tracked and questioned just as closely as interest rates, because both compound over time and have a direct impact on the long-term performance of the business.

Finally, Ferg and Chad discuss what supports all the progress they're making on-farm. Chad is very keen on building the right team and aligning people with the direction of the business, and he shares the impact of bringing staff into the bigger picture by "opening the books" so they know how the business operates financially.

It's always a pleasure to have Chad on the podcast. Tune in to hear a top operator's approach to breeding great sheep.

Links:

Precision Sheep HQ: https://www.precisionsheephq.com/feed

'Genetics of foot health in Merinos' project cull ram challenge: Email amy@nextgenagri.com

Mineral basics for healthier stock and higher returns: https://thehub.nextgenagri.com/c/events/mineral-basics-for-healthier-stock-and-higher-returns

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, Heiniger Australia and New Zealand, and ProWay Livestock Equipment. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.

Check out the MSD range HERE

Check out Allflex products HERE

Check out Heiniger's product range HERE

Check out ProWay's product range HERE

This week, Mark catches up with Will Barton from Gundagai Meat Processors (GMP) to chat about what has changed since his last appearance on the podcast and where things are heading next for Gundagai.

Gundagai has built a reputation for doing things differently, with a clear focus on eating quality and how that is measured and paid for.

Will explains how a focus on eating quality, particularly intramuscular fat, has shaped their grid, and why balancing that with lean meat yield and animal health has been critical to maintaining consistency. Will also explains their feedback loop between processor and producer. With full EID integration now in place, the ability to link on farm decisions directly to carcass outcomes is no longer theoretical and is now happening at scale.

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, Heiniger Australia and New Zealand, and ProWay Livestock Equipment. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.

Check out the MSD range HERE

Check out Allflex products HERE

Check out Heiniger's product range HERE

Check out ProWay's product range HERE

This week on the podcast, Mark chats with Carol Mudford to talk about her unconventional path into the shearing sheds and the work she is now doing to help improve mental health across the industry.

Carol grew up around sheep but never planned to pick up a handpiece, starting her working life in nursing before COVID and family circumstances brought her back to the farm. When she was ready to return to nursing, Carol moved into mental health nursing within a rural suicide prevention programme, combining her experience from both the sheds and healthcare with the idea of forming a charity. After losing multiple people in the industry to suicide in a short period, her idea came to life much sooner than she expected.

Now the founder of sHedway, Carol is working across Australia and New Zealand to improve awareness, reduce stigma, and give shearers practical tools to look after themselves and each other. Carol shares practical signs to look for when someone might be struggling, how to step in, and why being “helpfully nosy” can matter more than people think.

This podcast episode discusses suicide. If you are struggling or know someone who may be struggling, support is available through local mental health and crisis services in your area.

Australia:

• Lifeline Australia: Ph 13 11 14 and text 0477 13 11 14 Web- https://www.lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: Ph - 1300 22 46 36 - https://www.beyondblue.org.au

New Zealand:

• Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand: Ph - 0800 72 66 66 Web - https://www.samaritans.org.nz/
• Lifeline New Zealand: Ph 1737 or 0800 543 354 Web: https://www.lifeline.org.n
• Rural Support Trust: Ph 0800 787 254 Web- https://www.rural-support.org.nz/

UK:

• MIND Ph: 0300 102 1234 Web- https://www.mind.org.uk/

Other:

• 1000 Hearts - https://1000hearts.com.au
• Shedway Official Website - https://shedway.org.au

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, Heiniger Australia and New Zealand, and ProWay Livestock Equipment. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.

Check out the MSD range HERE

Check out Allflex products HERE

Check out Heiniger's product range HERE

Check out ProWay's product range HERE