Australia’s cattle veterinary profession is at a pivotal moment, grappling with workforce shortages, changing client expectations, rapid technological advances and the growing impact of corporatisation.

In this first episode of Season 2, Prue speaks with three ACV past Presidents Professor Paul Cusack, Dr Scott Parry and Dr Stacey Rae who span the decades of 1970s through to now, as they paint a revealing picture of a sector in transition - and one full of opportunity.

With traditional mixed practice evolving from individual animal care to whole-of-production system management, vets are increasingly acting as advisers across nutrition, reproduction and herd health. While this shift creates exciting consultancy pathways, it also exposes gaps in structured postgraduate education and clear career progression for early and mid‑career vets.

Listen as the panel highlights the need for strong mentorship, flexible work models and better support for a workforce that is becoming increasingly female and family-focused. The rise of AI and real-time data analysis promises to transform decision‑making, yet also demands new skills to manage an ever-growing “data tsunami”.

Against this backdrop, corporatisation continues to reshape rural practice - bringing capital and scale, but sometimes at the cost of continuity, local knowledge and mentorship. Encouragingly, renewed interest in locally owned practices shows the enduring value of trusted relationships in rural communities.

And finally, for students, early career vets and industry leaders, the message is clear: adaptability, broad experience and lifelong learning will be key to securing a sustainable and rewarding future in cattle veterinary practice.

Dr. Mike Laurence reflects on a career that’s spanned clinical practice, academia, and now industry leadership at Meat & Livestock Australia. From working through the UK’s foot-and-mouth outbreak to pioneering research in pain management and animal welfare, Mike shares insights on the evolving role of cattle vets, the importance of communication, and why you’re never truly stuck in your career. A powerful close to the season, packed with practical advice and inspiration for vets at every stage.

In this episode, Dr. Jill Kelly shares her bold leap from a secure government role to launching her own livestock consultancy—complete with a subscription model, paid newsletters, and a thriving online presence as “Miss Vet.” Jill talks candidly about building a business from scratch, charging for conversations vets often give away for free, and balancing her work with side hustles in art and cattle trading. It’s a story of reinvention, resilience, and redefining what a vet career can look like.

From jackaroo to pathologist, Dr. Mark Hazelton’s journey into cattle veterinary science is anything but typical. In this episode, Mark shares how his background in agricultural science and global farm experience shaped his passion for diagnostics, biosecurity, and the power of data. Now working at the Elizabeth MacArthur Agricultural Institute (NSW DPIRD), he discusses emerging threats, the role of AI in veterinary practice, and why communication and prevention are key to the future of cattle health. A must-listen for vets, students, and data-curious ag professionals.

In this inspiring episode, we follow the remarkable 50-year journey of Dr. Bill Tranter—from a dairy farm kid in Far North Queensland to a pioneering cattle vet and industry leader. Bill shares how he built one of Australia’s largest rural vet practices, introduced herd health programs, flew planes to remote farms, and mentored generations of vets. With passion, humility, and a love for cattle medicine, Bill’s story is a masterclass in seizing opportunity and building lasting relationships.

In this debut episode, host Prue Adams chats with three trailblazing cattle vets—Dr. Alan Guilfoyle, Associate Professor Dr. John House, and Dr. Alison Gunn—about their remarkable journeys, career pivots, and the evolving role of veterinarians in Australia’s cattle industry. From solo bush practice to cutting-edge herd health consultancy, they share candid insights, advice for early-career vets, and a shared vision for proactive, herd-level care. Plus, don’t miss the golden rule: never skip smoko!