Data driven sheep breeding with James Trowbridge

Data driven sheep breeding with James Trowbridge

Author: Mark Ferguson May 24, 2026 Duration: 17:03
This week on the podcast, Ferg introduces James Trowbridge, the newest consultant to join the neXtgen Agri team. James grew up in South Australia working alongside his parents, Margie and Bill Trowbridge, in both Merinos and the family artificial breeding business. After working across a range of farming and agribusiness roles around Australia, James now joins the neXtgen Agri team, bringing with him a strong practical background in sheep production and genetics. If you want to get James on y...

Tune in to Head Shepherd, where Mark Ferguson draws on his deep involvement with neXtgen Agri to explore the realities of modern pastoral farming. This isn't just industry news; it's a series of conversations from the paddock and the research station, focused squarely on sheep and beef operations across Australia and New Zealand. You'll hear from the farmers, scientists, and innovators themselves-the people actually implementing new ideas in genetics, animal health, and farm management technology. Each episode digs into the practical science and the business decisions behind running a successful livestock enterprise, offering tangible insights that bridge the gap between emerging innovation and daily farm life. By focusing on real-world applications and the stories of those driving change, this podcast provides an authentic look at where these vital industries are headed. For anyone with a stake in the land or a curiosity about where their food and fibre comes from, Mark's straightforward interviews make complex topics accessible and directly relevant. The entire Head Shepherd podcast is built on the principle that sharing knowledge is key to progress, offering a genuine resource for education and improvement in the agricultural sector.
Author: Language: en-nz Episodes: 100

Head Shepherd
Podcast Episodes
Foot Health Fundamentals in Sheep with MSD Animal Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:21
We’re talking feet on this week's podcast! Guests Jim Walsh, Veterinary Technical Advisor at MSD Animal Health Australia, and Kim Kelly, Veterinary Technical Advisor at MSD Animal Health New Zealand,join Mark in a fantas…
How Genetics Shape Sheep Immunity with Dr Kelsey Bentley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:38
What is actually occurring within a sheep with worm resistance? This week on the podcast we have a fascinating discussion with Dr Kelsey Bentley who has spent her career so far looking into the immune mechanisms of Katah…
Ontario Sheep Farming: Insights from Dr Mark Ferguson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:44
Sophie and Ferg catch up about Ferg’s recent trip to Ontario, Canada, where he visited 14 different sheep farming enterprises on his 10-day trip with Ontario Sheep Farmers. Highlights: - The differences in production sys…
Strategic Farm Management with John Francis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:05
John Francis, director of Agrista, an agricultural consultancy, discusses benchmarking, understanding optimum stocking rates, maximising pasture utilisation, feed efficiency and much more. Maximise pasture use and adjust…
Changing the Game with Bec Malseed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:12
Bec Malseed, who manages AWI & RIST’s Lifetime Ewe Management course, in her spare time is a female central/field umpire in her local country footy regional league. It’s fair to say that she is trailblazing a path for ot…
Shaping Aussie Agriculture with Ben Simpson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:40
Ben Simpson from OGA Creative Agency shares his passion for the varied landscape of Australian agriculture - focusing on storytelling, ethics, and innovation. He discusses with Ferg how effective communication, AI and vi…
Sheep, Salt and Beer with David Thompson of Moojepin Foods [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:37
This week we have David Thompson of Moojepin Foods on the podcast. David talks about his career breeding trait-leading Merinos, how he is addressing salinity issues in Western Australia with the exploration of saltbush a…
How Genetic Strategies Can Solve Farming Problems with Robert Peacock [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:11
This week on the podcast, we’re chatting all things livestock breeding with Robert Peacock from Orari Gorge Station. Robert discusses how and why they’ve been breeding for worm resistance. They have also been one of the…
Boosting Heifer Performance with Enoch Bergman’s AI Insights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:23
Our guest this week is veterinarian Enoch Bergman. Originally from the USA, Enoch arrived in Australia in 2003. He fell in love with the people, the landscape and the agricultural innovation of Esperance, Western Austral…