From the shearing shed to sheep genetics with Reece Michelle

From the shearing shed to sheep genetics with Reece Michelle

Author: Mark Ferguson September 13, 2026 Duration: 23:59
Our newest consultant, Reece Michelle, took a slightly roundabout route into his new role with neXtgen Agri, from studying agricultural science at Lincoln and working with Headwaters to shearing and fencing before moving across the Tasman. Now splitting his time between neXtgen Agri and Murdoch University, Reece chats with Ferg about his move to WA, the work he’ll be doing with sheep breeders and researchers which includes the Smart Ewe project and heat tolerance work. Get in touc...

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: 50

Head Shepherd
Podcast Episodes
Redefining the Corriedale with Peter Blackwood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:58
Most breeders pick one thing to improve. Peter Blackwood picked several. When he and his wife Claire took over a Corriedale stud in 2006, they committed to lifting fertility, carcass shape and wool fineness - all at once…
Questioning tradition in Merino breeding with Dom Hallam [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:51
Looking to change your Merino genetics? What actually happens when you switch types? For our guest this week, Dom Hallam, it started with his parents. Coming from a traditional fine wool background, they began looking fo…
Ferg’s thoughts on putting a dollar value on genetic change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:32
What is a trait actually worth to a farming business? Ferg has spent much of his career talking about the value of genetics, but it hasn't always been easy to put that value into real dollar terms that apply to individua…
Data driven sheep breeding at Hannaton with Jonno Hicks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:37
What's the difference between a sheep that looks "right" and a sheep that breeds "right"? Jonno Hicks from Hannaton Poll Merinos and White Suffolks, reckons he's finally found the answer. In this week's episode, Jonno ta…
Adding more value to every wool clip with Willy McSkimming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:53
Willy McSkimming is modernising the shearing industry with a new app and an improved focus on wool classing and quality. After 23 years running a major contracting operation with his wife Tess, he's now doing things diff…
Using genomics to pick better replacement heifers with Geoff Hayes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:03
How do you actually pick which heifers to keep? For many, selecting the top ones is easy, but it's those middle ones that are hard to choose between. For this week's guest, Geoff Hayes, the answer is genomics. Geoff and…
The science of farming with Pete Fennessy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:06
Pete Fennessy has spent more than fifty years involved in science, genetics and livestock production, helping shape many of the ideas that transformed New Zealand’s sheep and deer industries. Pete spent two decades at In…
The process of precision sheep farming with Joshua Barton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:11
This week on the podcast we have Joshua Barton chatting to Mark about the benefits of precision sheep management and the results it can get you. Josh is currently stockman at Hillcroft Farms and recently shared some grea…