How innovation is changing the wool industry with Sam Wan

How innovation is changing the wool industry with Sam Wan

Author: Mark Ferguson January 11, 2026 Duration: 33:00
Growing up in Western Sydney with no connection to agriculture, Samantha Wan’s path into the wool industry was anything but typical. In this week's episode, Sam talks with Ferg about finding agriculture through high school ag, building confidence without a family farming background, and the role mentors and community played in shaping her career. She and Mark discuss her work across the wool value chain, including auctioneering, technology and systems innovation within Elders, and the d...

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
Building a Sustainable Red Meat Brand with Hamish Best [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:59
What does it take to build a successful red meat brand from the ground up? Hamish Best, a sheep and beef farmer near Wellington, shares his journey in this episode, from his background in agronomy and sales to his return…
Understanding Drench Resistance in Sheep with Dr Mark Ferguson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:07
This week it's Ferg on the podcast, discussing the trans-Tasman, if not global, issue of drench resistance in sheep. From monitoring worm burdens to selecting rams with the right genetics, this episode is packed with pra…
Elite Sports Strategies for Elite Farming with Nick Martin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:07
This week on Head Shepherd, Ferg chats with Nick Martin about the crossover between sports psychology and farming. Off the back of his Kellogg Rural Leadership research into the performance psychology of elite Canterbury…
From Passion to Progress in Sheep Farming with Andrew Glover [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:29
Andrew Glover, known to most as Gloves, has spent his career navigating the ins and outs of the sheep industry, managing operations that run 600,000 sheep a year. He started his career straight out of school, wool classi…
The Pursuit of Excellence at Roseville Park [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:50
This week, Mark chats with Matthew Coddington of Roseville Park Merino Stud, one of Australia’s leading Merino studs. Spanning 4,400 hectares near Dubbo, the farm is home to 11,000 sheep and a legacy of innovation and re…
Head Shepherd LIVE 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:13
We recorded our final episode of Head Shepherd 2024 live on the Hub where Mark answered listener questions. Mark also chatted about the work he has been involved with in 2024. - GEPEP project and its applicability to com…
The Basics of Breeding Better Animals with Rudolph Linde [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:40
In this episode, Ferg is joined by Rudolph Linde, the Business Manager of Genetic Services at Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), who shares his journey from diversified farming operations in South Africa to a career acros…
Breeding Better Sheep in the North Island with Dr Emma Pettigrew [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:15
In this episode of Head Shepherd, we're thrilled to introduce Dr Emma Pettigrew, our new North Island consultant at nextGen Agri. Emma brings a wealth of experience and passion for the sheep and livestock industry, havin…
Managing Pastures for Long-Term Success with Cam Nicholson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:57
Looking to level up your pasture and crop management? This week’s guest is Cam Nicholson of Nicon Rural, an agronomist with four decades of experience. He breaks down the essentials of soil fertility, grazing management…