Using genomics to pick better replacement heifers with Geoff Hayes

Using genomics to pick better replacement heifers with Geoff Hayes

Author: Mark Ferguson July 19, 2026 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 his wife Belinda started their Angus stud just 5 years ago, but began their genomic journey early, not wanting to pick bulls on looks alone from the very beginning. "I was hesitant just to go and pick them visually," Geoff explains. "We need to put some science int...

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
Turning lamb data into profit with Will Barton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:46
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…
Using Genomics to Improve Heifer Selection in Commercial Beef Herds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:01
Choosing replacement heifers shapes the productivity of a breeding herd for years to come. This week on the Head Shepherd podcast, James Starling joins Mark Ferguson to discuss the 'Optimised Heifer Selection' project, w…
Understanding the wool industry pipeline with Shannon Donoghue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:28
This week on the podcast, Shannon Donoghue joins us to talk about why she's so passionate about telling the story of wool. Growing up on a sheep property in South Australia, Shannon started off in the industry as a wool…