In this episode, we’re joined by Ebony Nowlan, Senior Biosecurity Officer for eID implementation in sheep and goats. Ebony breaks down what producers need to know about the rollout of electronic identification, from key dates and regulatory timelines to what’s happening behind the scenes to support the transition. We also get into the practical side: how to get started, what systems and setups are working well on farms already using EID, and how producers can use the data to drive better decisio...
Jun 27, 2025•23 min
In this episode of the Productive Producer Podcast , we sit down with Sarah Baker, Development Officer for Pastures with the Department of Primary Industries, to dive into the important issue of Pasture Dieback. Sarah provides an in-depth look at pasture dieback, the signs to watch for, and how quickly it’s spreading across New South Wales. We discuss key management considerations for producers to help mitigate the impact, as well as tips for protecting pasture health in affected areas. Whether ...
Nov 13, 2024•25 min
In this episode of The Productive Producer , we dive deep into the benefits of shelterbelts with Anya Samon, a member of the Local Land Services (LLS) environment team and a beef and sheep producer from Uralla. Anya brings a wealth of knowledge, sharing practical insights on how shelterbelts can significantly boost livestock production, increase pasture growth, enhance crop yields, and even sequester carbon. Join us as Anya explains how shelterbelts reduce wind speeds, provide essential shade an...
Sep 16, 2024•50 min
In this episode of the Productive Producer Podcast , we’re joined by Andrew Davidson, a seasoned Land Management Officer with Local Land Services (LLS) and an active member of his local Rural Fire Service (RFS). With fire season fast approaching, Andrew shares invaluable insights and practical strategies for landholders to enhance their bushfire preparedness. From creating effective firebreaks to managing vegetation, Andrew’s advice is tailored to help you protect your property and livestock. Wh...
Aug 30, 2024•32 min
Grazing winter fodder crops Tune into an interesting conversation with North West’s Livestock Officer Sally Balmain. Sally walks us through grazing strategies to promote production in stock and pastures. Learn from Sally's experience as we delve into mineral and animal health considerations within common varieties across the Northern Tablelands and North West region. To contact your Local Land Services Livestock Officer or District Veterinarian call 1300 795 299...
Jun 26, 2024•38 min
Explore the pivotal role of mixed annual fodder crops in bridging the winter feed gap in the latest episode of the Productive Producer Podcast. Join Carol Harris, an agromonic scientist from NSW DPI, as she breaks down the production benefits of these crops and provides insightful numbers. Delve into the discussion on how Northern Tablelands Producers are incorporating and benefiting from mixed annual fodder crops in their production systems, gaining valuable insights into their uptake and impac...
Apr 18, 2024•38 min
On today's episode, we're joined by Dr. Meg Parson, district veterinarian in Glen Innes. Our conversation revolves around two pressing concerns in the Northern Tablelands region – three-day sickness in cattle and Ovine Johne's disease in sheep. Dr. Parson, with her extensive experience, offers practical insights into the management of these conditions, shedding light on effective strategies and preventative measures for graziers. Contacts: Max Newsome– for livestock advice– 0427 007 190 Meg Pars...
Feb 22, 2024•42 min
Get ready for a deep dive into confinement feeding on the latest episode of the "Productive Producer" podcast! Join host Max Newsome and Jeff Duddy - Sheep consultant as they discuss the ins and outs of this critical agricultural practice. With unpredictable weather patterns, confinement feeding has become a valuable strategy for livestock producers. Learn how to set up the perfect confinement area, what to feed your animals, and why it's essential to consider their well-being in the process. Wh...
Sep 18, 2023•35 min
In this episode of the Productive Producer Podcast, we catch up with Annabelle Monie and discuss strategies and considerations for feeding hay to livestock, particularly during challenging periods like droughts. Annabelle, who works in the Emergency Management space and is also a producer, shares her valuable insights and experiences. We cover topics such as choosing the right type of hay for different livestock classes, comparing commodities based on cost-effectiveness, storing and feeding out ...
Sep 05, 2023•26 min
In this episode, we sit down with Naomi Hobson, a livestock officer with North West Local Land Services, to discuss the various methods of weaning cattle and how to ensure that your livestock is set up for success post-mother. Naomi shares her wealth of knowledge on the subject, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of different weaning techniques, as well as offering advice on how to best manage stock during the weaning process. Whether you're a seasoned cattle farmer or a newcomer to the indus...
Apr 28, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 33
Tune in for an informative episode as we dive into the Southern Multi Breed Project. This cutting-edge research initiative is taking place in New South Wales. Join us as we chat with Brad Walmsley, a research scientist, to learn all about how this project is set to drive genetic progress to new heights. Don't miss out on this exciting update!
Feb 16, 2023•27 min•Season 3Ep. 32
It's that time of year again when the impact of external parasites is felt in the Northern Tablelands. District vet Meg Parsons has some great, practical advice on the big three: Buffalo Fly, Tick, and Sheep Fly Strike. This episode is jointly funded through Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Resources Home - FlyBoss Home page - TickBoss Home - ParaBoss Contacts Max Newsome– for livestock advice– 0427 007 190 Meg Parsons, District V...
Jan 23, 2023•50 min•Season 3Ep. 31
Clovers are an essential part of the production system. Livestock and pastures thrive when incorporating a legume into a pasture mix. Listen into the conversation with district Agronomist Georgie Oakes and learn how to drive their persistence and capitalise on the extra pasture growth and weight gain. This episode is jointly funded through Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Resources https://www.tocal.nsw.edu.au/publications/field-c...
Nov 18, 2022•24 min•Season 3Ep. 30
Livestock production is never a straightforward process, even in wet seasons livestock can experience limitations in production and require supplementation. Pastures that are short and green often have a high moisture content. Across the Northern Tablelands, this is a common situation. This can lead to nutritional imbalances, and intake limitations and often result in lower-than-expected weight gain. Listen in to the conversation with veterinarian, nutritionist, and livestock consultant Dr. Jill...
Sep 13, 2022•31 min•Season 3Ep. 29
Healthy livestock, free of major disease- one of Australia's greatest marketing tools. Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease are two diseases we don’t want on Australian shores. Listen in to the conversation with Glen Innes veterinarian Dr. Nigel Brown and learn more about these exotic diseases. This episode is jointly funded through Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Contacts Max Newsome– for livestock management – 0427 007...
Jun 20, 2022•34 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Chilean Needlegrass is impacting agricultural production across the Northern Tablelands. Being a prolific seeder and highly competitive is not ideal in a pasture. Listen in to the conversation with Department of Primary Industry experts Carol Harris and Bill Davidson to learn control and management options. Resources: Weed resistance testing laboratory https://www.plantscienceconsulting.com.au/weed-resistance-quick-test/?doing_wp_cron=1653656688.1341669559478759765625 Chilean Needle Grass Identi...
Jun 13, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 27
Launched in March 2021, Angus Verified in a program developed to provide assurance and integrity to the marketplace by verifying a producers claim of 'Angus,' is the genuine purebred article. Listen in to the conversation with Liz Pearson from Angus Australia to learn more. This episode is jointly funded through Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Contacts Max Newsome– for livestock management – 0427 007 190 Liz Pearson liz.pearson@a...
Jan 31, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 26
The season is on the side of producers across the Northern tablelands! This may open up the opportunity for sheep producers to look at joining their weaner ewe lambs. Listen in to the conversation with Sheep Solutions Consultant, Geoff Duddy, to see if this is the right choice for your operation. Contacts Max Newsome– for livestock management – 0427 007 190 Geoff Duddy - geoff@sheepsolutions.com.au Local Land Services - 1300 795 299 Disclaimer The information contained in this publication is bas...
Jan 18, 2022•27 min•Season 3Ep. 25
T’is the season for growth across the Northern Tablelands and with a good season predicted, summer fodder crops may be on the cards. Listen in to the conversation with Agronomists Georgie Oakes and Jeff Lowien as they share some knowledge on the best approach for fodder crop management. This episode is jointly funded through Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Contacts Max Newsome– for livestock management – 0427 007190 Georgie Oakes...
Nov 05, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Wetter than average conditions predicted this spring may increase the potential for bloat in livestock. Listen in to the conversation as District Vet Ted Irwin gives us some practical tips to mitigate the risk. This episode is jointly funded through Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Contacts Max Newsome– for livestock management – 0427 007190 Ted Irwin – District Vet Warialda – 02 67291528 Local Land Services - 1300 795 299 Disclai...
Sep 15, 2021•31 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Serrated tussock is one of the greatest threats to Northern Tablelands grazing systems, providing no nutritional value to livestock and dramatically decreasing stocking rates. Listen in to the conversation as weeds experts Beth Brown and Phil Blackmore discuss how best to tackle this emerging threat. This episode is jointly funded through Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Contacts Max Newsome– for livestock management – 0427 007190...
Sep 05, 2021•24 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Pesitvirus is widespread throughout Australian cattle herds. Infection can cause a variety of diseases impacting production. Listen in to the conversation with Veterinarians Dr. Lee Taylor - Zoetis and Dr. Nigel Brown - District Vet Glen Innes to better understand this complex disease as well as practical steps for better management. This episode is jointly funded through Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Contacts Max Newsome– for ...
Aug 17, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Within a cow-calf operation, a major profit driver is the number of calves weaned and of those calves weaned the evenness of the line. An even line of replacement females plays an important role in setting them up for a productive life as part of the breeding herd. In surplus female and male calves, an even line will also be beneficial as they grow to their desired market. Today’s guest is Jeff House who discusses the benefits of a tight calving interval as well as some practical steps to achiev...
Jun 30, 2021•23 min•Season 1Ep. 20
The mice plague continues across southern Queensland, New South Wales, and northern Victoria, having devastating impacts for producers. On today's episode, I am joined once again by District Vet Lisa Martin to discuss mice contaminated hay and the options available to producers. This episode is jointly funded through Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program Contact information Max Newsome – 0427 007 190 Lisa Martin - 0428 623 471 Disclaime...
Jun 07, 2021•13 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Livestock prices are at record highs. Are they going to last? On today’s episode, I am joined by market analyst Simon Quilty. Simon chats about some of the factors at play within the global red meat industry. He also provides his forecast on the domestic sheep and beef prices. Contact information Max Newsome – 0427 007 190 Disclaimer The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of recording March 2021 and may not be accurate, current, or compl...
Apr 07, 2021•41 min•Season 1Ep. 19
As graziers continue to rebuild their herds, some producers may look at retaining a greater proportion of their weaner heifers. Listen into the conversation with Livestock Officer Tahnee Manton as we chat about some of the factors to consider when deciding which heifers to retain. Contact information Max Newsome – 0427 007 190 Tahnee Manton - 0438 600 473 Disclaimer The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of recording March 2021 and may n...
Mar 11, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 17
With the national flock rebuild under way, correct ram selection will play a critical role in the profitability of sheep flocks moving forward. Listen in to the conversation with Livestock Consultant Ashley White and LLS Sheep Officer Brent McLeod as they outline considerations for ram selection, breeding objectives and discuss buying strategies. Contact information Brent Mcleod for sheep management - 0413 884 710 Max Newsome for livestock management – 0427 007190 Disclaimer The information cont...
Feb 07, 2021•49 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Weaning lambs can be thought of as just another job, however there are some practices that can be done to help get the most out of the process. Today's guest Brent McLeod Senior Land Service Officer - Sheep, chats about ways to help ensure a successful weaning. This episode is jointly funded through Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Contact information Brent Mcleod for sheep management - 0413 884 710 Max Newsome for livestock manag...
Jan 04, 2021•26 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Calf marking has come around again and District Vet Lisa Martin has some great tips for graziers to manage this process. Contact information Northern Tablelands LLS livestock officers: Lisa Martin – District Vet Tenterfield - 0428 623 471 Max Newsome – for livestock management – 0427 007190 This episode is jointly funded through Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. Disclaimer The information contained in this publication is based on k...
Nov 17, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 15
The herd rebuild continues across the Northern Tablelands as graziers begin to recover from the drought. This is providing the opportunity for graziers to assess different breeds and target markets as they go about restocking. Today’s guest is Jeff House from Jeff House livestock who discuss how cross breeding fits into the herd structure moving forward. Contact information Northern Tablelands LLS livestock officers: Max Newsome – for livestock management – 0427 007190 Brent McLeod - for sheep m...
Oct 01, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 14
