Behind The Collective

Tom Squiers is a passionate shearer and farmer. While he once thought a career in business finance was on the cards, Tom realised that shearing was the pathway he needed to pursue to build his future and follow his passion for the wool industry. He hasn't looked back since. In this episode, Tom shares how he got his start in shearing, the opportunities the industry has provided, and the lessons he...

The Value of the Merino: Why Are Merinos Important to Your Business? This episode is a recording from the recent Value of the Merino webinar, delivered as part of The Livestock Collective and Australian Wool Innovation Partner Program. Featuring Corey Dixon (Tammin), & Derek Curwen (South Stirling) Two growers running Merinos in very different regions, share why sheep are an important part of...

The Value of the Merino: Why Are Merinos Important to Your Business? This episode is a converted recording from the Value of the Merino webinar, delivered as part of The Livestock Collective and Australian Wool Innovation Partner Program. The program is focused on connecting with and supporting WA wool growers through podcasts, webinars, field days, and events across the state. In this session, a...

This is a converted episode from a webinar held in February 2026 with Dr Michyalla Seal, part of the AWI & TLC Partner Program. It is the second session in the Sheep Reproduction Series. Discussion on: - The value of pregnancy scanning - can I get return on investment? - Can management during pregnancy affect lifetime performance of lambs? - Key management decisions for successful lambing, inc...

This is a podcast episode converted over from a recent webinar, Sheep Reproduction: Seasonality, Ewe Lambs, and Maximising Lambing The webinar with Dr Michyalla Seal, was part of the AWI & TLC Partner program discussing seasonality in sheep, what it means, and the ways it can be mitigated through management. What to focus on to maximise lamb numbers by considering the controllable factors. In...

In this episode, we chat with WASIA Executive Officer and Beyond the Shed Program Director, Valerie Pretzel, alongside Darren Spencer, WASIA President and Beyond the Shed Contractor Mentor. This episode is a little different, as I also share my role outside of hosting the podcast and how I’ll be involved as part of the Beyond the Shed team. Together, we talk about what the program is, why it was c...

Nikita Jamson didn’t own a handpiece when she first entered the shearing industry. Just three years on, she’s turned the physical demands of the job into fitness for her triathlon training, used the flexibility of the work to complete her degree, invested her income into property, and built a network that’s helping shape her future in agriculture. We caught up with Nikita to hear her story - how s...

Homestead Road is an Australian Merino wool athleisurewear brand founded by fifth-generation wool producer Bridgitte Brooks. In this episode, we dive into Bridgitte’s story as a wool producer in Western Australia, exploring the hows and whys behind launching a fashion brand. We talk about what makes Merino wool so special, her journey from paddock to product, and what she loves most about working...

We caught up with Bella Wilshusen between campdraft runs. She's a vet nurse turned university lecturer at Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory. Like many others, she headed north for a gap year — and never left. So if you're thinking about doing the same, this episode is for you.

Jodie Pengel was originally a Wheatbelt girl in Western Australia, she shares what it takes to be an agronomist in Kununurra - from how and when to grow cotton, to why everyone should consider doing a stint in the north.

In a makeshift podcast studio next to a Goose Neck in the Northern Territory, we chat with Jess Di Pasquale about how a woman from Katherine took on the Mongol Derby - a 1,000 kilometre horse endurance race across Mongolia. We also dive into her love for Brahmans and all things related to the Northern Territory's agricultural industry.

Recorded amongst the cattle lanes of the Katherine Show in the Northern Territory, we catch up with Brad Inglis of "Sturt Plains Brahmans" for a a chat that covers everything from Brahmans, leadership in the North, to how a bloke from Sydney ended up owning a cattle station in the Top End.

In this episode, we sit down with Nikki Lyons, the incredible woman who set a Women's World Record by shearing 395 merino lambs in just 8 hours. Nikki shares her love for wool, her journey in the shearing industry, and the grit, determination, and heart it takes to achieve a world record. This conversation is part of the AWI & TLC Partner Program, celebrating those who shape the future of Aust...

In case you missed the webinar, this episode is converted over for easy listening. It is the first session of our 'Ten Minute Talks: Lunchtime Series' - quick, insightful updates and discussions designed to support you as a wool grower, along with the latest news from the industry. • Beth Green – eID 101: What You Need to Know Now • Georgia Welsh PhD student – Improving Lamb Survival • Steph Schmi...

In this episode, we sit down with Brett Jones, owner of the Ejanding Merino Stud in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia. Brett's journey into farming began at 15, with some time spent jackarooing in South Australia before returning to the family farm. He shares his passion for what he does, his vision for the future of the Merino industry, and offers a valuable "don't put off" farm hack. Plus, he t...

In today's episode, we chat with Luke and Jess Harding, a dynamic couple who built successful careers as shearing contractors and now farmers while raising a family. Both graduates of the WA College of Agriculture Cunderdin, Luke and Jess developed a deep passion and skill for the wool industry. This journey has led them to compete in shearing competitions and work across Australia and New Zealand...

In this episode, we’re joined by three mixed farmers from Western Australia: Geoff Cosgrove from Mingenew, Michael Wright from Boyup Brook, and Brandon Giles from Merredin. Each of them shares their insights into why Merinos are a key part of their farming enterprises. They discuss how they work with their shearing teams, manage staff, and navigate family-run businesses, all while making Merinos a...

This is an episode converted over from a recent webinar where we chat with Dr. Michylla Seal, a veterinarian and director at Genstock, as she shares insights into the impact of water quality and heat stress on our sheep. Dr. Seal discusses the critical importance of water for livestock health, what constitutes good quality water, and the various factors that can affect water quality. She also cove...

This episode is part of the Sheep & Goat traceability task force. James Starling farms in the South East of South Australia. He has had an impressive career before returning to the family farm. His experiences hold him in good stead to offer digestible and straightforward advice for anyone embarking on their own journey with eID. Sheep Producers Australia Resources - https://www.sheepproducers...

This episode is part of the Sheep & Goat traceability task force. Sam Tretheway is a Tasmanian farmer and small abattoir operator. Sam has spent 15years working around Australia, United Kingdom and America in various aspects of agriculture. His experience in farming, supply chains, policy and ag tech makes him well equipped to share his candid thoughts on eID. Sheep Producers Australia Resourc...

This episode is part of the Sheep & Goat traceability task force. Shelley and her husband started using EID years ago, well ahead of the curve. They farm in Tasmania and share their insights from their learnings spanning over a decade with EID. Sheep Producers Australia Resources - https://www.sheepproducers.com.au/sgttf Check out The Livestock Collective website - https://thelivestockcollecti...

This episode is part of the Sheep & Goat traceability task force. Today's guest is Paul Christopher, Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange Site Manager. He shares the process of their weekly sale and what eID's mean for them. Sheep Producers Australia Resources - https://www.sheepproducers.com.au/sgttf Check out The Livestock Collective website - https://thelivestockcollective.com.au/

This is an episode with Beth Green, an independent consultant and traceability specialist. We discuss the details around the eID mandate, what challenges might occur and what the national roll out will look like. Sheep Producers Australia Resources - https://www.sheepproducers.com.au/sgttf Check out The Livestock Collective website - https://thelivestockcollective.com.au/

We interview growers Brittany Bolt and Maeve O'Brian, who leverage their industry experience with eIDS to inform their equipment and tag choices, and discuss their plans for utilising data. As well as tips and tricks from working for other growers. Mallawillup Livestock Services Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095157181782&mibextid=LQQJ4d Sheep Genetics Service Providers...

This episode is part of the Sheep & Goat traceability task force. In this episode, join three stock agents who cover different areas of Western Australia: Grant Lupton, Emma Dougall, and Clark Skinner. We chat about their insights, offering advice on equipment, discussing various setups they've encountered, and sharing tips and feedback gathered from growers. Sheep Producers Australia Resource...