Productive Producer

In this episode, we are joined by North West Local Land Services Livestock officer Sally Balmain to discuss practical feeding strategies for sheep and cattle as producers navigate a tricky seasonal shift. Across parts of the region there has been some useful rain, and paddocks are starting to show a green pick. While that is a welcome change, the key message is that green does not always mean ther...

In this episode, Liam Baker livestock officer with North West local Land Sercices us to unpack one of the biggest seasonal and business decisions producers face after a tough run: when to destock, how far to go, and how to think about rebuilding when the season starts to turn. Following a large destock across parts of the region, many producers are now looking at what comes next. Rainfall may brin...

The season has turned dry, now is the time for producers to take a hard look at where things are really at. In this episode of the Productive Producer Podcast, Georgie Oakes joins us again to talk through the importance of doing a stock take on both cattle and pastures before winter pressure builds. We discuss why early assessment matters, and how timely decisions can protect both livestock perfor...

Working with your neighbours to control pests and weeds is essential if you want to see a real return on your on-ground efforts. These issues don’t stop at the fence line, and tackling them in isolation often limits results. In this episode of the Productive Producer Podcast, we’re joined by Karen Heap from the Good Neighbours Program. Karen walks us through this NSW Government initiative, which i...

In this episode of The Productive Producer Podcast , Glen Innes District Veterinarian Dr Kate DeJong joins Max to shed light on one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed diseases in sheep: Johne’s disease (OJD). Often mistaken for worms, old age, or poor nutrition, Johne’s disease causes gradual but irreversible wasting in infected animals. Whether you're managing a commercial flock or runn...

In this episode of The Productive Producer Podcast , we sit down with Glen Innes District Veterinarian Dr Kate de Jong to unpack the big spring health risks facing livestock with a spotlight on clostridial diseases like pulpy kidney and tetanus. Spring is a high-risk period for sudden deaths, particularlyin fast-growing young stock grazing lush pasture. Kate explains what causes these "spring...

 Natural capital playsa vital role in the productivity and resilience of our landscapes, but what exactly is it, and why should producers care? In this episode, we’re joined by Local Land Services Natural Capital Advisor Rachel Lawrence to unpack the basics. We explore how natural assets like soil, water, and biodiversity underpin farm performance and look at simple ways producers can start thinki...

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...

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...

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 seques...

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...

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 L...

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 an...

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 strat...

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 confi...

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 diff...

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...

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!

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...

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...

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 ga...

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 Australi...

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/wee...

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 Landc...

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.a...