The Al & Juddy Show

Something a little different, especially for our regular listeners! With the New Zealand rugby season well underway, Al & Juddy have taken on the challenge of matching the Agricom portfolio to a starting line-up. Keep an ear out for your old favourites, as they may make a comeback. If you know our products well, you're going to love this one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information...

We couldn’t start the Relationship Management series without showcasing what might be considered the most classic partnership of all time - perennial ryegrass and white clover. It may seem like a simple, tried-and-true combination, but even this dependable duo has its complexities. In this episode, we unpack the synergies between these two species, the key factors that influence their b...

Looking for a partner that can handle intensive set-stocking, deliver persistence, and look impressively productive season after season? Meet Emblem - Agricom’s new small- to medium-leaved white clover. It ticks all those boxes and more. New Zealand-bred and built for local conditions, Emblem is designed to stand up to pressure while maintaining strong performance in your pasture mix. If res...

A match through the ages - but how do you get the best out of this seemingly mismatched couple? Forage rape and Italian ryegrass might look like opposites, but with the right approach, this partnership can deliver serious results. In this episode, we explore how sowing timing plays a critical role in setting the crop up for success, how to strike the right balance between brassica and grass, and t...

In this episode of The Al & Juddy Show, Dr. Alan Stewart reflects on his extensive career in plant breeding and how New Zealand’s agricultural landscape has evolved over the decades. He walks through his early education, the influence of endophytes on pasture management, the challenges and innovations of the 1990s, and the emergence of new forage species such as plantain. Dr. Stewart als...

When it comes to reliability and regrowth, Spitfire forage rape has more than earned its reputation. Late maturing with excellent stem palatability, Spitfire delivers high-quality feed through both summer and winter. And if you’re after a longer-term relationship, Spitfire plays nicely with ryegrass - offering the flexibility to be undersown for even greater feed options. Across multiple sto...

In this episode, Al & Juddy sit down with Martin Harmer, DLF Seeds' Australian Research Manager, to explore how pasture evaluation systems shape on-farm performance. From his Churchill scholarship world tour to challenging assumptions about nitrogen response, Martin explains why access to the right information, not just science, holds the key to unlocking genetic gain and profitability for far...

You can count on Massie swede for reliable winter feed. This new generation, early maturing variety delivers high yield potential, improved dry rot tolerance, and excellent palatability. Attractive with its yellow flesh and purple skin, Massie is just as good on the table as it is in the paddock - making it the only swede your livestock will ever need. Find out more about Massie here: www.agricom....

In this episode, Al & Juddy sit down with Canterbury deer farmer Stu Stokes to explore the unique quirks of farming deer and the role of forages in driving performance, from how day length shapes appetite and reproduction, to the strategies Stu uses around weaning, mating and feeding. This conversation sheds light on the practical realities of running a successful deer system. “Every day...

Join Al & Juddy as they sit down with Robyn Dynes – Bioeconomy Science Institute - AgResearch Principal Scientist and Farmer Engagement Specialist, 2025 recipient of Lincoln University's highest honour, the Bledisloe Medal and most recently the winner of the Champion Award at the 2025 Primary Industries New Zealand Awards. Robyn is a pioneering figure in agricultural research whose caree...

Al & Juddy welcome Richard Green to the podcast! Together, they dive into the future of New Zealand agriculture, discussing the role of technology, shifting consumer demand and the challenges of a changing climate. They explore why farmers must set ambitious goals, embrace disruption, and rethink how they capture value to ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of the industry. S...

Internal parasite control in New Zealand sheep farming is one of the single biggest challenges to efficient sheep production. In this episode, Al & Juddy sit down with veterinarian and farm advisor Trevor Cook to explore the history, challenges, and future of parasite management. They discuss the growing resistance to anthelmintic drugs, why traditional drenching strategies are no longer enoug...

When ordering your seed this season, consider protecting your grasses during those critical first six weeks with Superstrike® seed treatment. Shifting weather patterns can lead to increased soil and pest challenges, potentially hindering your pastures before they are even established. Adding seed treatment to your next pasture order is as simple as requesting it from your rural merchant. Even...

Annual ryegrass is a great fit for any landscape due to its short season nature. In temperate climates like New Zealand, tetraploid annual ryegrass provides valuable bursts of feed between cropping cycles. Agricom's brand new annual variety Revel stands out with its consistent ability to recover from a range of environmental conditions. It’s the ideal choice to follow summer crops like maize...

Al & Juddy explore the power of plantain from a common weed that has been commercialised into a valuable forage plant for animals. Ecotain® environmental plantain is the only plantain scientifically proven to dilute, delay, reduce and restrict nitrogen leaching from the urine patch. Beyond its environmental benefits, plantain offers high mineral content which helps defend against L3 larvae...

Legion marked the beginning of Al’s second generation of succession planning as Agricom’s Product Development Manager. This versatile perennial ryegrass is well suited to a range of conditions, from cold environments and late season challenges to milder winter climates. With characteristics such as low aftermath seedhead and strong resilience, Legion is an all round performer you...

Including Attribute white clover in your pastures offers significant benefits, from boosting milksolid production, improving pasture management and by providing natural nitrogen cycling. What sets Attribute apart is that it's bred right here in New Zealand. Its genetic plasticity and adaptability to different environments and management styles makes it perfectly suited for Kiwi farmers and farming...

Three60 had big shoes to fill as the successor to the iconic ONE50 perennial ryegrass. Al & Juddy explore Three60's improvements, including its ability to stay vegetative year round, a low aftermath seedhead trait and greater drymatter production and rust tolerance. Looking for a high powered pasture? Three60's outstanding summer and autumn performance paired with its late season quality might...

In this episode, Al & Juddy explore the importance of paddock rotations and long term planning in farming systems. They outline the potential of a 7-10 year plan, ranging from grass-to-grass transitions to more complex systems that incorporate crops like fodder beet, kale, and lucerne. These planned cropping cycles can stack yields, tackle hard-to-kill weeds, and streamline farm management. No...

Navigating your career path in your early 20s can be challenging. In this episode, Al & Juddy sit down with Sarah McKenze, Agricom’s Extension Manager to talk about her career journey and how she has achieved her success to date. This conversation is aimed at inspiring young professionals who are starting or progressing in their careers. They share a wide range of insights including what to ex...

Winter feed competitions are an integral part of New Zealand rural communities, where farmers showcase their best crops for a panel of judges. In this episode, Al & Juddy team up with Fraser Harrison, Agricom’s Forage System Specialist as seasoned competition judges to share top tips for winning your next local winter feed competition. From ideal crops, sowing dates and timing to bonus strateg...

Summer cropping offers an excellent opportunity to boost feed during the season, especially when paddocks are scheduled for autumn renovation. Al & Juddy discuss various brassica varieties and how they fit into different farming systems and climatic conditions. Join them as the explore specific examples and offer valuable insights into how summer cropping could benefit your operation. See omny...

This isn't your typical episode of Seed Dating! Al & Juddy are joined by Fraser Harrison, Agricom's Forage System Specialist, to highlight the critical role of Seed Treatment in protecting brassica crops during the spring sowing season. Listen in to learn the benefits of both Ultrastrike® and Gaucho®, and how these treatments serve as an essential 'insurance policy' against pests and diseases,...

In this episode of Seed Dating, meet the star of regrowth—Mainstar forage rape. This modern, early-maturing rape boasts strong aphid tolerance and is capable of multiple regrowth cycles! Tune in to learn why Mainstar forage rape could be a great fit to your farming system. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing New Zealand’s largest selling kale—SovGold! This late flowering kale stands out with its impressive utilisation and leaf-to-stem ratio. Thanks to its outstanding characteristics, SovGold is suitable for a wide range of farm systems seeking a high-yielding kale that offers great flexibility. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.