Pastoral Poddy - Australian Farming

Western Local Land Services
  • 5.0 (5)
  • NATURAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Pastoral Poddy – your go-to podcast for managing the rangelands of Western NSW. Real-world stories, expert insights and the latest research from farmers and grazing specialists, covering sheep, goats and extensive pastoral systems in arid and semi-arid country. Whether you're tackling grazing pressure, rangeland rehabilitation or livestock productivity, each episode brings practical takeaways tailored for the pastoral industry. Listen to 'Pastoral Poddy' on your usual podcast platform, hit subscribe and share with a mate Produced by the Grow Love Project for NSW Western LLS Australia

  1. 28 APR

    The Silent Thief: Ovine Brucellosis & Smarter Ram Management with vet Scott Parry

    Ovine brucellosis is often called the “silent thief” of sheep production—and for good reason. In this episode of The Pastoral Poddy, host Kieran Smith sits down with Western LLS veterinarian Scott Parry to unpack how this bacterial disease quietly impacts ram fertility, lambing percentages, and overall profitability. Scott shares practical insights from years in the field, including how to identify the signs, when to test, and what producers can do to manage or eradicate the disease. The conversation also explores broader ram health, biosecurity risks, and the exciting new Ram Power Project aimed at improving reproductive performance in western systems. Whether you’re running a controlled joining program or a continuous system, this episode is packed with grounded, practical advice to help you lift productivity and stay ahead of hidden risks. Timestamps [00:07:00] What ovine brucellosis is — a bacterial disease that reduces ram fertility and lamb numbers. [00:11:00] Best timing for ram checks — check rams 4–8 weeks before joining, or earlier if brucellosis is suspected. [00:15:00] How brucellosis spreads — most commonly introduced by infected rams entering the flock. [00:19:00] Continuous mating challenges — rolling joining systems make detection and control much harder. [00:24:00] Predation impact — longer lambing periods increase losses to foxes, pigs, and wild dogs. [00:28:00] Ram Power Project — research into which rams are the best lamb-getters. [00:35:00] Dry season warning — producers should assess agistment and biosecurity risks carefully. [00:38:00] Final advice — focus on basics like nutrition, water, and biosecurity first. For more information: Ovine brucellosis - dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/sheep/health/ovine-brucellosis/ovine-brucellosis Livestock health and diseases | NSW Government - nsw.gov.au/regional-and-primary-industries/livestock/health-diseases For a transcript of this episode:  http://tiny.cc/brucellosis-transcript This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Ruminants in the Rangelands project.

    42 min
  2. Goats Series Ep 13 - Meat Science and meeting customer needs with Prof. Pete McGilchrist

    4 FEB

    Goats Series Ep 13 - Meat Science and meeting customer needs with Prof. Pete McGilchrist

    In this episode, host Kieran Smith from Western Local Land Services talks with Professor Pete McGilchrist from the University of New England about recent insights from the world’s largest goat meat science research project conducted in NSW. They discuss the challenges and opportunities within the goat meat industry, intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting meat quality and what can be learned from the lamb and beef meat industries. Professor McGilchrist provides actionable insights on how farmers can improve the quality of their goat meat and some simple changes that the supply chain can also implement to transform the perception of goat meat both locally and globally.  The episode also touches on the importance of reducing stress in animals pre-slaughter, the impact of diet and genetics on meat quality, and the potential for market differentiation based on meat traits. (00:00) Intro to High Production Costs in Red Meat (05:48) Public Perception of Red Meat (10:06) Factors Influencing Meat Quality (16:31) Impact of Stress and Handling on Meat Quality (20:39) Challenges in the Livestock Selling System (24:05) Introduction to the Goat Meat Science Trial (29:19) Findings from the Goat Meat Science Trial (38:10) Choosing the Right Animals Within Breeds (42:07) Improving Meat Tenderness Through Aging (45:53) Genetic Selection for Better Production (50:07) Flavor Profiles and Consumer Perception (53:06) Future Research and Industry Improvements (01:02:05) Predictions for the Goat Industry's Future For more information: Follow Dr. Pete McGilchrist on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/peter-mcgilchrist-71a8ba285/ Going Ahead with Goats Project - lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project KIDPLAN - sheepgenetics.org.au/resources/kidplan/ For a transcript of this episode:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l3e986t7J-Qjr-BIE7XtTb3hqQAOXmhxiJlOWfRnlec/edit?usp=drive_link This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

    1hr 13min
  3. Goat Series: Ep 12 - Embracing Opportunities through Goat Trading with Jack Hammond

    21/07/2025

    Goat Series: Ep 12 - Embracing Opportunities through Goat Trading with Jack Hammond

    In this episode of the Going Ahead with Goats podcast, host Kieren Smith interviews Jack Hammond, who entered the goat industry five years ago after purchasing Ashleigh Downs Station. They discuss Jack’s journey from mustering to managing a 52,000-acre station, trading, and finishing smaller goats alongside a meat sheep enterprise. Jack shares insights into infrastructure, labor strategies, and market fluctuations. He also emphasises learning from experience, utilising available resources, and the benefits of working with both sheep and goats. Key topics include rotational grazing, handling techniques, and preparing for the evolving goat industry.  Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Jack Hammond For more information: Going ahead with goats Project - Local Land Services - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project The Going into Goats guide | Meat & Livestock Australia For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11QRTme3XtB7F5-H7QW5cN4EFMcUrVFAo/view?usp=sharing  This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

    33 min

  4. 07/07/2025

    Emissions in the Rangelands

    This episode looks at what carbon emissions means for landholders in the rangelands. We learn about how it affects market access, what ways you could see a premium, and how it affects agricultural productivity. There are many questions in the region about rangeland carbon emissions, listen in to hear expert insights into how carbon is cycled in Western NSW.   Thank you to our guests who featured in this episode:   John Gavin – Director, Remarkable NRM Jessica Rigg – Biotechnology and Partnership Lead – Select Carbon Steven Hobbs – Farmer and Director, Yarrock Bioenergy   For more information: For further information about Natural Capital - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/natural-capital and On Farm Carbon Advice: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/climate/Low-emissions-agriculture John Gavin – Remarkable NRM website - ⁠https://remarkablenrm.com.au/about-john/  ⁠   Steven Hobbs - Yarrock Website - https://www.yarrock.com/ AIA Environmental Accounting Platform - https://www.aiaeap.com/ This podcast is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government.

    37 min

  5. 26/06/2025

    Natural Capital in the NSW Rangelands

    This episode looks at natural capital and what it means for landholders in the rangelands. We learn about the new Nature Repair Market, ways to measure natural capital, and what some of the drivers for investment are. Tune in to learn more about expert insights into the benefits and challenges of natural capital.  Thank you to our guests who featured in this episode: John Gavin – Director, Remarkable NRM Debbie Dowden – Director, Challa Pastoral For more information: For further information about Natural Capital - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/natural-capital and access to the Natural Capital Service Finder: https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/natural-capital/natural-capital-service-finder John Gavin - NRM website - ⁠https://remarkablenrm.com.au/about-john/⁠  Debbie Dowden - Challa Station Website - https://challastation.com/ This podcast is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government.

    43 min
  6. Goat Series: Ep 11 - Worm control in goats - With Kathryn Dawson

    16/02/2025

    Goat Series: Ep 11 - Worm control in goats - With Kathryn Dawson

    In this episode of the Going Ahead with Goats podcast series, host Kieran Smith chats with Kathryn Dawson, a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland, about the impact of gastrointestinal nematodes (worms) on goat health and productivity. Kathryn shares her research on worm prevalence across different goat production systems in Queensland and New South Wales, the challenges of drench resistance, and sustainable parasite control strategies. She also covers worm-related production losses, the differences between sheep and goat worm burdens, and effective testing methods. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice on parasite management and biosecurity for goat producers. If you are interested in getting involved with the gastrointestinal worm surveillance project in Western NSW, get in touch with Western Local Land Services via 1300 795 299 or admin.western@lls.nsw.gov.au. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Kathryn Dawson For more information: Going ahead with goats Project - Local Land Services - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project WormBoss Worm Control Program for Goats - Rangelands - WormBoss - https://wormboss.com.au/goatsrangelands/#:~:text=This%20is%20an%20up-to-date%2C%20integrated%20regional%20worm%20control,for%20goats%20in%20the%20Rangelands%20regions%20of%20Australia. Drench groups and actives - https://tools.wormboss.com.au/sheep-goats/tests-tools/management-tools/drenches/drench-groups-and-actives.php For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11QRTme3XtB7F5-H7QW5cN4EFMcUrVFAo/view?usp=sharing  This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

    52 min
  7. Goat Series: Ep 10 - Goat Grazing Management in the Rangelands - With Trudie Atkinson

    05/09/2024

    Goat Series: Ep 10 - Goat Grazing Management in the Rangelands - With Trudie Atkinson

    In this episode of 'Going Ahead with Goats,' host Kieran Smith chats with Trudie Atkinson, Technical Specialist for Grazing Systems with  NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development . They discuss what it is about goats that makes them so well adapted to grazing in Western NSW landscapes as well as grazing management strategies. Trudie shares insights about goat grazing preferences and diet selection, and factors to consider when monitoring goat paddocks, as well as trigger points for decision making. This episode is an excellent resource for land managers wanting to improve their goat grazing management . Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Trudie Atkinson For more information: Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project  module7-nutrition-mar2019-web.pdf (mla.com.au) For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14pv0sk5pHlSaHQKoS2Yp667G5FGVy93C/view?usp=sharing  This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

    47 min
  8. Goat Series: Ep 9 - Measuring Profitability of Goat Businesses - with Tanisha Shields, Agrista

    29/07/2024

    Goat Series: Ep 9 - Measuring Profitability of Goat Businesses - with Tanisha Shields, Agrista

    In this episode of 'Going Ahead with Goats,' host Kieran Smith chats with Tanisha Shields from Agrista. They discuss cost of production, characteristics of top-performing goat enterprises, and benchmarking benefits. Tanisha shares insights from her work, highlighting how genetic improvements, efficient grazing management, and record-keeping can increase the profitability of goat enterprises. They also cover labor efficiency and capital investment in goat operations. This episode provides invaluable information for goat producers aiming to improve profitability and optimize the efficiency of their business. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Tanisha Shields For more information: Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project  Agrista - https://www.agrista.com.au/  Cost of Production Calculator | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au) Goat Productivity and Profitability report -  b.goa.1903-appendix-1-.pdf (mla.com.au) For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18sR324z-dr-Rr44EksB6OmSSmpigSbjd/view?usp=sharing This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

    46 min
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About

Pastoral Poddy – your go-to podcast for managing the rangelands of Western NSW. Real-world stories, expert insights and the latest research from farmers and grazing specialists, covering sheep, goats and extensive pastoral systems in arid and semi-arid country. Whether you're tackling grazing pressure, rangeland rehabilitation or livestock productivity, each episode brings practical takeaways tailored for the pastoral industry. Listen to 'Pastoral Poddy' on your usual podcast platform, hit subscribe and share with a mate Produced by the Grow Love Project for NSW Western LLS Australia

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