DIGGING DEEPER - AG CHATS WITH AL

Gippsland Agricultural Group Inc
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Real farmers, real conversations, practical insights and inspiring stories.Join Al Micallef and special guests to help unlock your farm's production potential. Whether it's in relation to drought or economic shifts, this podcast is your go-to for developing resilience in agriculture. This podcast is made possible by the Future Drought Fund Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program co-funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments.

  1. DIGGING DEEPER - Resilience and Care: Tackling Disease and Fire in Livestock

    2D AGO

    DIGGING DEEPER - Resilience and Care: Tackling Disease and Fire in Livestock

    Send a text In this episode of Digging Deeper, Al expresses gratitude for the support from listeners over the past year and outlines exciting plans for 2026. Special guest Chelsea from Herd Solutions discusses her experiences over the Christmas break, including dealing with property maintenance and a personal injury caused by a horse. Chelsea also shares valuable insights into managing livestock diseases, showcasing a specific case involving respiratory issues in cattle. Additional topics include the care and management of fire-affected cattle, the importance of trace elements in animal health, and broader considerations for managing livestock under stress. The episode emphasizes proactive health management and support for producers during challenging times. 00:00 Welcome to Digging Deeper 2026 00:34 Introducing Regular Guests and Updates 01:03 Chelsea's Holiday Recap 03:31 Horse Riding Accident and Recovery 07:40 Vet Duties and Light Work 15:09 Disease Outbreaks and Investigations 26:24 Getting Biopsy Results 27:03 Understanding Hiss Bacteria 29:01 Vaccination Insights 30:53 Management Strategies for Respiratory Diseases 31:10 Economic Considerations of Vaccination 44:40 Handling Fire-Affected Livestock 53:40 Advice to Young Vets 56:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    57 min
  2. DIGGING DEEPER - Perennial Pastures: Trials, Triumphs, and Tips

    FEB 5

    DIGGING DEEPER - Perennial Pastures: Trials, Triumphs, and Tips

    Send us a text In this episode of 'Digging Deeper,' Alister from the Gippsland Ag Group talks to Brad Smith and Brett Tonkin about the steps and considerations involved in establishing perennial pastures. The discussion covers soil testing, weed management, nutrient application, and grazing practices, highlighting the importance of good preparation and tailored advice. They share real-world experiences and provide practical tips for farmers looking to improve their pasture management. The episode underscores the value of understanding your land and leveraging professional advice to make informed decisions that enhance farm resilience and productivity. 00:00 Introduction to Digging Deeper Ag Chats Season Two 00:45 Meet the Guests: Brad Smith and Brett Tonkin 01:02 Brett's Agronomy Journey and New Venture 02:30 Brad's Family Business and Operations 03:33 Perennial Pastures Research and Trials 05:46 Establishing Perennial Pastures: Methods and Challenges 14:23 Soil Testing and Fertilizer Strategies 15:23 Weed Management and Species Selection 20:27 Sowing Techniques and Grazing Management 23:59 Managing Pasture Growth and Grazing 24:41 Challenges and Strategies in Pasture Management 27:59 Nutrient Management and Soil Health 30:18 Seasonal Planning and Stock Management 33:13 Practical Tips for Pasture Management 36:45 Producer Demonstration Site Insights 40:49 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    52 min
  3. DIGGING DEEPER - Community Resilience and Livestock Trends: A 2026 Start

    JAN 29

    DIGGING DEEPER - Community Resilience and Livestock Trends: A 2026 Start

    Send us a text In the latest episode of Digging Deeper, host Al reflects on a successful first year of podcasts and unveils exciting plans for 2026, including featuring local producers, regular updates from industry experts Chelsea from Herd Solutions and Morgs from Elders.  Al talks with Morgan Davies about recent cattle and lamb markets, highlighting seasonal trends, strong sales, and challenges. They also discuss the swift community response to recent fire-affected areas, emphasising the importance of support networks in agriculture. Additionally, there are significant updates on the mountain calf sales, including changes in sale dates and locations to improve conditions for buyers and sellers. This episode captures the essence of community resilience, industry updates, and adaptive strategies in agriculture. 00:00 Welcome to 2026: New Beginnings and Gratitude 00:34 Introducing Regular Guests and Updates 01:04 Kicking Off with Morgan Davies 01:39 Market Updates: Cattle Prices and Trends 04:00 Sheep and Lamb Market Insights 08:21 Community Support During Fire Crisis 14:38 Big News: Changes to Mountain Calf Sales 21:24 Conclusion and Farewell

    23 min
  4. DIGGING DEEPER - Fire Resilience in Farming: Jen Smith Shares Her Story

    JAN 22

    DIGGING DEEPER - Fire Resilience in Farming: Jen Smith Shares Her Story

    Send us a text In this episode of Digging Deeper for 2026, the discussion features General Manager Jen Smith reflecting on her journey from Melbourne to agriculture, spearheading projects at Gippsland Agricultural Group, and her experiences with bushfires.  Jen shares insights about her upbringing, educational background in social work, and how she adapted to farming life after marrying Brad Smith. The episode delves into the challenges and strategies of dealing with bushfires, focusing on preparedness, response, and recovery. The conversation also highlights the importance of community support, government grants, and practical farm management during and after fire events.  Jen emphasises the need for robust infrastructure, effective communication, and mental resilience during critical times. 00:00 Welcome Back to Digging Deeper 2026 00:36 Jen Smith's Early Life and Education 03:01 Meeting Brad and Life in Agriculture 06:02 Jen's Career Journey 09:38 Gippsland Agricultural Group and Future Projects 12:52 Experiences with Bush Fires 21:09 Bushfire Recovery Grant and Infrastructure 21:50 Importance of Efficient Feeding Systems 22:32 Navigating Government Grants 24:15 Pre-Fire Preparedness: Farm, Animals, and People 30:03 During the Fire: Immediate Actions and Strategies 38:26 Post-Fire Recovery: Immediate Steps and Long-Term Planning 42:11 Community-Led Recovery and Support 45:12 Silver Linings and Lessons Learned 46:57 Final Thoughts and Resources

    50 min
  5. DIGGING DEEPER - Gippsland Agriculture: Wrapping up the Year with Morgan Davies

    12/18/2025

    DIGGING DEEPER - Gippsland Agriculture: Wrapping up the Year with Morgan Davies

    Send us a text In this season finale of Digging Deeper, host Alister from the Gippsland Ag Group is joined by Morgan Davies to extend festive wishes and reflect on the year's events in agriculture. They discuss the importance of resilience in farming, updates on cattle and sheep markets, and the impact of the Gippsland Agriculture Group. The episode highlights the recent field day at Mawarra featuring esteemed cattle judge PJ Butler and a panel of industry experts. Morgan and Alister ponder lessons learned over the year, including the critical nature of seasonal changes. They sign off by encouraging listeners to enjoy the festive season and prepare for 2026. 00:00 Introduction to Season Two 00:43 Holiday Greetings and Reflections 03:36 Field Day Highlights and Panel Discussion 06:51 Gippsland Agriculture Group's Impact 12:41 Cattle and Sheep Market Update 16:26 Seasonal Reflections and Farewell

    18 min
  6. DIGGING DEEPER - Agriculture Insights: Olivia Betts on Armyworms and Agronomy

    12/10/2025

    DIGGING DEEPER - Agriculture Insights: Olivia Betts on Armyworms and Agronomy

    Send us a text In this episode of Digging Deeper, host Al welcomes Olivia Betts from Elders Bairnsdale. Olivia discusses her background growing up on a beef farm, her path from taking a gap year to studying agriculture and accounting at university and eventually becoming a leading agronomist at Elders. She shares her experiences, challenges, and the importance of mentorship in her fast-paced role. The episode also dives deep into the topic of Armyworm, including its types, impact on crops, identification, and management strategies, providing valuable insights for local farmers and agronomy enthusiasts. 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Olivia Betts 01:03 Olivia's Background and Early Life 03:11 Career Path and Education 06:27 Role at Elders and Daily Responsibilities 09:37 Challenges and Experiences in Agronomy 11:32 Armyworm: Identification and Management 27:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    30 min
  7. DIGGING DEEPER - Innovating Sheep Feeding with Justin Dunn

    12/03/2025

    DIGGING DEEPER - Innovating Sheep Feeding with Justin Dunn

    Send us a text In this episode of Digging Deeper, host Alister interviews Justin Dunn, founder and owner of Shepherd Ag Auto Feeders. Justin discusses his transition from being a school principal to becoming an entrepreneur in agriculture technology. He shares his journey from teaching and developing science and technology programs in schools to addressing labour challenges in sheep farming through automated feeding systems. Justin explains the evolution of his products, the importance of automated precision feeding, and the benefits of his innovative feeder systems which have improved efficiency and animal welfare on his farm. He also touches upon the design and operational aspects of his automated systems, the significance of early weaning and rumen development in lambs, and the challenges and solutions around shade systems in feedlots. Justin emphasizes the need for a balanced approach in combining technology with practical farming to enhance productivity and sustainability. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:50 Justin's Journey and Background 01:36 From Teaching to Technology 03:57 Challenges in Sheep Farming 05:26 Innovations in Feeder Systems 07:45 Evolution of Feeder Technology 10:48 Automated Feeding and Water Systems 15:23 Advanced Farming Equipment 18:31 Efficient Sheep Management 25:44 Lambing in Containment: Design and Benefits 27:36 Feeding Strategies for Lambs 28:28 Managing Lamb Health and Nutrition 33:22 Trading and Induction Processes 39:17 Staff and Operations Management 43:47 Innovations and Future Plans 46:22 The Importance of Shade in Feedlots 48:56 Conclusion and Farewell

    50 min
  8. DIGGING DEEPER - A Close Call: Chelsea's Tale of Survival and Strength

    11/27/2025

    DIGGING DEEPER - A Close Call: Chelsea's Tale of Survival and Strength

    Send us a text In this episode, Chelsea Hair recounts her harrowing experience of a recent car accident, emphasising the significance of safety and insurance while praising the professionalism of emergency responders. Chelsea also outlines an ongoing livestock project, supported by Meat & Livestock Australia, focusing on post-weaning performance, discussing the methodologies and preliminary findings from different farm management practices. This research aims to enhance the understanding and effectiveness of cattle growth post-weaning. The discussion includes potential future projects and the importance of careful vaccination schedules for optimal animal health. The episode concludes with Chelsea's personal takeaway on the irreplaceability of having a reliable vehicle in rural areas. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:00 Chelsea's Car Accident Story 06:25 Post-Accident Reflections 09:47 Focus on Weighty Wieners Project 17:19 Year Two and Three Plans 24:00 Weaning Practices and Challenges 28:52 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    31 min
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About

Real farmers, real conversations, practical insights and inspiring stories.Join Al Micallef and special guests to help unlock your farm's production potential. Whether it's in relation to drought or economic shifts, this podcast is your go-to for developing resilience in agriculture. This podcast is made possible by the Future Drought Fund Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program co-funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments.

Information

  • Creator
    Gippsland Agricultural Group Inc
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 DIGGING DEEPER - AG CHATS WITH AL
  • Show Website
    DIGGING DEEPER - AG CHATS WITH AL

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