What is resisting change costing our industry?

Welcome to our latest update. It's been another busy couple of weeks at neXtgen Agri, with plenty happening across our trans-Tasman operations.

First, I'm delighted to welcome Tom Macfarlane, who has joined us as an intern from the University of Canterbury. Tom will be working with us over the summer, focusing on improving the efficiency of our data analysis and reporting systems for clients. We're looking forward to having fresh eyes and a new perspective on these important aspects of our business.

This week, I had the privilege of speaking at the South Australian Livestock Advisor Update in Adelaide. The presentation focused on the latest developments in cattle and sheep breeding, with particular emphasis on whole herd/flock efficiency. One of the key messages I shared was the substantial opportunity cost our industry faces when we stick to traditional selection methods. It's sobering to think that hundreds of millions of dollars are left on the table each year simply because many farmers haven't yet embraced the power of quantitative genetics in their breeding programs.

The reality is that continuing to select animals using the same methods we've always used, while ignoring available technologies and data-driven approaches, is holding back genetic progress. In an era where we have access to sophisticated genetic evaluation tools, it's crucial that we evolve our selection practices to maximise genetic gain and profitability.

In other team news, several of our staff members recently completed AWI's fly management training. This is particularly timely as we head into the warmer months. If you're interested in learning more about effective flystrike management strategies or would like to arrange a planning session for your operation, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.

As always, we're here to help you make the most of your genetic investments and improve your breeding outcomes. Whether you're looking to modernise your selection approach or would like guidance on specific management challenges, we're just a phone call away.

We are looking forward to another productive fortnight ahead in both Australia and New Zealand.

This fortnight on the Head Shepherd podcast I have spoken with John Francis of Agrista , taking a deeper look at some of the practical and psychological factors that underlie decision-making in a livestock production enterprise. For the next episode, I took the guest seat, speaking with Sophie about my observations from my recent trip to Ontario, Canada. We love hearing what you think about the podcast, so feel free to share your reflections with us.

There has been quite a bit of activity on The Hub recently:

• We’ve posted another couple of articles for you to respond to. Sophie’s piece, Breeding flystrike-resistant sheep, considers how far we’ve come and how far we’ve got to go, with a positive view of what’s possible in the future. In my article, Selection strategies for regenerative farming, I reframe the question of whether certain genetics are better suited to either a regenerative or conventional approach to farming, encouraging producers to think instead in terms of the principles that apply to genetic selection - no matter your system.  
• You’ll also find a link to an article by Matt Dalgleish, The Rise of the Shedder, summing up the current trend towards shedding breeds in Australia. The stats indicate (in Australia, at least) that Merino flocks are being displaced by shedders, somewhat challenging the call I’ve made before that there will be sheep with good wool (ie sub-25-micron) and sheep with no wool. It will be interesting to see what information comes out about what is happening in terms of strong-wool breeds vs shedders in New Zealand. 

• Our next Hub LIVE event will be with Dr Kelsey Bentley on Tuesday 26 November from 11 am to 12 pm (NZDT) - be sure to register. This will come hot on the heels of tomorrow’s Head Shepherd episode with Kelsey. The Hub LIVE gives you the opportunity to pose your own questions about the biology linking parasite resistance, colostrum and genetic resilience in sheep and to listen in as we dig further into this fascinating topic. The podcast itself is a must-listen!    
• Australian Merino ram breeders, check out The Hub for the sire nomination link and more details about the second artificial insemination program being run as part of the ‘Genetics of foot health in Merinos’ central progeny test (CPT). This year’s CPT nominations will close on 11 December 2024. 

For Kiwis heading into the 2024/25 ram sale season, you can find a quick recap of steps to take both before and on sale day in Making every ram purchase count, an article shared by Sophie back in 2021.

Onwards and upwards,

Ferg and the neXtgen team