Pastoral Poddy

Where do goats really spend their time in a paddock, and what can technology tell us about their behaviour?In this episode of the Pastoral Poddy, Kieran Smith speaks with Dr Jamie Barwick from the University of New England about a research project tracking goat movements across Western New South Wales. Using GPS collars and movement sensors, the project explored how far goats travel, how they use water points, where they graze, and how their behaviour changes over time.The episode also explores the challenges of conducting research in large-scale grazing systems and what these findings could mean for future goat management and livestock decision-making.Episode Guide(00:00) Meet Dr Jamie Barwick and precision agriculture research(02:00) The rise of virtual fencing technology(05:00) Why track goat movement patterns?(09:00) GPS collars and research methods explained(13:00) Discovering how far goats travel daily(18:00) What the tracking data revealed(31:00) Choosing the right ag technologyFor a transcript of this episode:hhttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ5KL9kq-8zmLNUHGfOZF1hR-RwTanbK/editusp=drive_link&ouid=103831811474414598304&rtpof=true&sd=trueThis podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western LocalLand Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.

What if every sheep could tell you more about its performance, profitability and potential?Electronic Identification (eID) tags are becoming a major focus for Australian sheep producers, but the opportunities go well beyond meeting regulatory requirements.In this episode of The Pastoral Poddy, we explore how producers can use eID technology, data collection and on-farm equipment to make better management decisions. Host Kieran Smith is joined by sheep producer Will MCalpine from Salisbury near Marra, and veterinarian and sheep production advisor Tim Gole from For Flocks Sake.They discuss how Will has integrated eID into his Merino enterprise to improve fertility, selection decisions and weight gain monitoring, as well as how technologies like automated drafting and in-field weighing can support more targeted management.Tim shares insights from working with sheep producers across Australia, including where the biggest productivity gains may come from, what data is worth collecting, and practical advice for avoiding common technology headaches.Whether you’re new to eID or looking to get more value from your existing system, this episode explores how turning individual animal data into decisions can help build more productive and resilient sheep businesses.Episode Guide(00:00) Why eID technology is changing sheep production(02:00) Will’s Merino operation and farming journey(04:00) Tim’s pathway into sheep data and eID(07:00) Using eID for breeding and selection decisions(10:00) Real-time weight data and better decisions(14:00) Finding productivity gains through data(18:00) What sheep producers should start collecting(22:00) Lessons learned implementing eID technology(25:00) Advice for producers starting their eID journey(28:00) Setting yourself up for technology success(35:00) Managing large datasets and making decisions(40:00) Final thoughts on the future of eIDFor a transcript of this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13V5LCrjsmNuec17j6ojGHKKKsonIKinP/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=103831811474414598304&rtpof=true&sd=trueThis podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government.

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 FutureFor 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-projectKIDPLAN - sheepgenetics.org.au/resources/kidplan/For a transcript of this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l3e986t7J-Qjr-BIE7XtTb3hqQAOXmhxiJlOWfRnlec/edit?usp=drive_linkThis 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.

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 NRMJessica Rigg – Biotechnology and Partnership Lead – Select CarbonSteven 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-capitaland On Farm Carbon Advice: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/climate/Low-emissions-agricultureJohn 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.

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 DawsonFor 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-projectWormBoss 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.phpFor 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.

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.

This episode looks at the benefits of using goats for landscape management at Etiwanda Station, in Western New South Wales. Join host Kieren Smith and farmer Andrew Mosey as they discuss running goats alongside cattle and sheep to diversify income and regenerate the land using holistic grazing methods. Discover insights into goat breeding, electric fencing, and rotational systems, along with practical tips for managing worms and handling goats with working dogs. This episode offers valuable advice for both experienced and aspiring goat producers. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Andrew Mosely 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 Etiwanda Station - https://www.etiwanda.com.au/ For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LwGjy7yUH0UGVqPAzTmUr9Q-6p9F2y-z/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.

With rising cost of production and increasing land values, the cost price squeeze is continuing in agriculture. There is pressure to increase productivity and profitability within all livestock industries and breeding and genetics is one way to improve this. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Tom Granleese, a research officer in quantitative genetics with the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Tom is the project lead for the Measured Goats project, which is likely to become the largest goat genetics project in the world. Join our host Kieran Smith in this episode as we learn about the project, how to set breeding objectives in a commercial goat enterprise, as well as breeding your own bucks on-farm. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Dr. Tom Granleese For more information: (links) Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project Measured Goats | Department of Primary Industries (nsw.gov.au) - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/about-us/research-and-development/projects/animals/measured-goats KIDPLAN | Sheep Genetics - https://www.sheepgenetics.org.au/resources/kidplan/ For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e0IBrIGN68xVhTgSrtoKbG99DgdQD8v8/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.

In NSW, landholders have long been capturing and more recently, managing nomadic rangeland goats, descendants of early settlers' breeds, which roam freely across the landscape. This shift in management allows for better control over stocking rates and grazing pressure, benefiting both landholders and the environment. In this episode, our host Kieran Smith explores the evolving goat industry over the past two decades, examining historical and current trapping and mustering methods, and uncovering valuable insights from rotational grazing practices. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Sam LeLievre For more information: (links) Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project Going Ahead with Goats – Trapping - https://youtu.be/BIUdxCsvvAM Going Ahead with Goats – Infrastructure - https://youtu.be/FsYXssZcpn8 For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K94dT-zOsHQJ0M4mDCEuQOYpaPbuytIF/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.

Many producers dream of cutting out the middleman and selling their own branded meat products direct to consumers. For most though, the thought stops at the farm gate, once they realise the many complexities of this business model. However, having a paddock to plate business model is achievable and is a great way to buffer against some of the fluctuations of prices seen in the commodity market. Join us with host Kieran Smith in this podcast where he shares the story of a goat producer who has done just that. Thank you to our guest featured in this episode: Jo Stewart 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 The Gourmet Goat Lady - http://thegourmetgoatlady.com.au Meat Cuts on the App Store (apple.com) - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/meat-cuts/id904537057 For a transcript of this episode - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LGL3keTqdRUJc_eRydbP5x4xwvHCmdpy/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.

Welcome back to a two-part episode on carbon in the rangelands. In the last episode, we covered some soil carbon fundamentals. And in this episode, we're looking at opportunities and challenges facing landowners in participating in carbon projects. With insights from experts and farmers, we learn about the key factors and the importance of staying informed for future market developments in rangelands. Tune in for a captivating discussion on the potential of carbon markets to shape regenerative land management. Thank you to our guests who featured in this episode: John Gavin - Natural Resource Manager, Remarkable NRM Fiona Garland - Western Local Land Services Lisa McFadyen - On-farm carbon advice project, NSW Department of Primary Industries Andrew Mosley - farmer, Etiwanda 100% Rangelands Ready, Cobar For more information: On -Farm Carbon Advice project website https://bit.ly/Carbonfarming For those wanting to sign up to our expression of interest and receive communications from the On-farm Carbon Advice project please click the link and fill in the form bit.ly/3NZSwLD 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/⁠ Andrew's farm, Etiwanda - https://soilsforlife.org.au/etiwanda/ Produced by growloveproject.com This podcast is supported by Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Throughout this special series on kangaroo management, we’ve unpacked a range of issues around this wicked challenge. From landowners, conservation groups and the indigenous community to wildlife advocates, industry and the general public, everyone has a different view and story to tell. With focuses varying from economics to morals to conservation issues, it can be challenging to find common ground. In this episode, we’ll hear from an ecologist, the industry and the government about some new strategic initiatives that aim to give a voice to these diverse groups. We’ll see how education, consultation and innovation can be part of the solution. Tune in to hear how a predictive tool for kangaroo populations and new adaptive approaches could help advance kangaroo management in Australia. Guests featured in this episode include: Fiona Garland, Team Leader - Kangaroo Management, Western Local Land Services Dr John Read, Ecologist and Author- johnlread.com Dennis King, Executive Officer, Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia Terry Brill , Senior Team Leader  Kangaroo Management Program NSW Government Other useful resources Improving Kangaroo Management; A Joint Statement - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/emr.12467 Kangaroo Management Taskforce website has several resources including links to a wide range of published research on kangaroos kangaroomanagementtaskforce.com.au/literature/ Kangaroo Management Taskforce Facebook page - facebook.com/kangarootaskforce The Pastoral Poddy is brought to you by Western Local Land Services and the kangaroo series is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Drought is a stressful time for any farmer trying to balance competing business, livestock and landscape demands. In this episode, we’ll hear from a farmer about his experience living through the latest drought with unmanaged, overabundant kangaroos on his property. Kangaroos also struggle in drought with inevitable dehydration and starvation from lack of food and water.  So what can be done about it? We’ll hear from an animal welfare expert about the different ways kangaroos are managed on agricultural properties, the impact on animals and what the general public thinks.  Join us to see how the use of new tools and how being proactive instead of reactive, will help both landholders and kangaroos in this challenging situation. Guests featured in this episode include: Leon Zanker – Pastoralist from Western NSW Dr. Trudy Sharp - Research Scientist, Vertebrate pest research unit, NSW DPI Dr. Steve McLeod -  Manager Vertebrate Pest Research | Invasive Species Biosecurity Other useful resources The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes (the Code) https://www.agrifutures.com.au/product/national-code-of-practice-for-the-humane-shooting-of-kangaroos-and-wallabies-for-commercial-purposes The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Non-Commercial Purposes https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/wildlife-trade/publications/national-code-practice-humane-shooting-kangaroos-and-wallabies-non-commercial The Kangaroo Management Taskforce website has several resources including a page on Animal Welfare https://kangaroomanagementtaskforce.com.au/animal-welfare/ KMT film launched in 2022 - A Million Dead Icons - https://youtu.be/HsWcYWiOrTM Kangaroo Management Taskforce Facebook page - facebook.com/kangarootaskforce Read Leon Zanker’s story in Ecological Management and Restoration - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/emr.12441 The Pastoral Poddy is brought to you by Western Local Land Services and the kangaroo series is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.