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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
In this podcast episode, host Kieren Smith discusses the rapid genetic gains in goat farming with James Nalder, who, along with his wife Emma, ventured into commercial goat farming in 2020. The episode covers James' involvement with the Kids Plus Project, data collection using EID tags, pregnancy scanning, worm control, and goat management practices at their property near Coonamble, NSW. James shares his insights on the advantages of goat farming, the importance of controlled breeding, and the future potential of the goat industry.
Thank you to our guest featured in this episode:
James Nalder
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
Kids + | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au) - https://www.mla.com.au/research-and-development/livestock-production/reproductive-efficiency/kids-producers/
For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hHa0ibwPinZ8vQNEvqFhnPj8Yur3cLfd/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.
This episode of the Going Ahead with Goats podcast series, hosted by Kieren Smith, features Paul Leonard, the National Livestock Manager at Thomas Foods International (TFI). Learn about TFI's operations at the Bourke Abattoir, goat meat processing, market demands, supply chain complexities, and export strategies. We discover some challenges faced in managing labor, logistics, and the impact of fencing programs. Join us in the conversation about the importance of sustainability, consumer preferences, and future opportunities in the goat meat industry.
Thank you to our guest featured in this episode:
Paul Leonard
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
Thomas Foods International - https://thomasfoods.com/
For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ro3FHlvOlqo8gk2So9OFKeJy2xHp3mYw/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.
Goat depots play an integral part in the goat supply chain, providing landholders with an option to offload goats locally, even if they have small numbers. These depots work closely with processors, ensuring a continual supply of goats throughout the year, often within specific weight ranges to fill customer orders. This episode looks at the vital role of goat depots, challenges faced, and insights on industry professionalism. Our host, Kieran Smith, speaks with Rob Newton, a goat depot operator who reflects on his past, shares his daily routine, aspirations and offers advice to newcomers.
Thank you to our guest featured in this episode:
Rob Newton
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
gig-goat-depot.pdf (mla.com.au) - https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/generic/extension-training-and-tools/gig-goat-depot.pdf
For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Y_wcPlY_YzpKEkeKs5qOfes1MUrism9/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.
Step into the world of goat production with host Kieran Smith as he engages in insightful conversations with Fiona Lander from Marra Station, NSW. Explore the intricacies of goat management practices, the hurdles faced, the importance of community engagement, and the exciting prospects for future development. Dive deep into topics such as using goats for woody weed control, weaning and educating goats, as well as some learnings along the way.
Thank you to our guest featured in this episode:
Fiona Lander
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
23330-MLA_WeedControl - https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/extensions-training-and-tools/creative-commons/weed-control-using-goats---cc.pdf
Lactation and weaning | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au) - https://www.mla.com.au/Research-and-development/Genetics-and-breeding/Goats/Reproduction/Lactation-and-weaning
For a transcript of this episode - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z697n3Kwp16vfy6QQWre0OROohkn9kPq/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.
We're very excited to bring you a podcast series dedicated to learning more about the goat industry. In this series we showcase some of the individuals and enterprises that make up the goat meat supply chain.
Tune in each week as we bring you conversations with people within the goat industry, from commercial producers, stud breeders, depot operators, and paddock to plate businesses.
This podcast has been produced by the Grow Love Project and is brought to you by Western Local Land Services supported through funding from the New South Wales Government.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.
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:
Produced by growloveproject.com This podcast is supported by Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
Welcome to a special two part edition of the Pastoral Poddy, focusing on carbon in the rangelands. Western Local Land Services recently held an event on this topic. And for those who couldn't make it, we've gathered a panel of speakers to jam pack all the best bits into the podcast. This episode looks at health in rangelands and holistic land management approaches. It explores the significance of soil organic matter, carbon levels, and practical tips from experts in regenerative agriculture. We learn about adaptive land management practices and observing natural patterns to prevent erosion, promote ground cover, and enhance landscape health for long-term rehydration and rehabilitation.
Thank you to our guests who featured in this episode:
Karl Anderson - Research Officer – Soil Carbon, NSW Department of Primary Industries
Sarah McDonald - Research Scientist Pastures, NSW Department of Primary Industries
Paul Theakston - Rehydration and rehabilitation officer, Western Local Land Services
Andrew Mosley - farmer, Etiwanda 100% Rangelands Ready, Cobar
For more information:
Rangelands Living Skin Project - https://soilsforlife.org.au/rangelands-living-skin/
Sarahs McDonald - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/staff/profiles/sarah-mcdonald
Andrew's farm, Etiwanda - https://soilsforlife.org.au/etiwanda/
Previous episode with details about Rangelands Rehydration - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastoralpoddy/episodes/Rehydrating-the-rangelands-e1iackp/a-a7t82vv
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:
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.
Kangaroos have a cultural and spiritual significance for Aboriginal people, being a totem for some and a source of food and clothing for many. Tune in to learn about the diversity of views that Aboriginal people have about kangaroo management. When caring for country, they use a holistic, sustainable approach. There are still challenges, as traditional methods can sometimes clash with legislation. In this episode, we’ll talk to indigenous community members about what kangaroo harvesting means to them and some of the challenges they face. Join us to hear some ideas of how the industry and government can help improve community access and involvement through the use of cultural tags as well as providing work opportunities for indigenous people.
Guests featured in this episode include:
Other useful resources
The Kangaroo Management Taskforce website has several resources including several films made with Aboriginal communities
Kangaroos as a Food Source video - https://youtu.be/EOt3lvpTEaI
Our Country Our Food - https://youtu.be/HBZ2ak8w7Kw
Mark Olive cooks kangaroo at the national symposium - facebook.com/kangarootaskforce/videos/541806303049059/
Kangaroo Management Taskforce Facebook page - facebook.com/kangarootaskforce
The Pastoral Poddy is brought to you by Western Local Land Services and this 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:
Other useful resources
The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes (the Code)
The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Non-Commercial Purposes
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.