Building Better Cows: Innovations in Cattle Management with Dr Enoch Bergman
Send us a textIn this episode, the discussion centers on best practices for yard weaning and artificial insemination (AI) in cattle. Topics include the importance of adequate space to prevent disease, acclimating calves to feedlot conditions, and the benefits of keeping calves longer after weaning. The conversation also delves into optimal vaccination strategies and the logistics and challenges of AI, with a focus on synchronization protocols, benefits in terms of conception rates, reduced dystocia, and improved calf health. The speaker also shares insights from their Personal Development Seminar (PDS) experience and discusses the importance of better communication between producers and veterinarians to enhance animal welfare and farm profitability. Broader industry issues such as public perception of agriculture, advocacy, and sustainable farming practices are also highlighted.00:00 Introduction to Yard Weaning00:57 Best Practices for Yard Weaning02:25 Vaccination Strategies04:04 Early Weaning Challenges06:13 Exploring AI Techniques08:57 Synchronization Protocols13:10 AI Implementation and Results15:21 Anecdotes and AI Insights15:43 Conception Rates and Calving Improvements16:35 Heifer Management Strategies17:27 Joining Heifers and Cows18:31 AI Programs and Bull Selection20:34 WARRACK and Industry Advocacy22:17 Challenges and Opportunities in Agriculture23:36 Public Perception and Communication28:30 Global Livestock Insights29:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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DIGGING DEEPER - Livestock Lowdown: Market Trends and Tales with Morgs
Send us a textIn this episode of 'Digging Deeper,' host Al welcomes back Mors after a brief hiatus. Mors shares updates about his recent holiday in Broome and discusses upcoming vacation plans. They dive into the cattle market, analyzing current trends and prices, the impact of weather conditions on livestock, and forecasts for winter and early spring. They also touch on the global scene, the effect of economic and political factors on exports, and the strong performance of the lamb market. Additionally, Mors provides insights into local livestock movements, auction strategies, and the importance of rain in farming. The episode concludes with a call for nominations for local farming identities to feature in future podcasts.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:39 Mors' Recent Adventures01:55 Local Sports Update03:07 Weather and Seasonal Forecast04:51 Cattle Market Insights09:27 Global Cattle Market Trends11:10 Sheep and Lamb Market Update11:32 High-Priced Lambs: What's Driving the Market?12:43 Sustainability of Current Lamb Prices14:03 Challenges in Lamb Production15:51 Market Trends and Buyer Behavior19:20 The Impact of Rain on Farming20:19 Upcoming Podcast Series on Local Farming Identities
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DIGGING DEEPER - Living the Cattle Life: Enoch Bergman's Journey from America to Australia
Send us a textIn this episode of Digging Deeper, Alistair welcomes Dr. Enoch Bergman, a renowned cattle vet originally from WildHorse, Colorado. They discuss Dr. Bergman's journey from America to Australia, sharing tales of his early life, the challenges of relocation, and his significant contributions to veterinary medicine.The conversation delves deeply into Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), also known as Pesty Virus in Australia. Dr. Bergman explains the epidemiology of BVDV, its effects on cattle, and his efforts to manage and eradicate the virus through systematic strategies involving vaccination and ear-notch testing. The discussion highlights Dr. Bergman’s innovative approaches, his establishment of testing practices in Australia, and his vision for a BVDV-free cattle industry. The episode is both an insightful look into veterinary science and a personal story of dedication and impact in the agricultural community.00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:08 Enoch's Early Life in WildHorse, Colorado01:36 Journey to Australia05:08 Settling in Esperance06:06 Life as a Veterinarian in Australia12:31 Understanding BVD and Its Impact20:27 Unexpected Call for Trial Work21:00 Serological Survey for BVD Immunity21:55 Vaccine Trial and Results23:00 Challenges in Diagnosing Carriers24:42 Setting Up the First Lab25:35 Developing BVD Management Guidelines26:21 Systematic Strategy for BVD Eradication28:39 Case Study: Heifer Abortion Incident33:55 Economic Impact of BVD37:04 Yard Weaning and Immune Preparation40:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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DIGGING DEEPER - Clinical Approaches and Best Practices for Calving and Lambing
Send us a textOptimizing Livestock Management: Insights on Carving, Lambing, and General Animal HusbandryJoin Chelsea and Al on 'Dig In Deeper' as they discuss the challenges and best practices in livestock management, focusing on carving and lambing preparations. From dealing with busy schedules and adverse weather to handling specific livestock health issues like abortions, disbudding, and bull problems, Chelsea provides a comprehensive overview of their current veterinary projects, including the PDS funded by Meat and Livestock Australia. They explore the intricacies of post-weaning growth rates in cattle, the importance of colostrum, vaccination schedules, nutritional requirements, and disease prevention. The episode also delves into differences in managing cattle and sheep, providing valuable tips on optimizing livestock health and productivity during crucial breeding seasons.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:45 A Busy Season: Challenges and Activities01:57 Workshops and Projects Overview02:22 Post-Weaning Growth Rates Study05:38 Carving Preparation and Management06:51 Nutrition and Health Treatments for Cows15:13 Vaccination and Trace Elements21:04 Calf Care and Management26:12 Calving Tools and Techniques27:12 Calcium Management in Cattle29:27 Sheep Pre-Lambing Treatments31:58 Managing Sheep Nutrition and Health38:17 Lambing Challenges and Solutions46:40 Concluding Thoughts and AI Insights
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DIGGING DEEPER - From City to Consultancy: Nathan Scott's Agricultural Journey
Send us a textIn this episode, Nathan shares his non-traditional path into agriculture, from growing up in Geelong to running a successful farm consultancy. He discusses the importance of translating scientific research into practical on-farm applications and offers advice on managing sheep operations, including lamb survival strategies and the benefits of scanning for multiples. Nathan also highlights the value of focusing on practical, actionable insights and understanding animal behavior. Additionally, he touches on the significance of storytelling in agriculture and his passion for public speaking and coaching.00:00 Introduction and Background00:57 Early Farming Experiences01:50 Education and Career Path02:12 Transition to Farm Management02:35 Starting a Farm Consultancy02:44 Impact of COVID-19 on Farming03:17 Family Involvement in Farming03:38 Consultancy Approach and Philosophy04:58 Practical Advice for Farmers05:49 Challenges in Agriculture06:47 Importance of Perspective in Farming08:05 Face-to-Face Consultancy09:52 Common Farm Issues and Solutions12:07 Ram Selection and Management16:09 Increasing Lamb Survival18:39 Lamb Loss Mystery23:42 The Challenge of Mis-Mothering in Lambing24:35 Ideal Twin Mob Size and Practicality25:09 Managing Paddock Space and Hot Wires27:37 Checking Lambing Ewes with Minimal Disturbance28:47 Using Drones for Lambing Checks30:25 Super Intensive Sheep Farming Practices38:13 Public Speaking and Overcoming Nerves44:19 Final Thoughts and Recent Learnings
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.
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