From dairy farming to mussels, Maegen Blom’s family took an unexpected turn into aquaculture—and she jumped right in. Now, as Operations Manager at Mills Bay Mussels, Maegen is tackling the challenges of farming a live product, managing an unpredictable supply chain, and pushing for better mussel genetics. In this episode, we get into the quirks of mussel farming, from harvesting wild spat to outsmarting snapper, and why the industry is still full of untapped potential.

• How a dairy farming family ended up in aquaculture
• Why mussel farming is all about patience, not control
• The genetic unknowns of a wild-caught industry
• Snapper, rain, and other farming headaches

Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.

Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.

Check out Heiniger's product range HERE
Check out the MSD range HERE
Check out Allflex products HERE

Some rams at sales are not what they seem. Foot trimming and excessive feeding can cover up genetic faults, and buyers are paying the price. This week, Ferg breaks down what’s really happening in the industry and how we can fix it.

🐏 The problem with foot trimming in stud sales – why it hides genetic faults.

📉 How overfeeding sale rams distorts their true potential.

🏡 Why animals should be presented as they are—no sheds, no tricks.

🧬 The push for breeding values to improve foot structure.

💰 How buyers can drive change by rewarding honest breeders.

Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.

Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.

Check out Heiniger's product range HERE
Check out the MSD range HERE
Check out Allflex products HERE

What does it take to build a successful red meat brand from the ground up? Hamish Best, a sheep and beef farmer near Wellington, shares his journey in this episode, from his background in agronomy and sales to his return to farming. He chats about the challenges of maintaining product quality and consistency while growing a brand that resonates with consumers. Hamish also discusses his plans for the future and how he’s making his farming model economically sustainable. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone looking to grow and improve their farming business.

• Hamish’s journey from agronomy and sales back to farming
• The challenges of maintaining product quality and consistency
• Growing a red meat brand that resonates with consumers
• Future growth plans for his farm and brand
• Ensuring his farming model remains economically sustainable

Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.

Thanks to our sponsors at MSD Animal Health and Allflex, and Heiniger Australia and New Zealand. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.

Check out Heiniger's product range HERE
Check out the MSD range HERE
Check out Allflex products HERE