From the shearing shed to sheep genetics with Reece Michelle

Head Shepherd

Head Shepherd
From the shearing shed to sheep genetics with Reece Michelle
Sep 13, 2026 Season 2026 Episode 298
Mark Ferguson

Our newest consultant, Reece Michelle, took a slightly roundabout route into his new role with neXtgen Agri, from studying agricultural science at Lincoln and working with Headwaters to shearing and fencing before moving across the Tasman. 

Now splitting his time between neXtgen Agri and Murdoch University, Reece chats with Ferg about his move to WA, the work he’ll be doing with sheep breeders and researchers which includes the Smart Ewe project and heat tolerance work. 

Get in touch at info@nextgenagri.com if you'd like to know more about these projects or our new tool, neXtRank



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, Heiniger Australia and New Zealand, and ProWay Livestock Equipment. Please consider them when making product choices, as they are instrumental in enabling us to bring you this podcast each week.

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Episode Artwork From the shearing shed to sheep genetics with Reece Michelle 23:59 Episode Artwork Maximising eating quality and profitability in sheep with David Packer 37:31 Episode Artwork Redefining the Corriedale with Peter Blackwood 34:58 Episode Artwork Questioning tradition in Merino breeding with Dom Hallam 40:51 Episode Artwork Ferg’s thoughts on putting a dollar value on genetic change 25:32 Episode Artwork Data driven sheep breeding at Hannaton with Jonno Hicks 40:37 Episode Artwork How hoof overgrowth impacts bone structure and long-term lameness with Laura Deeming 35:21 Episode Artwork Adding more value to every wool clip with Willy McSkimming 41:53 Episode Artwork Using genomics to pick better replacement heifers with Geoff Hayes 28:03 Episode Artwork The science of farming with Pete Fennessy 40:06 Episode Artwork The process of precision sheep farming with Joshua Barton 46:11 Episode Artwork Building resilient farming businesses to keep up with global demand, with Richard Green 46:56 Episode Artwork Growing grass for sheep, stadiums and everything in between with George Fell 45:54 Episode Artwork Turning grass into money - this time with cattle, with Joe Kerin 47:00 Episode Artwork Forty years at Wairere Romneys with Simon Buckley 1:00:17 Episode Artwork Refugia, resistance testing, and the future of worm management with Chloe Frank 29:52 Episode Artwork Data driven sheep breeding with James Trowbridge 17:03 Episode Artwork Genomic data management and the future of breeding values with Dan Garrick 55:59 Episode Artwork Lessons learned from LambEx with Jane Kellock 26:22 Episode Artwork How to run a farm business your bank trusts, with Matt Hood 1:01:53 Episode Artwork Feet, finances and faster genetic gain with Chad Taylor from Mumblebone 43:25 Episode Artwork Turning lamb data into profit with Will Barton 47:46 Episode Artwork What practical mental health support looks like in the shearing industry with Carol Mudford 44:36 Episode Artwork Breeding seedstock for tough country at Hazeldean, with Bea Litchfield 26:43 Episode Artwork Key tips for improving the reproductive performance of your beef herd with Dr Shane Thomson 42:38