The Weekly Grill

In today's episode of The Weekly Grill, host Kerry Lonergan interviews Darren Thomas, CEO of Thomas Foods International, about the company’s growth from family beginnings to a multi-billion-dollar global business. They discuss key issues including China tariffs and trade challenges, the rebuilding of Murray Bridge after the 2018 fire, expansion into the US, goat and seafood operations, feedlot growth, labour and technology pressures, and food security. Darren also reflects on community support, the importance of youth pathways into agriculture, and how innovation and international investment shape the future of Australian processing and exports.  

In this episode Kerry Lonergan interviews respected Australian Cattle Vet Dr Ross Ainsworth about the growing threat of exotic livestock diseases discussed at the recent Wagyu Edge 26 conference in Brisbane. Dr Ainsworth explains how foot-and-mouth disease could abruptly close export markets, devastate herd values and force mass culling, and describes how lumpy skin disease spreads, its impacts and available vaccines. The conversation covers recent outbreaks in Southeast Asia, biosecurity risks from travellers and feral animals, preparedness options including vaccination and surveillance, and the importance of reporting suspected cases to protect Australia’s industry... and more. In Australia, suspected exotic animal diseases should be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888      

Beef Central's ever popular podcast series, The Weekly Grill, returns from summer recess this week with the first episode of a new series. Kicking off this year's program, host Kerry Lonergan this week turns up the heat on Australian Meat Industry Council chief executive, Patrick Hutchinson. In a wide ranging interview, the pair explore the challenges ahead for red meat processors and retailers, including labour issues, livestock supply, consumer meat buying habits during COVID, and key export market access issues. Sponsoring our Weekly Grill podcast series again in 2022 is Elanco Animal Health.

In this week's episode Kerry Lonergan catches up with Professor Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State about the U.S. beef market: record‑high prices amid multi‑decade low cattle inventories, limited herd rebuilding, and the roles of drought, feedlot practices and profitability. Professor Peel also discusses rising imports for lean grinding beef, trade disruptions with Mexico and Canada, Brazil’s growing production, and why short‑term policy moves are unlikely to quickly change supply or retail prices.   The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6

In today’s episode, podcast host Kerry Lonergan interviews veteran cattle industry stakeholder, stock agent and bush poet Dennis Scanlon about his career in Australia’s beef industry — from sale yards and abattoirs to roles with Elders and the earliest days of Computer Aided Livestock Marketing (CALM, now AuctionsPlus), and its predecessor, New England Livestock Computer Marketing (NELCM). Along his career path he also served lengthy periods with the Australian Agricultural Co (livestock manager) and Elders (National Livestock manager). An accomplished pianist and recognised bush poet, this episode also features Dennis performing two of his works, “Women from the Bush” and “Bush Justice,” as well as discussing changes in cattle breeds, stock handling and marketing over the decades.   The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6