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© 2026 DIGGING DEEPER - AG CHATS WITH AL
Description
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.
49 Episodes
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Send a text Host Al opens 2026 by thanking listeners, outlining more practical guests and local producers, and announcing monthly veterinary updates with Chelsea (Herd Solutions) and livestock market updates with Morgs (Elders). He interviews PJ Budler, a South African-born, Fort Worth–based cattle consultant with Trans Ova Genetics (embryos) and Global Livestock Solutions, speaking at an event at the Sykes property at Mawarra after traveling to 123 countries. PJ describes his farming backgro...
Send a text Al opens 2026 by thanking listeners and outlining plans for more practical guests and local producers, plus monthly veterinary updates from Chelsea (Herd Solutions) and livestock market reports from Morgan (Elders). In the episode, Morgan discusses heavy rain arriving after a dry, fire-affected period, boosting confidence and tightening cattle supply; he notes feeder steers rising from about $4.20–$4.40/kg to around $5.20/kg. The Mountain Calf Sales’ move to undercover facilities ...
Send a text Season two of Digging Deeper begins with host Alister (Gippsland Ag Group) interviewing Simon Faulkiner of Murdeduke. Faulkiner describes his background across sheep, Angus cattle and soil health, and outlines Otway Pork’s outdoor breeding and eco-shelter finishing system that composts manure and returns nutrients to pastures and high-rainfall crops (canola, wheat, barley), including using dual-purpose cereals to graze excess biomass. He explains Western Victoria’s subsoil constra...
Send a text Alistair from the Gippsland Ag Group interviews Ensay farmer and Hereford stud breeder Barry Newcomen on Season 2. Barry describes extremely dry high-country conditions after a cold winter and windy, low-rain spring, poor hay results, and ongoing concerns about feed and water. Barry explains his farming background (in Ensay since 1960), his earlier work as an A.M.L./Elders agent, and how he started a Hereford stud after advice from his accountant son. He discusses his 23rd on-prop...
Send a text In this episode of Digging Deeper, Al expresses gratitude for the support from listeners over the past year and outlines exciting plans for 2026. Special guest Chelsea from Herd Solutions discusses her experiences over the Christmas break, including dealing with property maintenance and a personal injury caused by a horse. Chelsea also shares valuable insights into managing livestock diseases, showcasing a specific case involving respiratory issues in cattle. Additional topics inc...
Send a text In this episode of 'Digging Deeper,' Alister from the Gippsland Ag Group talks to Brad Smith and Brett Tonkin about the steps and considerations involved in establishing perennial pastures. The discussion covers soil testing, weed management, nutrient application, and grazing practices, highlighting the importance of good preparation and tailored advice. They share real-world experiences and provide practical tips for farmers looking to improve their pasture management. The episod...
Send a text In the latest episode of Digging Deeper, host Al reflects on a successful first year of podcasts and unveils exciting plans for 2026, including featuring local producers, regular updates from industry experts Chelsea from Herd Solutions and Morgs from Elders. Al talks with Morgan Davies about recent cattle and lamb markets, highlighting seasonal trends, strong sales, and challenges. They also discuss the swift community response to recent fire-affected areas, emphasising the...
Send a text In this episode of Digging Deeper for 2026, the discussion features General Manager Jen Smith reflecting on her journey from Melbourne to agriculture, spearheading projects at Gippsland Agricultural Group, and her experiences with bushfires. Jen shares insights about her upbringing, educational background in social work, and how she adapted to farming life after marrying Brad Smith. The episode delves into the challenges and strategies of dealing with bushfires, focusing on ...
Send a text In this season finale of Digging Deeper, host Alister from the Gippsland Ag Group is joined by Morgan Davies to extend festive wishes and reflect on the year's events in agriculture. They discuss the importance of resilience in farming, updates on cattle and sheep markets, and the impact of the Gippsland Agriculture Group. The episode highlights the recent field day at Mawarra featuring esteemed cattle judge PJ Butler and a panel of industry experts. Morgan and Alister ponder less...
Send a text In this episode of Digging Deeper, host Al welcomes Olivia Betts from Elders Bairnsdale. Olivia discusses her background growing up on a beef farm, her path from taking a gap year to studying agriculture and accounting at university and eventually becoming a leading agronomist at Elders. She shares her experiences, challenges, and the importance of mentorship in her fast-paced role. The episode also dives deep into the topic of Armyworm, including its types, impact on crops, ident...
Send a text In this episode of Digging Deeper, host Alister interviews Justin Dunn, founder and owner of Shepherd Ag Auto Feeders. Justin discusses his transition from being a school principal to becoming an entrepreneur in agriculture technology. He shares his journey from teaching and developing science and technology programs in schools to addressing labour challenges in sheep farming through automated feeding systems. Justin explains the evolution of his products, the importance of automa...
Send a text In this episode, Chelsea Hair recounts her harrowing experience of a recent car accident, emphasising the significance of safety and insurance while praising the professionalism of emergency responders. Chelsea also outlines an ongoing livestock project, supported by Meat & Livestock Australia, focusing on post-weaning performance, discussing the methodologies and preliminary findings from different farm management practices. This research aims to enhance the understanding and...
Send a text In this episode of Digging Deeper, host Al interviews Anthony Snow, a unique thinker in the realms of business and farming. They delve into Anthony's journey from growing up in a turf maintenance family in Bacchus Marsh, to his eventual move to East Gippsland to manage a large-scale turf farm for Lilydale Instant Lawn. Anthony shares his evolution from turf expert to cattle farmer, discussing his current operations under Snow Rural, which focuses on black Angus beef cattle with a ...
Send a text In this episode of 'Digging Deeper,' the host welcomes Alison Gunn, the owner of Herd Solutions, who shares insights into her extensive career in veterinary practice and her sustainable farming philosophies. Alison discusses her upbringing in a horticultural family in Kent, England, her determination to become a vet despite societal challenges, and her career journey across the UK and Australia. She highlights the importance of preventive health in veterinary practice and her phil...
Send a text In this episode of 'Digging Deeper,' the host welcomes guests Trevor and Trent, who share their experiences at Gippsland Ag and discuss their farming journeys. Trent provides an overview of his extensive background in farming, experiencing life as a jackaroo, and gaining agronomy expertise. The conversation covers decisions made during drought conditions, proactive management strategies, and maintaining mental health. The episode also touches on community support, infrastructure p...
Send a text In this episode of Digging Deeper, the host interviews Lily McCole, a young farmer from Swifts Creek who has recently gone viral for her event recap on the Youth Agritech Expo. Lily shares her experiences growing up on a family farm, managing a diverse range of animals, and the challenges faced in modern farming. She also discusses her viral social media moment, organising the Youth Agritech Expo, and her aspirations for a future in farming and real estate. Despite her young age, ...
Send a text In this episode of 'Digging Deeper,' Alistair from Gippsland Ag Group welcomes regular guest Morgan Davies from Elders to discuss the current state of the livestock market. They cover topics such as the recent sale of cattle in Barnawartha, seasonal market conditions, cattle and sheep price trends, and processing details for various livestock classes in Victoria. They also touch on how farming seasons can change rapidly, the impact on producers, and the importance of looking after...
Send a text In this episode of 'Digging Deeper,' host Al sits down with Chelsea to discuss the latest developments and best practices in managing bulls and rams for breeding. Chelsea highlights the increased workload in the business and delves into various veterinary procedures and observations, including bull testing, body condition scoring, and addressing common reproductive issues such as malpresentations, uterine twists, and episiotomies. The conversation also covers seasonal impacts on c...
Send a text In the latest episode of Digging Deeper, host Alistair from the Gippsland Ag Group welcomes Joel Williams, an independent educator specializing in soil science, to discuss the intricacies of soil health, nutrient management, and sustainable farming practices. Joel shares his international experiences from Canada, insights on the renewed interest in soil biology, and practical advice for leveraging soil chemistry and physics for better farming outcomes. The episode covers the impor...
Send a text In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jackie and Kelvin Pendergast discuss their experiences and insights into sheep breeding and farming life. The couple recently participated in the Gippsland Stud Merino Breeders ram sale, achieving remarkable success with an impressive clearance rate and top price ram. They share the history of their farm and their journey in sheep breeding, including their unique approach to maintaining quality genetics and dealing with challenges like drought, w...
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