Advertise on podcast: The Al & Juddy Show

In this episode of The Al & Juddy Show, Dr. Alan Stewart reflects on his extensive career in plant breeding and how New Zealand’s agricultural landscape has evolved over the decades. He walks through his early education, the influence of endophytes on pasture management, the challenges and innovations of the 1990s, and the emergence of new forage species such as plantain. Dr. Stewart also discusses the major shifts driven by industry mergers and global expansion in the 2000s, along with the growing importance of environmental considerations in modern farming. A useful collection of significant events from the past 40 years in New Zealand pastoral agriculture - and a glimpse at where it’s heading. “It was a pretty primitive world. The endophyte discovery in the early 80s really changed everything.” – Dr. Alan Stewart. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to reliability and regrowth, Spitfire forage rape has more than earned its reputation. Late maturing with excellent stem palatability, Spitfire delivers high-quality feed through both summer and winter. And if you’re after a longer-term relationship, Spitfire plays nicely with ryegrass - offering the flexibility to be undersown for even greater feed options. Across multiple stock classes, Spitfire stands out as a dependable, high-performing crop that keeps delivering when it counts. Learn more about Spitfire forage rape here: www.agricom.co.nz/products/brassicas-and-beets/forage-rape/spitfire See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Al & Juddy sit down with Martin Harmer, DLF Seeds' Australian Research Manager, to explore how pasture evaluation systems shape on-farm performance. From his Churchill scholarship world tour to challenging assumptions about nitrogen response, Martin explains why access to the right information, not just science, holds the key to unlocking genetic gain and profitability for farmers. “Science is far from rate limiting, what really matters is farmers being able to choose the best pasture products for their farms.” – Martin Harmer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can count on Massie swede for reliable winter feed. This new generation, early maturing variety delivers high yield potential, improved dry rot tolerance, and excellent palatability. Attractive with its yellow flesh and purple skin, Massie is just as good on the table as it is in the paddock - making it the only swede your livestock will ever need. Find out more about Massie here: www.agricom.co.nz/products/brassicas-and-beets/swede/massie See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Al & Juddy sit down with Canterbury deer farmer Stu Stokes to explore the unique quirks of farming deer and the role of forages in driving performance, from how day length shapes appetite and reproduction, to the strategies Stu uses around weaning, mating and feeding. This conversation sheds light on the practical realities of running a successful deer system. “Every day you fawn a hind earlier, you could pick up 450 grams a day. So four days earlier means nearly two kilograms on your weaning weight - and that’s huge, because it’s hard to achieve those numbers once they’re off mum.” - Stu Stokes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Al & Juddy as they sit down with Robyn Dynes – Bioeconomy Science Institute - AgResearch Principal Scientist and Farmer Engagement Specialist, 2025 recipient of Lincoln University's highest honour, the Bledisloe Medal and most recently the winner of the Champion Award at the 2025 Primary Industries New Zealand Awards. Robyn is a pioneering figure in agricultural research whose career has spanned both sides of the Tasman. From Lincoln in the 1980s, to tackling salinity challenges in Western Australia, and returning to New Zealand during a period of significant transformation in the sector, Robyn brings rich insight and perspective. In this episode, Robyn transcends the key research themes and pressing issues that have shaped New Zealand agriculture through the decades. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Al & Juddy welcome Richard Green to the podcast! Together, they dive into the future of New Zealand agriculture, discussing the role of technology, shifting consumer demand and the challenges of a changing climate. They explore why farmers must set ambitious goals, embrace disruption, and rethink how they capture value to ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of the industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Internal parasite control in New Zealand sheep farming is one of the single biggest challenges to efficient sheep production. In this episode, Al & Juddy sit down with veterinarian and farm advisor Trevor Cook to explore the history, challenges, and future of parasite management. They discuss the growing resistance to anthelmintic drugs, why traditional drenching strategies are no longer enough, and the need for a more holistic, farm system based approach. From pasture management to alternative forages, this conversation covers how farmers can reduce parasite burdens without over-relying on chemical treatments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When ordering your seed this season, consider protecting your grasses during those critical first six weeks with Superstrike® seed treatment. Shifting weather patterns can lead to increased soil and pest challenges, potentially hindering your pastures before they are even established. Adding seed treatment to your next pasture order is as simple as requesting it from your rural merchant. Even better, all of our grass varieties available this season can be supplied with Superstrike® seed treatment. Give your pastures the best start possible! Find out more here: www.agricom.co.nz/products/seed-treatment or www.seedtreatment.co.nz/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Annual ryegrass is a great fit for any landscape due to its short season nature. In temperate climates like New Zealand, tetraploid annual ryegrass provides valuable bursts of feed between cropping cycles. Agricom's brand new annual variety Revel stands out with its consistent ability to recover from a range of environmental conditions. It’s the ideal choice to follow summer crops like maize or chicory, delivering punches of winter feed to your farm system before spring rolls around again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Al & Juddy explore the power of plantain from a common weed that has been commercialised into a valuable forage plant for animals. Ecotain® environmental plantain is the only plantain scientifically proven to dilute, delay, reduce and restrict nitrogen leaching from the urine patch. Beyond its environmental benefits, plantain offers high mineral content which helps defend against L3 larvae. Whether you’re looking to meet nitrogen leaching targets, boost animal health with micronutrients or provide summer resilient forage for your stock, Ecotain is a versatile solution for any farming system. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legion marked the beginning of Al’s second generation of succession planning as Agricom’s Product Development Manager. This versatile perennial ryegrass is well suited to a range of conditions, from cold environments and late season challenges to milder winter climates. With characteristics such as low aftermath seedhead and strong resilience, Legion is an all round performer you can rely on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Including Attribute white clover in your pastures offers significant benefits, from boosting milksolid production, improving pasture management and by providing natural nitrogen cycling. What sets Attribute apart is that it's bred right here in New Zealand. Its genetic plasticity and adaptability to different environments and management styles makes it perfectly suited for Kiwi farmers and farming systems. Make Attribute your go-to white clover this season to drive production on any farm type. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three60 had big shoes to fill as the successor to the iconic ONE50 perennial ryegrass. Al & Juddy explore Three60's improvements, including its ability to stay vegetative year round, a low aftermath seedhead trait and greater drymatter production and rust tolerance. Looking for a high powered pasture? Three60's outstanding summer and autumn performance paired with its late season quality might just be the perfect fit for your farming system. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Al & Juddy explore the importance of paddock rotations and long term planning in farming systems. They outline the potential of a 7-10 year plan, ranging from grass-to-grass transitions to more complex systems that incorporate crops like fodder beet, kale, and lucerne. These planned cropping cycles can stack yields, tackle hard-to-kill weeds, and streamline farm management. No matter your farm type, this discussion offers valuable insights into transforming unproductive paddocks and improving overall efficiency with forward thinking. “Stacking yields in a well designed rotation allows you to maximise productivity and capture more feed across different seasons, ultimately making the best use of your land.’ – Allister Moorhead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.