Advertise on podcast: So I Herd

In this episode Prue Adams speaks with Dr Karl Kerns, Assistant Professor of Animal Sciences at Iowa State University, about why male fertility could be one of the most important frontiers in improving beef production. As global demand for high-quality protein rises, Dr Kerns explains how cattle can help convert human-inedible forages into valuable nutrition — and why improving reproductive efficiency is central to producing more with less. The conversation explores the limitations of traditional bull breeding soundness examinations, including why good motility, morphology and physical structure do not always equal true fertility. Dr Kerns discusses emerging research into biomarkers, AI-assisted sperm assessment and label-free technologies that may one day help vets and producers identify higher-fertility sires more objectively, quickly and affordably. For Australian cattle veterinarians, the key message is clear: fertility is dynamic, male reproductive performance deserves closer attention, and future gains in beef productivity will depend on combining practical field knowledge with new reproductive technologies.

In this episode of So I Herd, Prue Adams speaks with veterinarian and research scientist Melissa George from Bovine Dynamics about the fast-moving world of feedlot consultancy. Melissa takes us inside an early-morning feedlot visit, from horseback pen riding and hospital checks to autopsies, data monitoring and exit meetings with management teams. She also explores the vital relationship between veterinarians and nutritionists, the nutritional diseases seen in feedlots, the role of emerging technologies such as automated bunk scoring, and why consistent feeding, testing and science-based decision-making are central to animal health and performance.

What happens when a dairy vet meets a data obsession? New Zealand veterinarian and self-confessed data nerd Krispin Kannan takes us inside the rapidly growing world of livestock wearables, where nearly a third of New Zealand's dairy herd is now generating real-time data on health, reproduction and behaviour. From collars and ear tags to cameras, drones and AI-powered analytics, Krispin explains how technology is helping farmers and vets detect problems earlier, make more informed decisions and improve both productivity and animal welfare. But as he argues, the real value isn't in collecting data - it's in acting on the insights. The future of dairy farming isn't replacing stockmanship; it's making good decisions even better. "We're turning something that's unseen into something that's seen, and that changes the conversation," Krispin Kannan.   "The algorithm says the animal has deviated from its normal behaviour. Our job is to figure out why," Krispin Kannan.

In this energetic and wide-ranging episode, host Prue Adams sits down with veterinarian and innovator Enoch Bergman, whose journey from a tiny Colorado town of just 12 people to rural Western Australia is anything but ordinary. Enoch shares how a chance conversation led him “just for a year” to Esperance - only for it to become home, business, and community. Now a partner in a thriving multi-vet practice, he reflects on the power of saying yes, taking risks, and “having a crack.” A leader in Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) control, Enoch unpacks his pioneering work establishing Australia’s first commercial PI diagnostic lab and the real-world impact of BVDV on herd productivity. He explains why vets must move beyond the “fire engine” model into consultancy roles - acting as connectors, innovators, and trusted advisors for producers. The conversation dives into: The evolving role of cattle veterinarians and the pressure from non-veterinary service providers. Why pregnancy diagnosis remains critical to veterinary practice viability. The importance of on-farm veterinary presence for biosecurity and disease surveillance. Communicating the livestock industry’s value to a wider, often disconnected public. Enoch also shares his growing reach as “Enoch the Cow Vet” on YouTube, using storytelling to bridge the gap between producers and consumers, and advocating for a more proactive narrative around animal welfare and agriculture. Packed with humour, honesty, and hard-won insight, this episode is a compelling call for vets and producers alike to embrace opportunity, communicate their value, and stay curious.

Australia’s cattle veterinary profession is at a pivotal moment, grappling with workforce shortages, changing client expectations, rapid technological advances and the growing impact of corporatisation. In this first episode of Season 2, Prue speaks with three ACV past Presidents Professor Paul Cusack, Dr Scott Parry and Dr Stacey Rae who span the decades of 1970s through to now, as they paint a revealing picture of a sector in transition - and one full of opportunity. With traditional mixed practice evolving from individual animal care to whole-of-production system management, vets are increasingly acting as advisers across nutrition, reproduction and herd health. While this shift creates exciting consultancy pathways, it also exposes gaps in structured postgraduate education and clear career progression for early and mid‑career vets. Listen as the panel highlights the need for strong mentorship, flexible work models and better support for a workforce that is becoming increasingly female and family-focused. The rise of AI and real-time data analysis promises to transform decision‑making, yet also demands new skills to manage an ever-growing “data tsunami”. Against this backdrop, corporatisation continues to reshape rural practice - bringing capital and scale, but sometimes at the cost of continuity, local knowledge and mentorship. Encouragingly, renewed interest in locally owned practices shows the enduring value of trusted relationships in rural communities. And finally, for students, early career vets and industry leaders, the message is clear: adaptability, broad experience and lifelong learning will be key to securing a sustainable and rewarding future in cattle veterinary practice.

Dr. Mike Laurence reflects on a career that’s spanned clinical practice, academia, and now industry leadership at Meat & Livestock Australia. From working through the UK’s foot-and-mouth outbreak to pioneering research in pain management and animal welfare, Mike shares insights on the evolving role of cattle vets, the importance of communication, and why you’re never truly stuck in your career. A powerful close to the season, packed with practical advice and inspiration for vets at every stage.

In this episode, Dr. Jill Kelly shares her bold leap from a secure government role to launching her own livestock consultancy—complete with a subscription model, paid newsletters, and a thriving online presence as “Miss Vet.” Jill talks candidly about building a business from scratch, charging for conversations vets often give away for free, and balancing her work with side hustles in art and cattle trading. It’s a story of reinvention, resilience, and redefining what a vet career can look like.

From jackaroo to pathologist, Dr. Mark Hazelton’s journey into cattle veterinary science is anything but typical. In this episode, Mark shares how his background in agricultural science and global farm experience shaped his passion for diagnostics, biosecurity, and the power of data. Now working at the Elizabeth MacArthur Agricultural Institute (NSW DPIRD), he discusses emerging threats, the role of AI in veterinary practice, and why communication and prevention are key to the future of cattle health. A must-listen for vets, students, and data-curious ag professionals.

In this inspiring episode, we follow the remarkable 50-year journey of Dr. Bill Tranter—from a dairy farm kid in Far North Queensland to a pioneering cattle vet and industry leader. Bill shares how he built one of Australia’s largest rural vet practices, introduced herd health programs, flew planes to remote farms, and mentored generations of vets. With passion, humility, and a love for cattle medicine, Bill’s story is a masterclass in seizing opportunity and building lasting relationships.

In this debut episode, host Prue Adams chats with three trailblazing cattle vets—Dr. Alan Guilfoyle, Associate Professor Dr. John House, and Dr. Alison Gunn—about their remarkable journeys, career pivots, and the evolving role of veterinarians in Australia’s cattle industry. From solo bush practice to cutting-edge herd health consultancy, they share candid insights, advice for early-career vets, and a shared vision for proactive, herd-level care. Plus, don’t miss the golden rule: never skip smoko!