At neXtgen Agri we are committed to enabling the extensive animal industries to make optimum rates of genetic gain by making timely and well-informed decisions. We know that efficient and transparent gene flow will unlock the potential of the extensive animal industries the world over. We are committed to converting the complicated language and systems of genetic science into intuitive decisions. We are committed to bringing genes to life. The customers for neXtgen Agri broadly fit… Show more At neXtgen Agri we are committed to enabling the extensive animal industries to make optimum rates of genetic gain by making timely and well-informed decisions. We know that efficient and transparent gene flow will unlock the potential of the extensive animal industries the world over. We are committed to converting the complicated language and systems of genetic science into intuitive decisions. We are committed to bringing genes to life. The customers for neXtgen Agri broadly fit into three main categories: 1, stud or nucleus breeding operations where we offer strategic advice on breeding programs, ongoing review of flock structures, data collection priorities and processes, assistance with sire selection and replacement female selection, data interrogation etc; 2, commercial producers where we utilise data capture and analysis to make better informed decisions around breeding and feeding; and, 3, industry bodies for whom we manage projects or parts of projects. Show less

Managing a passionate team making a difference to New Zealand agriculture through enabling farmers to be more profitable, sustainable and transparent. Current work streams include genetic resistance to footrot, on-sheep sensors to monitor welfare and development of a range of training materials

This position involved both teaching and research roles. The teaching involved writing and presenting lecture material to first year veterinary science and animal science undergraduates and second, third and fourth year animal science undergraduates. It also involved organising and running practical sessions. The topics covered in lecture and practical materials included: natural resource management, soil science and soil management, plant science and pasture production, livestock… Show more This position involved both teaching and research roles. The teaching involved writing and presenting lecture material to first year veterinary science and animal science undergraduates and second, third and fourth year animal science undergraduates. It also involved organising and running practical sessions. The topics covered in lecture and practical materials included: natural resource management, soil science and soil management, plant science and pasture production, livestock production and animal breeding and genetics. In addition, the supervision of honours and PhD students was an important part of this role. My research within this role focuses on the biological implications of selection for increases in productivity in farm animals. Show less

Within this role I established a comprehensive research portfolio investigating ways to ensure and improve livestock production profitability and sustainability through the use of appropriate animal breeding and nutrition strategies. This work aimed to identify balanced breeding approaches that result in animals that are well suited to their production system and environment, therefore enabling the maximisation of productivity, profitability and sustainability. More specifically, the current… Show more Within this role I established a comprehensive research portfolio investigating ways to ensure and improve livestock production profitability and sustainability through the use of appropriate animal breeding and nutrition strategies. This work aimed to identify balanced breeding approaches that result in animals that are well suited to their production system and environment, therefore enabling the maximisation of productivity, profitability and sustainability. More specifically, the current work aimed to identify methods to maximise maternal efficiency in sheep production systems. This work required active engagement of land managers for on-farm experiments and extension, of scientists for collaborative research and peer review and of funding bodies and administrators primarily at the national level for ongoing support. This role also required me to present information to a diverse range of producer groups around Australia. Show less

This role involved managing key areas of a large Merino ewe research project funded by Australian Wool Innovation which focussed on the importance of ewe nutrition in Merino production profitability. The project known as “Lifetime Wool” aimed to quantify the impact of maternal nutrition on the lifetime performance of progeny. I was responsible for the management of data collection, analysis and interpretation for the Victorian component of this national project. I was also one of the key… Show more This role involved managing key areas of a large Merino ewe research project funded by Australian Wool Innovation which focussed on the importance of ewe nutrition in Merino production profitability. The project known as “Lifetime Wool” aimed to quantify the impact of maternal nutrition on the lifetime performance of progeny. I was responsible for the management of data collection, analysis and interpretation for the Victorian component of this national project. I was also one of the key members of the team that developed and implemented the extension package to Australian sheep producers. “Lifetime Wool” experienced unprecedented success in changing farmer attitudes towards the nutritional management of breeding ewes and resulted in significant practice change across the sheep industry in Australia (see www.lifetimewool.com.au). During this time I also managed an Angora goat sire evaluation project that was funded by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. Show less

This position involved a range of sheep and wool based projects. Duties included data collection, database management, organisation and completion of fieldwork, assistance with project leadership, development of research/extension proposals and conducting producer field days. During this time I was involved in setting up and evaluating sheep genetics through the establishment of progeny testing sites on wool producers’ properties. I was also involved in the extensive testing of the wool… Show more This position involved a range of sheep and wool based projects. Duties included data collection, database management, organisation and completion of fieldwork, assistance with project leadership, development of research/extension proposals and conducting producer field days. During this time I was involved in setting up and evaluating sheep genetics through the establishment of progeny testing sites on wool producers’ properties. I was also involved in the extensive testing of the wool measurement device OFDA2000 soon after its release, furthering my knowledge of wool metrology. Show less