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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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