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With the start of the new year, more signs are appearing for the sheep industry. The majority of these signs are positive and are pointing towards an exciting year for the industry. In this episode, hear from the South Island Livestock Manager for PGG Wrightson, Shane Gerken about how prices have looked over the summer break and what they’re shifting towards. We also hear from a young up and coming sheep breeder, Jasper Hewlett-Coffey about what he plans to do as part of a new generation of sheep breeders. Hank Vogler, a sheep farmer based in Nevada, U.S.A, gives his insight on what lamb in the US is looking like and how this might affect New Zealand.

Selecting sheep for their lower methane traits could be a great tool for farmers, if emissions pricing is on the cards. Cool Sheep Programme Manager Dr Cynthia Lawrence discusses how they are using gene selection to breed lower methane sheep. Central Otago farmer Emma Crutchley shares how they’ve tackled emissions reductions on her family farm, using a range of actions, including a larger arable component, which led to a reduction in stocking rate.

An extract from a new book by Dr. Annette O'Sullivan, from Massey University School of Design and renowned New Zealand photographer Jane Ussher that records the impact of the 180-year-old wool industry from iconic historic shearing sheds of Aotearoa New Zealand. Words Annette O’Sullivan, Photos Jane Ussher.

Farmers who love annual clovers can try out two more varieties from autumn 2026 tested on the Canterbury Plains as well as in Perth and eastern Australia. Words Joanna Grigg.

At their wits' end after years of failed pour-on treatments and plunge dipping, the innovation of MSD Animal Health’s Flexolt is being praised as a game-changer by Marlborough farmers, Eric and Sally Smith, as they use the first ever oral lice treatment for sheep. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Drench resistance has been a ticking time bomb for a while. North Canterbury veterinarian Erin Riley first saw the signs of it in the UK before she moved to New Zealand, but was confident that the evolution f combination drenches would buy enough time - she was wrong. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

The breakthrough of low-cost DNA parentage data across commercial flocks is here thanks to some Kiwi No. 8 wire innovation, based on modified fencing pliers and designed by a geneticist who grew up with Merino. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photo Sharron Bennett.

Whether you’re a Merino breeder or looking to purchase rams for a commercial flock, the new MERINOSELECT indexes can hold the key to improving a flock's genetic merit. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

Waihopai Downs’ Tom and Emma O’Sullivan share their passion for super-fine Merinos, kicking career goals together as they build towards their own stud at Emma’s family property, which they lease in the high country of west Marlborough. Words Joanna Grigg.

Benmore Station has been the classroom for stock manager Luke Duncan to soak up knowledge in Merino breeding as the industry evolves to more dual-purpose animals. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Photos Anna Munro.