Behind The Collective

Behind The Collective

por The Livestock Collective
Building a Future in Wool with Tom Squiers
Tom Squiers is a passionate shearer and farmer. While he once thought a career in business finance was on the cards, Tom realised that shearing was the pathway he needed to pursue to build his future and follow his passion for the wool industry. He hasn't looked back since. In this episode, Tom shares how he got his start in shearing, the opportunities the industry has provided, and the lessons he has learned along the way. We also discuss how his experiences in the shearing shed are shaping the farmer he hopes to become and his vision for the future of the wool industry. Join us for a great chat about career pathways, personal growth, and the people and experiences that make the wool industry such a rewarding place to build a future.
The Value of the Merino with Corey Dixon (Tammin) & Derek Curwen (South Stirling)
The Value of the Merino: Why Are Merinos Important to Your Business? This episode is a recording from the recent Value of the Merino webinar, delivered as part of The Livestock Collective and Australian Wool Innovation Partner Program. Featuring Corey Dixon (Tammin), & Derek Curwen (South Stirling) Two growers running Merinos in very different regions, share why sheep are an important part of their businesses. From containment feeding setups to the systems they wish they had implemented years earlier, they offer practical insights and honest experiences. The conversation covers everything from pasture management and the role sheep play, to what day-to-day operations look like, advice for the family farm Whattsapp actually and how they keep track of sheep numbers. They touch on the challenges they face while looking ahead with clear ambitions for the future. Another great discussion between growers part of the AWI and TLC Partner Program.
The Value of the Merino with Hugh Morgan (Bencubbin), Rivers Hyde (Ongerup) & Sascha Squiers (Quairading)
The Value of the Merino: Why Are Merinos Important to Your Business? This episode is a converted recording from the Value of the Merino webinar, delivered as part of The Livestock Collective and Australian Wool Innovation Partner Program. The program is focused on connecting with and supporting WA wool growers through podcasts, webinars, field days, and events across the state. In this session, a panel of growers from different regions of Western Australia discuss their farming enterprises, the role Merinos play within their businesses, and how they are planning and positioning their operations for 2026 and beyond. Featuring: Hugh Morgan (Bencubbin) Rivers Hyde (Ongerup) Sascha Squiers (Quairading)
Sheep Reproduction Series – Session Two: Pregnancy Management
This is a converted episode from a webinar held in February 2026 with Dr Michyalla Seal, part of the AWI & TLC Partner Program. It is the second session in the Sheep Reproduction Series. Discussion on: - The value of pregnancy scanning - can I get return on investment? - Can management during pregnancy affect lifetime performance of lambs? - Key management decisions for successful lambing, including containment and risk-management options - Touch on vaccination considerations - What can you do if issues observed - Considerations during pregnancy to maximise lamb survivability
Sheep Reproduction: Seasonality, Ewe Lambs, and Maximising Lambing
This is a podcast episode converted over from a recent webinar, Sheep Reproduction: Seasonality, Ewe Lambs, and Maximising Lambing The webinar with Dr Michyalla Seal, was part of the AWI & TLC Partner program discussing seasonality in sheep, what it means, and the ways it can be mitigated through management. What to focus on to maximise lamb numbers by considering the controllable factors. In addition, it will highlight key considerations for future years, including feed management and teasers. The webinar also touched on ewe lambs, outlining the key yes and no’s when it comes to breeding them. Concluding with a Q&A session, answering submitted questions as well as any additional questions.
Talking Beyond the Shed
In this episode, we chat with WASIA Executive Officer and Beyond the Shed Program Director, Valerie Pretzel, alongside Darren Spencer, WASIA President and Beyond the Shed Contractor Mentor. This episode is a little different, as I also share my role outside of hosting the podcast and how I’ll be involved as part of the Beyond the Shed team. Together, we talk about what the program is, why it was created, and how it will support contractors, regional businesses, and shearing teams across Western Australia. https://wasia.com.au/beyond-the-shed/
From First Run to Finish Line: Nikita Jamson’s Shearing Story
Nikita Jamson didn’t own a handpiece when she first entered the shearing industry. Just three years on, she’s turned the physical demands of the job into fitness for her triathlon training, used the flexibility of the work to complete her degree, invested her income into property, and built a network that’s helping shape her future in agriculture. We caught up with Nikita to hear her story - how she got started, what the industry has taught her, and why she believes more young people should give it a go.
Paddock to Product: Bridgitte Brooks
Homestead Road is an Australian Merino wool athleisurewear brand founded by fifth-generation wool producer Bridgitte Brooks. In this episode, we dive into Bridgitte’s story as a wool producer in Western Australia, exploring the hows and whys behind launching a fashion brand. We talk about what makes Merino wool so special, her journey from paddock to product, and what she loves most about working with wool and so much more.
Bella Wilshusen: From Gap Year to University Lecturer in the North
We caught up with Bella Wilshusen between campdraft runs. She's a vet nurse turned university lecturer at Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory. Like many others, she headed north for a gap year — and never left. So if you're thinking about doing the same, this episode is for you.
Jodie Pengle: Crop Talk from the Kimberley
Jodie Pengel was originally a Wheatbelt girl in Western Australia, she shares what it takes to be an agronomist in Kununurra - from how and when to grow cotton, to why everyone should consider doing a stint in the north.
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