#117 The Value of Improving Sheep Genetics - Interview with Mark Ferguson

Nan Bray is a sheep farmer in Tasmania where she runs her company White Gum Wool. In this Wool Academy Podcast interview, Nan explains her three commitments of excellence in sheep nutrition, conservation land ethic and thoughtful animal welfare.

Tom and Sophie Holt raise Dohne Merinos on their farm Coonong Station in Australia. Coonong Station is RWS and Authentico accredited as well as being the only Australian wool producer to be Certified Humane. Coonong station is a declared native wildlife sanctuary and also operates a kangaroo rescue, rehab release facility and is all WIRES certified for native wildlife rescues and rehabilitation.Sophie is studying to become a Master of Science in International Animal Ethics, Welfare and Law through the University of Edinburgh. In this podcast episode, she explains how animal welfare is practiced for all animals living at Coonong station.

Nora and Viktor Jelinek run a business by the name Visual Narrative. They are specialised in helping companies tell their stories successfully through photography. They are particularly focused on helping sustainable and socially conscious businesses succeed through their beautiful images. In this episode, Nora and Viktor Jelinek share insights into how also businesses in the wool industry can benefit from storytelling and how to go about it.

Dr. Paul Swan is the Program Manager of the sustainability standard Sustainawool at the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX). In this Wool Academy Podcast interview, Paul Swan provides details about Sustainawool and discusses challenges and opportunities for sustainability standards within the wool industry.

Cody Nicholson-Stratton shares the story of how he and his husband Thomas were looking to diversify their family's farm and promote sustainability for future generations. Together with two more generations living and working on the farm, the two expanded the farm to include rabbits, chickens, sheep, goats, and grass-fed beef. They pride themselves in bringing food and fiber that has been ethically raised in a climate beneficial system to the local consumers; providing nutrient-dense protein, luxurious fiber, and preserving open landscapes for future generations.

Susan Finnigan together with her husband, son, and daughter-in-law grow fine merino wool on their sheep property Kia Ora in Australia. The farm is certified for several animal welfare and sustainability standards and their outstanding work has been recognised by several industry awards. In this interview, Susan shares details about how she and her family grow ethical, sustainable, and profitable wool.

Verena Keller is the Managing Director Sales, Marketing and Product at Know Your Stuff - an online platform that makes the textile supply chain fully transparent and traceable from fibre to finished product. In this episode, Verena Keller explains why there is an ever-growing desire to know where products came from as well as how and by whom they were made.

Ian Whiteford is responsible for Sustainability and Compliance at the Schottish weaving company Alex Begg. In this interview, Ian Whiteford shares insights about how the company started implementing its sustainability strategy and the lessons learned on the way.

Pam and Andre Christie-Smith farm in 6th generation on their sheep farm Kleiheuwel Trust in South Africa. In this episode, they share insights into their everyday farm life of running a sustainable and animal welfare friendly farm. They explain how they know if their sheep are happy through good shepherding and by looking at the numbers.

Mark Ferguson is an Agricultural Geneticist specialised in sheep and other natural fibre animal breeds. Mark is also the host of the Head Shepherd podcast. On this show, Mark and Elisabeth talk sheep genetics and the importance of telling the wool story.