The Weekly Grill

S6 Ep17: Graeme Acton Beef Connections program member, Millie Unthank 05.06.2026 24m

Along with eight other young beef industry stakeholders, NSW's Millie Unthank is one of this year's Graeme Acton Beef Connections program participants. In this episode of The Weekly Grill, Kerry Lonergan interviews Millie, Ag Tech Manager for the McDonald family's MDH operations in North Queensland. She outlines her rural upbringing, studies in bioengineering and computer science, and how she moved from southern saleyards to managing large‑scale agtech in northern beef production. The pair discuss the importance of clean, foundational data for AI and decision‑making, balancing traditional stockmanship with automation, connectivity solutions like Starlink, and Millie’s recent, early experiences as part of the Graeme Acton Beef Connections Program. Millie is also writing a monthly diary countdown towards the Beef Connections program's conclusion at Beef 2027 in Rocky next May, appearing on Beef Central. Click here to read her first entry, published today. The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6

S6 Ep16: TFI's Darren Thomas on China Tariffs and the Murray Bridge Comeback 29.05.2026 31m

In today's episode of The Weekly Grill, host Kerry Lonergan interviews Darren Thomas, CEO of Thomas Foods International, about the company’s growth from family beginnings to a multi-billion-dollar global business. They discuss key issues including China tariffs and trade challenges, the rebuilding of Murray Bridge after the 2018 fire, expansion into the US, goat and seafood operations, feedlot growth, labour and technology pressures, and food security. Darren also reflects on community support, the importance of youth pathways into agriculture, and how innovation and international investment shape the future of Australian processing and exports.

S6 Ep15: Live export industry veteran, Dick Slaney 22.05.2026 27m

In this episode of The Weekly Grill Kerry Lonergan interviews veteran cattleman Dick Slaney about his extraordinary career from North Queensland to Venezuela, the US and across Asia. Dick recounts hands-on experiences in live export, feedlots and abattoirs, his role in introducing stunning practices in Indonesia, and reflections on the resilience and changing dynamics of the Australia–Indonesia beef trade. He also discusses the impacts of trade suspensions, rising competition from cheaper imports, cultural lessons learned while working in Asia, and the people and mentors who shaped his life and career. The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6

S6 Ep14: "If FMD gets in, you’re broke": stark warning from Dr Ross Ainsworth 14.05.2026 31m

In this episode Kerry Lonergan interviews respected Australian Cattle Vet Dr Ross Ainsworth about the growing threat of exotic livestock diseases discussed at the recent Wagyu Edge 26 conference in Brisbane. Dr Ainsworth explains how foot-and-mouth disease could abruptly close export markets, devastate herd values and force mass culling, and describes how lumpy skin disease spreads, its impacts and available vaccines. The conversation covers recent outbreaks in Southeast Asia, biosecurity risks from travellers and feral animals, preparedness options including vaccination and surveillance, and the importance of reporting suspected cases to protect Australia’s industry... and more. In Australia, suspected exotic animal diseases should be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888

S6 Ep13 - When Fuel Fails: Australia’s Food Security on the Line 05.05.2026 25m

In this week's episode of The Weekly Grill Kerry Lonergan speaks with Andrew Henderson of AgSecure about how fuel and fertiliser shortages expose critical weaknesses in Australia’s food system. They discuss diesel as a ‘‘master constraint,’’ the risks of just-in-time supply chains, and the need for a national food security strategy, strategic stockpiles and greater domestic and regional production capabilities. The conversation covers policy options such as prioritising agriculture for fuel in crises, building sovereign capacity for fertilisers and crop protection inputs, and leveraging regional partnerships to strengthen resilience. The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6

S6 Ep12: May Market Update - La Niña, diesel shortages and a record cow sell-off 01.05.2026 29m

In this episode of The Weekly Grill host Kerry Lonergan is joined by Matt Dalgleish and Chris Howie to break down the latest market movements and regional conditions affecting Australian livestock. They discuss the BOM La Niña forecast and its regional impacts, the record sell-off of cows in New South Wales, diesel and urea supply pressures, disruptions to live sheep exports and changing export demand, and how these factors are shaping lamb and beef prices and opportunities for breeders and buyers. Key takeaways include short-term price outlooks, transport and input constraints, and practical investment ideas—such as store cattle, heifers and Merino lambs—for producers with feed and infrastructure.

S6 Ep11: Inside Australia's biggest Wagyu gathering 24.04.2026 21m

In this weeks episode of The Weekly Grill, host Kerry Lonergan takes the roving microphone through Wagyu Edge 26 in Brisbane, talking with more than 900 breeders, exhibitors and international guests about genetics, market opportunities, biosecurity risks and the growing quality of Australian Wagyu. Attendees share insights on breeding, phenotype data, export markets... and their cooking preferences. The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6

S6 Ep10: Wagyu Edge 26 - Australia’s rise from niche to global powerhouse 17.04.2026 36m

In today's episode of The Weekly Grill, host Kerry Lonergan visited Wagyu Edge 26 in Brisbane to catch up with AWA's president Laird Morgan and CEO Matt McDonagh to explore the explosive growth of Australian Wagyu, export markets, genetics (WBVs), feeding trends and industry opportunities... plus a new $100,000 Wagyu feeding competition and more. AWA President, Laird Morgan AWA CEO, Matt McDonagh The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6

S6 Ep9: How global conflict is shaping Australia's rural real estate 10.04.2026 29m

In this episode Kerry Lonergan speaks with Rawdon Briggs (Colliers Agribusiness) and independent valuer Will McLay about current trends in Australia’s rural property market. They discuss the impact of the Middle East conflict, sector pressures on horticulture, resilient beef and cropping markets, buyer and seller motivations, and major transactions like the potential Paraway offering. Key takeaways include buyer segmentation by asset size, succession planning driving listings, regional hotspots and water rights importance, the role of institutional and family investors, and how interest rates, fuel, fertiliser and Queensland land tax are influencing deals and sentiment.

S6 Ep8: The rise of Smart tags as a valuable herd management tool, with Ceres' Greg Campbell 27.03.2026 29m

The recent Northern Beef Research Update Conference in Brisbane was peppered with references to the use of smart tags in various R&D applications, combining geo-location with algorithms used to measure animal behaviour. US animal scientist Professor Derek Bailey first started using primitive forms of geo-location tags as far back as 1998, but the technology has come a long ways since. This week podcast host Kerry Lonergan and Beef Central’s Jon Condon sit down with Ceres Tags’ Greg Campbell, who also spoke during the NBRUC conference, and producer Jearn Liebenberg to discuss the advances in the technology and how it’s being applied in the industry. The episode covers the benefits of satellite-connected smart tag tech — including geolocation, behaviour and reproductive algorithms, and tag durability – plus practical on-farm advantages like theft prevention, quicker mustering and improved breeding decisions… and more. The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One – the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6

S6 Ep7: Derek Bailey - using data and technology to transform cattle management 19.03.2026 25m

In this week's episode, podcast host Kerry Lonergan sits down with Professor Derek Bailey, one of the keynote speakers at the 2026 Northern Beef Research Update Conference (NBRUC). Professor Bailey discusses the similarities between US and Australian rangelands (pastures), the role of public-land grazing, and how tracking technology, accelerometers and AI are transforming cattle monitorin. The visiting academic also speaks about engaging cattle producers through on-property research, the importance of record-keeping and monitoring, and broader challenges like public perception of grazing and market drivers behind heavier carcass weights in the US beef industry. The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6

S6 Ep6: Cattle industry leader David Foote: Are we spending our R&D dollars wisely? 13.03.2026 23m

The Weekly Grill podcast host Kerry Lonergan spent time at the Northern R&D conference in Brisbane this week, including this discussion with keynote speaker David Foote. Mr Foote said one of the industry’s biggest R&D opportunities lies not in new scientific breakthroughs, but applying the knowledge that already exists. “The industry doesn’t suffer from a lack of knowledge. It suffers from a lack of scale in applying it,” he said. Mr Foote said northern research over many years had identified clear management principles that consistently improve performance in commercial beef enterprises. One key message was that “profit follows pasture, and pasture condition.” Among other topics, the pair discuss the opportunities and challenges facing northern Australian beef production - including the scale benefits of the north, and barriers to adopting proven research and management practices. The episode also covers emerging technologies (remote sensing, Starlink, walk-over weighing), infrastructure and labour issues, market positioning for exports, and urgent biosecurity concerns such as lumpy skin disease and surveillance needs. The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6

S6 Ep5: Meat processor Paul Gibson - "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it." 06.03.2026 23m

In this week's episode of The Weekly Grill podcast host Kerry Lonergan talks with processor Paul Gibson, who recently retired after a distinguished 35-year career with Australian Country Choice in Brisbane. Paul's career - most recently as ACC's Research & Development manager - spanned the era from the introduction of Meat Standards Australia grading through to current-day adoption of objective carcase measurement technologies for meat quality and yield - and hundreds of developments in between. In today's episode he reflects on his frontline role in the early days of MSA, now recognised as the world's best beef grading system. He shares the gritty reality of pioneering a science-based eating quality model in the mid-1990s, the early battles fought to make it work with Brahman crossbred cattle, and why he always believed Australia could lead the world in the grading field. Paul was one of the original 12 MSA graders — selected from industry and the ICMJ program to be trained as the very first technologists when MSA launched in 1997, giving him a deep inside view of the system from day one. It's a candid, fascinating conversation with one of the industry's true unsung heroes. Other key takeaways: "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it" — Paul's driving philosophy meant he was often at the plant at midnight collecting data, insisting on rigorous, science-backed, third-party-verified evidence as the only way to make MSA (and later R&D programs) bulletproof and commercially credible. MSA is now entering its third stage of evolution — having moved from implementation, to global commercial adoption, the system now needs to expand beyond palatability to incorporate yield measurements, flavour, texture, and a deeper understanding of marbling's impact on eating quality. In other fields, Paul is passionate about lifting industry professionalism through the next generation — he has invested heavily in mentoring students through the ICMJ program (the Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging), believing that embedding young people in science and university networks is the key to the industry making its own decisions, rather than being directed by government. The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6

S6 Ep4: Alastair Rayner - Is production efficiency the secret to lower methane emissions? 27.02.2026 24m

In this week's episode of The Weekly Grill podcast host Kerry Lonergan talks with Beef Central's genetics editor Al Rayner, posing the question: Is production efficiency the secret to lower emissions? Alastair observes that productivity and profitability are inextricably linked to lower emissions — and that smarter farm management, not silver-bullet technology, is the most immediate path forward. Here's the main topics covered: Methane intensity over total output — Alistair says producers should shift focus from total methane produced to methane per kilo of beef, making efficient, fast-growing animals the real emissions win. Management first, technology second — Better reproduction rates, conception rates, and feed quality can reduce methane emissions right now, before investing in new genetics or feed additives. Genetic research is advancing — Leading organisations like Angus Australia, Wagyu Australia, CSIRO, and the University of New England are developing research breeding values (EBVs) for methane. Feedlots vs grazing — Feedlot cattle on high-quality diets produce significantly less methane than extensively grazed cattle on low-digestibility pastures, due to more efficient digestion. Productivity = profitability = lower emissions — 75–80pc of profitability variation comes down to how many kilos of beef are produced per hectrare. More efficient producers are automatically more profitable, and, lower-emission — the three goals are inseparable. The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6

S6 Ep3: Leveraging AI in agriculture with Jerome Leray 20.02.2026 27m

In this week's episode of The Weekly Grill podcast host Kerry Lonergan talks all things AI with Jerome Leray, founder and Managing Director of leading ag tech company, Infarm. InFarm is an Agricultural AI company focused on delivering ground breaking technology to farmers, using state of the art AI and advance technology to develop tools that will help farmers become more efficient, save money or become more profitable. In a wide ranging conversation, the pair discuss: Capturing data to unlock the potential of AI Practical example of how and where Ai is now being used in agriculture How Ai could be applied in genetics Opportunities for Australian ag tech to dominate world wide What farmers can do now to get integrate AI into their farming enterprises ... and more Jerome was awarded the Agricultural Ministers Emerging Leader Award in 2020 and has represented Australia at the Entrepreneurship World Cup. For his contributions to technology and agriculture Jerome received a QLD Community Achievement Award and led InFarm to be awarded the Australian Food and Agribusiness of the Year in 2019. The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6

S6 Ep2: Simon Quilty's take in 2026 for cattle and beef markets 13.02.2026 27m

Weekly Grill podcast host Kerry Lonergan this week sits down to chew the fat with independent analyst Simon Quilty, exploring the livestock and meat market prospects for the year ahead. Together the pair discuss likely impacts on trade this year, from China tariffs and quotas and their impact on Australian exports on imported beef, supply and demand patterns, the US herd size and what it means; Brazil - the growing numbers of cattle on feed and the potential threat to Australia’s exports to Japan and Korea; the rise in value of the A$; is lamb still in a boom cycle, and more. The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags Gen 6

S6 Ep1 Markets outlook with Chris Howie and Matt Dalgleish 06.02.2026 30m

Beef Central's ever-popular Weekly Grill podcast returns for its sixth season today, with host Kerry Lonergan exploring the livestock and meat market prospects for the year ahead with regular contributors Matt Dalgleish from Episode 3 and Chris Howie GM of RMA. Together the trio discuss likely impacts on trade this year, from seasonal conditions to China tariffs and quotas on imported beef, supply and demand patterns, Cattle Australia's review of the cattle levy and other topics. Matt and Chris proffer their thoughts on where the smart money might be in 2026! The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by: Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis. Ceres Tags

S5 Ep44: Newly appointed NFF President, Hamish Macintyre 12.12.2025 29m

In this week's episode of The Weekly Grill - our final episode for 2025 - host Kerry Lonergan sits down with newly elected president of the National Farmers Federation, Hamish Macintyre. In this wide ranging discussion Kerry quizzes new president about: The immediate priorities for the NFF Potential NFF constitutional changes Climate and emissions and the NFF’s environmental arrangements with the Greens The global supply chain The availability and affordability of Australian diesel supplies The European Union Energy costs Skilled labour challenges and housing affordability in rural and regional Australia … and more The Weekly Grill will return in 2026. Until then, have a safe Christmas break and all the best for the new year. The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis.

S5 Ep43: Derrell Peel, US Livestock Economist 05.12.2025 23m

Respected US meat and livestock economist Derrell Peel chews the fat this week with Weekly Grill podcast host Kerry Lonergan. Prof Peel, extension specialist for livestock marketing at Oklahoma State University, works in all areas of US livestock production economics and marketing for all beef cattle production sectors. Additionally he works on US meat demand and meat supply chain issues, beef product marketing and international cattle and beef trade. Among other topics, the pair discuss: US cattle prices and domestic production heading into 2026 Domestic beef demand Beef packer numbers being cut The impact on supply from Trump's tariffs on beef imports Brazilian beef imports US beef exports to China Where Australia fits in the US picture. Are there more opportunities for prime chilled beef in the US, as well as hamburger beef? The US experiment in the Wagyu market The US farm bill Derrell focusses on declining US cattle numbers and levels of beef production, but higher carcase weights. With a surplus of grain and the price of grain continuing to fall, some US cattle are now being fed for 190-200 days. But it appears US cattle are getting fatter rather than producing more lean beef. In fact, further to the typical ongoing issues of BRD in the feedlot, a new trend is seeing a growing number of cattle dying of cardiovascular disease shortly before their scheduled exit from the feedlot, posing the question: Are US cattle now obese? The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis.

S5 Ep42: Introducing Howdy - 'Tinder for the bush', with founder Mia Ryan 28.11.2025 24m

In this week’s episode of the Weekly Grill, host Kerry Lonergan catches up with Mia Ryan, founder of the dating App, Howdy – think Tinder for the bush. From her family farm in the NSW Hunter Valley, Mia recognised an opening to help bush people make a romantic connection, with more than 20,000 downloads among bush folk using the App in their search for love. And there’s been plenty of success stories along the way, with engagements, marriages and little ones already on the ground. Howdy isn’t just about dating, Mia says – it’s about building a network where anyone in rural Australia can find their match, share stories, and create a stronger community. The Weekly Grill is brought to listeners by Rhinogard and Bovi-Shield MH-One - the One Shot, One Spray, One Time BRD Vaccines by Zoetis.