The Weekly Grill

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.  

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.    

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.  

In this week's episode of the Weekly Grill, host Kerry Lonergan catches up with Matt Dalgliesh and Chris Howie to dissect what’s been a ‘goldilocks year’ for the red meat industry.   Reviewing some of the year's major headlines, the trio discuss: The lamb market’s spring flush Lamb fetching upwards of $330 a kilo Australia's highest volumes of processed beef for 47 years Did Trump’s yo-yo approach to tariffs have any impact? Indonesia’s declining herd numbers. What does this mean for the rest of the world? Cattle Councils review of the cattle levy Expanding capacities in feedlots The number of feedlots coming onto the market Skilled labour supplies in regional Australia - is it still an issue? Property values The mood in the sale yard … plus more And 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.    

The use of drones on farms and grazing properties has grown dramatically over the past few years. Drones are now routinely being used for monitoring, mapping, spraying... and in some situations mustering stock. This week podcast host Kerry Lonergan caught up with one of the industry's early adopters, Jack Sykes, co-principal of AgriDrone, to discuss the rise of the use and application of drones for agricultural purposes, and how they're changing the way people farm. The crowd of 480 cattle producers attending the recent CA Cattle Connect annual event in Dalby saw a demonstration of a specialised eight-rotor drone employing a hopper with 30kg capacity, used for woody weed control in larger areas.   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.