The Sheep Geeks Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:47:02 +0100 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2039387 en-gb © 2026 The Sheep Geeks yes 24426bd8-6ec0-57c9-b32a-660ff15d56ce Liz Genever and Nerys Wright episodic false Nerys Wright is an independent sheep consultant who loves talking about parasites and body condition score.

Liz Genever is an independent sheep consultant who loves talking about grass, forage and soil, and body condition score.

Together they are the sheep geeks. This podcast series launched October 2024. Liz and Nerys will be interviewing a range of sheep farmers, consultants, vets and academics from the UK and any other countries who have sheep. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Liz Genever and Nerys Wright https://storage.buzzsprout.com/g5skqgslep8k5odsk7btvugpgtda?.jpg The Sheep Geeks https://www.buzzsprout.com/2039387 Episode 22: Trying to not scare people about bluetongue with Jonathan Hobbs Episode 22: Trying to not scare people about bluetongue with Jonathan Hobbs Nerys and Liz talks to Jonathan who is a vet working in the Bluetongue outbreak in Devon. He shares his experiences and provide background to the virus. We also talk about next steps for farmers this autumn as we try and prevent it affecting next year's lamb crop.

Links mentioned:

Bluetongue: latest situation - GOV.UK

 North Park Veterinary Farm | North Tawton | Facebook

 Bluetongue virus | Virus | The Pirbright Institute

 Membership explained - Sheep Veterinary Society


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Nerys and Liz talks to Jonathan who is a vet working in the Bluetongue outbreak in Devon. He shares his experiences and provide background to the virus. We also talk about next steps for farmers this autumn as we try and prevent it affecting next year's lamb crop.

Links mentioned:

Bluetongue: latest situation - GOV.UK

 North Park Veterinary Farm | North Tawton | Facebook

 Bluetongue virus | Virus | The Pirbright Institute

 Membership explained - Sheep Veterinary Society


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-19641615 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0100 4685 full false Episode 21: Tick facts with Matt Colston Episode 21: Tick facts with Matt Colston Matt Colston is a vet and works for Elanco. He is heavily involved with Sheep Veterinary Society and Moredun Foundation. He was previously in practice in Scotland and Cumbria. 

He talks us through the issues around ticks and how our thinking around control needs to change as the hills alters with more vegetation and different stock being grazed. Let alone the changing weather patterns!

Links mentioned:

Questing ticks: Tick Questing

 Moredun louping ill Donate to Bring a New Louping Ill Vaccine to Market | Moredun

A2K - https://my.elanco.com/en_gb/cpd/ruminant/a2k

Be The Change event on 9th July - https://www.carboncalling.farm/liz-event

Downland events - https://www.downland.co.uk/news/join-us-for-our-upcoming-shaping-future-flocks-roadshow


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Matt Colston is a vet and works for Elanco. He is heavily involved with Sheep Veterinary Society and Moredun Foundation. He was previously in practice in Scotland and Cumbria. 

He talks us through the issues around ticks and how our thinking around control needs to change as the hills alters with more vegetation and different stock being grazed. Let alone the changing weather patterns!

Links mentioned:

Questing ticks: Tick Questing

 Moredun louping ill Donate to Bring a New Louping Ill Vaccine to Market | Moredun

A2K - https://my.elanco.com/en_gb/cpd/ruminant/a2k

Be The Change event on 9th July - https://www.carboncalling.farm/liz-event

Downland events - https://www.downland.co.uk/news/join-us-for-our-upcoming-shaping-future-flocks-roadshow


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-19426674 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0100 3756 full false Episode 20: Parasite Q&A with Nerys and Liz Episode 20: Parasite Q&A with Nerys and Liz Nerys finally gets her dream to talk about parasites for an entire episode. We answered submitted questions and talk through some of our client work. 

Links mentioned:

Support the New Louping Ill Vaccine – Moredun Research Institute

 Survey on PhD with Moredun https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/moredungroup/pasture-management-and-grazing-strategies-on-uk-farms

 FAMACHA course Sustainable control of Haemonchosis in UK livestock grazing systems (FAMACHA card training) | Short Courses | University of Edinburgh

 Be The Change | Carbon Calling Booking link for 18th June event https://www.carboncalling.farm/about-5-1  

Join us for our upcoming Shaping Future Flocks Roadshow | Downland - Partners in Farming Health

 Podcasts | SCOPS

 

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Nerys finally gets her dream to talk about parasites for an entire episode. We answered submitted questions and talk through some of our client work. 

Links mentioned:

Support the New Louping Ill Vaccine – Moredun Research Institute

 Survey on PhD with Moredun https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/moredungroup/pasture-management-and-grazing-strategies-on-uk-farms

 FAMACHA course Sustainable control of Haemonchosis in UK livestock grazing systems (FAMACHA card training) | Short Courses | University of Edinburgh

 Be The Change | Carbon Calling Booking link for 18th June event https://www.carboncalling.farm/about-5-1  

Join us for our upcoming Shaping Future Flocks Roadshow | Downland - Partners in Farming Health

 Podcasts | SCOPS

 

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-19253385 Thu, 28 May 2026 12:00:00 +0100 3600 full false Episode 19: Tom Bird talking about his high input, high output system and being FW Sheep Farmer of the Year Episode 19: Tom Bird talking about his high input, high output system and being FW Sheep Farmer of the Year Tom Bird farms with his dad in south Derbyshire. They run sheep and also have combinable crops. He is the current Farmers Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year and also involved in the OptiEwe programme with Liz and Nerys.

He talks through his system of indoor lambing mule ewes and the use of creep to get the lambs away as soon as possible to balance labour requirements on the mixed farm. 

Links mentioned:

To enter or nominate people for the award, go to https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/events/farmers-weekly-awards


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Tom Bird farms with his dad in south Derbyshire. They run sheep and also have combinable crops. He is the current Farmers Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year and also involved in the OptiEwe programme with Liz and Nerys.

He talks through his system of indoor lambing mule ewes and the use of creep to get the lambs away as soon as possible to balance labour requirements on the mixed farm. 

Links mentioned:

To enter or nominate people for the award, go to https://www.fwi.co.uk/sp/events/farmers-weekly-awards


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-19059547 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0100 3525 full false Episode 18: PROFESSOR Jennifer Duncan talking about joint ill and its prevention and treatment Episode 18: PROFESSOR Jennifer Duncan talking about joint ill and its prevention and treatment Jennifer Duncan is a Professor of Sheep Health and Welfare at University of Liverpool. She has been involved with a recent project exploring joint ill in young lambs in more details, and this podcast covers the main findings of that project. We also touch on her interests on Schmallenberg virus and contagious ovine digital dermatitis. 

She teaches vet students animal welfare and sheep veterinary medicine. Her research focuses on sheep lameness, neonatal lamb diseases and sheep welfare. She co-ordinates post-graduate veterinary modules in sheep medicine as part of the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice courses at Liverpool https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/vets/cpd/certavp/production-animal/sheep/

Links mentioned:

Paper link - https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/3189525/ 

AHDB link - https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/joint-ill-in-lambs

Liverpool's work on CODD - https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/infection-veterinary-and-ecological-sciences/research/groups/codd/


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Jennifer Duncan is a Professor of Sheep Health and Welfare at University of Liverpool. She has been involved with a recent project exploring joint ill in young lambs in more details, and this podcast covers the main findings of that project. We also touch on her interests on Schmallenberg virus and contagious ovine digital dermatitis. 

She teaches vet students animal welfare and sheep veterinary medicine. Her research focuses on sheep lameness, neonatal lamb diseases and sheep welfare. She co-ordinates post-graduate veterinary modules in sheep medicine as part of the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice courses at Liverpool https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/vets/cpd/certavp/production-animal/sheep/

Links mentioned:

Paper link - https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/3189525/ 

AHDB link - https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/joint-ill-in-lambs

Liverpool's work on CODD - https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/infection-veterinary-and-ecological-sciences/research/groups/codd/


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Buzzsprout-18814933 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 3234 full false Episode 17: Anna and Ian Wilson talking about using technology to improve sheep performance Episode 17: Anna and Ian Wilson talking about using technology to improve sheep performance Anna and Ian Wilson are mixed farmers (sheep and combinable crops) from North Yorkshire, and Anna also works for the National Sheep Association. They talk about their experience of using No Bacz Navel as part of the trial we spoke to Fiona Lovatt about on episode 4. They also use it when tagging newborn lambs.

We also catch up on the work as part of the AHDB-funded Challenge Sheep project and how they are using data to help them make better decisions. 

This episode has been sponsored by No Bacz. 

Links mentioned:

Paper link - https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/BCHIBBZG8IRWQU3RHERB?target=10.1002/vetr.70169

Product page link - https://nobacz.com/product/nobacz-navel/

More details on Challenge Sheep project - https://ahdb.org.uk/challenge-sheep

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Anna and Ian Wilson are mixed farmers (sheep and combinable crops) from North Yorkshire, and Anna also works for the National Sheep Association. They talk about their experience of using No Bacz Navel as part of the trial we spoke to Fiona Lovatt about on episode 4. They also use it when tagging newborn lambs.

We also catch up on the work as part of the AHDB-funded Challenge Sheep project and how they are using data to help them make better decisions. 

This episode has been sponsored by No Bacz. 

Links mentioned:

Paper link - https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/BCHIBBZG8IRWQU3RHERB?target=10.1002/vetr.70169

Product page link - https://nobacz.com/product/nobacz-navel/

More details on Challenge Sheep project - https://ahdb.org.uk/challenge-sheep

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-18695163 Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:00:00 +0000 4009 full false Episode 16: Kate Phillips and the impact she has had on the sheep industry Episode 16: Kate Phillips and the impact she has had on the sheep industry Kate Phillips is an independent sheep consultant. She previously worked at ADAS for 30 years. She continues to be heavily involved in research within the sheep sector. She is renowned for her pragmatic approach. 

We talk through various projects (see links below) and also the role that Kate played in developing both Liz and Nerys' knowledge and skills. 

Links mentioned:

Sheep Breeding UK | Low Carbon Lamb | Low Methane Sheep

 https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/reducing-mastitis-commercial-sheep-flocks-final-report

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/understanding-mastitis-in-sheep 

https://ahdb.org.uk/mastitis-in-ewes-phase-ii

Biotin and lameness in ewes | AHDB

 Event mentioned Grazing for growth: sheep and arable working together | AHDB

 

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Kate Phillips is an independent sheep consultant. She previously worked at ADAS for 30 years. She continues to be heavily involved in research within the sheep sector. She is renowned for her pragmatic approach. 

We talk through various projects (see links below) and also the role that Kate played in developing both Liz and Nerys' knowledge and skills. 

Links mentioned:

Sheep Breeding UK | Low Carbon Lamb | Low Methane Sheep

 https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/reducing-mastitis-commercial-sheep-flocks-final-report

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/understanding-mastitis-in-sheep 

https://ahdb.org.uk/mastitis-in-ewes-phase-ii

Biotin and lameness in ewes | AHDB

 Event mentioned Grazing for growth: sheep and arable working together | AHDB

 

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Buzzsprout-18521313 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 21:00:00 +0000 3630 full false Episode 15: Christmas special with the East of England Agricultural Society Episode 15: Christmas special with the East of England Agricultural Society This special episode features an experimental recording at the East of England Agricultural Society's Scholars Day. Both Liz and Nerys are scholars and were invited to join the training day. The recording features other scholars, and was done on a roaming mic in the bar, so forgive the slightly interesting audio. 

See here for more information on the Scholars Programme. The next application deadline is the 22nd of February 2026 and is available to people living in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, plus parts of Lincolnshire, Rutland and Leicestershire.

Nerys and Liz are extremely grateful to the EEAS for their support. Nerys' recent visit to the International Sheep Veterinary Congress was supported by them, and their contributed towards Liz's attendance on the CREATE Althorp course.



]]> This special episode features an experimental recording at the East of England Agricultural Society's Scholars Day. Both Liz and Nerys are scholars and were invited to join the training day. The recording features other scholars, and was done on a roaming mic in the bar, so forgive the slightly interesting audio. 

See here for more information on the Scholars Programme. The next application deadline is the 22nd of February 2026 and is available to people living in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, plus parts of Lincolnshire, Rutland and Leicestershire.

Nerys and Liz are extremely grateful to the EEAS for their support. Nerys' recent visit to the International Sheep Veterinary Congress was supported by them, and their contributed towards Liz's attendance on the CREATE Althorp course.



]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-18419086 Sat, 27 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0000 1894 full false Episode 14: Q&A at Christmas Episode 14: Q&A at Christmas Join Liz and Nerys for a catch-up before Christmas and our first Q&A. We almost talk about books more than sheep in this one. The guest format will be back in January. 


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Join Liz and Nerys for a catch-up before Christmas and our first Q&A. We almost talk about books more than sheep in this one. The guest format will be back in January. 


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-18391247 Sat, 20 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000 3523 full false Episode 13: Talking to Richard Stanbury about his farming business and the importance of finding your support network Episode 13: Talking to Richard Stanbury about his farming business and the importance of finding your support network Richard Stanbury is a fourth generation beef and sheep farmer from near the edge of Exmoor in Devon. He has changed his system towards a high grass and forge system, with a focus on reducing inputs and maxmising profit. He has moved towards Easycare ewes.

He is working with Nerys of the ParaSight project, so they talk about his plans to make sure he is using his data effective and the technology is helping him make decisions rather than taking up time and patience

Links mentioned:

Link to the ParaSight https://farmanimal.elanco.com/en_gb/resource-hub/the-parasight

Weston Farm - YouTube

 Weston Farm Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/16dvhk4jiY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

 Take control of your farm’s future with Roots to Resilience | AHDB

 Innovative Advice for Regenerative and Profitable Farming | Precision Grazing Ltd

 

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Richard Stanbury is a fourth generation beef and sheep farmer from near the edge of Exmoor in Devon. He has changed his system towards a high grass and forge system, with a focus on reducing inputs and maxmising profit. He has moved towards Easycare ewes.

He is working with Nerys of the ParaSight project, so they talk about his plans to make sure he is using his data effective and the technology is helping him make decisions rather than taking up time and patience

Links mentioned:

Link to the ParaSight https://farmanimal.elanco.com/en_gb/resource-hub/the-parasight

Weston Farm - YouTube

 Weston Farm Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/16dvhk4jiY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

 Take control of your farm’s future with Roots to Resilience | AHDB

 Innovative Advice for Regenerative and Profitable Farming | Precision Grazing Ltd

 

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-18194427 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0000 4714 full false Episode 12: Talking to Matt Harding about producing rams off forage and the importance of being nosy Episode 12: Talking to Matt Harding about producing rams off forage and the importance of being nosy Matt Harding is a third generation ram breeder based in Warwickshire. He has changed from a higher input ram breeding approach to selling shearlings who have been raised on grass and forage. He breeds Suffolk rams, and also breeds rams for Innovis. 

Links mentioned:

Link to Bentley Suffolks 

Link to Innovis 


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Matt Harding is a third generation ram breeder based in Warwickshire. He has changed from a higher input ram breeding approach to selling shearlings who have been raised on grass and forage. He breeds Suffolk rams, and also breeds rams for Innovis. 

Links mentioned:

Link to Bentley Suffolks 

Link to Innovis 


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-18036882 Sun, 19 Oct 2025 20:00:00 +0100 3243 full false Episode 11: Talking to Mark "Ferg" Ferguson about Optiewe and working with farmers Episode 11: Talking to Mark "Ferg" Ferguson about Optiewe and working with farmers Mark "Ferg" Ferguson is a consultant who works with sheep farmers and breeders in New Zealand and Australia. He is CEO of neXtgen Agri who runs consultants in most places with sheep in New Zealand and Australia. He was involved in the science behind Lifetime Wool, which was very influential in the development of Challenge Sheep - AHDB-funded project that Nerys and Liz worked on. 

We talk about how their Optiewe programme is being brought to the UK, with Nerys and Liz currently collecting expressions of interest. The programme will launch on the 16th of October. 

Links mentioned:

Link to Optiewe UK expression of interest 

Link to neXtgen Agri

Link to Head Shepherd podcast

 Link to Lifetime Wool

Link to Challenge Sheep 


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Mark "Ferg" Ferguson is a consultant who works with sheep farmers and breeders in New Zealand and Australia. He is CEO of neXtgen Agri who runs consultants in most places with sheep in New Zealand and Australia. He was involved in the science behind Lifetime Wool, which was very influential in the development of Challenge Sheep - AHDB-funded project that Nerys and Liz worked on. 

We talk about how their Optiewe programme is being brought to the UK, with Nerys and Liz currently collecting expressions of interest. The programme will launch on the 16th of October. 

Links mentioned:

Link to Optiewe UK expression of interest 

Link to neXtgen Agri

Link to Head Shepherd podcast

 Link to Lifetime Wool

Link to Challenge Sheep 


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-17837133 Sat, 13 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0100 3368 full false Episode 10: Talking to Ben Strugnell about healthy and not so healthy sheep, plus the need for applied research Episode 10: Talking to Ben Strugnell about healthy and not so healthy sheep, plus the need for applied research Ben Strugnell is a vet with an obsession of learning as much as possible from dead animals. He runs Farm Post Mortems up in County Durham and also presents at various events around the country. This is a legacy from an EBLEX/AHDB funded project work with him over ten years ago. 

We talk about his findings and how he works with farmers to try and prevent further losses. He shares his frustration about the limited amount of applied research that is being funded in the UK at the moment.

Links mentioned:

Link to iceberg diseases manual - Iceberg diseases of ewes | AHDB

 Link to the fallen stock project from 2013 - Fallen stock: phase II | AHDB

 Link to SCOPS podcasts - Podcasts | SCOPS

 Song alamycin link - I’ll definitely be singing this... - Beltex Sheep Society | Facebook

 Farm post mortems - Farm Post Mortems Ltd.

 Carbon calling webpage 


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Ben Strugnell is a vet with an obsession of learning as much as possible from dead animals. He runs Farm Post Mortems up in County Durham and also presents at various events around the country. This is a legacy from an EBLEX/AHDB funded project work with him over ten years ago. 

We talk about his findings and how he works with farmers to try and prevent further losses. He shares his frustration about the limited amount of applied research that is being funded in the UK at the moment.

Links mentioned:

Link to iceberg diseases manual - Iceberg diseases of ewes | AHDB

 Link to the fallen stock project from 2013 - Fallen stock: phase II | AHDB

 Link to SCOPS podcasts - Podcasts | SCOPS

 Song alamycin link - I’ll definitely be singing this... - Beltex Sheep Society | Facebook

 Farm post mortems - Farm Post Mortems Ltd.

 Carbon calling webpage 


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-17670476 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0100 5048 full false Episode 9: Talking to Kevin Harrison about getting ready for change, saxophones and sheep Episode 9: Talking to Kevin Harrison about getting ready for change, saxophones and sheep Kevin Harrison is a farm manager on a sheep and arable farm near Bath. He spends time representing the UK sheep industry through the positions of Policy and Technical Chairman for the National Sheep Association (NSA),  and Chairman of SCOPS - Sustainable Control of Parasite in Sheep. He is also a member of the Register of Sheep Advisers, and has been seen helping Jeremy on Clarkson's Farm! He is not a bad sax player either, and plays with the Harlem Rhythm Cats.

We talk about how he has been changing the flock from an intensive mule based system to a outdoor lambing system with Exlanas.

Links mentioned:

-https://www.scops.org.uk/

- https://www.facebook.com/harlemrhythmcats/?locale=en_GB

- https://www.eastofengland.org.uk/scholars/


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Kevin Harrison is a farm manager on a sheep and arable farm near Bath. He spends time representing the UK sheep industry through the positions of Policy and Technical Chairman for the National Sheep Association (NSA),  and Chairman of SCOPS - Sustainable Control of Parasite in Sheep. He is also a member of the Register of Sheep Advisers, and has been seen helping Jeremy on Clarkson's Farm! He is not a bad sax player either, and plays with the Harlem Rhythm Cats.

We talk about how he has been changing the flock from an intensive mule based system to a outdoor lambing system with Exlanas.

Links mentioned:

-https://www.scops.org.uk/

- https://www.facebook.com/harlemrhythmcats/?locale=en_GB

- https://www.eastofengland.org.uk/scholars/


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-17489936 Sun, 13 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0100 3817 full false Episode 8: Talking to Awal Fuselini about halal, education and meat consumption Episode 8: Talking to Awal Fuselini about halal, education and meat consumption Dr Awal Fuselini is AHDB's Halal sector senior manager and also a 2025 Nuffield Scholar. He shares his knowledge about the Halal market in the UK and in other countries. We discuss stun and non-stun options for Halal slaughterings, and also the importance of people understanding more about the production systems. Maybe not one to listen to if you, or someone who is listening with you, is of a sensitive disposition.

Plus the first time we use our new standard question - "what is your first memory of sheep?"

Links mentioned:

- Awal’s podcast link from apple https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-halal-food-podcast/id1611924158

- Awal's Nuffield

 - Opportunities in halal | AHDB

 - Carbon Calling | Regenerative farming conference


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Dr Awal Fuselini is AHDB's Halal sector senior manager and also a 2025 Nuffield Scholar. He shares his knowledge about the Halal market in the UK and in other countries. We discuss stun and non-stun options for Halal slaughterings, and also the importance of people understanding more about the production systems. Maybe not one to listen to if you, or someone who is listening with you, is of a sensitive disposition.

Plus the first time we use our new standard question - "what is your first memory of sheep?"

Links mentioned:

- Awal’s podcast link from apple https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-halal-food-podcast/id1611924158

- Awal's Nuffield

 - Opportunities in halal | AHDB

 - Carbon Calling | Regenerative farming conference


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.


Podcast Disclaimer:
The views and information shared in this podcast are for general guidance only and do not constitute professional advice. The Sheep Geeks make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the content. Always consult your own vet or advisor before making changes to your animal health or farm management practices. Any reliance on the information is at your own risk. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Sheep Geeks.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-17366347 Thu, 19 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0100 3027 full false Episode 7: Talking to David and Cora Cooper about sheep and nature recovery Episode 7: Talking to David and Cora Cooper about sheep and nature recovery David and Cora Cooper are sheep farmers from Ayrshire. They have made significant changes to their system over the last few years to reduce costs and inputs. They are using mob grazing to drive nature recovery on their farm. 

In this podcast we talk about the changes they had made, the focus on low input sheep and their passion for regenerating their land. 


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.

]]> David and Cora Cooper are sheep farmers from Ayrshire. They have made significant changes to their system over the last few years to reduce costs and inputs. They are using mob grazing to drive nature recovery on their farm. 

In this podcast we talk about the changes they had made, the focus on low input sheep and their passion for regenerating their land. 


Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-17223474 Sun, 25 May 2025 19:00:00 +0100 4339 full false Episode 6: Talking to Dave Cross about his farming system in Norfolk and a bit about chickens Episode 6: Talking to Dave Cross about his farming system in Norfolk and a bit about chickens Dave Cross is a mixed farmer in Norfolk with sheep, beef, arable and layers. He farms within a family partnership. He has been very strategic with the use of sustainable farming incentive (SFI) to transform their arable fields into lanes of herbal leys. He has been an AHDB monitor farm for the last four years. 

In this podcast we talk about the changes he has made to his farming systems in the last few years and his plans for the future. Nerys asks a question about beef, which is very rare. 

Links

Select tickets – Carbon Calling 2025 – Sleastonhow, Kirkby Thore, Penrith

 SCOPS | Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.

]]> Dave Cross is a mixed farmer in Norfolk with sheep, beef, arable and layers. He farms within a family partnership. He has been very strategic with the use of sustainable farming incentive (SFI) to transform their arable fields into lanes of herbal leys. He has been an AHDB monitor farm for the last four years. 

In this podcast we talk about the changes he has made to his farming systems in the last few years and his plans for the future. Nerys asks a question about beef, which is very rare. 

Links

Select tickets – Carbon Calling 2025 – Sleastonhow, Kirkby Thore, Penrith

 SCOPS | Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.

]]> Liz Genever and Nerys Wright Buzzsprout-17008784 Sun, 20 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0100 3212 full false Episode 5: Talking to Dr Suzanne Rowe about breeding for reduced methane production Episode 5: Talking to Dr Suzanne Rowe about breeding for reduced methane production Dr Suzanne Rowe is a geneticist at AgResearch in New Zealand, and is passionate about improving profitability and sustainability of global livestock systems using genomic technology. She presented at Sheep Breeders Round Table in November 2024 on breeding for methane reduction in sheep. 

In this podcast she talks about the work that is being done on collecting phenotypes for methane production in the New Zealand, plus work being done in Ireland and the UK. 

Links

Presentation from SBRT - PowerPoint Presentation

Elanco link Are you a farmer wanting to become a star in the sheep world

Bluetongue Virus - Ruminant Health & Welfare 

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.

]]> Dr Suzanne Rowe is a geneticist at AgResearch in New Zealand, and is passionate about improving profitability and sustainability of global livestock systems using genomic technology. She presented at Sheep Breeders Round Table in November 2024 on breeding for methane reduction in sheep. 

In this podcast she talks about the work that is being done on collecting phenotypes for methane production in the New Zealand, plus work being done in Ireland and the UK. 

Links

Presentation from SBRT - PowerPoint Presentation

Elanco link Are you a farmer wanting to become a star in the sheep world

Bluetongue Virus - Ruminant Health & Welfare 

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.

]]> Buzzsprout-16655439 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000 3080 full false Episode 4: Talking to Dr Fiona Lovatt about protecting young lambs from watery mouth Episode 4: Talking to Dr Fiona Lovatt about protecting young lambs from watery mouth Dr Fiona Lovatt is a vet and consultant, and founder of Flock Health Limited. She has been heavily involved in reducing antibiotic use in the sheep sector. She is passionate about improving the relationship between farmers and their vets. 

In this podcast she talks about a project she did with NoBacz Navel - a non-antibiotic barrier. It was compared against iodine for treating navels in young lambs. They also compared dipping versus spraying, and looked at mortality and growth rates. 

Links

https://www.veterinary-practice.com/2024/new-study-highlights-significant-benefits-of-using-nobacz-navel-in-lambs

https://nobacz.com/

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.

]]> Dr Fiona Lovatt is a vet and consultant, and founder of Flock Health Limited. She has been heavily involved in reducing antibiotic use in the sheep sector. She is passionate about improving the relationship between farmers and their vets. 

In this podcast she talks about a project she did with NoBacz Navel - a non-antibiotic barrier. It was compared against iodine for treating navels in young lambs. They also compared dipping versus spraying, and looked at mortality and growth rates. 

Links

https://www.veterinary-practice.com/2024/new-study-highlights-significant-benefits-of-using-nobacz-navel-in-lambs

https://nobacz.com/

Dr Liz Genever is a farmer, consultant and co-founder of Carbon Calling CIC. 

Dr Nerys Wright is a sheep consultant and technical lead for SCOPS.

]]> Buzzsprout-16655444 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:00:00 +0000 3107 full false Episode 3: Talking to Michael Blanche about lean management, sheep and lots of random things Episode 3: Talking to Michael Blanche about lean management, sheep and lots of random things Michael Blanche is a sheep and cattle farmer from Perth in Scotland. He is also the genius behind the Pasture Pod podcast.

We talk about how he is trying to build lean management techniques into his daily habits to target his weaker areas - organisation and order!! 

He is passionate about low input systems and he talks us through the areas he focuses on and how he selects functional sheep. 

We also cover covert filming in Travelodges, grazing groups, regenerative ag, anti-farmer agenda, grazing systems and body condition scores. 

Links: 

https://thepasturepod.libsyn.com/ 
 

]]> Michael Blanche is a sheep and cattle farmer from Perth in Scotland. He is also the genius behind the Pasture Pod podcast.

We talk about how he is trying to build lean management techniques into his daily habits to target his weaker areas - organisation and order!! 

He is passionate about low input systems and he talks us through the areas he focuses on and how he selects functional sheep. 

We also cover covert filming in Travelodges, grazing groups, regenerative ag, anti-farmer agenda, grazing systems and body condition scores. 

Links: 

https://thepasturepod.libsyn.com/ 
 

]]> Liz Genever Buzzsprout-16471187 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:00:00 +0000 4758 full false Episode 2: Talking to Katie Evans about sheep and other things from her trip to Oz Episode 2: Talking to Katie Evans about sheep and other things from her trip to Oz Katie Evans is a sheep and beef farmer from Norfolk. She was sponsored to attended the Global Sheep Forum's Next Gen programme and has recently returned from a trip to Australia.

We talked through the best bits of the trip and also a bit about her system at home.

Bear with us, we are still warming up to this podcast life. 

Links: 

https://www.globalsheepforum.com/2024nextgencohort
https://nationalsheep.org.uk/ 



]]> Katie Evans is a sheep and beef farmer from Norfolk. She was sponsored to attended the Global Sheep Forum's Next Gen programme and has recently returned from a trip to Australia.

We talked through the best bits of the trip and also a bit about her system at home.

Bear with us, we are still warming up to this podcast life. 

Links: 

https://www.globalsheepforum.com/2024nextgencohort
https://nationalsheep.org.uk/ 



]]> Liz Genever Buzzsprout-16176646 Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000 2439 full false The Sheep Geeks: Episode 1 - Launch The Sheep Geeks: Episode 1 - Launch Welcome to the launch of the Sheep Geeks podcast with Nerys Wright and Liz Genever. There are both independent sheep consultants, and work with sheep farmers in the UK. Nerys likes talking about parasites and body condition score, and Liz likes talking about grass and forage, and soil. 

This launch podcast introduces Liz and Nerys. In future episodes they will be talking to a range of sheep farmers, consultants, vets and academics. The next one will be available at the end of November.

Links:
sheepconsultancy.co.uk

 lizgenever.com

 https://www.scops.org.uk/

carboncalling.farm/

 https://www.carbon-dating.farm/about.html

]]> Welcome to the launch of the Sheep Geeks podcast with Nerys Wright and Liz Genever. There are both independent sheep consultants, and work with sheep farmers in the UK. Nerys likes talking about parasites and body condition score, and Liz likes talking about grass and forage, and soil. 

This launch podcast introduces Liz and Nerys. In future episodes they will be talking to a range of sheep farmers, consultants, vets and academics. The next one will be available at the end of November.

Links:
sheepconsultancy.co.uk

 lizgenever.com

 https://www.scops.org.uk/

carboncalling.farm/

 https://www.carbon-dating.farm/about.html

]]> Buzzsprout-16024924 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 893 1 1 full false