NEW PODCAST ALERT: “So I Herd” it is finally here!
02 Jul 2025
A brand-new podcast series brought to you by the Australian Cattle Vets, a special interest group of the Australian Veterinary Association.
LISTEN VIA THE AVA WEBSITE or via the following podcast stores:
- Apple podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/so-i-herd/id1823565408
- Podbean - https://soiherd.podbean.com/
- PlayerFM - https://player.fm/series/3674617
- iHeartRadio - https://iheart.com/podcast/283237034
If you can’t find it in your favourite podcast store, let us know which one and we’ll investigate.
Season 1, hosted by agricultural journalist Prue Adams, brings you 5-episodes that dives deep into the evolving world of cattle veterinary practice in Australia. The series features candid conversations with leading vets who have shaped—and continue to shape—the future of animal health, welfare, and rural consultancy.
LISTEN TO THE 90 SECOND TRAILER
Season highlights:
Dr Alan Guilfoyle, Dr John House, and Dr Alison Gunn reflect on decades of change in the cattle industry—from bush practice beginnings to herd-level consultancy. A key theme: the shift from individual animal care to proactive, data-driven herd management.
“My mantra is: I actually want to put myself out of business as a clinical vet. I’d love all my farms to have no sick animals.”
— Dr Alison Gunn
“Don’t miss smoko if it’s offered to you. That’s where you do your communications, your extension work—and get to know the people, not just the clients.”
— Dr Alan Guilfoyle
“If you pursue what you're passionate about, you're not going to work every day—you enjoy what you do.”
— Dr John House
Ep. 2 – From little things big things grow
A 50-year journey from solo vet to rural practice leader, Dr Tranter shares how he pioneered herd health programs, flew planes to remote farms, and mentored generations of vets—all while building lasting relationships with clients.
“Some people go to veterinary school because they say they like animals, but really—to be a successful veterinarian—you have to like people.”
— Dr Bill Tranter
Ep. 3 – Mastitis, mycoplasma and management: a vet's triple threat
From jackaroo to pathologist, Dr Hazelton explores the power of diagnostics, the role of AI in veterinary science, and why communication and prevention are the future of cattle care.
“Get comfortable with making decisions—and with making the wrong ones. If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not trying hard enough.”
— Dr Mark Hazelton
Ep. 4 – The art of the pivot: The aglife remix
Dr Kelly shares how she left a secure government role to launch a subscription-based livestock consultancy. With paid newsletters, a WhatsApp group, and a side hustle in art, she’s redefining what a vet career can look like.
“If I’m paying a writer to send me a snippet of her life every week, why can’t my clients pay me to deliver veterinary science and animal nutrition?”
— Dr Jill Kelly
Ep. 5 – Oh, the places you'll go!
Dr Laurence reflects on a career spanning clinical practice, academia, and industry leadership at Meat & Livestock Australia. He offers insights into pain management, animal welfare, and why vets should never feel stuck in their careers.
“Take every opportunity to keep learning. If you’re not on a steep learning curve, find one.”
— Dr Mike Laurence
Can I get VetEd CPD points if I listen to the series?
Yes, you can! If you listen to all 5 episodes that’s 2 hours’ worth of learning. You can then login to your My AVA account and apply for unstructured learning points under “un-assessed audio” where it is 0.5 points per hour. So 1 point in total. Email acv@ava.com.au if you’d like advice on this.
Do you love the series?
Leave a comment, give us a 5 star rating or email us with specific feedback – we would love to produce a second, third and fourth…season so your feedback is important!