Podcast
The Weekly Grill
Hosted by Beef Central · EN
The Weekly Grill is Beef Central's podcast with host, Kerry Lonergan. Each week Kerry chats with a beef industry mover and shaker - turning up the heat and asking questions about the burning issues and topics that impact the beef sector.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S6 Ep19: AusMeat chairman Allan Bloxsom on new breed description trade rules for beef
6d ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeIn today’s episode of The Weekly Grill host Kerry Lonergan is joined by Beef Central's Jon Condon as they dial in AusMeat Chair, Allan Bloxsom, to discuss AusMeat’s new, industry-agreed rules for breed-specific content claims that take affect from July 1. The conversation covers how the new export trade descriptions will work (e.g., Angus F1, Angus 50, Angus Composite), verification options (phenotype or optional genetic testing), implications for brand managers, producers and consumers, and impacts on existing 75% and 100% programs and more.
Transcribe →S6 Ep18: Rocky readies for 2027's big beef bash, Simon Irwin
2w ago00:27:47Tap to summarizeThis week on The Weekly Grill, host Kerry Lonergan sits down with Simon Irwin, CEO of Beef 2027, to talk about learnings from Beef 2024 and the plans for the next event in Rockhampton; they discuss record attendances, exhibitor demand, and the event's economic impact. The episode covers major challenges and innovations: accommodation shortages and solutions (Airbnb partnerships, Camplify and caravans), expanded tech and fifth‑quarter showcases, sustainability and emissions work, security and counter‑terrorism measures, and new digital tools like an interactive app. Also discussed are global interest and networking opportunities, Next Gen and mentoring programs for young ag professionals, the importance of interbreed championships, and why Beef remains central to regional Queensland. 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
Transcribe →S6 Ep17: Graeme Acton Beef Connections program member, Millie Unthank
3w ago00:24:44Tap to summarizeAlong 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
Transcribe →S6 Ep16: TFI's Darren Thomas on China Tariffs and the Murray Bridge Comeback
4w ago00:31:35Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →S6 Ep15: Live export industry veteran, Dick Slaney
May 2200:27:04Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →S6 Ep14: "If FMD gets in, you’re broke": stark warning from Dr Ross Ainsworth
May 1300:31:06Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →S6 Ep13 - When Fuel Fails: Australia’s Food Security on the Line
May 500:25:56Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →S6 Ep12: May Market Update - La Niña, diesel shortages and a record cow sell-off
May 100:29:12Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →S6 Ep11: Inside Australia's biggest Wagyu gathering
Apr 2400:21:58Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →S6 Ep10: Wagyu Edge 26 - Australia’s rise from niche to global powerhouse
Apr 1700:36:39Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →