We're sitting down with Jo Palmer, co-founder of The Connection Table. After returning to her rural roots in The Rock, New South Wales, following a stint in Singapore, Jo reflects on her journey and her latest endeavour with co-founder Julia Spicer. The Connection Table is a professional network aiming to elevate rural Australians into decision-making roles across government, industry, and community. Jo shares her insights on the barriers rural Australians face in securing leadership...

Mid this year we were at the Aussie Cotton Conference and it sparked a curiousity into who the big players are, where are they going and what impact is that having for Australian cotton growers. I grabbed Paul Joules from Rabobank to discuss the current state of the cotton market and farm inputs. Paul shares insights from his experience in global agricultural commodities, particularly focusing on cotton production, demand dynamics, and the impact of global events on prices. The conversation...

In this conversation, Sabrina Davies shares her journey of living on Kangaroo Island, the impact of the Black Summer bushfires, and her initiative, Humans of Kangaroo Island, which aims to tell the stories of the local community. She discusses the challenges of rebuilding after losing her home, the importance of community support, and her reflections on loss and recovery. Sabrina emphasises the beauty of Kangaroo Island and the unique lifestyle it offers, while also providing insights into...

This episode was recorded on the 9th of October and that might add a bit of context to the conversation! Tom & Mick are back to sit down with Scott Bremner from McCulloch Agencies to chat all things Livestock. Takeaways Scotty Bremner has a long history in the livestock industry.Feedlot procurement is about turnover and continuity of supply.Mobile phones have changed accessibility in agency life.Market trends are influenced by weather and supply.Lamb and mutton markets are currently...

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Richie Kirkland shares his love of popping off on the buggies, hunting rabbits, and enjoying the life afforded as a farm boy in South Australia. His father showed him how to shear and he quickly realized how wool spun into a nice chunk of change for his teen years. Life in the business has had its highs and lows and he’s realized the importance of a forward mindset in the industry. By focusing on sustainability, innovations, and engaging with the...

In this episode of the Humans of Agriculture podcast, host Oli Le Lievre explores the multifaceted operations of a South Australian farm with Alex McGorman. The conversation delves into the history of the farm, the evolution of farming practices, the importance of relationships in agriculture, and the role of family boards and external support in business growth. Alex shares insights on transitioning from a traditional farming mindset to a more business-oriented approach, emphasizing the...

Jenny Stanton wears multiple hats as a farmer, agronomist, netball coach, and community leader on Kangaroo Island (KI). She shares her story of resilience, having survived the devastating 2020 bushfires, which wiped out livestock and infrastructure, and how her family rebuilt both their farm and their lives. Jenny discusses the journey of running a family farm, including succession planning and the balancing act of managing daily operations, community roles, and personal well-being. We dive...

Chris Schied has been a business advisor for more than the last 25 years. Across his career he's learnt a few things about what it takes for family business and farming businesses to succeed. A few things we chat about: - Family boards are essential in agriculture for effective strategy, governance, risk management, and succession planning.- Family boards should meet at least twice a year, with an annual general meeting to review past performance and plan for the future.- Non-returning family...

This week we're heading to a tiny little town called Tilba on the South Coast of NSW. An old mining town, the small mainstreet pops under an enormous mountain. For generations Tilba Dairy has been providing jobs, amazing dairy products and played a key part of the social fabric that makes this town what it is. So, what's the value of branded businesses to small communities like Tilba? That's exactly why we caught up with Erica Dibden co-owner of Tilba Dairy. Paid Partnership...

Kate Gunn, is a clinical psychologist and founder of iFarmWell, in this episode she discusses the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the agriculture industry. She shares her journey of researching farmers' mental health and the need for support in rural communities. Kate explains how iFarmWell was created to provide accessible and farmer-focused resources for improving mental health. She emphasizes the significance of addressing mental health in the workplace and the benefits of...

Darren Thomas is the CEO of Thomas Foods International and in this episode we chat about his journey, the family business, and how they've not just made the most of opportunities they've overcome huge adversity.  From growing into new international markets, supporting local communities, the business is proud of its heritage and excited for the future. Takeaways Being present and connected with employees and customers is crucial for success in the agricultural industry.South Australia offers...

Sarah Crosthwaite is a a rural mental health clinician from Northeast Victoria, and she has worked as a rural outreach counsellor to farmers across our region. The rest of the time she works with her husband and their team on our 550-cow dairy farm in the Kiewa Valley. Sarah Crosthwaite discusses her journey in addressing mental health issues within farming communities. She shares insights from her experiences as a rural outreach counselor, the challenges faced by farmers, and the importance...

Daniel Kahl, a cotton farmer from Narrabri, Australia, discusses his involvement in the cotton industry and his recent appointment to the board of Cotton Australia. He talks about the resurgence of young people in the town and the collaborative nature of the industry. Daniel also addresses misconceptions and myths surrounding cotton farming, highlighting the industry's progress in reducing pesticide use and water consumption. What we chat about: The cotton industry in Narrabri has seen a...

In this episode, Stefan Vogel, the General Manager of Rabo Research for Australia and New Zealand, shares insights into his extensive career in agriculture and the role of RaboResearch in the agricultural sector. He discusses the importance of understanding the food supply chain, the characteristics of effective team members, and the global insights that impact local agriculture.  Stefan also highlights exciting research opportunities, particularly in sustainable aviation fuels, and the...

In the heart of Dubbo, NSW, a remarkable story unfolds at The Little Big Dairy Co, where Emma Elliott and her father, Steve Chesworth, are not just dairy farmers, but they regard themselves as environmentalists.  Their journey showcasing the importance of embracing new and sustainable practices in the dairy industry to benefit both the environment and the bottom line.  We discuss: The importance of preserving the dairy industry and encouraging the next generation to be involved.The balance...

Our Quarterly update with the team from LAWD is back and we've got Danny Thomas in the hot seat to chat all things property. We explore The different tiers of the rural property marketthe impact of interest rates on family farms versus institutional investorsInternational flow of money and new entrantsthe future of agricultural land pricesThe importance of strategic planning for the next generation of farmers. We cover new entrants into agriculture, the challenges faced by aspiring land...

He lived in 20 houses by the time he was 20, that ability to meet new people and build rapport have been central to his career success. In his first year with LAWD he transacted nearly a billion dollars in farm sales. In this chat we cover: Danny's background and upbringingHis love of the Northern Victoria RegionHis career from the Valuers General Office to leading global agriculture teamsA love and genuine passion for Aussie AgricultureAdvice to the next generation of Ag ProfessionalsThe...

The boys have been on a mid-year holiday (or so it seems). They had the chance to sit down with Ed & Bea in mid-August so this one has taken a few weeks to get Liveeee... that said, lets get into it!  In this episode of the Tom and Mick show, the boys are sitting down with Ed Bradley and Bea Litchfield of Hazeldean Angus and Hazeldean Merino studs. They discuss their career backgrounds, how they met, and their family history in the stud cattle business. The conversation also covers topics...

Mike Casey, a technology founder turned farmer, shares his journey from selling his tech startup to buying a cherry orchard in New Zealand. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning from one industry to another and the importance of being open to new opportunities.  Mike emphasises the role of luck in entrepreneurship and the need for tenacity and bravery. He also highlights the value of having clear boundaries and trust in business partnerships. Mike Casey discusses his...

We are sitting down with National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) star and NSW Dairy Industry Ambassador Kezie Apps, along with renowned sports dietitian Chloe McLeod, to delve into the fascinating world of nutrition, sport recovery, community and the vital role that dairy plays in this equation. Paid Partnership Transparency:Humans of Agriculture have been fortunate enough to engage in a paid agreement powered by the NSW Government, Dairy NSW, and Dairy Australia to gain first-hand insight into...

Back in 2018, Oli was "umm'ing and ahh'ing" about whether to apply for a professional development program, and it was the best thing he's done and today he's still in contact with that group of people!! Ahead of applications closing for the evokeAG Groundbreakers Program on the 2nd of September we wanted to chat with Natalie Bell who was a 2024 Future Young Leader (now known at Groundbreaker). We wanted to hear from her what she got out of the program, what was beneficial for her and why she...

What's better than 100+ people coming for brekky...we love these events!! And now we're sharing it with you! We had the chance to sit down at Elders Farm Fest with a great crew of people we've had the chance to get to know to discuss all things, the Next Gen in Aussie Agriculture. Join Humans of Agriculture host, Oli Le Lievre as he sits down to interview Queensland Farmer Tom Coggan, Engineer who has returned to farming Mark Porter, and Elders Technical manager and all-round champion for...

Matthew Evans, a food critic, chef, and farmer, discusses his journey into the world of food production and the challenges of the agriculture industry. He emphasises the importance of communication and dialogue between farmers and consumers to bridge the gap and address the polarising topics in agriculture. Evans also highlights the potential of agriculture to be both damaging and healing to the environment, and the need for sustainable and regenerative practices. He shares his experiences as...

Felicity Taylor is the Area manager at Rabobank Australia in Moree. In this conversation, she shares her journey from growing up in Moree to working in banking and the importance of being involved in the community. Felicity discusses her role as a branch manager and the satisfaction she gets from helping clients achieve their goals. For anyone familiar with Flick you know she is incredibly involved in her local community from the tourism board, to the Young Aggies group through to the...