James Wagstaff reflects on his 20-year career with The Weekly Times, one of the most consumed print news publications among ag folks. It can feel like print is in flux thanks to the shift to digital platforms and indie social media content creators. However, with a focus on quality over quantity, James shares the big stories that have shaped the ag…

Uncertainty of reaching the finish line is always on the mind of an ultra-marathon runner like Michael Crowley. But by pushing through, you can make the unbelievable possible. Such is the story for Australian agriculture and the long future ahead of it. In this episode, Oli sits down with Michael Crowley who recently took up the top job with Meat a…

Welcome to part 2 of our mini-series, which we partnered with Legacy Livestock to create. Many unforeseen factors can shake up things on the farm. Drought, disease, or uncertain family farm succession are just a few in the mix. So how can folks and ag take a long-term view to prepare for those moments, or pull themselves out of it through the assis…

We're back with a three-part series that we have partnered with Legacy Livestock to bring to life. Many folks in agriculture have spoken with us about the challenges and rewards of building their dream life. We can empathize with wanting to build a legacy. In this episode Oli shares that dream. He asks how do you bring that dream into reality. In e…

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-mak…

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 a…

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 reflectio…

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. Mobil…

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…

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 b…

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…

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. - Famil…

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 busine…

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-…

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 futur…

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 withi…

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, highli…

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 insight…

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 a…

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 market the impact of interest rates on family farms versus institutional investors International flow of money and new entrants the future of agricultural land prices The i…

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 upbringing His love of the Northern Victoria Region His career from the Valuers Genera…

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. …

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…

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 hav…

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 Fut…

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 in…

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 ag…

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 fami…

Steph joined us on episode 6 of the Humans of Agriculture podcast in April 2020. It's fair to say since then, quite a few things have changed! The last time we chatted, it was all things Tas Ag Co, what was back then a new venture and business opportunity for Steph and their husband Sam. What we didn't even mention once was 'Motherland Australia' t…

Back in May we had the chance to host a Next Gen conversation at the Elders tent at FarmFest. Someone in the elders team who is most definitely going places is Georgie Speedy and we wanted you to meet her. Georgie is a St George local, leaving high school she had no real idea where her future might go. Eager to stay in the area she began wroking at…

Andrew is a passionate farmer, dad, husband and community man. He’s a thinker. Progressive. Visionary. He takes people along on the ride with him. In this chat Andrew shares his story, the evolution of ‘Chilwell farms’, the family business, the change and expansion of farming in his pocket of Western Australia. In 2000, Andrew undertook a Nuffield …

Jim began his life on a farm in the irrigation area of the Riverina in NSW. His love of farming followed everything he did and would ultimately shape his career so far. After exploring farming in Thailand in his early twenties, he returned home to work on the family farm before looking further afield, eager to pursue opportunities outside the farm …

This special episode explores the impact of avian influenza on the egg industry in Australia. Melinda Hashimoto, CEO of Egg Farmers of Australia, provides insights into the virus, its transmission, and the measures taken to control its spread. The discussion covers the process of detecting and responding to avian influenza outbreaks on farms, the i…

Community Developer. Small Business Owner. Avid Netballer. International Agriculturalist. Local community enthusiast. Sometimes a travelling groupie (for certain bands). Liz Brennan is a legend, a very, very interesting person, and someone we've been fortunate to have known over the past few years. Her life experience is so incredibly fascinating h…

Lucy Collins knew she wanted to be around animals since she was a child. Although she didn't grow up on a farm, she took every chance to be at the dairy across the road from her family home. Early on she decided that being a Vet, was going to be her calling. "I didn't have a clear family farm pathway to follow. So seemed like a natural fit." Takeaw…

We are back and we are sitting down with LAWD Senior Director, Tim McKinnon to get the latest on Australia's rural real estate market. A few summarising points: Beef Australia is more than just Beef - international interest across all of Aussie Ag came to Rockhampton in the first week of May. The market dynamics between family farms and corporate/i…

Ashley Severin and his wife Lyndee call Curtin Springs in Australia's Northern Territory home. The family has embraced generational opportunity in diversifying the 1 million acre cattle station to other means. They've successfully established and run a tourism business, support local tours, an on-farm restaurant and have explored value add opportun…

Jane Snell left a world of Fine Dining to pursue a career in Dairy Farming. As part of our Partnership with Dairy Australia, we are learning more about the Dairy industry and we wanted to understand how her journey has shaped her career today. We cover: Dairy farming can be a rewarding career that offers variety and challenges. Compassion and being…

Courtenay DeHoff, aka the Fancy Lady Cowgirl, is in Australia for the National Cutting Horse Association Futurity event. Thanks to our friends over at The Regional PR Co, we've managed to bring her into The Commons in Sydney to share her story with our Aussie audience. In this conversation we explore her upbringing as a local Kansas cowgirl, when t…

We were recently given the opportunity to host a conversation at the Norco, PrimeX field days. In 2023 Norco and the National Farmers Federation released a report: The National Farmer Wellbeing Report When it comes to mental health, farmers in Rural Australia face disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. As part of our wor…

It's a foggy May morning in Beaufort, 150kms west of Melbourne. We grab a coffee and head towards the first of the latest properties that the team at Go.FARM was acquired only a few months earlier, getting a better understanding of the Agronomist who spent his childhood not too far down the highway. As we tour the property, we quickly pull over, Li…

This special spotlight is on a support service that is too important not to know about. We met Ross Blanch a member of the Farmer to Lifeline Farmer support program. He's been a lifeline volunteer for more than 31 years and in the past 4 years since starting the Farmer to Lifeline Farmer help line he's answered more than 4,000 calls from Aussie Far…

Tom and Mick interview Jeremy Cummins, a professional cattle buyer and feedlotter. Jeremy shares his background in the industry, his experience working with his uncle, and his transition into feedlotting. He discusses the types of cattle he buys and the markets he targets. Jeremy also talks about the current sentiment in the cattle market and his p…

In 2020, Harry Lloyd was a little lost. He had just finished University and couldn't chase his dream of being a cowboy in America due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, we'djust started the Humans of Agriculture Podcast and Harry was recommended to listen, which turned out to be a pretty pivotal moment for him. "The one thing I took away f…

Jodie Redcliffe studied Psychology, can speak fluent Japanese, is a mother of three and her first memories in agriculture are feeding poddy calves on her Pa’s dairy farm. There’s a lot to unpack in this episode! As a youngster, Jodie moved around regional Queensland as her father worked in pigs and poultry. “He actually liked pigs a lot more than p…

Adam DeMamiel is the CEO, Director and Co-Founder of Boys To The Bush, a charity which supports vulnerable youth with intensive programs. His role has changed over the years so now he's not the one running the programs, but empowering others around him to do so. Having his staff find reward from the work they do with kids and speak passionately abo…

Hey! We're back and this week we thought given it's the first of May, we'd do a quick check in with what's happening at Humans of Ag. We've been out filming with goFARM, NSW DPI, Dairy Australia, and the team at BlackBox. Our Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) in conversation series are alive and well on their channels. We've had th…

We won't be able to give Esther Price justice in these show notes, but if you have ever been in the room with her then you know just how ExtraOrdinary she is. The influence she has on people around her is incredible, particularly when she is on stage, she really is absolutely captivating. Esther calls Western Australia (WA) home and always has. She…

“I never thought I'd be chatting on an agriculture podcast.” Founder and CEO of IVM Group, Nick Bloor describes his business as having a mission to improve people's lives through plant science. At only 19 years old, Nick founded his first business in vegetation management space. To us, Nick’s work is pretty mind-blowing. And he is so humble in how …

Welcome back to the Tom and Mick Show! In this episode they are joined by special guest - Justin Oakenfull, from Elders at Inverell and recently the 2024 National Young Auctioneer Of The Year! Key Topics: Justin's journey in the auctioneering and livestock industry Market trends and predictions in the livestock industry Justin's pump-up routine and…