I think Erica Halliday could be the Chief of Optimism

Humans of Agriculture

Erica Halliday embodies optimism. Her upbeat nature is genuinely infectious, even when she is talking about some really difficult periods for her, her family and the business.

Erica and her husband Stu run Ben Nevis Angus Stud, a 5th generation family business situated in Walcha, New South Wales. Erica is a natural storyteller who believes in bringing something to the business, not taking from it. It was fascinating to learn how her and Stu built their foundations which added to the family business and Angus Stud when it was time to merge.

While you’d be forgiven to think everything is always rainbows and butterflies for Erica given how optimistic she is, she has certainly had more than her fair share of struggles. With three natural disasters in 12 months, Erica says it was humour that got her through - and that you can believe!

An absolute asset to agriculture, Erica has ideas about climate change, sustainability and the future of the beef industry. She believes that the beef industry is not only part of the solution for climate change, but for global food security as well. On their own property, they are implementing change that works with their soil and natural environment.

With all her spare time, Erica sits on the board for Angus Australia and is a Director of Rural Aid.

We left the conversation with Erica feeling energised and there’s so many more pockets of gold from Oli's chat with her.

evokeAG 2025 Groundbreaker Program - Applications open

• Formerly known as the evokeAG. Future Young Leaders program, the evokeAG. Groundbreakers program has been renamed to better reflect the innovative and impactful leadership of its participants.
• The 2025 program will empower five emerging leaders in agrifood and related industries, guiding them to present their innovations at the evokeAG. 2025 event in Brisbane.
• Participants receive mentoring and a post-event bursary, supporting their goals to enhance rural communities and advance Australian agriculture.
• Applications are open till Monday, 2 September 2024 to apply visit evokeag.com