Humans of Agriculture brings you inside the conversations, careers and stories shaping agriculture. Hosted by Oli Le Lievre, the podcast gives listeners access to the people, ideas and experiences you might not otherwise get close to.
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Tom & Mick: Risk, Timing and Opportunity in the Cattle Market with Jeremy Cummins
Season 6 · Episode 162
Monday, July 13, 2026 • Duration 24:57
The Tom & Mick Show is back, and so is repeat guest Jeremy Cummins.
Two years after first joining the show, Jeremy returns to share how his cattle feeding business has grown from around 4,000 head on feed to more than 22,000 across multiple locations.
The conversation also dives into the current cattle market, seasonal conditions, feedlot demand and how Jeremy is positioning his business as the industry navigates another changing cycle.
In this episode:
Growing the business
What's changed since Jeremy's first appearance on the show
Rebuilding and expanding the Mirambee Feedlot
Growing from 4,000 to more than 22,000 head on feed
Building a team and bringing experienced people into the business
The role mentors and advisors continue to play
Feedlot strategy
Why Jeremy operates across multiple feedlot locations
Diversifying supply, customers and seasonal risk
How different feeding programs fit different markets
Why flexibility is becoming a competitive advantage
Reading today's cattle market
Jeremy's outlook on current cattle prices
The impact of seasonal conditions across Australia
Why supply and demand still drive his decision making
How international markets influence, but don't dictate, his business
Managing risk
Why Jeremy focuses on margins instead of trying to predict the market
Matching purchases to forward sales
Lessons learned from previous market corrections
Why understanding your costs matters more than guessing where prices are heading
Growth mindset
Why Jeremy never planned to grow as quickly as he has
Backing opportunities when they make sense
Scaling a business without chasing growth for growth's sake
His philosophy: know your numbers, back yourself and don't be afraid to do more
Looking ahead
Jeremy's thoughts on the future of feedlotting
The potential of covered feedlots
Why Wagyu isn't part of his current strategy
What the next decade could look like for the business
Key takeaways
Business growth often comes from recognising opportunities rather than following a rigid plan.
Knowing your costs and protecting your margins is more important than trying to pick the market.
Diversification across locations, customers and feeding programs helps manage risk.
Seasonal conditions will continue to play a major role in shaping Australia's cattle market.
The best opportunities often come to those prepared to act with confidence when the numbers stack up.
Whether you're involved in cattle production, feedlotting, livestock trading or simply interested in how successful agribusinesses make decisions, this episode offers practical insights into growth, risk management and navigating today's cattle market.
RaboElevate: Why Capability Matters More Than Capital with Danny Shepherd (Partnered Ep)
Season 6 · Episode 161
Monday, July 6, 2026 • Duration 38:16
Agriculture is built on more than land, livestock, and capital. It’s built on people, capability, and the strength of the communities that support them.
In this episode, Danny Shepherd shares the thinking behind RaboElevate, Rabobank’s capability-building platform designed to support farmers and agribusiness leaders through every stage of their career.
Drawing on a background in education and leadership development, Danny explains why building knowledge, networks, and self-awareness is just as important as access to finance. From emerging farm managers through to business owners and strategic leaders, RaboElevate aims to help people navigate the "sticky points" that come with growing a business, leading people, and making better decisions.
Danny also shares his personal story of discovering his farming roots later in life after meeting his father for the first time in his late thirties, and how that experience unexpectedly brought together his passions for education and agriculture.
From leadership development and financial literacy to international study tours, strategic thinking, and the role of AI in agriculture, this conversation explores what it takes to build resilient businesses and thriving rural communities for the long term.
This conversation highlights why investing in people and capability may be one of the most important investments agriculture can make.
Key insights from the conversation:
The story behind RaboElevate and why Rabobank invests in capability, knowledge, and networks
How farmers move through different seasons of leadership across their careers
The importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and critical thinking in business
Navigating the "sticky points" of farm ownership, growth, succession, and leadership
How practical education programs help bridge the gap between operational and strategic thinking
The value of peer networks, study tours, and learning from farmers around the world
SproutAg: Building the Future of Agribusiness Finance with Oscar McLean
Season 6 · Episode 161
Monday, June 29, 2026 • Duration 26:43
In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre is joined by SproutAg Senior Agribusiness Manager, Oscar McLean, alongside Humans of Agriculture Talent Specialist, Zoe Burgess, to explore the opportunities available as SproutAg continues its rapid growth across regional Australia.
After starting his career in agtech before moving into agricultural banking, Oscar shares the journey that led him to SproutAg and why helping farmers navigate increasingly complex finance decisions has become such a rewarding career. He explains how the business works alongside farming enterprises to provide independent finance, debt advisory and business planning services that help clients achieve their long-term goals.
The conversation also provides an inside look at what it's like to work at SproutAg. Oscar explains what an Agribusiness Manager does day-to-day, the type of people who thrive in the business, and why attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than ticking every box on a job description.
As SproutAg continues to expand across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and beyond, Oscar shares why now is an exciting time to join the business, the career pathways available, and how ambitious people can grow alongside one of Australia's fastest-growing agribusiness advisory firms.
Whether you're already working in agricultural banking, finance or agribusiness, or you're looking for your next career move, this episode offers a genuine insight into the people, culture and opportunities behind SproutAg's continued growth.
Key insights from the conversation:
Oscar's career journey from Marcus Oldham to banking and into SproutAg
Why independent agribusiness finance and advisory is one of agriculture's fastest-growing sectors
What an Agribusiness Manager does day-to-day
The type of people SproutAg is looking to recruit
Why attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than having every technical skill
How Halter Is Replacing Fences on Aussie Farms with Hamish Irvine
Season 6 · Episode 160
Monday, June 22, 2026 • Duration 54:23
In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Hamish Irvine, Head of Southern States at Halter Australia, to explore the technology, leadership and mindset driving one of agriculture’s fastest-growing companies.
Growing up on a mixed farming operation in western New South Wales, Hamish always imagined a future on the land. But after drought forced a change in direction, his career took him through the meat industry, global supply chains and commercial leadership before landing at Halter, the virtual fencing and livestock management company now transforming grazing systems across Australia and New Zealand.
This conversation goes beyond the technology itself. Hamish shares the lessons that shaped his career, what it takes to build high-performing teams, and why feedback, accountability and culture are critical in fast-growing businesses. He also unpacks how Halter is helping farmers rethink labour, pasture management and livestock performance through virtual fencing and real-time animal insights.
From career progression and leadership to innovation and the future of livestock farming, this is a conversation about embracing change and creating impact.
Key insights from the conversation:
How growing up on a family farm and experiencing drought shaped Hamish’s career journey
Why stepping outside traditional agriculture career pathways can create unexpected opportunities
The lessons learned from building a career across meat processing, sales and agribusiness leadership
What high-performance culture looks like in practice and why feedback is central to success
How Halter uses virtual fencing and animal insights to transform livestock management
The three biggest drivers of value for farmers: pasture utilisation, labour efficiency, and animal health
Why adopting new technology requires trust, clear outcomes and a willingness to change
How innovation is reshaping the future of livestock farming and creating new opportunities across agriculture
The importance of leadership, ownership and accountability in building successful teams
They Said She’d Have to Marry a Farmer… She Became One Instead with Danna Boulton (RIC Partner episode)
Season 6 · Episode 157
Monday, June 15, 2026 • Duration 25:38
In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli heads to the windswept coastline of Seaspray in Gippsland to sit down with first-generation farmer Danna Boulton.
Growing up just down the road on her family’s dairy farm, Danna always dreamed of farming - but like many young Australians, the pathway to ownership wasn’t straightforward. After building a career as a teacher, making sacrifices, studying the land market for years, and leaning on the right support networks, she found her opportunity.
Today, Danna is three years into running her own beef operation on “the island” at the Honeysuckles - a unique coastal property she now calls home. With support from her family, a rural financial counsellor, her bank, and a RIC AgriStarter Loan, she’s been able to take that leap into ownership and build a business from the ground up.
This episode explores patience, persistence, and the reality of doing it on your own - while also highlighting the importance of community, financial support, and backing yourself when the opportunity finally comes.
RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans to help farmers establish a first farm business and support with succession arrangements.
Key insights from the conversation:
Non-linear pathways into farming and first-generation ownership
The power of patience and studying the market over time
Making sacrifices to build a deposit and create opportunity
The role of support networks - family, advisors, and community
Using finance to reduce pressure and enable sustainable growth
Learning to ask for help and manage risk on your own
Business Spotlight: Regional Investment Corporation - helping finance Aussie Farmers with John Howard (RIC Partner episode)
Season 6 · Episode 156
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 • Duration 28:37
This business spotlight episode is a practical deep dive into the Regional Investment Corporation, how it works, why it exists, and how it’s helping farmers manage risk and build stronger businesses.
CEO John Howard shares his journey across agriculture, food, and finance and breaks down how concessional loans can provide breathing room during tough seasons and create opportunities for long-term growth.
This episode explains what RIC does, who it’s for, and how farmers can access loans to improve cash flow, rebuild after hardship, or enter the industry. For anyone in agriculture looking to better manage risk, understand finance options, or plan for the future, this is a practical and highly relevant conversation.
RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times.
Key insights from the conversation:
What the Regional Investment Corporation is (and isn’t)
The role of concessional finance in agriculture
Managing risk through drought, flood, and volatility
Why timing and preparation matter when accessing finance
The reality of farm business resilience in Australia
Chapters:
00:00 Spotlight on Regional Investment Corporation
01:30 Understanding RIC's Role in Agriculture
03:49 Navigating Hardship and Opportunities
06:57 Demand Trends in Australian Agriculture
10:49 Innovative Loan Products for Farmers
13:03 The RIC Team and Customer Experience
They Turned Drought Survival Into a Smarter Farming Business with Nick & Chris Blunt (RIC Partner episode)
Season 6 · Episode 155
Monday, June 8, 2026 • Duration 39:52
This week, Oli sits down with farmers Chris and Nick Blunt at their family farm near Orange, NSW. The Blunts know the importance of water, and Chris can use his water divining skills to find it, but he needed the capital in order to support the business survive and ultimately rebound from the drought.
In this episode, Chris Blunt shares how a lifetime on the land has helped him build deep instincts and partnering that with his son Nick’s background in finance - they’re building a thriving future fit business.
The Blunt’s used a low-interest loan through the Regional Investment Corporation, to build water security for their business and help to secure its future direction.
RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times.
Key insights from the conversation:
Multi-generational farming and succession in practice
Decision-making under pressure (drought context)
The role of financial literacy in modern farming
Blending instinct with data and external advice
Using finance to rebuild and grow
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Family Farming and Legacy
01:43 Chris’s Spiritual Connection to the Land
04:36 The Importance of Safety in Farming
07:05 Navigating Drought and Financial Challenges
12:57 Collaboration Between Generations
17:30 Decision Making During Crisis and Drought
21:20 Utilising a RIC Loan for Growth
Tom & Mick: Livestock Markets, Restocking and Managing Risk with James Tierney
Season 6 · Episode 154
Friday, June 5, 2026 • Duration 21:58
The Tom & Mick Show is back!! With a timely livestock market update as rain finally arrives across much of eastern Australia and confidence begins returning to the paddock.
Tom and Mick are joined once again by Riverina livestock agent James Tierney from Riverina Livestock Agents to unpack what's happening in the cattle and sheep markets, how producers are approaching restocking, and whether the lessons from recent seasons will influence decision-making this time around.
From record lamb contracts and surging cattle prices to breeder shortages, restocker demand and the outlook for the next 12–24 months, James provides a practical perspective from the front line of the livestock industry.
In this episode:
James Tierney and Riverina Livestock Agents
Overview of RLA and its role across southern NSW and Victoria
Operating from Wagga Wagga with a livestock footprint extending across eastern Australia
Current seasonal conditions across the Riverina and southern Australia
Why many producers are experiencing one of the strongest starts to winter in recent memory
Livestock markets gaining momentum
Lamb contracts reaching up to $12.80/kg
Strong processor demand continuing across both sheep and cattle
Why cattle markets received a major boost following recent rainfall
The significant lift seen in southern saleyards over recent weeks
Restocking and rebuilding numbers
How traders and breeders are approaching the current market
Why breeder numbers remain well below historical levels
The impact of drought-driven livestock liquidation over recent years
Where producers are still finding opportunities in the market
“We started with two cows… and just saved every dollar we could.” with Brodie Game (RIC Partner episode)
Season 6 · Episode 153
Monday, June 1, 2026 • Duration 33:25
In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down in the paddock with Brodie Game, who shares how she and her husband Kevin wentfrom milking two cows on a travelling stock reserve to building a high-performing dairy business in the Bega Valley.
Along the way, they’ve navigated drought, fire, financial constraints - and the reality of being first-generation farmers without a clear roadmap.
This episode explores the decisions, risks, and relationships that shaped their journey - and how access to the right finance help such as the RIC at the right time helped accelerate their growth.
RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times.
Key insights from the conversation:
First-generation farming and non-traditional pathways
Building a business without owning land initially
The role of relationships and reputation in agriculture
Risk, resilience, and long-term thinking
Using finance as a strategic tool - not just survival
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Brodie and Kevin's Journey
01:53 The Landscape of Bega Valley
03:18 Early Interests in Agriculture
04:51 The Path to Dairy Farming
06:51 The Love Story and Partnership
07:40 Understanding Share Farming
09:10 Transitioning to Leasing
11:15 The Importance of Networking
Pavilion Farms: Inside the Formula 1 of Farming with CEO Nathan Potter
Season 6 · Episode 159
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 • Duration 49:21
In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Nathan Potter, CEO of Pavilion Farms, to unpack the future of precision agriculture and why Pavilion Farms is now searching for an AgTech Lead to help shape the next chapter of the business.
From growing up on chicken farms in Victoria to building a career in management consulting with PwC across Australia and London, Nathan shares the journey that brought him back to the family business and how Pavilion Farms has grown into a large-scale operation focused on innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
Nathan explains why he sees poultry farming as “the Formula 1 of agriculture” and how emerging technologies, AI, and real-time monitoring are creating new opportunities to improve animal welfare, farm performance, and operational consistency at scale.
The conversation also dives into Pavilion Farms’ newly created AgTech Lead role, the mindset they are looking for in candidates, and why curiosity, systems thinking, and a willingness to solve problems matter more than coming from a traditional farming background.
This episode is designed to give candidates and listeners a genuine insight into the business, the people, the opportunity, and Nathan’s vision for the future of agriculture.
If you’d like to learn more about Pavilion Farms or the AgTech Lead opportunity, head to https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/agtech-lead-precision--cgk9
The role is live now, and we’d love to hear from anyone interested in the future of agriculture and technology.
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Or connect with Zoe Burgess for a confidential conversation about the opportunities available with SproutAg.
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to SproutAg and Recruitment Opportunities 02:13 Oscar McLean's Career Journey and Insights 05:01 Understanding SproutAg's Business Model 07:38 Role of Agribusiness Manager: Responsibilities and Expectations 11:26 Growth and Expansion of SproutAg 14:26 Career Pathways and Opportunities at SproutAg 17:59 Selling Tamworth: A Regional Hub for Agriculture 20:56 Encouragement for Potential Candidates
Why agriculture needs more people focused on solving industry challenges rather than following traditional career paths
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Halter and Hamish Irvine 02:05 Career Path and Early Experiences 04:37 The Importance of Diverse Experiences 08:37 Reflections on Career Choices 10:37 Leadership and Team Building at Halter 12:17 Transitioning to Halter: Embracing Change 20:13 High-Performance Culture at Halter 26:56 The Art of Feedback and Communication 30:18 The Birth of Halter: A Journey from Dairy Farming to Tech Innovation 34:37 Expanding Horizons: Halter's Growth in Australia 37:36 Understanding Farmer Needs: The Halter Approach 39:59 Building Trust: Overcoming Skepticism in Agriculture 43:45 Transformational Technology: The Future of Farming 46:42 Bridging Agriculture and Technology: The Ideal Candidate 48:07 The Future of Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Farming Life
02:23 Growing Up on a Dairy Farm
05:11 Transitioning from Teaching to Farming
08:09 Navigating Financial Challenges in Farming
10:51 Acquiring Land and Starting a Farm
13:59 Support Systems in Farming
16:37 Challenges of Solo Farming
19:34 Advice for Aspiring Farmers
14:53 RIC vs Traditional Banks
15:34 Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers
18:11 Future of Agriculture and Succession Planning
19:34 Success Stories from RIC Customers
23:09 Practical Steps for Engaging with RIC
25:43 The Benefit of having a career outside Farming
28:24 Water Security and Its Impact
30:12 Future Aspirations and Innovations in Farming
The cattle outlook
Why many cattle haven't disappeared... they've simply found a new postcode
Large movements of livestock from northern regions into southern Australia
The risks of chasing expensive restocker cattle
Lessons learned from the cattle market correction of 2023
Could we see $2,000 weaner steers again?
Sheep markets and supply challenges
Why sheep producers may be among the biggest beneficiaries of current conditions
The impact of reduced breeding ewe numbers across Australia
Strong mutton prices and ongoing supply constraints
Why retaining breeding stock is becoming increasingly attractive
James' outlook for lamb and mutton markets over the next two years
Managing risk in a rising market
The danger of letting green grass drive decision-making
Why discipline remains critical during periods of optimism
Balancing opportunity with caution as prices strengthen
The importance of understanding seasonal risk in livestock enterprises
Feeding systems and future opportunities
The growing role of containment feeding and on-farm finishing systems
Why more producers are retaining stock longer rather than selling into weak markets
The economics of feeding cattle through market downturns
Building flexibility into livestock businesses
Key takeaways
Rain has rapidly improved confidence and livestock demand across much of eastern Australia
Sheep supply is likely to remain constrained for several years
Cattle markets remain highly dependent on seasonal conditions and producer confidence
Strong markets create opportunities, but discipline and risk management remain essential
This episode is packed with practical market insight for livestock producers, agents, traders and rural businesses navigating changing seasonal conditions. It's a valuable conversation on rebuilding confidence, managing risk and understanding where the next opportunities may emerge across Australia's sheep and cattle sectors.
12:10 Acquiring Their Own Farm
14:10 The Role of Community Support
15:37 Daily Life on the Farm
17:26 Ownership vs. Leasing in Farming
19:32 The Value of Dairy Farming
20:51 Exploring Ag Tech Innovations
22:19 Investment Decisions in Farming
24:37 Utilising Finance for Growth
27:31 Future Aspirations and Growth
29:09 Vulnerability and Accountability in Farming
31:32 Pride in Their Achievements
Key insights from the conversation:
How Pavilion Farms grew from a family farm into a large-scale poultry business
Why Nathan left consulting in London to return to agriculture
The role AI and technology could play in poultry farming
Why poultry is one of the most data-driven sectors in agriculture
What the AgTech Lead role will focus on day to day
The importance of curiosity, innovation, and continuous improvement
How technology can improve consistency, welfare, and efficiency at scale
Why Nathan believes agriculture offers endless opportunities to solve problems
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Pavilion Farms and AgTech Lead Role
04:57 Evolution of Pavilion Farms and Industry Changes
10:10 Dynamic Between Nathan and His Father in Business
12:58 Balancing Family and Business Responsibilities
17:14 Precision Agriculture: The Formula 1 of Farming
21:07 Team Structure and Operations at Pavilion Farms
21:45 Future Opportunities and Technological Evolution in Poultry Farming
23:24 Harnessing Technology for Poultry Management
25:01 The Role of Ag Tech Lead
26:28 Fast Tracking Innovation in Poultry
28:15 Understanding the Current Technology Landscape
30:46 Incremental Improvements in Poultry Farming
32:14 Consistency and Efficiency in Production
34:30 The Ideal Candidate for Ag Tech
36:06 Passion for Agriculture and Family Legacy
37:53 Building Relationships and Change Management
38:59 Early Wins and Data-Driven Decisions
41:00 Balancing On-Farm and Desk Work
43:01 The Importance of Location in Poultry Farming
44:08 Recruitment Process and Future Opportunities
