Explore every episode of the podcast Humans of Agriculture

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Elle Moyle, a Zanda McDonald Award finalist, veterinarian and farmer with Pathfinder Angus in Western Victoria.

Elle reflects on her path from working as a district vet, including international biosecurity work, to returning to the family farming business and building her own agricultural interests.

A big part of the conversation is Elle’s experience with the Zanda McDonald Award. While she made the final three but didn’t win, the experience helped build her confidence, expand her network and create relationships that continue to shape her career.

Elle also shares what she has learnt about building genuine professional relationships, the value of putting yourself forward for opportunities, and what is happening at Pathfinder Angus as the family business continues to grow.

In this episode:

• Elle’s move from veterinary work to full-time farming
• Her experience as a Zanda McDonald Award finalist
• Why you don’t have to win to get enormous value from the award
• Building confidence, networks and long-term professional relationships
• The growth of Pathfinder Angus and Elle’s role in the family business
• Why Elle encourages others to put themselves forward

Applications for the Zanda McDonald Award are open from 1 October to 31 October 2026.

Chapters

00:00 Elle Moyle’s journey and the Zanda McDonald Award
02:11 From veterinary work to full-time farming
04:00 Veterinary and biosecurity work
05:21 Why Elle applied for the Zanda McDonald Award
06:15 Lessons from being a finalist
07:34 Building a lasting network
10:04 Learning from industry leaders
11:12 The growth of Pathfinder Angus
12:23 Why more young agricultural professionals should apply
13:45 What’s ahead for Pathfinder Angus

Welcome to the Tom & Mick Show! This week, Tom & Mick sit down with Anna Speer, whose career has taken her from teaching and AgTech to leadership roles with AuctionsPlus, Australian Agricultural Company, Woolworths and now Stone Axe.

Anna shares what she’s learnt about building strong teams, making commercial decisions and creating long-term value, while unpacking how Stone Axe is building a vertically integrated Wagyu business from conception through to consumption.

In this episode:

• Anna’s unconventional career through agriculture and AgTech
• What private equity brings to an agricultural business
• How vertical integration can reduce exposure to market volatility
• Using 10-year herd modelling to make better decisions today
• Managing rising feed, fuel and labour costs
• Why building your own brand isn’t always the best strategy
• Wagyu genetics, premium markets and future growth
• Building teams and adapting your leadership to different people

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and catching up with Anna Speer
03:01 Anna’s career through agriculture and AgTech
07:49 From Woolworths to Stone Axe
12:39 Private equity and commercial decision-making
19:29 Wagyu genetics and growing Stone Axe
26:14 Managing market cycles and supply chains
31:20 Herd modelling and planning 10 years ahead
36:00 Consumer trends and Wagyu’s premium market
40:04 Managing rising input costs
44:40 Branding, Angus and supply chain partnerships
50:17 Leadership and building better teams

What happens when you step outside your own patch and spend time learning from some of the best operators in agriculture?

2026 Australian Zanda McDonald Award winner Bryce Neyland joins Oli after completing his mentoring trips across New Zealand and Australia. Bryce shares what he learned about risk, resilience, investment and leadership, and why seeing how other businesses operate has challenged the way he thinks about his own career and family farming business.

Importantly, Bryce didn’t win the first time he applied. He reflects on what changed between applications, the value of getting clear on where you want to go, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is put your hand up and have another crack.

In this episode:

• What Bryce learned travelling through Australian and New Zealand agriculture
• Why New Zealand challenged his thinking about productivity and getting more from what you have
• What resilient Australian farming businesses do differently
• How leading businesses think about investment, risk and long-term decision-making
• Why Bryce is now thinking differently about planning for tough seasons on the family farm
• Learning to expect pressure rather than being surprised by it
• Why getting outside your own "sandbox" matters for personal and professional growth
• What changed between Bryce's first unsuccessful Zanda application and ultimately winning the Award
• Why the alumni network may be one of the Award's greatest opportunities
• Bryce's advice for anyone considering putting their hand up

Applications for the Zanda McDonald Award are open from 1 October to 31 October 2026.

If you’re involved in agriculture, want to keep learning and are curious about where you could take your career, Bryce’s advice is pretty simple: get your application in and have a crack.

Chapters
00:00 Catching up with Bryce
02:15 Life as the 2026 Zanda McDonald Award winner
03:11 The Australian and New Zealand mentoring trips
05:20 What New Zealand agriculture taught Bryce
06:32 Productivity versus resilience
08:04 How great businesses think about investment and risk
10:34 Bringing the lessons back to the family farm
11:30 Leadership, negotiation and personal development
13:27 Learning to expect pressure
14:39 What successful dryland farming businesses taught Bryce
17:00 Why apply for the Zanda McDonald Award?
19:01 Bryce didn't get through the first time
20:18 "I only know what I know"
22:04 What changed between Bryce's two applications
23:31 Bryce's advice to future applicants

Fourth-generation beef producer Stafford Ives-Heres is building Shanford Park on Tasmania's north-west coast with one eye firmly on the generations still to come.

From starting with 10 cattle and working cray boats to fund his growth, to succession, leasing land and questioning whether owning more country always makes commercial sense, Stafford shares how he's thinking about building a family business that's valuable enough to be taken on, not simply sold.

We chat about:

• Growing up at Shanford Park and being the last of four kids to become interested in farming
• Starting with 10 cattle as a teenager
• Working cray boats along Tasmania's remote west coast
• Using off-farm income to build livestock ownership
• Why the family moved from dairy into beef
• The beginnings of Tasmanian Seaweed Fertilisers
• Separating family businesses to make succession work
• Growing livestock numbers through ownership, leasing and share farming
• Why Stafford questions the need to own every hectare
• Building equity and optionality for the next generation
• Creating pathways into agriculture without owning land
• Why professional development and strong networks matter

Chapters

00:00 The realities of regional connectivity
05:09 Meet Stafford Ives-Heres
06:17 Farming on Tasmania's north-west coast
10:21 Starting with 10 cattle
12:15 Leaving farming for the cray industry
16:24 Lessons from working at sea
18:01 From dairy farming to seaweed fertiliser
23:40 Separating businesses and navigating succession
25:36 Growing the beef business
28:29 Having children and thinking generations ahead
31:04 Playing the long game with land and scale
32:22 Professional development, equity and what's next
36:18 Leasing land and creating pathways into agriculture
39:05 Rabobank's Executive Development Program

Jack and Lisa Beattie didn’t set out to build a strawberry propagation business. After leaving Jack’s family dairy operation and trying several different ventures, an unexpected opportunity at Ouse in Tasmania changed their direction.

Today, JCLM Farming produces around 10% of Australia’s strawberry nursery plants. Jack and Lisa share the decisions, setbacks and lessons behind that growth, and their ambition to become the provider of choice for Australian strawberry growers.

In this episode:

• Leaving the family farm and starting again
• Why their early businesses were important stepping stones
• The unexpected move from dairy into strawberry propagation
• The moment they decided to back one business rather than keep diversifying
• Why Ouse is uniquely suited to growing strawberry nursery plants
• Growing JCLM to around 10% of the Australian market
• Finding and bringing new strawberry genetics into Australia
• How six plants can become millions through propagation
• Digitising the customer journey from ordering through to delivery
• Building a team around Jack and Lisa’s different strengths
• Their goal to double JCLM’s share of the Australian market

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and JCLM Farming today
02:20 Jack’s farming roots and moving from the UK to Tasmania
05:09 Leaving the family dairy business
07:25 The difficult first decade on their own
09:06 Their first businesses and lessons from things that didn’t work
12:12 Lisa’s perspective on money, growth and building the business
16:11 How strawberries unexpectedly entered the picture
18:55 The two phone calls that changed their direction
22:43 Building JCLM into 10% of Australia’s strawberry plant market
24:44 Creating value for customers and aligning the team
26:29 Jack and Lisa’s different strengths as leaders
28:45 Global genetics and the story of six Eclipse plants
32:34 Building a digital-first strawberry nursery
37:47 The ambition to double JCLM’s Australian market share
39:14 What are the chances your strawberries started at JCLM?
40:41 The strawberry needle scare, COVID and labour challenges

Michael Spencer has spent more than 30 years across livestock agency, corporate agriculture, cattle processing and pastoral operations, including roles with Elders, AACo and Bindaree Beef before helping build Adcock Partners.

In this episode of The Tom & Mick Show, Michael joins Tom and Mick to unpack what good livestock agency actually looks like, why Adcock Partners deliberately operates under the radar, and what he is seeing across cattle markets from northern Australia through to the eastern states.

They discuss:

•  Michael’s unconventional path through Elders, AACo, Bindaree Beef and into Adcock Partners 
•  Why relationships and people remain the foundation of a strong agency business 
•  Building a business around agility rather than corporate complexity 
•  Why Adcock Partners has deliberately stayed relatively quiet and selective 
•  How livestock agency has changed over the past 30 years 
•  What good service looks like when clients span enormous distances 
•  Seasonal conditions across Queensland and the Northern Territory 
•  Why producer confidence can move cattle prices quickly 
•  The relationship between live export and domestic cattle markets 
•  Why live export remains critical to northern Australia and Indonesia 
•  What Michael expects from cattle markets heading through spring and into 2027

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Michael Spencer and Adcock Partners
05:24 Michael’s path from Melbourne to livestock agency
12:41 From Elders and AACo to Bindaree
18:05 Building Adcock Partners and the business philosophy
23:34 What good livestock agency service looks like
29:48 Seasonal conditions across northern Australia
35:12 The cattle market and influence of the farmer
40:36 Live export, Indonesia and changing cattle markets
46:18 What happens next for the cattle market
50:20 The Charbray question and wrapping up

Gerard Hines and Chris Duff have spent nearly four decades working alongside each other, building one of Australia's most respected independent agribusinesses from a single rural store into a national business. 

What does it take to build an agribusiness from a handful of people into a national business, without losing the culture, relationships and local connection that made it successful in the first place?

Gerard Hines and Chris Duff are the co-founders of Delta Agribusiness. Their working relationship stretches back almost 40 years, from a small rural business near Young, NSW, through the creation of Delta Agribusiness in 2006 and more than 20 acquisitions, before Delta ultimately became part of Elders.

This is a conversation about much more than growth. Gerard and Chris unpack the decisions, people and principles underneath it, from backing themselves during drought, putting their own money on the line and using employee ownership to create alignment, to learning why balance sheet strength, local relationships and great people matter when building a business for the long term.

Key insights from the conversation:

• How Gerard and Chris built a partnership spanning nearly 40 years through trust, respect and shared values
• Why bringing independent agronomy into agricultural retail fundamentally changed their business model
• The role mentors and early equity opportunities played in shaping Delta's inclusive ownership philosophy
• What IAMA, Wesfarmers and AWB taught them about leadership, governance, systems and financial discipline
• Why Delta was founded during the middle of a severe drought and how backing themselves changed everything
• The importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet so opportunities can be seized during difficult seasons
• How focusing on people, culture and local relationships drove more than 20 successful acquisitions across Australia
• Why equity ownership became one of Delta's greatest tools for attracting, retaining and aligning great people
• How staying connected to customers and the frontline has remained critical, even as the business has grown nationally
• The lessons learned from succession planning, bringing in private equity, and ultimately partnering with Elders to secure Delta's next chapter

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Gerard Hines and Chris Duff's Journey

01:52 Early Days of Agriculture and Agronomy

04:00 Founding of Delta Agribusiness and Initial Challenges

08:05 The Impact of Industry Changes and Mergers

11:57 Lessons Learned from Industry Challenges

15:57 Growth Strategies and Private Equity Involvement

20:08 Building Company Culture and Leadership

25:02 Managing Growth, Succession, and Industry Dynamics

31:47 The Decision to Start Delta and Early Risks

36:04 Timing and Market Conditions During Launch

40:03 Resilience During Droughts and Market Cycles

45:07 The Role of Relationships and Trust in Business

49:48 Strategic Acquisitions and Private Equity Partnerships

54:58 Adapting to Industry and Market Changes

59:55 Leadership, Culture, and the Future of Delta

Podcast Keywords

Delta Agribusiness, Gerard Hines, Chris Duff, Australian agribusiness, agronomy Australia, agricultural leadership, agribusiness entrepreneurship, rural business, agriculture careers, agricultural retail, private agronomy, Australian farming, business growth, mergers and acquisitions, employee ownership, business culture, drought resilience, leadership development, succession planning, Elders, regional business, entrepreneurship in agriculture

Action Steel Sales Coordinator Role - Find here.

We sit down with Lennie Grace to learn more about Action Steel and the current opportunities available in his sales team. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Action Steel and family business
01:27 How Action Steel started
02:01 Growing up in the family business
03:33 Why Action Steel chose agriculture
04:53 The importance of focus
06:21 Building a network for growth
08:18 Team, culture and specialist skills
10:03 The Sales Coordinator opportunity
12:43 Understanding the role and customer experience
18:26 Transparency, incentives and the future of Action Steel

Building a premium beef brand isn't just about producing exceptional cattle. It's about understanding markets, embracing data, building the right team, and having the patience to make decisions years before the product reaches a customer's plate.

In this episode, Harry Kemp shares the story behind King River, the family-owned Wagyu business that has grown from a bold partnership between two Queensland families into a premium beef brand supplying customers across more than 35 countries.

Harry reflects on growing up in a family grazing business, leaving school early to return to the land, and how his approach to learning has evolved alongside the rapid transformation of Australian agriculture. What began as a traditional cattle operation has become a data-driven business where genetics, consumer demand, and long-term thinking shape every decision.

Together, Oli and Harry explore the realities of building a premium export brand, why consistency matters more than chasing perfection, and how strong relationships have underpinned King River's remarkable growth over the past five years.

From genetics and data to leadership, teamwork, and customer relationships, this conversation offers a fascinating insight into what it takes to build a modern beef business that delivers quality from paddock to plate.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Harry's journey from the family cattle property to co-founding King River
• Why two family businesses joined forces to build a premium Wagyu brand
• The challenges of building a business with a four-year production cycle
• How genetics, data, and consumer demand are transforming beef production
• Why consistency matters more than producing the highest marbling scores
• Building a business that now supplies premium Wagyu to more than 35 countries
• Lessons on rapid business growth, leadership, and putting people in the right roles
• The importance of relationships, accountability, and shared values in successful partnerships
• Why producing great food is ultimately about bringing people together, regardless of language or culture

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Harry Kemp and King River Beef
02:20 The significance of the Ekka week and industry events
04:00 Harry's background and early life in farming
07:32 Changes in beef farming over 21 years
10:07 The formation of King River Beef in 2019
11:30 Utilising Wagyu to optimise feedlot infrastructure
14:05 Transition from selling cattle to branding and marketing
16:22 Meeting the Rich family and forming the partnership
19:45 Managing rapid growth and team restructuring
24:55 Impact of genetics and breeding on marbling
29:38 The importance of data and technology in decision-making
34:22 Building a global customer base and maintaining quality
44:01 The future vision for King River Beef
45:20 Harry's perspective on being a food producer
46:47 The universal language of good food and beef
47:22 Closing remarks and next steps for the business

In the second of a two-part panel series with the Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, Oli Le Lievre sits down with St George producers Jake Moon of Moonrocks and cotton grower Craig Saunders to explore how innovation is being used to solve real problems within two very different farming businesses.

Jake shares how Moonrocks identified labour and weed management as a growing constraint before adopting an AI-powered green-on-green sprayer, while Craig reflects on how the pursuit of growing more cotton with less water led him to rethink irrigation and develop automation for bankless systems.

This conversation is not about promoting a particular product. It is about what happens before and after a technology is adopted: identifying a problem, researching potential solutions, working through the economics and building the people, systems and processes needed to make it work.

Jake and Craig discuss the importance of measuring performance, understanding return on investment and being willing to challenge the way things have always been done. They also share the limitations, frustrations and unanswered questions that remain, from integrating data across a business to deciding which investment should come next.

From robotics and irrigation automation to labour, software, profitability and long-term planning, this is a practical conversation about using innovation to build more productive, adaptable and drought-resilient farming businesses.

The Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is supported by funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Learn more at www.unisq.edu.au/sqnnswhub.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Why Jake and Craig began looking for new ways to solve labour, water and productivity challenges.
• How Craig’s pursuit of “more profit per drop” led to the automation of bankless irrigation.
• How robotics is helping Moonrocks reduce manual weeding, lower herbicide use and improve crop performance.
• Why measuring water use, labour, inputs and yield is essential when assessing new technology.
• The importance of matching innovation with a clearly defined business problem.
• Why successful adoption depends on people, processes and simple, reliable systems - not just the technology itself.
• How farmers can assess return on investment without chasing every new product or efficiency.
• The role of data, software and connected systems in improving decision-making.
• The value of learning from other farmers, industries and international businesses.
• The practical challenges of adopting technology, including cost, integration, support and uncertainty.
• Why profitability is central to long-term sustainability and drought resilience.
• How innovation can shift farm roles away from repetitive manual work and toward higher-skilled decision-making.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Craig Saunders' farm and innovation focus
01:50 Historical context of farming equipment and evolution
03:52 The rapid pace of agricultural change and innovation
06:53 Craig Saunders' farm history and diversification
10:06 Water management challenges and technological solutions
15:01 Adopting bankless irrigation and automation
20:06 Jake Moon's farm history and crop diversification
24:57 Use of AI-powered sprayers and weed management
30:11 The impact of technology on crop health and yields
34:48 Decision-making processes and data leverage in farming
40:00 The role of grants, strategic planning, and future opportunities
45:11 Lessons learned from travel and industry networks
50:10 The importance of continuous evolution and innovation in agriculture
55:04 Future prospects: local manufacturing, AI, and robotics
57:52 Final thoughts on the future of agriculture and technology

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Josh Tepper, CEO, and Michael Webb, COO and co-founders of Ornata Technologies, to explore how they're transforming farm operations through autonomous machinery and why now is an exciting time to join their growing team.

Following their appearance at evokeAG, Josh and Michael share how Ornata has evolved from launching its first commercial customers to building strong momentum across Victoria. They discuss their unique approach to autonomy, where experienced remote operators work alongside autonomous machinery to deliver the benefits of automation without adding complexity for farmers or requiring them to replace the equipment they already own.

The conversation also provides an inside look at the newly created Area Sales Manager role across Victoria and Southern New South Wales. Josh and Michael explain why this is much more than a sales position. It is an opportunity to build trusted relationships with farmers, understand their operations, demonstrate the technology in the field, and help producers solve one of agriculture's biggest challenges, finding skilled labour.

Whether you're passionate about agriculture, technology or helping farmers adopt new innovations, this episode offers a genuine insight into life inside one of Australia's most exciting agtech startups. Josh and Michael explain what success looks like, why trust sits at the centre of every customer relationship, and how joining Ornata today offers the chance to grow alongside a business shaping the future of Australian agriculture.

To learn more about Ornata Technologies and the Area Sales Manager opportunity, visit the Humans of Agriculture careers page.

The role is live now, and we'd love to hear from people who are ready to help bring the next generation of autonomous farming technology to Australian agriculture.

Key insights from the conversation:

• How Ornata has progressed from its first commercial deployments to a growing customer base.
• Why Ornata's remote operations platform makes autonomous farming practical for today's producers.
• How the business helps farmers address labour shortages while using the machinery they already own.
• Why building trust with farmers is the foundation of every customer relationship.
• What the Area Sales Manager role looks like day to day.
• Why understanding farming systems matters more than having deep technical knowledge.
• How customer referrals are driving growth across regional farming communities.
• What it is like working in a fast-growing Australian agtech startup.
• Why joining early creates opportunities to grow with the business.
• What success looks like after the first 12 months in the role.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Ornata Technologies and the new role
02:34 Six months of progress and milestones
05:31 The importance of local customer relationships
12:00 Why Victoria and New South Wales are key markets
15:10 What success looks like in the territory manager role
22:45 Customer profiles and farm types
26:54 Onboarding and what to expect in the role
36:51 The future of autonomous farming technology

In the first of a two-part panel series with the Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, Oli brings together Alex Archer from Webster Grain & Grazing at Lundavra and Ewen Beaton, Aminya Pastoral Pty Ltd, Manager at Kioma, west of Goondiwindi, to explore how two producers have approached the adoption of virtual fencing within their own grazing businesses.

While each operation uses a different virtual fencing platform, this conversation is not about comparing technology. It is about the decision-making process behind adopting innovation, identifying opportunities within a farming business and understanding how new tools can support more productive, resilient grazing systems.

Alex shares how virtual fencing has unlocked more than 160 hectares of previously underutilised country within a predominantly cropping enterprise, while Ewen reflects on how the technology is changing the way his team thinks about pasture utilisation, forage management and livestock movement. Together, they discuss the practical realities of implementation, the importance of good systems and the lessons they've learned along the way.

From business decisions and grazing management to resilience and continuous improvement, this is a conversation about using innovation to solve real problems on farm.

The Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is supported by funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Learn more at www.unisq.edu.au/sqnnswhub.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Why both businesses started looking for new grazing solutions and what drove their investment decisions.
• How virtual fencing is helping improve pasture utilisation and unlock previously underutilised country.
• The importance of matching technology adoption with business goals and economic outcomes.
• What successful implementation looks like beyond the technology itself.
• The role of management systems, people and processes in making innovation work.
• How virtual fencing is changing the way producers think about grazing intensity, livestock movement and pasture management.
• The practical challenges, limitations and lessons learned during adoption.
• Why curiosity, continuous learning and asking questions are essential when adopting new technology.
• How innovation can help farming businesses become more productive, adaptable and drought resilient.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Virtual Fencing and Guests

02:02 Why Virtual Fencing is a Game Changer

03:05 Alex Archer's Farm and Grazing Innovation

05:01 Ewan Beaton's Experience with Halter

05:48 Adoption Timeline and Decision Factors

09:04 Economic Drivers and Farm Benefits

11:55 Training Cattle and Managing Boundaries

16:03 Animal Behaviour and Welfare Insights

19:58 Seasonal Grazing and Pasture Management

28:05 Challenges, Connectivity, and Lessons Learned

32:08 Future Potential and Next Steps in AgTech

Third-generation cattle producer Tom Lahey always knew he wanted to return home to the family farm near Goondiwindi. But after working across Western Australia and travelling through the United States to visit some of the world's leading regenerative ranches, he came back with a different perspective on what the future of Australian grazing could look like.

Rather than chasing quick wins, Tom has focused on building a more resilient business by improving soil health, measuring grazing performance and making better decisions with data. Over the past five years, AgriWebb has become a central part of that journey, helping the family move from relying on notebooks and memory to having real-time information that supports day-to-day management and long-term planning.

In this episode, Tom shares how travel reshaped his thinking, why healthy soil and healthy people go hand in hand, and how technology is helping his family make more confident decisions while creating a stronger future for the next generation.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Growing up on a family cattle property near Goondiwindi
• How travelling through the US changed his approach to grazing and soil health
• Bringing new ideas back into a multi-generational family business
• Why AgriWebb became the foundation for better decision-making
• Using grazing data to navigate dry seasons with confidence
• How technology supports carbon projects and tells the story behind farming practices
• The importance of measuring progress instead of relying on memory
• Why the future of farming will rely on connected technology and better data
• Building a legacy focused on healthy soils, healthy businesses and healthy people

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Tom Lahey and his farm journey

00:28 Tom's background and family farm in Wyaga

02:08 Growing up on the family farm and passion for farming

04:56 Adopting a progressive mindset in agriculture

06:53 Experience in Western Australia and genetic improvements

07:35 Trip to the US and insights into regenerative ranching

09:42 Soil health, environment, and profitability

11:30 Implementing grazing techniques post-US trip

13:20 Using AgriWebb for farm management and decision making

17:52 Integrating data and technology in farm operations

20:26 Evolution of farm management tools over five years

22:38 Future plans for technology and farm legacy

John Fargher grew up on a sheep and cattle station in South Australia's Flinders Ranges, where innovation wasn't a buzzword. It was a necessity.

From School of the Air and life on a remote station to practising law in London, John's path looked a long way from building one of agriculture's most recognised technology companies. But a conversation in a London pub changed everything.

Together with fellow co-founders Kevin Baum and Justin Webb, John left his legal career behind to tackle one of agriculture's biggest challenges: helping livestock producers move beyond paper records and make better decisions using data.

More than a decade later, AgriWebb supports producers across Australia, the UK, North America, South America and beyond, helping digitise livestock businesses while connecting farmers more closely with supply chains and the future of food production.

In this episode, John reflects on the journey from startup garage to global ag-tech business, the realities of building a company in one of the world's least digitised industries, and why earning farmers' trust has always mattered more than building software.

The conversation also explores AgriWebb's recent acquisition by URUS, the future of livestock data, and why John believes agriculture still has enormous untapped opportunities for innovation.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Growing up on a remote station in the Flinders Ranges
• Leaving a legal career in London to co-found AgriWebb
• Why agriculture was still running on paper when AgriWebb began
• Building a startup before ag tech was an established industry
• The lessons from growing a global software business
• Expanding into the UK, North America and Brazil
• Why digitising agriculture remains one of the industry's biggest opportunities
• The role of trust, partnerships and culture in scaling a business
• How AI, data and genetics could shape the future of livestock production
• What's next for AgriWebb following its acquisition by URUS

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AgriWebb and its origins

00:33 John Farger's background and childhood in the Flinders Ranges

01:01 The early days of AgriWebb and its mission

02:24 Recent milestones and the URUS acquisition

06:40 John’s childhood and the influence of farming life

09:39 The start of the AgriWebb story in London

12:00 The founding of AgriWebb in Melbourne

13:40 The state of Australian agtech a decade ago

16:08 The initial problem in livestock digitization

20:51 Pivot from hardware to software focus

23:41 Technological evolution and early challenges

27:55 Business model evolution and market education

30:49 Competitive landscape and category creation

33:11 International expansion and market entry strategies

37:26 Building a global business with a unified culture

41:24 Company culture and employee engagement

45:46 Lessons from market fluctuations and industry challenges

49:00 Managing noise and trends in ag tech

51:46 Future opportunities in agriculture and advice for entrepreneurs

55:33 Vision for the next decade and impact goals

58:57 Connecting farm data to global supply chains

01:03:50 The role of sustainability and corporate responsibility

01:06:01 Reflections on the journey and future outlook

This business spotlight explores how RLF AgTech is turning decades of agricultural research into practical products that help farmers improve productivity and profitability.

Chairman Ben Barlow shares his journey from building and exiting New Edge Microbials to leading RLF AgTech, explaining why commercialisation is often the missing link between great science and widespread adoption. He discusses what attracted him to the business, how RLF has built on more than 20 years of research and field trials, and why the future of Australian agriculture depends on making innovation practical at the farm gate.

This episode explains how RLF AgTech's approach to plant nutrition, biologicals and local manufacturing is helping strengthen farm businesses while positioning Australian innovation for global growth. For anyone interested in ag tech, agricultural productivity or the future of farming, this is a practical and insightful conversation.

RLF AgTech is an Australian agricultural technology company developing plant nutrition and biological solutions that improve crop performance. The business combines decades of research, extensive field trials and local manufacturing to deliver products that integrate into existing farming systems while supporting more productive and resilient agriculture.

Key insights from the conversation:

• How RLF AgTech is commercialising decades of agricultural research
• Why adoption depends on trust, education and on-farm results
• The role of local manufacturing in strengthening Australian agriculture
• Why improving farm profitability is the foundation for future ag tech adoption
• Ben's outlook on the future of Australian agriculture and agricultural innovation

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Ben Barlow's background
01:34 Ben's journey since last conversation
02:30 Focus on plant, animal, and soil health
03:57 Deep science and commercial potential of biologicals
05:55 Involvement with RLF AgTech
07:52 Opportunities in biologicals and crop yields
10:54 Australian agriculture's adoption challenges
14:13 Market opportunities and niche products
17:06 Global markets and export potential
20:02 Local manufacturing and supply chain resilience
23:11 Future of agritech and investment challenges
26:08 Leadership, risk, and strategic growth
30:00 Opportunities and pathways for Australian agriculture
32:50 Skills for the next generation of farmers
33:56 Closing remarks and key takeaways

When Campbell Mauchan moved from Canada to Australia in 2016, agriculture wasn't part of the plan.

He'd been running frozen yoghurt stores back home when his partner accepted a six-month opportunity in Melbourne. Looking for work, he landed an interview with a small ag-tech startup called AgriWebb, despite having no farming background, no sales experience and none of the qualifications listed in the job description.

That decision changed everything.

Nearly a decade later, Campbell has helped grow AgriWebb from a team of fewer than ten people into one of agriculture's leading technology businesses, building his career across Australia, the UK, Europe and North America along the way.

In this episode, Campbell shares what it's been like to grow alongside the business, why curiosity became his greatest strength, and how working with farmers and ranchers around the world has shaped both his career and perspective.

The conversation explores why you don't need to grow up on a farm to build a meaningful career in agriculture, what great leadership looks like inside a fast-growing business, and why trust will always matter more than technology alone.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Following an unexpected opportunity into agriculture
• Joining AgriWebb in its earliest startup days
• Why asking questions became a career advantage
• Building a global career by putting your hand up
• What farmers across Australia, the UK and North America have in common
• The role trust plays in agriculture and ag-tech
• Lessons from working in startups across multiple countries
• How AI and technology could support better decisions on farm
• Why agriculture offers incredible opportunities for people from all backgrounds

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Campbell Mauchan and AgriWebb
00:33 Campbell’s journey from Melbourne to Toronto
02:09 Reflecting on a decade of growth at AgriWebb
04:01 Backstory: From frozen yogurt to ag tech
08:51 Why AgriWebb backed Campbell
10:58 The early days of AgriWebb and initial challenges
13:26 Approach to management and decision-making
16:57 The importance of farm visits and farmer engagement
19:56 Solving real problems with technology
22:18 The evolution of farm mapping technology
23:50 Building trust with farmers and ranchers
27:26 Data ownership, privacy, and value for farmers
30:14 Career growth through global opportunities
34:46 Balancing confidence and curiosity in leadership
38:34 The impact of changing locations on career development
42:57 Commonalities among farmers worldwide
45:43 Cultural differences in agriculture and technology adoption
48:19 The future of ag tech and AI advancements
50:56 Closing remarks and advice for aspiring ag tech professionals

Australian agriculture is chasing lower emissions, but what does that actually look like on farm?

In this short episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre catches up with Richard Heath, CEO of the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture CRC, ahead of the 2026 ZNE Ag CRC Conference in Perth.

Richard shares what has changed since the CRC's inaugural conference, the promising research already emerging around productivity and emissions, and why there is no single silver bullet. They also unpack this year's conference theme, Rewarding Pathways to Zero, exploring how farmers can reduce emissions while building more productive and profitable businesses.

From 18 to 20 August in Perth, Western Australia this is where real conversations
will happen, bringing together the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future
of agriculture.

Whether you're in the paddock, in research, or across the supply chain, this is your
chance to be part of it.

Head to zneagcrc.com.au to explore the program and get your ticket today.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Zero Net Emissions CRC's role and projects
• Research on plants, animals, and farm systems
• Reward pathways for emissions reduction
• Innovations in methane and nitrous oxide reduction
• Conference in Perth and stakeholder engagement

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the conference and its significance
01:01 Richard Heath's overview of CRC's work and goals
02:00 Recap of last year's Brisbane conference and progress
03:01 Focus on reward pathways and economic incentives
04:06 Research on plants and animals to reduce emissions
05:01 The importance of incremental improvements in agriculture
07:07 Understanding the theme: rewards pathways to zero net emissions
08:11 Potential financial and environmental rewards for farmers
08:51 Significance of Western Australia in the conference
10:02 Target audience and benefits of attending the conference
10:49 Final thoughts and how to learn more about the event

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Tony Murfit, Regional Manager for Western Australia at Warakirri Cropping, to explore the Farm Operations Manager opportunity at Mawarra and what makes it such an important role within the business.

Having managed Mawarra himself before Warakirri purchased the property in 2011, Tony shares how the farm has evolved into one of Western Australia's leading broadacre cropping operations. He reflects on the transformation of the business, the innovation happening across the WA grains industry, and why he believes Mawarra continues to offer enormous potential.

The conversation also provides an inside look at the Farm Operations Manager role. Tony explains what success looks like, the importance of planning, logistics and leading a team across more than 24,000 hectares, and why trust, communication and the ability to adapt are just as important as technical farming knowledge.

Whether you're already working in broadacre cropping or looking to take the next step in your career, Tony shares why this role is an opportunity to learn, grow and build a long-term future with Warakirri Cropping. With the support of an experienced team and clear pathways for progression, he explains why the right mindset matters more than having all the answers on day one.

This episode is designed to give candidates and listeners a genuine insight into the business, the people, the opportunity and Tony's vision for building high-performing farming teams.

Key insights from the conversation:

• How Mawarra became Warakirri Cropping’s first property in Western Australia
• How soil improvement and changing farming practices have transformed the farm
• What it takes to operate across more than 24,000 hectares
• Why planning, logistics and timeliness are critical at Mawarra
• What the Farm Operations Manager will focus on day to day
• Why trust and communication are central to building a strong team
• Why candidates do not need to know everything before stepping into the role
• The importance of leading from the front and working alongside the team
• What success could look like after the first 12 months
• The lifestyle and community available around Merredin
• How the role could create a pathway towards becoming a Farm Manager within Warakirri

Interested in learning more? We have a full job description and additional information available on our Careers page: 

https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/farm-operations-manager-x191

Or connect with Zoe Burgess for a confidential conversation about the role available with Warakirri Cropping.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and recent farm visit to WA

00:29 Interview with Tony Murfit on WA grain industry

01:31 The evolution of soil management and crop yields in WA

03:29 The importance of Mawarra farm to Warakirri Cropping

04:52 Farm expansion and cropping intensity growth

05:35 Major advancements in farm management since 2011

07:07 Role and team structure of the farm operations manager

08:25 Approach to stepping into the farm operations role

09:06 Current challenges and capacity planning

10:36 Managing farm operations across large distances

11:53 The importance of timeliness and adaptability

12:18 Success indicators after 12 months in the role

14:25 Team culture and peer learning at WA farms

16:03 Leadership style and team trust

19:16 Opportunities for women and diverse leadership in agriculture

22:36 Encouraging relocation and career growth in WA farming

25:37 Final thoughts and closing remarks

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.

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
• Why AI should enhance decision-making, not replace critical thinking
• How stronger leaders contribute to stronger businesses, communities, and future generations of agriculture

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:56 Danny Shepherd's Journey to Agriculture

07:29 Understanding RaboElevate

12:22 Career Development in Agriculture

17:26 Sticky Points in Agricultural Careers

21:39 Comparing Agricultural and General Business Challenges

28:44 RaboElevate Programs and Offerings

29:03 Community Involvement and Accessibility of Programs

31:32 The Next Generation and AI in Agriculture

36:01 Conclusion and Reflections

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
• Career pathways and progression opportunities as SproutAg continues to expand across Australia
• Why now is an exciting time to join the business, including its recent acquisition and ambitious growth plans
• What makes Tamworth and regional Australia great places to build a career and lifestyle

Interested in learning more? We have a full job description and additional information available on our Careers page: https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/agribusiness-manager-70hq

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

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
• 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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
• Breeder numbers remain historically tight, supporting medium-term market fundamentals
• 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.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down in the paddock with Brodie Game, who shares how she and her husband Kevin went from 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

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

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.

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

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Julie Schofield, Executive Business Unit Leader of Private Business Services at Boyce, to unpack one of the biggest changes coming for employers in more than 30 years: Payday Super.

From 1 July 2026, businesses will be required to pay superannuation at the same time employees are paid, rather than monthly or quarterly. While it may sound like a simple administrative change, Julie explains why this shift will have major implications for cash flow, payroll systems, onboarding, and business operations across regional Australia.

Julie shares her own journey from growing up in Boorowa to building a career with Boyce, one of Australia’s largest rural accounting firms, and reflects on the importance of mentorship, leadership, and supporting regional businesses through change.

This conversation is practical, timely, and designed to help business owners, managers, and employers understand what Payday Super means and how to prepare before the legislation comes into effect.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Payday super legislation coming in July 2026
• Impact on business cash flow and compliance
• Practical tips for businesses to prepare for new super payment rules

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Episode and Main Topic

01:07 Guest Introduction: Julie Schofield from Boyce

02:16 Julie’s Background and Career Path

04:00 Overview of Boyce and Its Regional Presence

06:12 Leadership Approach and Mentorship

08:17 Client Portfolio and Travel Routine

10:11 What is Payday Super and Why Now

11:48 Impacts of Payday Super on Employees and Employers

12:52 Practical Tips for Businesses to Prepare

13:55 Changes in Behaviour and Cash Flow Management

15:39 Data Verification and Compliance Measures

16:30 Penalties for Non-Compliance and Enforcement

17:02 Handling Super Payments for Different Pay Periods

18:03 Questions from the Audience and Surprising Insights

19:18 Tools and Software for Compliance

20:16 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre shares a very different kind of conversation, part late-night reflection, part Instagram live announcement, as he opens up about a major shift happening at Humans of Agriculture.

Parlty recorded at 2am and continued via an Instagram Live, this episode captures a raw and honest moment behind the scenes at Humans of Agriculture. Oli takes listeners through the evolution of the business over the past seven years, the challenges of building a sustainable model through storytelling alone, and the decision to step fully into recruitment.

It’s a conversation about growth, discomfort, and backing a new direction, not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary.

This episode is about taking action, building something sustainable, and redefining how agriculture attracts its next generation of talent.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Evolution of Humans of Agriculture into a recruitment platform
• The importance of storytelling and community in agriculture
• Strategies for attracting and showcasing talent in ag
• The role of video content and social media in recruitment
• Future vision for Humans of Agriculture and industry impact

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Oli's Wake-Up Call

00:29 The Business Evolution at Humans of Agriculture

01:26 Building a Stronger Foundation with New Team Members

02:19 Humans of Agriculture as a Recruitment Business

03:42 Sharing the Exciting New Chapter

04:12 The Sector's Opportunities and Challenges

05:08 The Next Evolution in Agriculture Storytelling

06:07 Why Recruitment Is the Future for Humans of Ag

07:35 The Power of Content and Community in Recruitment

09:01 Why Now Is the Right Time for Recruitment Focus

09:57 Using Video Content to Promote Jobs and Culture

11:25 The Impact of Authentic Content on Talent Attraction

13:21 Backing the Recruitment Strategy

14:16 Vision for the Next 10 Years in Agriculture

15:15 The Importance of Sharing Opportunities and Stories

16:13 Conclusion: Staying Committed to the Journey

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Blair Davies, Assistant Commercial Manager at Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino Company), for a conversation that spans five decades in the wool industry.

Blair’s story is one of deep industry knowledge, long-term commitment, and an enduring passion for natural fibre. From working in wool stores as a student to spending 23 years with the same company, he’s witnessed firsthand the evolution of wool, from manual classing to data-driven testing, and from local markets to global brand partnerships.

Recorded in the Christchurch wool stores, this episode explores how the industry has changed, what still matters when assessing a fleece, and why, despite disruption and competition from synthetics, wool continues to hold a powerful place in the future of textiles.

This conversation is about experience, perspective, and a lifelong belief in the value of wool.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Blair Davies’ 50-year journey in the wool industry
• What’s changed (and what hasn’t) in wool classing and fibre assessment
• The evolution from visual appraisal to data-driven testing
• Why natural fibres like wool are regaining consumer attention
• The role of growers and ownership in shaping the industry
• How Zentera is evolving into a global brand beyond New Zealand
• Why relationships with growers remain at the heart of the business
• Skills and pathways for young people entering the wool industry

Chapters:

00:00 Intro & Blair’s Journey

02:10 Early Days & Industry Evolution

05:54 Working with Growers

06:54 How to Assess a Fleece

08:29 Skills for the Next Generation

09:23 The Shift to Zentera & Future Vision

(Image: Supplied)

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Sarah McDonald, Head of Sustainable Impact at Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino) to unpack the reality behind sustainable wool.

Sarah sits at the intersection of growers and global brands, her role is to translate what’s happening on farm into credible, measurable data that brands can trust and consumers can believe. From regenerative frameworks and biodiversity metrics to digital traceability and global legislation, this conversation explores how wool is being repositioned in a rapidly evolving sustainability landscape.

Sarah unpacks the tensions between profitability and expectations, the challenge of comparing natural and synthetic fibres, and why clear communication across the value chain is more important than ever.

This is a deep look into the systems, science and strategy shaping the future of wool.

Key insights from the conversation

• Why wool sits at the centre of a complex global system connecting growers brands and sustainability expectations across continents
• What ZQ and ZQ+ actually measure on farm from biodiversity and soil health to credible market ready data
• The balancing act between farmers and brands navigating productivity and rising sustainability demands
• Why sustainability is really about risk driven by banks insurers and legislation more than consumers
• The challenge of measuring impact in agriculture with seasonality and long timelines versus short term expectations
• How technology is transforming traceability by tracking wool from farm to garment using digital systems
• Natural versus synthetic fibres and why emissions accounting can disadvantage wool

Chapters:

00:00 Intro & episode overview
02:15 Sarah’s role & measuring on-farm sustainability
03:13 What Zentera (NZ Merino) does
04:18 Bridging farmers and global brands
05:07 Farm reality vs global expectations
07:21 Sustainability timelines: short vs long term
08:15 How sustainability is measured on farm
09:35 Global pressure, risk & regulation
12:16 Differences across NZ, AUS & South Africa
13:53 The challenge of data collection
15:17 Food vs fashion sustainability gap
17:42 Tech, traceability & supply chains
20:48 Natural vs synthetic fibres debate
23:25 Careers in sustainability & Sarah’s journey
29:51 Animal welfare, mulesing & industry pressure
36:43 Outro & closing remarks

The Tom & Mick show continues with a practical conversation on livestock trading, grazing systems, business resilience and long-term decision making.

Tom and Mick are joined by Nigel Kerin, CEO of Kerin Ag, to unpack how his business approaches livestock trading, forward contracts, pasture management, Wagyu, and the systems that drive profitability through both dry and strong seasons.

From the role of grass budgets and forward pricing to lessons from drought, inflation and on-farm technology, Nigel shares a grounded look at what it takes to build a resilient livestock business.

In this episode:

Nigel’s background and Kerin Ag

• Central west NSW grazing business based south of Dubbo
• Kerin Ag founded through succession in 2007
• Built around Merinos, a newer Wagyu seedstock arm, and a growing trading enterprise

How the trading business works

• Trading introduced as a pressure valve for seasonal variability and cashflow
• Decisions driven by grass budgets, not headline market prices
• Focus on securing the sell price first, then finding the buy
• Forward contracts used to remove emotion and manage downside risk

Why relationships matter

• The value of strong relationships with agents, commission buyers, financiers, processors and transporters
• Creating win-win outcomes across the supply chain
• Why trust and consistency matter when operating at speed in trading markets

The 2020 lamb trade

• Locking in a $9/kg dressed weight JBS contract as drought broke
• Contracting 15,800 lambs before owning any of them
• How forward pricing protected the business when the spot market later fell sharply
• A defining trade that helped get the business back in the black

Should every livestock producer trade?

• Nigel’s view: absolutely not
• Why trading needs systems, rules, finance and discipline
• The danger of trading without forward pricing or without enough grass

Technology and grazing systems

• Regular pasture analysis every 10–14 days in growing periods
• Using OptiWeigh, soil moisture probes and grazing data to drive decisions
• The emergence of a new grazing app Nigel describes as potentially “the auto-steer for grazing”

Why Kerin Ag moved into Wagyu

• Return on grass as a major driver
• Lower adult cow weight and efficiency compared with larger framed alternatives
• Taking a long-game view on Wagyu economics rather than reacting to short-term cycles

Inflation and on-farm economics

• Nigel’s estimate that on-farm inflation has run at 7.8% annually post-COVID
• Why understanding business cost inflation is critical to decision making
• The importance of introducing structural change in good times, not when under pressure

Key business lessons

• Systems matter more than goals on their own
• Feed efficiency and speed of turnover are central to profit
• In agriculture, long-term averages matter more than short-term noise
• “Don’t run out of grass” remains one of the core rules of a successful trading business

This episode is full of practical insight for livestock producers, graziers, advisors, seedstock operators and ag businesses thinking about risk, trading, pasture utilisation and long-term business performance. It’s a valuable conversation on how to build guardrails, use data well, and make better decisions through changing seasons and volatile conditions.

Charlie Blomfield isn’t just building a farm business, he’s building a voice that agriculture can’t afford to ignore.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Charlie Blomfield at Boridgeree, just outside Canowindra in Central West NSW. Farmer, business owner, marketer and one of the most talked-about voices in Australian agriculture right now, Charlie shares what’s driving him, how he’s built GreatHAY, and why he’s chosen to step so publicly into conversations around ag, media and advocacy.

From growing up in a tough era for agriculture, to working across Northern Australia and the Middle East, to building a modern mixed farming and hay business from the ground up, Charlie’s story is shaped by curiosity, conviction and a willingness to back himself.

But this conversation goes beyond the farm gate.

It explores the role agriculture must play in telling its story better, why traditional industry communication is falling behind, and how humour, clarity and honesty are helping Charlie connect with audiences far beyond agriculture.

This episode is about leadership, relevance, building teams, making hard decisions under pressure, and why the future of agriculture depends on more people being willing to speak in ways the rest of the country can actually understand.

Key insights from the conversation

• How Charlie went from asset management and private equity to building Boridgeree
• Why water security and flexibility shaped their move to Canowindra
• The evolution of Boridgeree from mixed farming into a branded hay business
• Why GreatHAY was built around simplicity, clarity and cut-through
• How social media became more than marketing and turned into a platform for advocacy
• What agriculture gets wrong when it tries to communicate with the broader public
• Why humour, character and storytelling are powerful tools for building trust
• How Charlie thinks about leadership, team culture and accountability on farm
• The value of coaching, perspective and creating time for what matters most
• Why agriculture needs more voices that are credible, human and willing to say what they really think

Chapters:
00:02 Introduction and why this conversation matters
02:03 Who Charlie is and what drives him
05:13 Growing up in ag and forging his own path
06:21 Global experiences and gaining perspective
10:30 Starting in business and backing himself early
12:00 Moving into farming and building Boridgeree
14:16 Water strategy and evolving the farm business
17:35 Building GreatHAY and the power of simplicity
20:27 Social media, storytelling and cutting through
22:57 Building teams, culture and leadership
27:47 Coaching, performance and managing priorities
34:31 Stepping into media and why ag comms is broken
40:10 Using influence to drive change in agriculture
46:28 Momentum, opportunity and staying relevant
53:18 Decision-making, perspective and what matters most
01:00:05 Advice for the next generation and future of ag

This is a special Humans of Agriculture “radio-style” episode recorded at CommBank’s Cultivate event in the Hunter Valley - bringing together voices from across the agricultural supply chain.

Across four mini-conversations, we unpack the key forces shaping modern agriculture:

•  Innovation and ag tech adoption 
•  Succession and family business transition 
•  Financial strategy and risk 
•  Market dynamics and global demand 

This episode captures the energy of the room - where farmers, advisors, innovators, and financiers are all working toward a stronger, more resilient industry.

👥 Featured Guests

• Roddy Brown (CommBank) - Why Cultivate exists and the importance of next-generation farmers 
• Bill Mitchell (Optiweigh) - Turning a farm frustration into a global ag tech business 
• Glenn Calder (Viridian Financial Group) - Practical realities of succession, structure, and long-term planning 
• Tash Greenwood (CommBank) - Supply chain insights and why there’s still strong optimism in agriculture 

🔑 Key Themes

•  Why bringing the right people together matters more than ever 
•  The shift from intuition to data-driven decision-making 
•  The reality of ag tech adoption - and why effort still matters 
•  Succession as the most important (and often avoided) conversation in farming 
•  Structuring farm businesses for long-term success and risk management 
•  The role of global markets and why demand for Australian agriculture remains strong 
•  The growing importance of communication, leadership, and people

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and context from CommBank Cultivate
02:10 Roddy Brown on why Cultivate exists and next generation focus
07:20 Innovation in agriculture and the role of technology
08:10 Bill Mitchell on building Optiweigh from a farm problem
12:30 Lessons in ag tech adoption and customer-driven insights
16:30 Why succession remains agriculture’s biggest challenge
17:40 Glenn Calder on structuring farm businesses and managing risk
20:40 Practical steps to start succession and investment conversations
23:00 Empowering teams and building scalable businesses
25:50 Tash Greenwood on supply chains and market confidence
28:00 Global demand, volatility, and optimism in agriculture
30:40 Reflections on community, collaboration, and the future of ag
32:30 Final takeaways from CommBank Cultivate

What if agriculture’s biggest opportunity isn’t on farm, but in the classroom?

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Scott Graham, Head of Agriculture at Barker College in Sydney. From a a student base that’s almost entirely from the city, Scott has built the largest Year 12 agriculture cohort in Australia, completely reshaping how young people see the industry.

Scott isn't focused on just one school, he is also completing a PhD focused on engaging metropolitan students in agriculture, and what he’s learned challenges how the entire industry thinks about talent, careers and perception.

This conversation dives into what’s holding agriculture back from attracting the next generation and what needs to change if we’re serious about building the workforce of the future.

Key insights from the conversation

• Why agriculture needs to move beyond farming stereotypes to attract urban talent
• How Barker turned agriculture into one of the most in-demand courses in the school
• The missed opportunity: 70% of ag careers exist off-farm, yet most students never see them
• Why “plate to paddock” is a more powerful way to teach agriculture than traditional approaches
• What Scott’s PhD through Charles Sturt Uni reveals about the biggest barrier to students choosing ag
• How parent perceptions can make or break subject selection
• The rise of agribusiness, agtech and city-based careers among students
• Why even small increases in student numbers can have a huge impact on the future workforce

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and why this conversation matters
02:17 Scott’s journey and influence as an educator
04:15 Reimagining agriculture for urban students
08:39 Purpose, passion and careers in agriculture
10:54 Transforming Barker’s agriculture program
13:54 Changing perceptions and building credibility
17:56 The role of industry in showcasing careers
21:28 Off-farm opportunities and the future workforce
24:44 What today’s students are interested in
27:44 The rise of agribusiness and agtech pathways
32:29 Scott’s PhD and understanding student engagement
36:31 Barriers to scaling agriculture in urban schools
39:30 Rethinking how agriculture is introduced to students
42:17 “Plate to paddock” and making ag relatable
46:55 Key findings from Scott’s research
50:29 Why narrative matters for the future of ag
52:34 What keeps Scott motivated

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, we sit down with Jack Ternouth, Head of Commercial Operations at Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino Company), for a conversation that captures what’s possible when curiosity, grit, and opportunity collide in agriculture.

Jack didn’t grow up on a farm, but through sheer determination and a willingness to learn, he’s built a career from the ground up in one of the most complex and globally connected parts of the ag industry. From classing wool and working alongside growers to now leading commercial conversations with global brands, his journey is a powerful example of what’s possible in ag today.

On this episode, we explore what it takes to build a career in agriculture without a traditional background, the critical role of mentorship, and why value creation - not scale - is the future for countries like Australia and New Zealand. Jack also shares how Zentera is helping create more certainty for growers in a volatile market through traceability, long-term contracts, and global brand partnerships.

This episode is about ambition, learning on the go, and the next generation shaping agriculture’s future.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Jack Ternouth’s journey from outsider to commercial leader in the wool industry
• Why curiosity, hunger, and alignment matter more than background
• The power of mentorship in accelerating a career in agriculture
• How Zentera is creating stability for growers in volatile markets
• Why storytelling still matters in a data-driven world
• The shift from commodity to value-added agriculture
• The importance of traceability, certification, and global consumer trust
• Opportunities for young people to build careers in ag without farming roots

Chapters:
00:00 Intro & Why This Conversation Matters
01:48 Jack’s Background: From Zimbabwe to New Zealand
04:10 Starting at NZ Merino & Learning the Wool Industry
06:30 Moving Into Commercial & Global Brand Relationships
08:05 Advice for Young People Entering Agriculture
09:40 Learning the Industry Without a Farming Background
11:30 Storytelling vs Data in Modern Agriculture
12:45 Zentera’s Growth & Global Strategy
14:40 Certifications, Traceability & Market Access
16:20 Supporting Growers & Moving Away from Mulesing
18:10 Volatility, Contracts & Creating Certainty
20:15 The Future of Wool & Global Demand
22:10 Long-Term Vision for the Industry
24:10 Opportunities for the Next Generation in Ag
25:45 Wrap Up

(Image: Supplied)

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli and Mick Corcoran sit down with Angus Street, CEO of Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino), for a full-circle conversation on leadership, legacy, and the future of wool.

From growing up on a farm in northern NSW to navigating job loss during the GFC, launching startups in China, and leading major ag businesses, Angus shares an honest reflection on a career shaped by curiosity, risk, and relationships.

Now at the helm of Zentera, Angus unpacks the company’s evolution from a grower-led wool collective into a global, purpose-driven brand focused on traceability, sustainability, and premium markets. He explains why the wool industry must fight for relevance in a synthetic-dominated world, and how consumer trends in Europe, China, and the US are creating new opportunities.

The conversation dives deep into leadership, what it takes to step into an existing culture as CEO, why “discovery before diagnosis” matters, and the importance of putting people at the centre of transformation.

This episode is equal parts strategy, storytelling, and self-reflection - grounded in agriculture but globally relevant.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Angus Street’s journey from journalism to global ag leadership
• Lessons from failure and starting businesses in China
• The evolution of New Zealand Merino into Zentera
• What “whakapapa” means in a business context
• How wool is competing in a synthetic-dominated market
• Leadership lessons: curiosity, culture, and managing change
• Why the future of wool depends on collaboration and storytelling

Chapters:
00:00 Intro & Why This Conversation Matters
02:10 Meet Angus Street
03:50 Early Career, China & AuctionsPlus Journey
08:00 From NZ Merino to Zenterra: The Rebrand
11:30 What Zenterra Does & Global Brand Partnerships
14:40 Moving to NZ & Leading an Existing Team
18:05 First 90 Days as CEO: Curiosity Over Action
21:00 Culture, Change & Leadership Lessons
26:40 Global Wool Demand & Market Trends
30:45 Premiums, Growers & Industry Challenges
33:40 The Future of Wool: Niche or Opportunity?
35:20 Dream Job, Family & Life on the Land
38:40 Wrap Up

What happens when you put nature first in a cattle business?

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Carly Baker-Burnham from Bonnie Doone Beef in Queensland’s North Burnett. Together with her husband Grant, Carly has helped reshape their grazing operation by focusing on landscape health, intensive rotational grazing and long-term stewardship.

That shift eventually led them to take part in one of Australia’s early soil carbon projects, resulting in one of the country’s largest issuances of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). But beyond the headlines, Carly shares what actually matters: improving soil, increasing biodiversity and building a business that works with nature.

This conversation explores the realities behind soil carbon, the importance of measurement and scientific rigor, and why observation of the land remains one of a farmer’s most powerful tools.

Key insights from the conversation

• Why shifting to a nature-first approach transformed productivity and nearly tripled production on the same land base
• The practical changes behind their grazing system: more paddocks, rest for pastures and better data
• Inside one of Australia’s early soil carbon projects, including the measurement, audits and long timelines involved
• Why Carly welcomes scepticism around carbon claims and the importance of science-backed results
• The role farmers can play in removing carbon from the atmosphere through healthy soils
• Why observation and connection to the land remain critical for better decision making

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and life at Bonnie Doone
 03:58 Family history and finding their path in agriculture
 08:19 Succession, family business and hard decisions
 13:22 Moving from reactive farming to strategic business thinking
 16:13 Practical grazing changes and adopting a nature-first approach
 21:26 Inside Bonnie Doone’s soil carbon project
 29:02 Carbon claims, scepticism, and scientific rigour
 33:08 Involving the next generation in environmental stewardship
 35:05 Where farmers can start with soil carbon thinking
 37:57 What Carly is most proud of today

As fuel pressure builds across parts of regional Australia, we wanted to step into the conversation in a way that is clear, factual and useful. Not to add to panic, but to help our audience understand what is actually happening, what it means for agriculture, and what bigger questions this moment is exposing around resilience, preparedness and national priorities.

And when it comes to conversations like this, Andrew Henderson is one of our go-to voices.

Andrew is the founder and principal of AgSecure and has built his career working across biosecurity, national resilience and the vulnerabilities that sit inside the systems agriculture depends on. He brings a rare combination of strategic insight, practical understanding and calm analysis, which is exactly what a topic like this needs.

In this episode, Andrew helps unpack the current fuel challenge facing Australian agriculture and Australia more broadly. He explains how the fuel system works, why regional areas are feeling the pressure first, what the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act means, and why this is about much more than a temporary supply scare.

This is a conversation about fuel, but it is also a conversation about resilience, leadership and the reality of operating in a world that is becoming less stable, less predictable and more exposed to disruption.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why the fuel challenge matters to Australian agriculture right now
• Why Andrew Henderson was the right person to help unpack it
• How Australia’s fuel system actually works
• Why regional Australia feels these pressures first
• What the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act means in practice
• Why this moment is exposing bigger resilience gaps in the system
• What farmers and agricultural businesses should be thinking about next

A short sharp and quick chat with the 2026 Zanda McDonald Award Winners.
2026 Winners:

• Karn Dhaliwal (NZ): Founder and owner of Ohinewai Harvest Ltd and Dhaliwal Ag Ltd in Waikato, recognised for his entrepreneurial approach to horticulture.
• Bryce Neyland (AU): A civil engineer for Select Harvests in New South Wales, focused on large-scale, transformative rural developments and almond orchard infrastructure.

Bryce Neyland, 35, from Gol Gol in New South Wales, is a civil engineer for Select Harvests, leading projects across their almond orchards and processing facility. Combining a farming background with strong engineering and project management expertise, he manages large scale, transformative rural developments.

Karn Dhaliwal, 32, from Te Hoe in Waikato, is the founder and owner of Ohinewai Harvest Ltd and Dhaliwal Ag Ltd. He has built a diverse horticultural and cropping business and is recognised for his entrepreneurial approach to growing, leadership within the vegetable industry and commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation in horticulture.

Zanda McDonald Award Chairman Shane McManaway said both winners demonstrated outstanding leadership and a strong vision for the future of the primary industries.

Johno Mackay grew up remote in the Northern Territory, shaped by hard work, risk-taking parents, and a deep love for the bush. In this conversation, Johno shares the path from School of the Air and station life to building a contract mustering and fencing business in Northern Australia, before an accident in his team pushed him into an entirely new chapter: ag tech.

What followed was the creation of JobSafe Pro, a practical safety and compliance platform designed to help agricultural businesses simplify paperwork, think more clearly about risk, and build stronger safety systems without adding more complexity.

This episode is about far more than an app. It is about backing yourself young, learning to lead, finding opportunity in tough moments, and recognising that agriculture today can open more doors than ever before. Johno also shares his belief in the value of the North, the importance of mentors, and why the people who get ahead are often the ones willing to work hard, show initiative, and keep having a crack.

It is a grounded and forward-looking conversation about agriculture, ambition, safety, and building something meaningful from the bush.

In this episode we cover

• Growing up remote in the Northern Territory and the influence of family
• Life after School of the Air and heading to Emerald Ag College
• Starting a contract mustering business at 21
• Building a life and business in Northern Australia
• The opportunity that still exists for young people in the North
• Lessons in work ethic, leadership and earning trust
• A serious workplace accident and the reality of risk in agriculture
• Why farm safety needs more attention across the sector
• Turning a hard experience into the idea for JobSafe Pro
• What Johno learned through Farmers2Founders
• Building partnerships with AgForce and Elders
• Bringing Patrick into the business after a life-changing accident
• Why the future of agriculture will belong to people willing to learn, move and adapt

Australian agriculture runs on more than crops, livestock, and markets. It runs on people and communities.

In this episode, Skye Ward shares the story behind the Rabobank Community Fund, a program designed to invest directly into grassroots initiatives across rural and regional Australia.

Since launching in 2021, the fund has invested over $4 million into projects that strengthen leadership, improve wellbeing, and support the resilience of rural communities.

Skye also shares her personal story of growing up in the Monaro region, the experience of moving towns and building community as an adult, and why belonging remains one of the most powerful drivers of strong rural places.

From succession workshops and financial literacy programs to melanoma skin-check trucks and simple community events that bring people together, the fund supports practical initiatives that make a real difference on the ground

This conversation highlights why investing in people and community capability is just as important as investing in farms and businesses.

In this episode we explore

• Why strong communities underpin successful agricultural regions
• The thinking behind the Rabobank Community Fund
• How grassroots funding creates real impact on the ground
• Examples of initiatives supported across rural Australia
• The role of leadership development and wellbeing programs
• Why collaboration and community capability matter for agriculture’s future

Find out more & apply now!!

Applications for the 2026 Rabobank Community Fund close on 15 March.

If you’re part of a local group, community initiative, or organisation looking to make an impact, this could be the opportunity to bring your idea to life.

Learn more and apply via rabobank.com.au.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, we dive deep into the innovative world of AMPS Agribusiness. Join us as we sit down with Tony Lockrey, a seasoned agronomist and leader who has dedicated decades to the fields of Northern New South Wales. Tony takes us "under the hood" of AMPS's unique, grower-led model that fast-tracks agricultural research from institutions directly into the paddock.

We explore how AMPS has built a seamless ecosystem connecting research, agronomy, and commercial supply. Tony shares the fascinating story of Lancer wheat, a variety that became a regional powerhouse thanks to intensive, localised trials. Beyond the science, we discuss the evolving role of an agronomist, the importance of nurturing the next generation through a "job-first" education model, and the unparalleled value of a business owned and driven by the growers themselves.

Chapter Markings

• [0:00] Introduction: AMPS Agribusiness and the Grower-Led Model.
• [1:15] Tony Lockrey's Evolution: From Technical Specialist to People Leader.
• [3:45] The Power of Relationships: When Customers Become Family and Shareholders.
• [5:10] Research in the Ute: Bringing the Lab to the Paddock.
• [7:20] Managing the Next Generation: Moving Out of the Way for Growth.
• [9:05] The Lancer Story: How Localised Research Accelerates Variety Adoption.
• [12:30] The "How-To" Grow Guide: Turning Data into Decisions in One Season.
• [14:15] The Origins of AMPS: A Response to Declining Institutional Research.
• [17:00] Commercial Synergy: Linking Supply, Procurement, and Paddock Outcomes.
• [19:40] Scientific Rigour: 30,000 Plots a Year and Statistical Significance.
• [22:15] Paddock Geography: Understanding Elevation, Frost, and Time of Sow.
• [25:30] Developing the "Agronomy Eye": Training the Future of Ag.
• [28:10] The Changing Face of Education: Work-First, Degree-Second.
• [31:00] Building a Safe and Cohesive Team Culture.
• [34:15] The Resilience of Australian Growers: Innovation Born of Necessity.
• [37:00] Pride in Cohesion: Six Branches, One Mission.
• [39:30] Upcoming Events: Winter Crop Reviews and Research Membership.

Season 4 of Monthly Markets opens with a strong pulse check across livestock, wool, property and grain.

Tom and Mick begin with:

• Wagga sheep market strength, with mutton pushing 7.50–8.00 and trade lambs over 10.50
• The Eastern Market Indicator hitting 1677 cents — a two-year record
• Cattle prices holding firm at Gunnedah
• Major rural property listings across NSW and QLD, including Springfield, Bogo, Glenfinnan, and Goodar Station

Then they’re joined by Tommy Taylor from Clear Grain Exchange for a deep dive into the grain landscape.

In this episode:

How Clear Grain Exchange works

• Empowering growers to set their own target prices
• Bringing 140+ buyers into a single digital marketplace
• Secure settlement and title retention for reduced counterparty risk
• Digitised documentation simplifying compliance and accounting

2025–26 Harvest Review

• Record WA crop
• Strong Northern NSW and QLD yields
• Chickpeas, lentils and canola performing well
• Barley trading near parity with wheat in some regions

Global Market Pressures

• Argentina’s 30 million tonne wheat crop flooding lower-spec markets
• Freight advantages favouring WA exporters
• Stocks-to-use ratios tightening globally despite current surpluses

On-Farm Storage Trends

• Increased investment in storage infrastructure
• Growers holding grain as both a price strategy and drought hedge
• Risks and costs of multi-year carry

China & Canola

• First canola exports to China since 2020
• Political risk remains, but diversified export markets provide resilience

Feedlots & Domestic Demand

• Potential 6 million head on feed
• Feedlots becoming a major structural demand driver
• Barley strength in northern markets driven by ration preferences

Tommy’s Advice

• Don’t miss opportunities
• Set target prices
• Volatility creates upside for prepared sellers

This episode is essential listening for growers, traders, feedlot operators, advisors and agribusiness professionals planning for the year ahead.

For decades, Australian agriculture has operated within a set of conditions that quietly shaped its success - stable geopolitics, expanding global trade, predictable markets, and steady productivity gains.

That era is ending.

In this conversation, Tim Hunt joins Oli Le Lievre to unpack the global forces reshaping food and agriculture right now, from geopolitics and trade fragmentation to climate volatility and rapid technological change. With a career spanning banking, economics, and international agriculture, Tim brings a clear-eyed, global perspective on why these shifts are structural, not cyclical - and what that means for producers, agribusiness leaders, and the wider food system.

Recorded just one week out from evokeAG 2026, where Tim and Oli will be part of the MC team alongside Liz Brennan, this episode is about making sense of a changing world - and asking how Australian agriculture adapts, evolves, and leads in what comes next.

In This Episode, We Explore

• Why the conditions that built modern Australian agriculture are no longer guaranteed
• How geopolitics, trade, climate, and technology are colliding to reshape food systems
• Why these shifts represent long-term structural change, not short-term cycles
• The role realism plays in building resilient farm businesses and industries
• Why agriculture sits at the centre of global economics, politics, and culture
• How a top-down view of the world complements on-farm decision-making
• Technology as agriculture’s most important tailwind in an increasingly volatile era
• What real value-adding looks like beyond branding and provenance
• Why adaptation, not protection, has always underpinned Australia’s agricultural success
• The role events like evokeAG play in helping the industry respond collectively

Millie Moore didn’t leave her job because she was unhappy. She left because she was curious.

After four and a half years in a corporate ag role, Millie made a decision that many people talk about but few actually take. She quit, moved to Canada, and went ranching to properly immerse herself in the beef industry and test herself on the ground.

That choice led to something bigger. In this episode, Millie shares how ranch life in Alberta opened doors to meat judging, scholarships, and ultimately a fully funded Masters in meat science at the University of Illinois.

This conversation explores career risk, confidence, building networks without a farming background, and why agriculture offers far more pathways than most people realise. It also kicks off a year-long series with Millie, where she’ll continue to share what she’s learning across the US, Canada, and Australia.

⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Quitting a corporate job to go ranching
02:10 — University, early career, and choosing what not to do
03:20 — Why Millie stayed 4.5 years in her first role
04:40 — The fear and reality of moving overseas
06:30 — First impressions of ranch life in Canada
08:45 — Canada vs the US beef industry
09:05 — Not coming from a farming background
10:30 — “If you want to be in beef, go be in beef”
11:40 — How Millie built her network from scratch
13:40 — Why agriculture feels hard to break into (and why it isn’t)
15:20 — Dealing with rejection and imposter syndrome
19:55 — Meat judging and why it shapes so many careers
22:10 — The US meat judging circuit explained
24:40 — Sponsorship, alumni, and industry support
26:20 — Returning to study and why Illinois made sense
28:30 — What’s next and a year of conversations ahead

At just 19 years old, Sam Rogers is building one of Australia’s most exciting agtech startups. Founder of GrazeMate, Sam is using autonomous drones, robotics, and AI to help farmers and ranchers move cattle, measure pasture, and gain real-time insights straight to their phone. In this episode, Sam shares his journey from growing up on a cattle station in North Queensland to raising capital, relocating to the US, and taking GrazeMate global. This conversation explores innovation in agriculture, resilience, robotics, and what the future of farming could look like when technology meets deep agricultural knowledge.

Keywords: agtech, agriculture innovation, autonomous drones, robotics in farming, cattle mustering technology, GrazeMate, EvokeAG, future of agriculture, ag startups, Australian agtech

Episode Summary

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Sam Rogers, the 19-year-old founder of GrazeMate, an agtech startup redefining how cattle are managed using autonomous drones and artificial intelligence.

Sam shares his remarkable personal story, growing up on a cattle property in North Queensland, competing internationally in robotics as a teenager, surviving a spinal tumour, and climbing peaks in Nepal. These experiences shaped his mindset and ultimately led him to build GrazeMate, a technology that helps farmers muster cattle, estimate liveweight, analyse pasture, and manage grazing with far greater efficiency.

The conversation explores Sam’s rapid rise in the agtech world, including global media attention, raising investment, relocating to California, and preparing to take the stage as a Groundbreaker at EvokeAG. Together, Oli and Sam unpack the opportunity agriculture presents for solving some of the world’s biggest challenges, the power of robotics at scale, and why the future of farming depends on aligning innovation with real on-farm needs.

This is a powerful story about curiosity, resilience, and the role young innovators can play in shaping the future of agriculture.

Chapter Markings

00:00 Why now matters and the idea behind robot cowboys

00:35 Welcome back to Humans of Agriculture and introducing Sam Rogers

03:49 Media attention, Forbes features, and global interest in GrazeMate

05:07 What farmers around the world are really struggling with

06:46 Growing up on a cattle station in North Queensland

08:26 The influence of family, curiosity, and learning by doing

09:43 Early robotics, AI competitions, and environmental motivation

12:09 The origins of GrazeMate and spotting the on-farm opportunity

14:00 Surviving a spinal tumour, Everest Base Camp, and mindset shifts

16:53 Why agriculture is the most important industry in the world

19:39 Technology, incentives, and what society chooses to reward

20:50 Why GrazeMate moved to the US and what is happening on the ground

24:18 Building a world-class team and earning investor trust

27:01 Teaching robots at scale and the future of autonomous systems

29:46 EvokeAG, coming home, and Sam’s message to Australian agriculture

31:39 Final reflections and looking ahead

Clancy Mackay’s story is one of the most extraordinary ever shared on Humans of Agriculture and there’s a reason it remains our most downloaded episode of all time.

This is a full re release of our most listened to episode ever.

In this conversation, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Clancy Mackay to share one of the most extraordinary stories ever told on Humans of Agriculture.

From growing up off grid in the Northern Territory with no power or running water, to breaking horses, mustering cattle, riding saddle broncs in the US, flying helicopters across remote Australia, and navigating profound personal loss, Clancy’s journey is raw, confronting, and deeply human.

This episode explores resilience beyond the buzzword. It is about grit, grief, purpose, and learning how to keep moving forward when life repeatedly tests you. It is also about respect for animals, people, and place, and why calm leadership and deep understanding matter more than force or ego.

Why this episode matters

Clancy’s story is not polished or comfortable. It is honest.

It reminds us that agriculture is built on people who endure, adapt, and keep showing up. People shaped by hardship, curiosity, and responsibility rather than shortcuts or certainty.

This is an episode to sit with.
 An episode to return to.
 And an episode worth sharing.

I loved the day we had with the team at Rohde's and the way we crafted this into an amazing video and our last #ThisIsAussieAg video in audio format did pretty well -  you can check it out on our YouTube in full!

Watch it on YouTube here - link to our video