Humans of Agriculture

Adam and Jody Turner are first-generation farmers who bought Spring Hill in the Hunter Valley in 2016, just before the 2017-2019 drought. Since then, they’ve grown from a lifestyle-farming ambition into a multi-farm, paddock-to-plate business spanning livestock, processing, retail, and direct-to-consumer food. In this episode, we discuss: How drought shaped the way they think about risk and decision-making Why cash flow forecasting and knowing their numbers gave them more confidence to grow The role of business coaching in clarifying priorities and major investment decisions How water infrastructure, soil health and ground cover have become central to drought preparation The livestock triggers they use around early weaning, culling and confinement feeding Why they focus on what is happening on the ground rather than letting seasonal forecasts drive decisions How a shared vision and values help them move quickly on opportunities The role of team culture, peer support and asking for help How connecting production directly with the customer has changed how they plan and budget Chapters 00:00 Building a business without an exit plan 02:01 Becoming first-generation farmers 04:38 From cattle production to a paddock-to-plate business 07:22 Buying the farm just before drought 09:34 Learning, adapting and building the right team 14:22 Business coaching, cash flow and scaling up 17:46 Making confident decisions based on numbers and values 20:10 Building drought resilience through water and soil health 21:25 Livestock decisions, feed budgeting and protecting pasture 26:41 Connecting farm production with the customer 28:08 Knowing your numbers and learning from other farmers 31:29 Finding support and preparing for the next dry season The Farm Business Resilience Program is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government. Find out what’s on and register at nsw.gov.au/fbrp

At 28, Sarah Wheeler has already experienced enormous loss, rediscovered her place in agriculture and ridden 5,500 kilometres on horseback across regional Australia, raising more than $650,000 for charity along the way. But this conversation is about much more than the ride. Sarah shares how losing her dad at 12 and her mum in her mid-20s changed her perspective on life, how working across rural Australia helped her find her feet again, and why the people she met during nine months on horseback became one of the journey's most powerful parts. We also talk about the part that doesn't make the highlight reel: coming home after achieving something enormous and wondering, "What now?" Sarah is now building G'day Grief, with a vision to bring people experiencing loss together through nature, animals and shared experiences. And she's already dreaming about another adventure involving horses, dirt bikes, the Murray River, the Nullarbor and potentially a few things she doesn't yet know how to do. Chapters (00:00) - Finding her way back to agriculture (03:04) - Sarah's sisters and the family farm (04:12) - Losing Mum and keeping the farm moving (06:19) - What rural community really means (07:57) - The idea to ride 5,500 kilometres (11:11) - Announcing the ride before knowing how she'd do it (13:27) - The people who made the journey (15:00) - Raising more than $650,000 (16:49) - What happens after achieving something enormous (18:22) - Turning pain into purpose (19:12) - Building G'day Grief (21:44) - Creating something for people experiencing loss (25:16) - Sarah's next big adventure (27:46) - Why giving it a go matters more than finishing (28:34) - Learning to live with grief Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

Little Big Dairy Co is growing! We're working with them to find 2 x roles: a Farm Operations Manager and, separately, an Executive Assistant to the CEO. They run three businesses in one: a 1,000-hectare fodder operation, a herd of registered Holsteins, and an on-farm factory. Two new roles have opened as a result. We are sitting down with Campbell Chesworth (director and Nuffield Scholar) to explain what the business is building, who they need, and why these roles have no uncapped potential. Seen the ad? This is your sign to apply. 👉 Apply now HERE! Chapters 01:31 Campbell’s three-month sabbatical that became a career in the family business 04:11 Nuffield takeaways: circularity, confidence, and people as the biggest investment 07:00 Developments: Eight new robotic milkers, a new freestall barn and an effluent upgrade 09:57 Is ag tech replacing jobs or creating better ones in Dairy? 11:30 The Farm Ops Manager role: about the farm 13:36 What a great hire looks like in this role 14:15 The EA role: working alongside CEO Emma Elliott across accounts, HR and operations 17:18 Boots on the ground: a family that works beside its team 18:20 Why now: succession, building systems, and the move into butter and cottage cheese 20:00 Final word: throw your hat in Who they’re after Farm Ops Manager: eager to learn, takes initiative, and owns problems from fault to fix. You’ll work alongside Campbell, Steve and the farming team. Executive Assistant: can-do attitude, keen to take on responsibility, and ready to learn the business from one of the sharpest operators in Australian dairy. Ready? Apply here Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 01:52 Anna’s career from the Territory to AuctionsPlus, AACo and Woolworths 08:17 Joining Stone Axe and what private equity really means 11:11 Making fast, commercially sound decisions 15:50 The Stone Axe story and building Wagyu genetics 21:00 Managing market cycles and price volatility 25:33 Forward selling and planning years ahead 29:44 Protein trends and the Wagyu supply outlook 32:59 Managing rising input costs 36:36 Wagyu versus Angus, branding and partnerships 41:32 Leadership, personal growth and raising good humans Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 Introduction to Bryce Neyland and the Zanda McDonald Award 01:37 Catching up after the New Zealand and Australian mentoring trips 04:12 New Zealand productivity versus Australian resilience 06:16 How great businesses think about investment and risk 08:18 Bringing the lessons back to the farm and boardroom 10:46 Lightbulb moments and learning to expect pressure 12:08 What successful dryland farming businesses taught Bryce 13:52 Why apply for the Zanda McDonald Award? 18:01 What changed between Bryce's two applications 19:24 Bryce's advice to future applicants Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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) - Introduction to Stafford Ives-Heres and Shanford Park (02:56) - Farming on Tasmania’s wild north-west coast (06:47) - How 10 heifers sparked a farming career (08:19) - Life and lessons from the cray boats (13:41) - From dairy farming to seaweed fertiliser (17:56) - Separating the businesses and navigating succession (22:52) - Having children and thinking generations ahead (26:03) - Professional development, equity and what’s next (29:45) - Leasing land and creating pathways into agriculture (31:57) - Rabobank’s Executive Development Program Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 (04:02) - Jack’s farming roots and the move from the UK to Tasmania (06:27) - Leaving the family dairy business and the tough first decade (08:57) - Early businesses and lessons from what didn’t work (14:52) - How strawberries unexpectedly entered the picture (17:41) - The two phone calls that changed their direction (20:23) - Growing to 10% of the market and aligning the team around value (25:31) - Global genetics and the story of six Eclipse plants (28:13) - Building a digital-first strawberry nursery (32:44) - Future plans, supermarket punnets and the needle scare Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 (01:24) - Michael’s path from Melbourne to livestock agency (03:39) - From Elders and AACo to Bindaree (06:05) - Building Adcock Partners and the business philosophy (12:44) - What good livestock agency service looks like (16:24) - Seasonal conditions across northern Australia (18:30) - The cattle market and the influence of the farmer (20:31) - Live export, Indonesia and changing cattle markets (25:32) - Indonesian demand and where the market’s heading (28:08) - The Charbray question and wrapping up Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

Chris Duff and Gerard Hines 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 the Delta Agribusiness Story (01:22) - Early Careers in Agriculture and Agronomy (04:58) - Brian O’Malley, IAMA and the Value of Equity (15:50) - Bringing Agronomy Into Ag Retail (21:14) - What Wesfarmers Taught Them About Systems and Cash Flow (30:45) - Starting Delta in the Middle of a Drought (40:25) - Family or Footy Team? Building the Culture (44:17) - Growing Through Acquisitions and Tough Seasons (53:19) - Navigating the 2018–19 Drought (59:09) - Bringing in Private Equity for Growth and Liquidity (01:05:36) - Succession, Connection and Staying in the Paddock (01:10:57) - Finding the Right Partner in Elders Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 the family business (01:27) - How Action Steel started and grew (03:19) - Why Action Steel chose agriculture (04:31) - The importance of focus (06:21) - Building a network for growth (07:49) - Team, culture and specialist skills (09:47) - The Sales Coordinator opportunity (11:49) - Understanding the role and customer experience (15:08) - The first 30 days and career pathway (18:05) - Transparency, incentives and the future of Action Steel Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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) - Ekka week and the Paddock to Plate competition (04:09) - Harry’s farming background and how the industry has changed (09:58) - Why Wagyu, and the risks of starting a beef brand (16:05) - Meeting the Rich family and forming the partnership (20:33) - Matching marble scores to market demand (24:48) - Genetics, data and long-term breeding decisions (32:32) - Building a team to serve 40 export markets (40:19) - Lessons learnt from five years of exporting (43:42) - The future of King River Beef and the universal language of food Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 farming innovation in St George (01:25) - A shed full of 150 years of farming history (03:52) - Moon Rocks and Jake’s sixth-generation family farm (08:14) - Craig’s family story and the push to save water (11:50) - How a tough irrigation report card sparked change (15:55) - Bringing an AI green-on-green sprayer to the farm (18:40) - Less herbicide, healthier crops and no hand weeding (24:21) - How the ARA sprayer works across the farm (29:34) - Building simple software for automated irrigation (34:08) - How they make decisions and use farm data (41:38) - Nuffield lessons and learning from other farmers (47:03) - Investing in technology without going broke (52:47) - What’s exciting about the next five years (55:59) - Why people needing to eat is ag’s biggest opportunity Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 area sales manager role (02:05) - Six months of progress since evokeAG (04:05) - Word-of-mouth growth and where the new role fits (05:59) - Why Ornata is bringing autonomy to Australian farms (08:42) - How remote operators run machines on farm (11:32) - Why Victoria and southern New South Wales come first (14:59) - Onboarding customers and owning the territory (18:18) - Customer profiles, from family farms to corporates (22:21) - What it takes to thrive in a high-performance team (26:24) - What to expect when you start in the role (30:39) - What success looks like after twelve months (33:55) - Why this role is an exciting opportunity (38:21) - Coffee, country bakeries and final thoughts Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 Our Guests (03:13) - Alex Archer’s Farm and Grazing Innovation (04:28) - Ewen Beaton’s Experience with Halter (06:45) - Adoption Timeline and Economic Drivers (11:57) - Building Confidence and Training the Cattle (17:32) - Mustering, Temperament and Animal Welfare (20:25) - Grazing Stubbles and Using Pasture Data (28:24) - Challenges, Connectivity and Lessons Learned (31:52) - Advice for Producers and What’s Next (37:59) - Team Excitement and the Future of Livestock AgTech Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

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 Proudly brought to you by Rabobank The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders. That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections. Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations. Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.