Humans of Agriculture
By Humans of Agriculture
Along the journey we'll be meeting people from all walks of life from Australia and from afar. Join us as we find out how our communities and our culture shape what we eat, and ultimately who we are.
More people, More often, Identifying with Agriculture
Humans of AgricultureJul 20, 2021
Rejection from the Champion, A Tree in the house & Galah takes flight with Annabelle Hickson
Annabelle Hickson hails from just down the road from where our host, Oli Le Lievre grew up.
Annabelle landed her dream job straight out of uni working for the Australian newspaper, her work fascinated her and she certainly landed on her feet.
That was until she met 'the farmer'. The story took a turn and Annabelle found herself in Moree, with a lot of journalism skills but with an inability to get work.
Annabelle's rejection subsequently turned into opportunity as she began blogging, then wrote a book titled 'A tree in the house' and since 2020, she has been self-publishign her own magazine Galah Press.
The Humans of Agriculture podcast is sponsored by LAWD, the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions. Find out more at www.lawd.com.au
Farming, Family, Mental Health and Taking Opportunities with James Knight
Welcome back to the Humans of Agriculture podcast hosted by Oli Le Lievre.
This week we sit down with James Knight, a farmer located at The Sisters down in South West Victoria.
- James shares his story from City boy who fell in love with agriculture (and subsequently a country girl!)
- James' story takes twist and turns through university, finding his feet, returning back to his wife's family property and then the need to head off again.
- This conversation talks about mental health and the times where James found himself 'in the dark'. He found through seeking Professional help and the support of those closest to him that he was able to get his life back on his own terms.
- James has sat in corporate farming operations as the operations manager at Warakirri Cropping, an assistant farm manager, and today how he and wife Georgie have grown the family business into the thriving business it is today.
This episode of the Humans of Agriculture podcast was recorded on the country of the Girai Wurrung people, we pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
If today's episode sparks any areas that you'd like to discuss more around mental health - Check out Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via www.lifeline.org.au, or the TIACS helpline on 0488 846 988. or at www.tiacs.org
The day to day reality achieves the dreams with David Kininmonth
Welcome back to another week of the Humans of Agriculture podcast.
This week, Oli Le Lievre sits down with David Kininmonth the manager at Mount Hesse a 8,000 acre Sheep operation in Winchelsea in South West Victoria.
One of the coolest parts of this chat is, Dave was actually one of the very first people to give Oli a go in farming and over nearly (crazy to think) the past 20 years, Dave has been a mentor and provided opportunities and a sounding board for Oli in agriculture.
In the chat, Dave shares some of his stories from the past 30 years managing the property; how he has seen himself as a custodian of the land, the importance of working and empowering his team as well as making sure that the business was financially sound in order to support the dreams he had for the property.
Dave is leaving Mount Hesse later this year after more than 140 years of the Kininmonth families relationship, in Dave's time as the custodian of the land it's safe to say that he is leaving the environment and business in a better place than when he started.
The Humans of Agriculture weekly podcast is proudly sponsored by LAWD, the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions. To find out more head to www.lawd.com.au
Storytelling from Tabloids to TikTok with Annabelle Cleeland
Annabelle Cleeland has built her career around rural journalism. Growing up in Kew just on the outskirts of Melbourne's CBD Annabelle proudly told her dad at the age of 14 that she was going to be a farmer...
Although the dream of farming was put on the backburner for a few years while she built her career, the love of agriculture and sharing stories of the people involved in the industry was always front of mind.
Annabelle and I sat down for a bit of a chat ahead of a panel we're on in the coming weeks around Storytelling in agriculture and the different ways to do it.
We'd love to know your thoughts on where have people, businesses, industries, brands done it well and what can we learn from it!
Get in touch with us @humansofagriculture_ on Instagram or via our website www.humansofagriculture.com
From Bondi Rescue to Outback Ringers with Tommy Lawrence
When you think of Humans of Agriculture you probably don’t think of a TV Producer, Director, or Cameraman but our next guest is just exactly that. Tommy Lawrence has worked on some of the most iconic TV shows Australia has ever had from X-Factor to Bondi Rescue, but it was his love for Rural Australia and life in the top end that has seen him bring the stories of people from across Northern Australia to TVs across the world.
- Tom spent his childhood in Darwin, whilst attending High school it was a film and media class that caught his eye. The only problem was that they thought his behaviour wasn't quite up to scratch
- After giving an apprenticeship a go, Tom returned home to Darwin where he landed himself amongst the construction industry. Not long after, Tom had been playing with some mates cameras and decided it was time for the leap of faith and he headed to the Gold Coast for university which is just the beginning of this journey with the camera in hand.
- So far his work has seen him working on Territory Cops, Mega Truckers, Outback Wrangler, Creating Outback Ringer, X-Factor, Bondi Rescue, and well there’s plenty more to come in the documentary space
- Tom’s first big job in Sydney after never being there before was on Australia’s most iconic beach, Bondi! He worked as a crew member on Australia’s most successful television show- Bondi Rescue
The balance in timing & luck but the key is people with Charlie Mort
The Mort's family history in Australian agriculture goes back to the early days of Thomas Mort, Thomas was a pioneer and led some of the first exports of Beef from Australia. Today Charlie Mort is the founder and Executive Chairman of mort & Co, one of Australia's largest private beef businesses.
Starting his career in the Stock and Station agency game, Charlie moved across Queensland for roles with Prime Ag that later became Elders. As the drought hit in the early 1990s, an opportunity came up to begin lot feeding cattle.
A bloke from Muttaburra called and assumed Charlie was the expert in lot feeding. Once he got them onto feed successfully, Charlie let him know that it was his first time, and well it's safe to say that Charlie has since well and truly earnt those credentials today.
Starting Mort & Co in 1997, Charlie sought out the support of others who could help him turn his dream into a reality. Building the business piece by piece into the diversified business it is today.
Charlie certainly has ridden many of the highs and lows, today his vision for the business continues to see it innovate but it all comes back to getting the right people in the right seats to bring it all together.
Finding a home at Ronnie Mac with Tiff Sayers
This week on the Humans of Agriculture podcast we’re heading back to share the story of an extraordinary family and Antola shirt ambassador.
Tiff Sayers is an incredibly strong woman, I walked away from this chat just in awe of her resilience and optimism. In this episode Tiff shares her journey and the story of her daughter Ava.
In March of 2021, Ava was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma only a month before her 8th birthday. For the past 12 months and for a further 6, Ava and her mum Tiff alongside sister Caitlin have been calling the Ronald McDonald House home.
The family left their home near Harvey Bay literally overnight they headed to the Ronald McDonald House and that’s been home for the past 12 months.
In this chat, Tiff talks about the world that has been the Ronald McDonald house and the bond that she has amongst the ‘Ronnie Mac Family’.
At the end of this episode, I sat down for a quick chat with Preshni Pillay from the Ronald McDonald House to find out more about their programs and their support.
To check out more about Ronald McDonald house click HERE.
A Rural ambassador, Vet and Young Farming Champion with Dione Howard
Dione Howard wears many hats: a National Rural Ambassador, Vet and Young Farming Champion.
In high school she knew she wanted to be a doctor of sorts, the decision was whether she wanted to be a doctor of people or animals.
It came down to she was a whole lot more comfortable dealing with animal blood than that of humans. She walked out of university and began her work near Hay in south-western NSW, in the midst of the drought, followed by bushfires and ultimately a pandemic. It has seen her work varied but as she says, her job is to help keep animals safe and make sure on the ground they detect any potential disease or threats to Australia's agricultural sector.
Our weekly podcast is sponsored by LAWD, the specialists in Agribusiness valuations and transactions. Our question this week, when was the last time Australian farm prices saw a decline? Check out our socials for the answer!
Find Your Passion and Go For It with Stephen O'Brien
Just back yourself with Lily Bingham
G'day and Welcome back!
We're straight back into it after a few days on the Darling Downs in Southern Queensland, and we can't wait to share what we were up to with you soon!
While we were up there we sat down with a few different people from Mort & Co, and the first one we're excited to share our podcast with is Lily Bingham.
Lily is the Feed Commodity Officer and as she says, without knowing much about beef, has certainly found a business and area she's passionate about.
Lily shares that both her dad and their farm manager have played a vital role in supporting her (and her sisters) while in her day-to-day work it has been people both at MSM Milling and now at Mort & Co have provided her the opportunity to learn and grow.
I hope you enjoy this chat and if you haven't yet, head over to @humansofagriculture_ on Instagram to view our latest story!
Thank you to our weekly podcast sponsor, LAWD, the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions.
Humans of Agriculture is hosted by Oli Le Lievre
Podcast produced and edited by Humans of Agriculture.
The Food Dilemma with Mike Lee
Mike Lee came onto the stage at EvokeAg 2020 and I think he captured the minds, eyes, and ears of everyone in the auditorium. Mike’s job, is as a futurist, he works with some of the largest organisations globally to help them see what our food system may look like in the next 5-25 years.
Today, Mike and I chat a little bit about his journey, from his upbringing in Detroit to starting his own dining experiences. Today as the founder of The Future Market and as the co-founder of Alpha Foods. I love Mike’s realness in his approach as he works with businesses to create delicious products, enticing while being good for people, the planet and doing it in a profitable way.
If you want to get ahead of the pack, you can find out more about EvokeAG 2023, which is being held on 21-22 February 2023 in Adelaide, South Australia. If you're interested in attending the two-day, full-scale, global event or partnering, visit evokeAG.com for more details.
Submarines and soils with Charlie Perry
G’day and Welcome to the Humans of Agriculture podcast.
I’m your host Oli Le lievre and it’s a pleasure to bring another incredible story to you.
Our next guest is the 2022 Australian Zanda McDonald Award winner, Charlie Perry grew up on his family's property 'Trent Bridge', however made the decision after school to pursue a corporate role working as a Management consultant for Ernst & Young. Charlie's work saw him working on significant government and infrastructure projects of national significance and those skills have followed him into his current role within the family business as well as being the current chair of the Australian Wagyu Association.
Charlie's shares an honest, enjoyable and engaging story of his path as we talk about some of the bigger challenges and opportunities that have presented themselves to him.
Opportunity with our podcast sponsor LAWD:
An exciting opportunity for an Entry-level role, joining Australia’s fastest-growing rural property agency, LAWD and benefit from direct guidance from one of Australia’s leading rural property agents, Col Medway. Col is seeking a candidate with a passion for agriculture, exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and an appetite for hard work and personal drive for success, to “ride shot gun” with him as he travels Australia marketing a diverse range of agricultural assets. You will learn on the job and be trained in all aspects of rural property transactions, providing a unique and accelerated experience upon which to launch your career. Have a think about if you have the discipline and stamina to work at pace, this is a role for hard working, straight-shooting high achievers. The position is highly suited to agricultural discipline graduates or property graduates with a deep knowledge of Australian agriculture. To find out more or apply send your CV to info@lawd.com.au
You'll always be a farmer but you're not the farm with Grace McLeod
G’day and Welcome to the Humans of Agriculture podcast.
I’m your host Oli Le lievre and it’s a pleasure to bring another incredible story to you.
I had seen her light-hearted ways via her Instagram channel, she definitely is a bit of a larrikin, and based off the response i got after sharing just a tiny snippet of this episode with you, I reckon there’s a few of you out there that are Grace McLeod Fans as well.
Today's episode covers Grace’s story from a young loving farm kid to an extraordinary woman. Grace has been through quite the transition as her family has undertaken the complicated process of succession. As you’ll hear it actually has resulted in the sale of the family farm, Grace walking away from the life she knew but is thankful she still has her family intact and that her parents now have the freedom to enjoy their retirement.
Opportunity with our podcast sponsor LAWD:
An exciting opportunity for an Entry-level role, joining Australia’s fastest-growing rural property agency, LAWD and benefit from direct guidance from one of Australia’s leading rural property agents, Col Medway. Col is seeking a candidate with a passion for agriculture, exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and an appetite for hard work and personal drive for success, to “ride shot gun” with him as he travels Australia marketing a diverse range of agricultural assets. You will learn on the job and be trained in all aspects of rural property transactions, providing a unique and accelerated experience upon which to launch your career. Have a think about if you have the discipline and stamina to work at pace, this is a role for hard working, straight-shooting high achievers. The position is highly suited to agricultural discipline graduates or property graduates with a deep knowledge of Australian agriculture. To find out more or apply send your CV to info@lawd.com.au
Showing what agriculture has to offer with John Harvey
John Harvey is another test case, it doesn't matter where you're from or what your background is.. a career in agriculture can provide incredible opportunities for you.
John has spent the vast majority of his career in what he calls 'an optimistic space' helping connect ht edots between Innovation, commercialisation and Research and Development. He has successfully seen the move of the organisation to Wagga Wagga in southern NSW, supported new and emerging industries and established the Asia Pacific largest AgriTech event, EvokeAg.
We were due to be meeting up face to face at EvokeAg which would have been in just a couple of weeks, however, unfortunately, this year it couldn't quite go ahead as planned.
The Humans of Agriculture podcast is hosted by Oli Le Lievre.
Episode 100! A look behind the scenes
It's been the chance to sit down with extraordinary people each week and pick their brain on a topic that I'm really trying to work out for myself, or I am leaning on them for some advice or I'm just generally curious and fascinated by who they are and what they do.
For episode 100, Alys Marshall who has been producing episodes behind the scenes since July of 2021 sit down and talk about some of the highs, the lows and how I have approached some of the conversations.
From topics such as alcoholism to mental health, regenerative agriculture and climate change to international market access. Our guests all come with the most incredible backgrounds and outlook on life.
Thanks for tuning in, here's to the next 100!
A passionate food producer shaping the Future of Work with Rhys Roberts
It's only taken 99 episodes to cross the Tasman but this week we have our first kiwi. Rhys Roberts is fresh off winning the 2022 New Zealand Zanda McDonald Award. Hailing from the mid-Canterbury region on the south Island of NZ, Rhys is the CEO of Align Farms Group where he manages seven farms and a market garden.
Rhys is passionate about producing nutrient dense food in a way that's good for the planet and the people that consume it, while being good for the people working in his team. He see's himself as a food producer and is extremely passionate about the Future of Work. passion as a food producer and to be progressive in what he does is what drives him. He is passionate to continue to produce nutrient dense foods for the populations and his other passion ist the future of work, what might that be you ask, well you better listen on.
I loved his way of thinking, his sense of humour and I hope you enjoy the chat!
It's always been about the people with Richard Rains
As a child from Dunedoo, Richard Rains hardly saw his future in a career that had him liaising with the Korean Government and doing business with McDonald’s in North America.
Richard's story is remarkable as he shares more about his childhood, the advice he received from his father to pursue a career in agriculture in the city, the importance of education and why Richard is so passionate about supporting the next generation.
Read Richard's story on humansofagriculture.com/2022/02/01/its-always-been-about-the-people/
This episode was sponsored by LAWD, the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions. To find out more head to www.lawd.com.au
Pursuing passion beyond the farm gate with James Cleaver
James was encouraged by his parents to get off farm and to get a trade or qualification that could support him outside the farm gate. In this episode, James talks about what it's been like to find his dream job, twice, first as a lawyer and then later as a banker.
He talks through what it's like to balance expectations, on pursuing purpose and finding a career that really lights you up. He has since found this with his work with regional youths as he helps provide opportunities for those not just on farm.
The Humans of Agriculture podcast is sponsored by LAWD, the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions. Find out more at www.lawd.com.au
/// Sponsor ad: To access the Farmer Business Network offering please head to: Apply now for interest free input financing and ask about the 0% Club, visit www.fbn.com/ourpromos. Subject to approved credit purchases only. Terms and Conditions apply. Offer ends 31 March 2022.
The road to the Exchange with Jillian Kilby
Jill talks us through some of the key moments in her life, the importance of mentors and having someone to lean on and chats about how she's building her businesses and community across rural Australia!
We would love to hear what your takeaways are from this episode!
This episode was recorded at The Exchange in Dubbo, on Wiradjuri country. Check them out! www.yourexchange.co/
This episode was sponsored by LAWD the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions. www.lawd.com.au
Stepping up to the plate with Bryce Camm
On his LinkedIn page, Bryce presents a pretty impressive resume: Chairman of Beef Australia, Chairman of the Australian Beef Sustainability Steering Group and the Immediate Past President of the Australian Lot Feeders Association. All of this whilst running his family’s family business, Camm Agriculture, with properties across Queensland.
Cattle have always been Bryce’s bread and butter. He grew up on Natal Downs in North Queensland, bouncing between life on the station, with its big musters distant horizons, and boarding school, then university, in the city.
- Bryce talks about the circumstances that led him to coming home.
- The reason he has stepped so heavily into various industry roles and what it has enabled him
- and how he manages to fit these different roles in
This episode is sponsored by LAWD, the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions. Find out more at www.lawd.com.au
Bryce is an Antola Shirt ambassador and if you want one of the comfiest, high quality shirts made from Aussie cotton getting around then head to antolatrading.com
Overcoming the odds for the love of life with Karen and Jamie (Dodge) Manning
Changing with the times at Bella Lana with Scott and Hannah Brien
As a kid Scott vividly remembers jumping off the school bus and racing to the woolshed during shearing. Tearing through what was left of his Dad's lunchbox and then jumping head first into the wool bins.
To this day, that love and passion for growing wool hasn't strained if anything it could well be even stronger.
It's a passion that Scott's daughters have inherited, their input in the day-to-day help to keep Bella Lana Merinos moving with the times.
Hannah, the youngest of the three girls, is juggling her on-farm work while studying a sustainable communities degree. It's this unique insight which is helping shape the thinking for how wool can position itself in the discussion around sustainable fashion and sustainable farming into the future.
This episode has been sponsored by LAWD the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions, to find out more head to www.lawd.com.au
Dad's the inspiration for what I do with Alex Thomas
Alex Thomas has always looked up to her dad. From her earliest days escaping the school room to shadow him on the family's sheep station in remote South Australia to caring for him.
Today, Alex is an established social entrepreneur putting health and safety front and centre for those in rural communities, ultimately helping get people home at the end of the day.
Her relatability, humour and practical approach has also seen her consulting to medium and large sized organisations working across rural australia, re-orientating them back to the primary intent of 'not killing someone at work'.
Her story traverses her childhood as a kid of School of the Air to heading to the big city (were she finds herself based today) for boarding school. Overcoming personal challenges including the crushing acceptance that she wouldn't be taking on the family property, Alex set out on her own path and hasn't looked back.
Alex's passion for people and community has seen her be named a 2020 Syngenta Growth Award winner in the People and Community category.
This episode has been sponsored by Syngenta, the team that has been bringing global agricultural innovation to Australia for more than 90 years. Their world-class seed varieties and crop protection productions help farmers overcome climatic challenges, and sustainably grow more food, feed and fibre for all of us.
Mouse plagues, lockdowns and social media stardom at the Collie Hotel with Tom Hancock
If you haven’t heard of the Collie Hotel you might just be living under a virtual rock. To their 14,000 odd Instagram followers Tom and Emily Hancock broadcast videos that depict the hilarious mundanities and contradictions of country pub patrons - videos that have put Collie Hotel on the map.
Satirising all walks of country life, from stock and station agents to contract harvesters to hens party attendees, Tom acts alongside his daughter Eliza while Emily films, often while juggling their new baby on her hip.
A Passion for Plants Brings Chris Full Circle with Chris Toohey
Chris Toohey spent his childhood growing up on the family's Riverina Property growing Rice, cattle, sheep and other dryland irrigated crops.
With a love of plants and a recommendation from his parents to go and explore opportunities outside the farm gate, Chris begin his apprenticeship as a landscaper and worked his way up.
Seeing the opportunity to take his skills on the road he took off on a road trip around Australia before a back injury led him to move away from the physicality of the job.
Heading to university as a mature age student, Chris' career was set out for him, Agronomy was the obvious choice. Chris has never looked back.
Chris is a 2020 Syngenta Growth Award Winner in the productivity category and this is his story.
This episode has been sponsored by Syngenta, the team that has been bringing global agricultural innovation to Australia for more than 90 years. Their world-class seed varieties and crop protection productions help farmers overcome climatic challenges, and sustainably grow more food, feed and fibre for all of us.
That Cycle Stops With Me with Darrylin Gordon
Her story converses a woman who has faced her fair share of challenges, tackling them head on and creating opportunity.
Her grandfather has been a key influence in her life and the one who at times has given her the grounding she has needed to go on to have the impact she could have.
Australia's Agtech Boom with Sarah Nolet
From the Silicon Valley to South America, Sarah Nolet has never seen anything more exciting than the boom of the Australian agtech industry in the past half decade.
She’s only been in the country for six years, but in that time Sarah Nolet has managed to transform Australia’s footing in the international ag-tech industry.
Sarah has been recognised as a 2020 Syngenta Growth Award Winner in the Innovator Category. It's not surprising given the mark she's made on the industry in the past six years. We cannot wait to see where Sarah is headed and how Aussie AgTech is going to boom with her skills, passion and enthusiasm.
This episode has been sponsored by Syngenta, the team that has been bringing global agricultural innovation to Australia for more than 90 years. Their world-class seed varieties and crop protection productions help farmers overcome climatic challenges, and sustainably grow more food, feed and fibre for all of us.
HoA "How agriculture has shaped me" with Dave O'Brien
As he left high school Dave wasn't sure what he wanted to do, with an opportunity popping up to work alongside his sister in the TV industry, Dave jumped head first into it. However, it wasn't quite what he was looking for.
During the chat Dave talks about finding his passion and how agriculture has really shaped who he is today.
Dave also speaks to the importance of mens health and why he is involved in Movember this year.
This episode has been sponsored by LAWD, the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions. To find out more, head to www.lawd.com.au
HoA "Growing For The Future" with Simon Doolin
Simon has been recognised as a 2020 Syngenta Growth Award Recipient in the Sustainability category. As this chat outlines, it really is no surprise. He constantly seeks for better ways to do things, more efficiently.
Over recent years, Simon has worked closely with bakers and other people along the supply chain. Today, he and his team work knowing that they have the relationship and knowledge of exactly where their grains are going.
This episode has been sponsored by Syngenta, the team that has been bringing global agricultural innovation to Australia for more than 90 years. Their world-class seed varieties and crop protection productions help farmers overcome climatic challenges, and sustainably grow more food, feed and fibre for all of us.
HoA "Taking the leap at 28" with Ginnie Hope-Johnstone
After successfully completing a dual degree in sports administration adn event management, she scored the corporate role she was after.
But by the age of 28, Ginnie had longed for wide open spaces and had always wanted to be a jillaroo on a Northern Territory cattle station, so what else do you do than take the leap!
After 'living the dream' for two years, Ginnie returned to Victoria however the urge to find a job that she wanted to do wasn't quite there, so she established her own business: VC Events Co!
Ginnie's story traverses the years of building a career, pursuing a dream and then really finding what you're passionate about and building a career and business around it!
Enjoy the chat!
This episode is sponsored by LAWD the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions, to find out more head to www.lawd.com.au
HoA "Finding my feet in Texas (4385)" with Grace Cheatley
However, fast forward a couple of years and Grace's story is so applicable and hopefully inspiring for those wondering what opportunities there are for young people in Rural Australia to go after.
Grace hails from Geelong, down in Victoria but her journey to Texas and now living there was a matter of circumstance, as the optimist that she is, she saw being made redundant as part of the pandemic as an opportunity to use her skills and experience and hit the road. Enter Texas, that's Texas Qld not America!
This chat is full of a few laughs, understanding what it was like to be somewhere that nobody knows you and finding her place and unlocking opportunity to contribute to what is now her community!
76: HoA "Unlocking the opportunities in agriculture" with Sam Heagney
For those familiar with twitter, Sam Heagney is a household name.
From his insights to his humourous and engaging videos that have captured the eyes of tens of thousands of people.
His approach to celebrating agriculture has come from his background as a kid growing up on Melbourne's outer suburbs.
His time in agriculture has nearly gone full circle, not far from where it all began on his wife's family's property 'South Burnarba'.
This episode has been sponsored by LAWD, the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions. To find out more head to www.lawd.com.au
75: HoA "Chasing dreams, space and cattle in the North" with Pat Barrett
Pat Barrett was a difficult man to get hold of - a completely unsurprising fact considering he spends the majority of his time on stock camps across the Kimberly and the Pilbara, where reception and free time are both in short supply.
When Oli did get a chance to catch up with him he was in Broome, preparing to leave early the next morning to drive a thousand kilometres to meet up with one of his four contracting teams.
74: HoA "Zara's Day" with Justin & Kate Boshammer
73: HoA "Awards, Expectations and Opportunities" with Sue Middleton and Jo Palmer
Ahead of the Agrifutures Rural Women's Award National Announcement, we sat down with two previous winners, Sue Middleton (2010) and Jo Palmer (2019) to find out about their stories on entering, winning and life after the Award.
Both Sue and Jo have come at the award from two very different backgrounds, however the opportunities the Award has opened up for them is immense. For Sue it meant 18 months of presentations, meetings and advocating for Agriculture and rural Australia and for Jo, well she has hardly said no to any opportunity that has been put in front of her, all while managing it fairly remotely!
The Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award National Announcement is being held virtually next Wednesday the 20th of October at 12:30pm AEDT. To Register, go to www.agrifutures.com.au/rwa
72: HoA "A Diamond in the Dust" with Frauke Bolten-Boshammer
Frauke Bolten-Boshammer is a pioneer, a woman filled with grit and determination that has seen her overcome a life full of obstacles, despite the setbacks Frauke perseveres and her story will connect on so many levels.
From her early days as a child in Germany, working hard for her father.
To finding love and moving around the world looking for the big break. After settling in Kununurra in Northern Australia, tragedy strikes Frauke's like where she is left alone as a single mother to raise her kids.
Frauke's story shows that life is full of obstacles but within that is opportunity.
Frauke is an Antola Trading shirt ambassador, to shop the range head to https://www.antolatrading.com/
71: HoA "Dreaming Beyond the Mallee Sky" with Olivia Borden
Liv shows that agriculture truly is full of opportunity, with a dream and a willingness to go after them the world truly is your oyster.
Part of Liv's childhood was spent living in a house with no power, cooking over the open fire and to this day it's one of her true loves
From outback shearing sheds where her body was left battered, bloodied and bruised
Chasing the dream in the territory and beginning a career as an agronomist based out of Katherine
This episode has been sponsored by LAWD, the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions. To view their current listings or find out more head to www.lawd.com.au
70: HoA "Building on tradition, my way" with Corrina Wright
It was 1839, just years after the South Australian Colonisation Act had been passed and George Fife Angus had bought 13,000 acres of crown land for a mere 12 shillings an acre, when William and Elizabeth Oliver bought their farm from him and began planting grapevines.
They were Corinna Wright’s great, great, great grandparents, and today Corinna makes wine from the grapevines they planted.
To read more of the story head to: www.humansofagriculture.com
We'd like to thank this episodes sponsor, LAWD the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions, to find out more head to www.lawd.com.au
To view the antola range and check out the latest shirts including their kids shirt which has $2 from every shirt going to the Ronald McDonald House then head over to www.antolatrading.com
69: HoA "Finding the balance in change" with Emma Germano
Emma Germano is a household name in Australian agriculture. Her involvement in key industry groups and bodies has been instrumental in the corporate and policy arenas where she regularly goes in to bat for farmers.
A little lesser known side of Emma is the journey and learnings along the way that have been instrumental in helping her navigate the field of agripolitics and key industry roles.
From putting it all on the line in the pursuit of a small business in Melbourne to standing in the rain bidding to buy back the family farm, Emma's journey isn't straight forward and it has come with plenty of challenges.
She truly is a trailblazer for what the next gen of ag leaders are bringing to the table and is a very, very worthy Antola ambassador!
We'd like to thank this episodes sponsor, LAWD the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions, to find out more head to www.lawd.com.au
To view the antola range and check out the latest shirts including their kids shirt which has $2 from every shirt going to the Ronald McDonald House then head over to www.antolatrading.com
68: HoA "Championing women in the grain industry" with Randall Wilksch
Randall Wilksch is passionate about changing the narrative around the Australian grain industry, and a good way to do this, he thinks, is to get more women involved.
Coming from a family of grain growers on South Australia’s lower peninsula, Randall Wilksh is the first to admit he fits neatly into the category of archetypal farmer.
But he in no way sits idly in his stable position within the grains industry, instead, he questions the very nature of the industry itself.
Are we as farmers doing enough to connect with our consumers? Are we doing enough to correct misinformation about our products? Are we doing enough to ensure our practices are sustainable? Are we doing enough to encourage more women into the industry?
These are all questions Randall asks himself and the Australian farming community as a whole.
Randall is one of the Antola Trading Shirt Ambassadors, celebrating incredible people from right across Australia who are having an impact within their industry or community. To check out the whole range go to www.antolatrading.com
67: HoA "Agriculture beyond the farm gate" with Sam Johnston
Sam Johnston and his mate, Jim, created Thank a Farmer for your Next Meal in their free time while at university in the city, but that was seven years ago, now Sam leads a very different life.
It was when he began to bring city friends home in the school holidays that he recognised just how interesting everyday country life can be for those who don’t get to experience it regularly.
“I remember moving a mob of sheep with these friends - which for people who grew up on the land is an everyday thing - and they thought it was amazing, they had their phones out taking videos, taking photos.”
It was later, while at university in Sydney, that Sam was approached by his mate Jim with the idea for Thank A Farmer.
Thank you to this episodes sponsor, LAWD, the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions, to find out more and check out their latest listings head to www.lawd.com.au3
66: HoA "George the key to kids in Ag" with Simone Kain
Simone Kain is the first to admit that she’s reluctant to enter the political sphere, but, in the same breath, recognises the power and influence of the children’s books that she has created.
Co-creator of the popular George the Farmer books that help educate children about the systems that work to get their food on the table and their clothes on their back, Simone Kain didn’t always see herself as connected to agriculture.
While Kain spent plenty of time as a child with the animals around her parent’s farm, she always preferred to be drawing rather than doing hands-on jobs around the property.
This preference for the creative arts meant that for years Simone felt that she wasn’t connected to agriculture.
Simone is one of the Antola Trading Shirt Ambassadors, celebrating incredible people from right across Australia who are having an impact within their industry or community. To check out the whole range go to www.antolatrading.com
65: HoA "Check on your Wild Mate" with Shanna Whan
Life for Shanna Whan was punctuated by her relationship with alcohol - she’s been the girl that was date raped, the winner of college drinking comps, the forty year old drunk and, now, the woman who started Sober in the Country.
Shanna Whan’s story begins - like so many others belonging to country children - with a desperate desire to be free of boarding school.
With her newfound liberation, she jumped at the chance to work with stock and to sit on a horse all day, and took a job as a Jillaroo.
But life outside the school gates wasn’t all it was cracked up to be and, within a year, Shanna was a victim of date rape and three cases of sexual assault.
You can check out the full write up on Shan at https://www.humansofagriculture.com/blog/check-on-your-wild-mate
Content Warning: this post contains discussions of suicide and sexual assault.
to Find out more about the crucial work Sober in the Country are doing visit www.soberinthecountry.org
Thank you to this episodes sponsor, LAWD, the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions, to find out more and check out their latest listings head to www.lawd.com.au
64: HoA "The WOLF of Aussie Beef" with Amanda Moohen
When Amanda Moohen landed her first job in the beef industry, she was one of only five women working alongside 100 men, now, she’s pulling more women into the male-dominated sector by simply sitting down and having a drink with them.
From an Albies college girl walking to morning classes in her pyjamas, to being scouted by the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) for a new managerial role, Amanda Moohen’s career is an impressive one.
Growing up on a beef grazing property on Queensland’s Darling Downs, cattle have always been of interest for Amanda.
But it wasn’t until studying Ag Science at university that she recognised that a career in agriculture can be quite difficult to get into, especially as a woman.
Amanda is one of the Antola Trading Shirt Ambassadors, celebrating incredible people from right across Australia who are having an impact within their industry or community. To check out the whole range go to www.antolatrading.com
Thanks to this episodes sponsor, LAWD the specialists in Agribusiness valuations and transactions. Check out some of the properties currently advertised at www.lawd.com.au
63: HoA "A Flexible Life on the Land" with Georgie Somerset
Country women are well known to be expert jugglers of all things farming and family, but Georgie Somerset might be one the best of all.
Georgie is a rural leader who has developed an enviable CV through her broad experiences, for more than 30 years she has juggled being actively involved in the family beef business while working for some remarkable organisations.
Amongst her CV she is the President of AgForce Queensland Farmers, a Director of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Qld division) and a Board Director for the ABC. Georgie is an advocate for australian farming, regional communities and particularly supporting women in the industry.
You can shop the Antola shirt range and make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House in Brisbane at www.antolatrading.com
We'd like to thank this episodes sponsor LAWD, the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions. To find out more, head to www.lawd.com.au
62: HoA "From Oyster Shuck'n to Global Tech CEO" with Ewan McAsh
With a degree in marine biology and a love of surfing the South Coast, Ewan McAsh is transforming the Australian oyster industry from product to plate.
Ewan McAsh was 24 and fresh out of university when his Dad, previously a commercial fisherman and looking to leave his office job, proposed buying an oyster farm together. To Ewan, who recently graduated with a degree in marine biology, farming native oysters seemed simple enough.
Fast forward fifteen years and Ewan has gone on to set up multiple businesses and now finds himself as the CEO of a Global Tech company solving problems in the aquaculture industry.
We'd like to thank this episodes sponsor LAWD, the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions, to find out more head to www.lawd.com.au
To check out all the Antola Workshirts, head to www.antolatrading.com
61: HoA "Helping women shine with wine" with Jane Thomson
Welcome to Episode 61 of the Humans of Agriculture podcast. It's the beginning of our collaboration with Antola Trading, celebrating the diverse impact and discovering the stories of some remarkable Aussies who are the newest ambassadors for the Antola workwear range.
Jane Thomson is the founder and Managing Director of The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society, a wine community for women that connects people right across the supply chain from growers to consumers, She’s also the founder and Chair of the Australian Women in Wine Awards (AWIWA). The AWIWA is the world's first and only awards platform for women in wine.
Starting off her career in psychology before moving into PR & communications where she has been recognised as an award winning Digital communicator. On top of the accolades, Jane is also an author of ‘The Fabulous ladies guide to wine’.
Jane works hard and passionately to both engage female wine consumers and to promote and highlight Australia's women in wine.
To find out more about Jane check out the Fabulous Ladies Wine Society website, https://fabulousladieswinesociety.com/.
Next week we'll sit down with Ewan McAsh, Smart Oyster farmer and entrepreneur.
Thank you to this episodes sponsors, LAWD the specialists in Agribusiness valuations and transactions. To find out more head to www.lawd.com.au
and Antola Trading, where every shirt has a story. You can check the shirts out at www.antolatrading.com and make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charity with every purchase.
60: HoA "Finding my Feet in the Northern Cattle Industry" with Hannah Murray
Welcome to Episode 60 of the HoA podcast, I’m excited to be sitting down with someone who I've had the chance to get to know as well as work alongside on some project work up in the Northern Cattle industry.
Hannah Murray is currently the Business Development Officer with the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association, I feel like Hannah is one of those gems of our industry that’s very much in touch at the grassroots and is one to watch for sure. Like many of our guests, her career hasn’t quite been linear, from working on northern cattle stations, a stint supporting school kids with their horses, A vet assistant, Back into the cattle and equine business, and now with the NTCA. Han is an incredible networker, a great asker of questions as we may go on to have a laugh about.
I’d like to thank this episodes sponsor LAWD the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions, to find out more you can go to www.lawd.com.au
59: HoA "Lens of Rosie" with Heidi Morris
Heidi Morris is a true advocate for the agriculture industry, at first, her name might not spring to mind but if we say Lens.Of.Rosie then maybe that will ring a few bells. Heidi has worked in the grains, cotton and beef industries in Australia as well as a stint in Canada. Her photos and the drive behind them to share more of the agriculture sector have captivated audiences. As Heidi talks about, sometimes it’s not all daisies and sunshine but her passion for sharing stories hasn’t faltered. Now, I’m not sure if she’s comfortable with being called a bit of a nomad but she certainly has seen more of Australia than many.
During this episode we spoke about the trials and tribulations of life on social media, documenting the aspects of agriculture that many Australians aren’t used to seeing and the cultural history of this country that we should all be paying closer attention to.
To check out more of Heidi's photos and to follow her travels follow @Lens.of.Rosie on instagram
I’d like to thank this episodes sponsors, LAWD the specialists in agribusiness valuations and transactions. To find out more you can head to their website www.lawd.com.au
58: HoA "Chasing the Dream - From Rugby to the Ranch" with Charlotte Caslick and Lewis Holland
If you're a fan of Rugby union these next two names should be fairly familiar for you. Lewis Holland and Charlotte Caslick are both primed for their second Olympic games, Charlotte is an Olympic gold medalist after winning gold with the Womens 7s team at Rio in 2016. What makes these two extra special is their affiliation to farming and the path that they have been on since they turned their dreams into a reality purchasing a property in 2016.
Perspective is a beautiful thing, it allows you do empathise and understand someone else's situation or assess your life through a different lens. When it comes to achievements or disappointments it was the drought not long after Lewis and Charlotte purchased their farm that provided the reference point and perspective that they needed. I found this chat incredibly insightful, both Lewis and Charlotte are so down to earth, we talked about overcoming adversity, the lessons that farming has taught them and how its transferred into their sporting lives.
I'd like to thank this episodes sponsor – LAWD, the specialists in Agribusiness valuations and transactions. To find out more head to www.lawd.com.au