Humans of Agriculture

This week we're heading to a tiny little town called Tilba on the South Coast of NSW. An old mining town, the small mainstreet pops under an enormous mountain. For generations Tilba Dairy has been providing jobs, amazing dairy products and played a key part of the social fabric that makes this town what it is. So, what's the value of branded businesses to small communities like Tilba? That's exact...

Kate Gunn, is a clinical psychologist and founder of iFarmWell, in this episode she discusses the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the agriculture industry. She shares her journey of researching farmers' mental health and the need for support in rural communities. Kate explains how iFarmWell was created to provide accessible and farmer-focused resources for improving mental health. She...

Darren Thomas is the CEO of Thomas Foods International and in this episode we chat about his journey, the family business, and how they've not just made the most of opportunities they've overcome huge adversity.  From growing into new international markets, supporting local communities, the business is proud of its heritage and excited for the future. Takeaways Being present and connected with emp...

Sarah Crosthwaite is a a rural mental health clinician from Northeast Victoria, and she has worked as a rural outreach counsellor to farmers across our region. The rest of the time she works with her husband and their team on our 550-cow dairy farm in the Kiewa Valley. Sarah Crosthwaite discusses her journey in addressing mental health issues within farming communities. She shares insights from he...

Daniel Kahl, a cotton farmer from Narrabri, Australia, discusses his involvement in the cotton industry and his recent appointment to the board of Cotton Australia. He talks about the resurgence of young people in the town and the collaborative nature of the industry. Daniel also addresses misconceptions and myths surrounding cotton farming, highlighting the industry's progress in reducing pestici...

In this episode, Stefan Vogel, the General Manager of Rabo Research for Australia and New Zealand , shares insights into his extensive career in agriculture and the role of RaboResearch in the agricultural sector. He discusses the importance of understanding the food supply chain, the characteristics of effective team members, and the global insights that impact local agriculture.  Stefan also hig...

In the heart of Dubbo, NSW, a remarkable story unfolds at The Little Big Dairy Co, where Emma Elliott and her father, Steve Chesworth, are not just dairy farmers, but they regard themselves as environmentalists.  Their journey showcasing the importance of embracing new and sustainable practices in the dairy industry to benefit both the environment and the bottom line.  We discuss: The importance o...

Our Quarterly update with the team from LAWD is back and we've got Danny Thomas in the hot seat to chat all things property. We explore The different tiers of the rural property market the impact of interest rates on family farms versus institutional investors International flow of money and new entrants the future of agricultural land prices The importance of strategic planning for the next gener...

He lived in 20 houses by the time he was 20, that ability to meet new people and build rapport have been central to his career success. In his first year with LAWD he transacted nearly a billion dollars in farm sales. In this chat we cover: Danny's background and upbringing His love of the Northern Victoria Region His career from the Valuers General Office to leading global agriculture teams A lov...

The boys have been on a mid-year holiday (or so it seems). They had the chance to sit down with Ed & Bea in mid-August so this one has taken a few weeks to get Liveeee... that said, lets get into it!  In this episode of the Tom and Mick show, the boys are sitting down with Ed Bradley and Bea Litchfield of Hazeldean Angus and Hazeldean Merino studs. They discuss their career backgrounds, how th...

Mike Casey, a technology founder turned farmer, shares his journey from selling his tech startup to buying a cherry orchard in New Zealand.  He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning from one industry to another and the importance of being open to new opportunities.  Mike emphasises the role of luck in entrepreneurship and the need for tenacity and bravery. He also highlights the va...

We are sitting down with National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) star and NSW Dairy Industry Ambassador Kezie Apps, along with renowned sports dietitian Chloe McLeod, to delve into the fascinating world of nutrition, sport recovery, community and the vital role that dairy plays in this equation. Paid Partnership Transparency: Humans of Agriculture have been fortunate enough to engage in a paid agreem...

Back in 2018, Oli was "umm'ing and ahh'ing" about whether to apply for a professional development program, and it was the best thing he's done and today he's still in contact with that group of people!! Ahead of applications closing for the evokeAG Groundbreakers Program on the 2nd of September we wanted to chat with Natalie Bell who was a 2024 Future Young Leader (now known at Groundbreaker). We...

What's better than 100+ people coming for brekky...we love these events!! And now we're sharing it with you! We had the chance to sit down at Elders Farm Fest with a great crew of people we've had the chance to get to know to discuss all things, the Next Gen in Aussie Agriculture. Join Humans of Agriculture host, Oli Le Lievre as he sits down to interview Queensland Farmer Tom Coggan, Engineer who...

Matthew Evans, a food critic, chef, and farmer, discusses his journey into the world of food production and the challenges of the agriculture industry. He emphasises the importance of communication and dialogue between farmers and consumers to bridge the gap and address the polarising topics in agriculture. Evans also highlights the potential of agriculture to be both damaging and healing to the e...

Felicity Taylor is the Area manager at Rabobank Australia in Moree. In this conversation, she shares her journey from growing up in Moree to working in banking and the importance of being involved in the community. Felicity discusses her role as a branch manager and the satisfaction she gets from helping clients achieve their goals. For anyone familiar with Flick you know she is incredibly involve...

Steph joined us on episode 6 of the Humans of Agriculture podcast in April 2020. It's fair to say since then, quite a few things have changed!  The last time we chatted, it was all things Tas Ag Co, what was back then a new venture and business opportunity for Steph and their husband Sam. What we didn't even mention once was 'Motherland Australia' the charity and organisation Steph has created tha...

Back in May we had the chance to host a Next Gen conversation at the Elders tent at FarmFest. Someone in the elders team who is most definitely going places is Georgie Speedy and we wanted you to meet her. Georgie is a St George local, leaving high school she had no real idea where her future might go. Eager to stay in the area she began wroking at a metal fabrication business before the chance to...

Andrew is a passionate farmer, dad, husband and community man. He’s a thinker. Progressive. Visionary. He takes people along on the ride with him.  In this chat Andrew shares his story, the evolution of ‘Chilwell farms’, the family business, the change and expansion of farming in his pocket of Western Australia. In 2000, Andrew undertook a Nuffield Scholarship, “I was hungry for info and for knowl...

Jim began his life on a farm in the irrigation area of the Riverina in NSW. His love of farming followed everything he did and would ultimately shape his career so far. After exploring farming in Thailand in his early twenties, he returned home to work on the family farm before looking further afield, eager to pursue opportunities outside the farm gate. Following his Nuffield Scholarship in 1986,...

This special episode explores the impact of avian influenza on the egg industry in Australia. Melinda Hashimoto, CEO of Egg Farmers of Australia, provides insights into the virus, its transmission, and the measures taken to control its spread. The discussion covers the process of detecting and responding to avian influenza outbreaks on farms, the impact on farmers and the supply chain, and the rol...

Community Developer. Small Business Owner. Avid Netballer. International Agriculturalist. Local community enthusiast. Sometimes a travelling groupie (for certain bands).  Liz Brennan is a legend, a very, very interesting person, and someone we've been fortunate to have known over the past few years. Her life experience is so incredibly fascinating having worked across the length and breadth of Aus...

Lucy Collins knew she wanted to be around animals since she was a child. Although she didn't grow up on a farm, she took every chance to be at the dairy across the road from her family home. Early on she decided that being a Vet, was going to be her calling. "I didn't have a clear family farm pathway to follow. So seemed like a natural fit." Takeaways Curiosity and determination are key in pursuin...

We are back and we are sitting down with LAWD Senior Director, Tim McKinnon to get the latest on Australia's rural real estate market. A few summarising points : Beef Australia is more than just Beef - international interest across all of Aussie Ag came to Rockhampton in the first week of May. The market dynamics between family farms and corporate/institutional investors vary by sector and region...

Ashley Severin and his wife Lyndee call Curtin Springs in Australia's Northern Territory home. The family has embraced generational opportunity in diversifying the 1 million acre cattle station to other means. They've successfully established and run a tourism business, support local tours, an on-farm restaurant and have explored value add opportunities for their beef cattle. This episode is one o...