Salt of the Earth Farm Stories

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we talk to Dr Mason Crane, a clever ecologist. We hear about balancing farm production with biodiversity, and how a healthy environment can boost farm yields by up to 20%. We explore natural solutions like using acacia bushes to reduce parasites in sheep, plus tackling worms naturally. So, join us as we chat all things ecology, sustainability, and how Mason is help...

Send us Fan Mail Judy Frankenberg, at Warrangee, a Red Angus Stud in southern New South Wales.  Judy’s career spans decades of groundbreaking work, particularly in environmental conservation. She’s not only known for her pioneering environmental efforts but also for her passion for educating the next generation. 

Send us Fan Mail Today we head to a Red Angus Stud near Burrumbuttock in New South Wales, and we get to hear from the amazing Judy Frankenberg.  Judy’s career reflects a lifetime of groundbreaking work and passionate care for the land. She has family ties to the Furphy water carts. She introduced dung beetles to the area, and was heavily involved in the first landcare group in NSW.

Send us Fan Mail Lincoln talks about defying skepticism, pushing through challenges like getting stuck on a tractor without his wheelchair, and overcoming doubt.  He shares how he stays motivated and his role as an advocate for people with disabilities.  Plus, we have some fun with 'off-the-wall questions'.  What a legend! You can learn more about the Change One Life Project at his Faceb...

Send us Fan Mail Lincoln Budge’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. After a car accident left him paralyzed, he battled alcoholism, personal loss, and a near-death experience. His ‘rock bottom’ was unlike most would think, but rather than give up, he reinvented himself through farming and founded the Change One Life Project, which helps people make smarter, more thoughtful decisions.  In this...

Send us Fan Mail John McAuley. This part 3 with the legend from South Australia.  We hear about John’s time at Kooloola Station, and some unforgettable stories, including an Irishman and a couple of old diamonds he found on the street! You’ll also hear about his deep and beautiful relationship with his wife, Joan, and his early connection with RM Williams.  John has never stopped and even now, he...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for part 2 with 95 year-old John McAuley. In this episode, John shares more about life in South Australia’s tough outback, including the story of a 10-year-old boy lost in the Flinders Ranges. He also talks about his time working in Queensland, returning to Commodore Station in '62, marrying the love of his life, surviving brutal dust storms, starting a family, and ev...

Send us Fan Mail John McAuley: A Remarkable Life Born in 1929, John's life has been a testament to resilience and hard work.  For many years, he battled the harsh isolation of South Australia’s outback, surviving dust storms that buried homes and a rugged environment that made living off the land a full-time job.  A hard worker, true gentleman, and a living piece of history, John’s story is o...

Send us Fan Mail We continue to chat with my father Ian Grigg. He has spent all his life on this farm.   We talk about surviving off the land, making some gutsy decisions and how farming today is a big business. Tune in for another interesting episode from Bungaree, Victoria.

Send us Fan Mail Special Guest Alert! Farming in Bungaree with Ian Grigg.  Its a story built on hard work, resilience, and a lifetime of unforgettable experiences. He has spent his entire life on the farm, surviving challenges, and embracing opportunities along the way. From overcoming a near-fatal illness in the mid 1940s to finding inventive ways to make extra income, Ian’s journey is one of per...

Send us Fan Mail Peter Barnes was living and working at Mungo Station when they unearthed human remains that date back over 40,000 years.  He and his wife Colleen have done remarkable work rehabilitating country at Neds Corner Station. They even have a newfound fungi named after them. Peters story is one of dedication, respect for the land and making a lasting impact.  Aboriginal and Torres Straig...

Send us Fan Mail Trevor Crawford talks about the essential role of legumes in enriching soil with nitrogen. We’ll discuss how these plants contribute to healthier, more sustainable farming by reducing reliance on chemicals, nourishing the soil, and promoting natural pest control. Join us as we dive into these practices from a farm located about 2 1/2 hours north of Adelaide, near Jamestown.

Send us Fan Mail We’re joined by Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Elder Uncle Dave Wandin, who shares his powerful story from Coranderrk Station. We’ll hear about his deep passion for cultural teaching and learning, as well as his work managing the farm just north of Melbourne. It’s a rich and insightful conversation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander  listeners  are advised that this episode may mentio...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we head to South Australia to explore the Crawford family’s innovative continuous cropping operation. Discover how this sustainable farming method is not only keeping the soil healthier but also enriching it with nitrogen naturally. We also dive into Luke Crawford’s life on the farm, gaining insight into the daily challenges and rewards of working the land.

Send us Fan Mail We head to Jamestown, South Australia, where we meet Holly Crawford on a continuous cropping farm. Holly is driving positive change to the landscape with large-scale plantings. We also touch on carbon and biodiversity credits along with farm life in SA. A great episode. Thank you Holly...!

Send us Fan Mail Jessica and Tim Scott created a very successful Angus stud and commercial beef breeding operation. We discuss genetic gain, genomics, embryo transfer and much more. A real credit to Jessica and Tim.

Send us Fan Mail A single rabbit can produce six young, up to six times a year. We talk to expert, Tim Bloomfield. Tim shares insights about the introduction of rabbits to Australia, to rabbits being a source of income and their devastating effects on farms.

Send us Fan Mail Tim and Jessica Scott run an amazing Stud and Commercial Beef Breeding Operation. We talk about establishing Tabletop Angus. They are now running about 1200 cows and selling approximately 200 bulls annually. We also touch on Tims football career...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for part B with Ally Trigg. We explore the inspiring story of a young female station hand in the Northern Territory of Australia. With a remarkable outlook on life, she navigates the challenges of remote living, adapting to change while embracing the wild beauty of the outback. From battling fires to encountering unique wildlife, her adventures are filled with resilience a...

Send us Fan Mail Ally is a passionate young woman who has taken the leap into the world of cattle farming in the Northern Territory. Her journey is filled with challenges, triumphs, and a deep connection to the land and the animals she cares for. From mustering cattle under the vast open skies to navigating the intricacies of isolated farm life. Ally's story is one of adventure, growth, and l...

Send us Fan Mail Bryan Ward talks about how he has rehydrated his farm, just north of Albury. He calls it "plain common sense farming"

Send us Fan Mail On-Farm emissions. In this episode, the clever Julian Carroll talks about carbon emitted and carbon sequestered.

Send us Fan Mail Bryan Ward, born in the 1930s, has had such an interesting career in farming. From riding his pony to school, to hosting the Royals, to rehydrating country, he is a true gentleman.

Send us Fan Mail Julian Carroll is living an interesting life. We hear about growing up in Mudgegonga, Uni days, touring with a well known rock band and now farming at home in North East Victoria.

Send us Fan Mail We chat with Marcus Richardson about the benefits of Enhanced farm dams for both stock and native wildlife.