Shows
Unearthed - the people changing Australian agricultureTo bee, or not to bee?Send us a textEpisode 2 of AgriFutures' newlook podcast Unearthed, delves into the hives of Australia’s European honeybee population and the impact of the varroa mite on both the beekeeping industry and the crops that depend on pollination. To help keep track of varroa’s spread, and stay ahead of emerging pests and disease challenges, AgriFutures has implemented an early warning system in the form of an annual Colony Loss Survey. Find out what the first Col Loss survey has revealed about the health and threats to our hives.Unearthed is brought to you by A...
2025-07-2026 min
AgriFutures On AirSEEDED: SesameSesame is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, but an industry that is emerging within the Australian agriculture landscape.The white and black sesame seeds you buy in the supermarket or those sprinkled on top of your hamburger buns and sushi rolls are almost certainly imported from developing countries in Asia and Africa. But with the global sesame market worth more than US $7 billion and demand continuing to escalate, an Australian sesame renaissance is beginning to gain momentum. SEEDED is a special six-episode series for AgriFutures on Air brought to you by t...
2025-04-0426 min
AgriFutures On AirSEEDED: HempHemp is a plant so versatile that it has the ability to feed, clothe, and house us. The rediscovery of industrial hemp and new investment in research and development is unlocking amazing opportunities as the world grapples with food security, waste and climate change.In this episode explore the myriad of potential hemp provides and hear from industry leaders who are driving the industry forward. SEEDED is a special six-episode series for AgriFutures on Air brought to you by the AgriFutures Emerging Industries team. Follow AgriFutures on Air wherever you get your podcasts and make s...
2025-03-2024 min
AgriFutures On AirSEEDED: HazelnutsAustralian hazelnut growers, processors and researchers are pulling together to show the world the enormous potential to replace imported products with fresh, nutritious, high-quality Australian nuts. In this episode we put the product to the test and discover how industry pioneers and problem solvers are cracking the code on this exciting emerging industry. SEEDED is a special six-episode series for AgriFutures on Air brought to you by the AgriFutures Emerging Industries team. Follow AgriFutures on Air wherever you get your podcasts and make sure you don’t miss the next episode, dropping Friday, 21 March.
2025-03-0617 min
AgriFutures On AirSEEDED: InsectsThe average Australian produces more than half a tonne of household waste each year. We recycle what we can and the rest goes to the tip… but what if we could take our food waste and not just recycle it, but transform it into an alternate, high quality protein source that’s packed with health benefits? It’s happening. And there’s a buzz about it. In Australia, a small group of innovators are putting their money where their mouth is to show how insects might be the answer to the world’s increasing demand for protein. What is the palata...
2025-02-2023 min
AgriFutures On AirSEEDED: TrufflesIt’s an old-world luxury ingredient that the French, Italians and Spanish have included on their menus for hundreds of years. But Australia’s growing black perigord truffle industry is making a name for itself as a global powerhouse of production and is the fourth largest producer globally. Continued success is built upon Australia’s reputation as a supplier of premium quality truffles and access into international markets, including during the off-season to Europe’s truffle growing season.SEEDED is a special six-episode series for AgriFutures on Air brought to you by the AgriFutures Emerging Industries team.Fol...
2025-02-0624 min
AgriFutures On AirAg's Next Gen: How the Horizon Scholarship is Cultivating the Future Leaders of Australian AgricultureIn this episode, hear from two inspiring young people, Tess Cook and Ben Peden, who both participated in the 2023 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program.Tess comes from a cattle and cropping property in central Queensland and is now studying veterinary science, while Ben grew up in Sydney with no agricultural background before discovering a passion for the sector through high school and university.Both Tess and Ben share how the Horizon Scholarship has been transformative for them, opening their eyes to the incredible diversity of the agricultural sector and providing invaluable networking, professional development and personal...
2024-12-3127 min
AgriFutures On AirAgricultural study around the world: insights from a GRDC supported Horizon scholarThis podcast was first published by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Supported by the GRDC, the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program fosters the next generation of agricultural leaders who are interested in contributing to the Australian grains industry's success.Awarded to roughly 20 students each year, the Scholarship provides a bursary of $5000 a year during the final two years of a degree, along with professional development, work placements and networking opportunities.In this podcast, we hear from Horizon Scholarship recipient, Grace Moloney, on how the experience has opened doors for her professionally here i...
2024-12-2309 min
AgriFutures On AirStepping Back to Leap Forward: Lessons from the ARLF TRAIL Program"Seriously, just do it! You certainly won't regret it.”In the latest episode of the AgriFutures Capacity Building miniseries, we hear from two agricultural leaders who participated in the transformative Australian Rural Leadership Foundation's TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program - Verity Price, Deputy CEO of the Australian Chicken Meat Federation, and Jacob Birch, Managing Director of Yaamarra & Yarral in the native grains industry.From the powerful Welcome to Country ceremony that set the tone, to the immersive experiences in nature the program pushed them to step back and reflect on their purpose, behaviours, and relationships in ne...
2024-12-1826 min
AgriFutures On AirLeadership growth through self-reflection: A peak behind the curtain of the ARLF Agribusiness Leadership Program“It was the furthest thing from a day spa, but it gave me space.”Jennifer Galloway has a hectic life - a young family and a busy job as Acting General Manager covering three portfolios - Workforce, Communications and Adoption (WCA) at AgriFutures Australia.Day-to-day, Jen leads a team dedicated to effectively delivering AgriFutures’ research outcomes to the people that need them most. She also ensures the WCA team’s communication efforts extend to attracting a motivated and future-ready agricultural workforce, while helping build their leadership skills. But for Jen, participating in the Australia...
2024-12-1135 min
AgriFutures On AirLeading by Example: Insights from the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program“Leadership in Australian agriculture involves a blend of vision, the resilience, adaptability and commitment to sustainable practices”In the second episode of the AgriFutures Capacity Building mini-series, we hear from Dakshina Yadav, a passionate horticultural scientist from Nepal now working in the Northern Territory, who was selected to take part in the prestigious Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program. Dakshina specialises in the production of jackfruit, a tropical fruit that is widely used in Asia and is rapidly gaining popularity in Australia. After attending the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program, Dakshina's approach to her work has been...
2024-11-2624 min
AgriFutures On AirThe Power of Community in Leadership: Insights from Sarah Secker, Australian Institute of Company Directors Course Graduate"I think leadership is about having those abilities to public speak and all that kind of stuff, but it's about bringing people together."Discover the inspiring journey of Sarah Secker, a remarkable leader in Australian agriculture. Sarah completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Foundations of Directorship course, a program designed for new and aspiring directors, senior executives, and managers wanting to gain a foundational knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of boards and directors.In the first of five episodes of the AgriFutures Capacity Building Program’s Learning and Development Opportunities mini-series, Sarah, a...
2024-11-1527 min
evokeᴬᴳ⋅Visibility of women with Nikki Davey and Dr Nasim AmiralianIn this episode we’re taking a look at the visibility of women and diversity of roles in the workplace with two of the finalists in the AgriFutures Australia Catalyst program. Nikki Davey is the Co-Founder and CEO of Grown Not Flown and Dr Nasim Amiralian is a group leader of the Bio inspired materials group at the University of Queensland. As our contributor Jayne Cuddihy discovered in their conversation, Nikki and Nasim have some incredible insights into how women can become more visible and take others along for the ride. Nasim and Nikki...
2024-08-1526 min
AgriFutures On AirGraziher x AgriFutures: Life on the Land with Mandy WalkerWe celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.In this episode you'll meet Mandy Walker, the 2024 Western Australian winner who is supporting regional businesses to diversify and flourish, in conversation with Sammie O'Brien.Mandy Walker co-owns Walkers Diesel Services in Wongan Hills, a town 185 kilometres north-east of Perth in Western Australia. She's a passionate advocate for family business in regional areas and has developed a game-changing business model for other engineering enterprises in the Wheatbelt.The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award...
2024-08-1438 min
AgriFutures On AirGraziher x AgriFutures: Life on the Land with Nikki AtkinsonWe celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.In this episode you'll meet Nikki Atkinson, the 2024 Victorian winner who is asking brides across Australia to say ‘Yes to the wool dress’. The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award recognises the women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all...
2024-08-1441 min
AgriFutures On AirGraziher x AgriFutures: Life on the Land with Tanya EgertonWe celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.In this episode you'll meet Tanya Egerton, the 2024 Northern Territory winner. She's been recognised for her sustainable, ethical, and culturally-focused Indigenous enterprise, the Remote OpShop Project and is in conversation with Sammie O'Brien.As the CEO of Circulanation and the Remote OpShop Project, Tanya is supporting the establishment of op shops in remote First Nations communities, providing access to affordable items, while generating independent funding that supports culturally-focused projects.The AgriFutures Rural...
2024-08-1427 min
AgriFutures On AirGraziher x AgriFutures: Life on the Land with Grace LarsonWe celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.In this episode you'll meet Grace Larson, the 2024 Victorian winner, who founded the Sisterhood Project with her with her sister Skye. She’s in conversation with Em Herbert.With more than 68,000 Australian children hospitalised from accidents every year, first-aid training can be the difference between life and death. Yet the financial barrier can be prohibitive. This is where Grace Larson steps in. Living on a small heritage apple orchard outside Mia Mia in regional Vi...
2024-08-1441 min
AgriFutures On AirGraziher x AgriFutures: Life on the Land with Belle BinderWe celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.In this episode you'll meet Belle Binder, the 2024 Tasmanian winner. Belle has established the Farm Work Loop, a first-of-its-kind proactive approach that blends work, travel and community by providing continued employment across diverse farms and is in conversation with Sammie O'Brien.The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award...
2024-08-1438 min
AgriFutures On AirGraziher x AgriFutures: Life on the Land with Rebecca KeeleyWe celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.In this episode you'll meet Rebecca Keeley, the 2024 New South Wales winner. Rebecca is fiercely passionate about closing the gap for regional and remote children being able to access speech pathology. Studies show that Aussie kids are on average waiting 20 months for a speech pathology assessment - and a further 20 months before they receive intervention. For example, that means a two-year-old with delayed speech, is nearly six before they’re being seen face to face – the ripp...
2024-08-1438 min
AgriFutures On AirGraziher x AgriFutures: Life on the Land with Kate LamasonWe celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.Did you know as a nation, we consume a staggering 336-million tins of tuna a year – roughly the same weight as the harbour bridge? And that 99 per cent of the 50,000 tonnes of tinned tuna Aussies eat annually is imported? With less than a third of that certified as sustainably fished.In this episode you'll meet Kate Lamason, the Queensland winner of the AgriFutures Australia Rural Women's Award.It's these statistics that blew he...
2024-08-1439 min
AgriFutures On Air'Bitter', 'berry-like', 'winey' ... what makes your coffee distinctive?For many Aussies, coffee is a much-needed daily ritual. Despite our obsession, we import 99 per cent of our green beans even though we have a long established domestic growing industry. For our 50 Australian coffee growers, how do we further develop this industry and start growing at scale? Researchers from Southern Cross University have just completed a project outlining the coffee characteristics which can give Aussie growers a competitive edge. In doing so they have created a global first - a coffee character wheel. Featuring: Ben Liu, Senior Research Fello...
2024-06-1933 min
AgriFutures On AirVarroa Expert Interview Series: Topic 6 - Chemicals for treating varroa - organic or synthetic?AgriFutures and Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) are unveiling a suite of Varroa focused resources. It’s the first Varroa communication activity that looks at how beekeepers can manage Varroa and remain productive and profitable, and it's all thanks to the AgriFutures Resilient Beekeeping in the Face of Varroa project! In this final podcast episode we talk to Richard Rogers, Entomologist, on chemicals for treating varroa - organic or synthetic.Over the past six weeks, we have released five other interviews featuring global experts along with their accompanying factsheets and articles each addre...
2024-05-231h 12
AgriFutures On AirVarroa Expert Interview Series: Topic 5 - Integrated pest managementAgriFutures and Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) are unveiling a suite of Varroa focused resources. It’s the first Varroa communication activity that looks at how beekeepers can manage Varroa and remain productive and profitable, and it's all thanks to the AgriFutures Resilient Beekeeping in the Face of Varroa project! In this podcast episode we talk to Elizabeth Walsh, Honey bee breeding, genetics and physiology research lab - US Department of Agriculture on integrated pest management for varroa.Each week, we will be releasing another interview featuring global experts along with its accom...
2024-05-231h 11
AgriFutures On AirVarroa Expert Interview Series: Topic 4 - Breeding for varroa resistanceAgriFutures and Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) are unveiling a suite of Varroa focused resources. It’s the first Varroa communication activity that looks at how beekeepers can manage Varroa and remain productive and profitable, and it's all thanks to the AgriFutures Resilient Beekeeping in the Face of Varroa project! In this podcast episode we talk to BartJan Fernhout, Chairman of Arista Bee Research about breeding for varroa resistance.Each week, we will be releasing another interview featuring global experts along with its accompanying podcast, factsheets and articles each addressing a different topi...
2024-05-171h 18
AgriFutures On AirVarroa Expert Interview Series: Topic 3 - What does varroa mean for pollination in Australia?AgriFutures and Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) are unveiling a suite of Varroa focused resources. It’s the first Varroa communication activity that looks at how beekeepers can manage Varroa and remain productive and profitable, and it's all thanks to the AgriFutures Resilient Beekeeping in the Face of Varroa project! In this podcast episode we discuss the impacts of varroa on pollination in Australia with Emily Noordyke, Varroa Development Officer at the NSW Department of Primary Industries.Each week, we will be releasing another interview featuring global experts along with its accompanying podc...
2024-05-1045 min
AgriFutures On AirVarroa Expert Interview Series: Topic 2 - Impacts of varroa on honey bee healthAgriFutures and Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) are unveiling a suite of Varroa focused resources. It’s the first Varroa communication activity that looks at how beekeepers can manage Varroa and remain productive and profitable, and it's all thanks to the AgriFutures Resilient Beekeeping in the Face of Varroa project! In this podcast episode we discuss honeybee health and the impacts of varroa with Associate Professor for Honey Bee health, Cameron Jack from the University of Florida.Each week, we will be releasing another interview featuring global experts along with its accompanying podc...
2024-05-031h 04
AgriFutures On AirVarroa Expert Interview Series: Topic 1 - Slowing the spreadAgriFutures and Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC) are unveiling a suite of Varroa focused resources. It’s the first Varroa communication activity that looks at how beekeepers can manage Varroa and remain productive and profitable, and it's all thanks to the AgriFutures Resilient Beekeeping in the Face of Varroa project! In this podcast episode we speak with Dr Michelle Taylor , New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research on practical ways in which we can slow the spread of varroa.Each week for the next six weeks we will be releasing another inte...
2024-04-2642 min
AgriFutures On AirA 'snap' shot into Australia's crocodile industryIf you find yourself searching for the most luxurious crocodile skin fashion products in the world, the chances are, it has originated from Australia's northern regions. While Australia is a small global supplier of crocodile skins, most of what we do supply is considered premium. The Australian crocodile industry has great potential to expand our crocodile market in a highly sustainable and ethical way. In this podcast episode we speak with Associate Professor Sally Isberg , Manager of the Center of Crocodile Research and Author of the recently published AgriFutures Australia Australian Crocodile Industry...
2024-03-1343 min
AgriFutures On AirWhy AgriFutures is starting the big carbon farming conversation with John HarveyThis is a very special podcast episode from the producers behind the 'Boots Off Log On' podcast. The episode features our very own John Harvey, Managing Director AgriFutures Australia and first aired in January 2024. Join show host David Egerton-Warburton as John Harvey navigates the intricate landscape of Australian agriculture, from fostering innovation to addressing the pressing challenges faced by farmers. Learn about the transformative initiatives spearheaded by AgriFutures Australia and the vision for a sustainable and innovative agrifood future.For more Boots Off Log On podcast episodes, please visit: Boots Off...
2024-02-211h 02
AgriFutures On Air"A very, very wild ride" for the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National WinnerSince being named the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner, Nikki Davey has grown both personally and professionally. The self-confessed introvert has thrown herself into all the opportunities the Award has brought her since September 2023. With the generous Westpac grant, Nikki has expanded her sustainable flower business 'Grown Not Flown' to include other produce. She is also offering masterclasses and expanding her international customer and grower base. In this episode, discover what Nikki has been working on behind the scenes and what her plans for the next 12 months entail. Featuring:N...
2024-01-2341 min
AgriFutures On AirCows and cobblestones: a fascinating tour of Ireland's dairy industryIn this episode, we'll hear how two AgriFutures Horizon Scholars literally expanded their horizons. Mitchell Salan and Stephanie Hennings have just been on a tour in Ireland in partnership with their Scholarship sponsor Dairy Australia. We hear about their learnings and experience of the European dairy industry and the new technologies the country has embraced. Applications for the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship close on 12 January 2024. For more information, visit the AgriFutures Australia agricultural scholarship opportunities webpage. Featuring:Mitchell Salan, 2022 AgriFutures Horizon ScholarStephanie Hennings, 2021 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar
2023-12-1236 min
AgriFutures On AirThe X-Ray revolution: demystifying radiographic lesions in thoroughbredsWading through pre-sale radiographs (or x-rays) of yearlings has long been considered murky territory. But now, thanks to groundbreaking research undertaken by a team at The University of Queensland and supported by the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program, the industry can now be more confident in understanding the impact of a range of lesions on a yearling’s potential racing performance. In this episode, Dr Argue unpacks the most important takeaways from his research. He explains how it will better inform buyers making purchasing decisions and the agents and sellers involved in a yearling sale. The research will al...
2023-12-0626 min
AgriFutures On AirFrom 'city kid' to agtech Chief Technology OfficerIndiana Rhind didn't come from a farming background and so she was surprised to be awarded an AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship. She has since described the Australian agricultural scholarship Program as an 'encouraging, exciting and empowering experience'. In this episode, Indiana talks about the value in connecting with the AgriFutures Horizon Scholar cohort and how, through the Scholarship, she landed her first job in the agricultural industry. Since working with Farmwall, she has realised that agriculture is intricately linked to our urban society.Applications for the 2024 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship are open now and close on Friday, 12...
2023-11-2921 min
AgriFutures On AirWhy seaweed is critical in our goal to reach net zero by 2050To meet the objective of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming by 2 °C, it is clear that at-scale carbon removal will need to emerge in the decades ahead. Scaled offshore marine permaculture to grow seaweeds is widely recognised as an emerging sector with large potential to meet a range of agricultural sustainability objectives. In this podcast, AgriFutures On Air podcast host Jayne Cuddihy speaks with Dr Brian von Herzen, Founder and Executive Director of the Climate Foundation about his unique deep water approach to carbon faming in Australia. As part of the Agr...
2023-09-1330 min
AgriFutures On Air2023 WA AgriFutures Rural Womens Award Finalist: Michelle MoriartyThere are more than one million widows across Australia. After two extremely personal losses, Michelle Moriarty decided that there were benefits to connecting the shared experiences of grief with others. The Western-Australian based social worker went about creating a platform called 'Grief Connect' to ensure no one across Australia grieves alone. Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor Westpac for helping to further develop Michelle's initiative.Featuring:Michelle Moriarty, Founder of Grief Connect and 2023 WA AgriFutures Rural Womens Award Finalist
2023-09-0530 min
AgriFutures On Air2023 SA AgriFutures Rural Womens Award Finalist: Ali PaulettAli Paulett wanted to create a place that would educate school children and the wider community about how First Nations people were nourished by the environment. This led her to establish the 'Bush DeVine' Indigenous native bush food garden which now features 40 different types of native plants. In addition to being a popular attraction, the garden also supplies their winery restaurant, which opened in 2015.Ali plans to use the generous Westpac grant to add educational components to the Bush DeVine garden including interactive signage, videography to enhance the sensory experience and a cooking vicinity for the community...
2023-08-2929 min
AgriFutures On Air2023 TAS AgriFutures Rural Womens Award Finalist: Melissa DuniamMelissa was in a pretty dark place after a nasty buggy accident but was told something amazing would come out of it ... and it did. Melissa is the Founder of Leading Rein and is sharing her knowledge of working alongside horses in a leadership development program. Melissa was named the 2023 TAS AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Finalist for her work in equine-assisted learning and her creative ability to apply both human and horse herd dynamics to empower people and work teams. Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor Westpac for helping to further develop Melissa's initiative.
2023-08-2227 min
AgriFutures On Air2023 QLD AgriFutures Rural Womens Award Finalist: Emma-Louise GibbonsMore and more pets these days are being treated like family - and rightly so! Businesses across the world are capitalising on this trend with ideas aimed at meeting the new needs of our furry, scaly or feathered companions. Queenslander Emma-Louise Gibbons is unleashing the potential on pet treats using Australian-farmed insect protein to sustainably produce a line of dog snacks. Her dedication to sustainability and innovation has earned her global recognition, including a recent partnership with Krispy Kreme to offer dog-friendly doughnuts in their UK and US stores. She is our 2023 QLD Agr...
2023-08-1524 min
AgriFutures On AirWhat do young people have to say about the future of agriculture?Off the back of a new report titled: "Listen up: Young people’s perspective on the future of Australian agriculture and rural industries" we delve further into the insights gathered from some of the voices behind the research. In this podcast we unearth the insights and perspectives of young people on how to transform the agricultural industry for a more prosperous tomorrow.We'll also discuss how we will build our agricultural workforce and attract more people to agriculture jobs in Australia. Featuring:Bryce Ives, Chief Facilitator of the AgriFutures Horizon Sch...
2023-08-0852 min
AgriFutures On Air2023 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Womens Award Finalist: Michelle Leonard OAMThe AgriFutures Australia Rural Women's Award annually recognizes the remarkable accomplishments of women hailing from rural communities and industries. Its purpose is to identify, empower, and celebrate their forward-thinking initiatives.Michelle Leonard OAM is the founder, artistic director, and conductor of Moorambilla Voices, a nationally awarded program that aims to provide country children and young adults with a transformative experience, offering a chance to sing, dance, drum, record, tour, and create incredible performances alongside renowned artists. In recognition of her remarkable contributions to regional communities through music and creativity Michelle has received the prestigious 2023 NSW/ACT AgriFutures...
2023-08-0143 min
AgriFutures On AirMeet the teacher on a mission to fix the agricultural workforce shortageThe agriculture industry is short at least 172,000 workers. For the future of agriculture to thrive, more needs to be done to attract skilled workers to agricultural jobs in Australia. High school teacher Scott Graham is passionate about ag recruitment and getting more students to peruse agriculture jobs in Australia. He believes that increasing the number of high school students choosing the subject is an important step.He’s been awarded a Prime Minister’s Science Prize for his work reviving agriculture studies at Barker College in Sydney and his PhD, which he is studying through Charl...
2023-07-2630 min
AgriFutures On Air2023 VIC AgriFutures Rural Womens Award Finalist: Nikki DaveyThe AgriFutures Australia Rural Women's Award annually recognizes the remarkable accomplishments of women hailing from rural communities and industries. Its purpose is to identify, empower, and celebrate their forward-thinking initiatives.Nikki Davey waved goodbye to her corporate life and plunged headfirst into a thrilling new adventure: her very own digital platform grown-not-flown. Her concept breathes life into the slow flower movement, connecting passionate flower enthusiasts with local and sustainable growers. Nikki's trailblazing spirit and commitment to sustainable farming practices in the floral industry earned her the 2023 VIC AgriFutures Rural Women's Award. Nikki sat down with AgriFutures On...
2023-07-2034 min
AgriFutures On AirMaximising water productivity and improving crop management: is remote sensing technology the answer?AgriFutures Rice Program is focused on ensuring the industry is a global leader for improved water use efficiency. Under the AgriFutures Rice Program Strategic RD&E Plan 2021-2026, they outline an ambitious goal of increasing water productivity to an average of 1.5 t/ML by 2026. To do this AgriFutures Australia is focusing on four key objectives, one of which is improving the industry’s agronomy and farming systems. In this episode of AgriFutures on Air, our host Jayne Cuddihy caught up with two of the rice industry’s leading researchers. They are managing research projects funded through the AgriF...
2023-07-1229 min
AgriFutures On Air2023 NT AgriFutures Rural Womens Award Finalist: Eileen BreenThe AgriFutures Australia Rural Women's Award annually recognizes the remarkable accomplishments of women hailing from rural communities and industries. Its purpose is to identify, empower, and celebrate their forward-thinking initiatives.Eileen Breen, a serial entrepreneur, has been named the recipient of the Northern Territory Award. Despite jokingly referring to her husband Jerry as the most destructive man in Darwin due to their ownership of a demolition company, Eileen's dedication to sustainability has transformed their business into a shining example of a circular economy. Recycling and reusing have become the core focus of their operations. In addition, Eileen...
2023-07-0540 min
evokeᴬᴳ⋅Connecting global innovation with growAG.Finding world-leading agrifood research expertise, and research, investment and commercialisation opportunities easily, let alone in one easy-to-use location, has always been a challenge – until AgriFutures growAG.growAG is helping to connect its users, researchers, investors, innovators, thought leaders and commercial partners from around Australia and across the globe with agrifood innovation, expertise and opportunities. By shortening the time it can take to find and connect with strategic partners, its’ helping increase dealflow and drive value on-farm through the development and adoption of game changing technologies.In this episode, we’re bringing you a conversation recorded live a...
2023-06-2920 min
AgriFutures On AirIndustrial hemp's biggest fan: Country music star James BlundellIn this episode of AgriFutures On Air, we unpack the three-year-long, $2.5 million investment that is the Industrial Hemp Variety Trials (IHVT), and chat to a country music star who has joined a new wave of farmers embracing the potential of industrial hemp as a multi-purpose super crop.IHVT National Coordinator Mark Skewes explains how growers involved in the IHVT have made huge inroads into our understanding of the crops' growing conditions, while Australian country singer James Blundell tells of his success with the trials and his plans to expand. The need for the IHVT was i...
2023-06-0738 min
AgriFutures On AirDairy made differently: alternative energy systems powering Pecora DairyCressida and Michael Cains are award-winning cheesemakers in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, who have set up a peer-to-peer energy trading scheme that allows them to trade surplus energy from their solar panel and battery system.In this episode we will learn how they set their system up and the dramatic changes it meant for their business, including the goal of being energy positive on farm. The Cains are always looking for ways to innovate and are well on their way to becoming carbon neutral. In 2020 Cressida was the AgriFutures National Rural Women’s A...
2023-05-2424 minAgriFutures On AirAn ag student’s exploration of Australia’s emerging industriesMeet Marieke Hoelscher, an inspiring Horizon Scholar who turned a gap year running camel tours into a career in Australia's emerging industries. She has completed placements in insect, industrial hemp, and native bee industries and is now pursuing a career in extension to work with emerging industry producers. Featuring:Marieke Hoelscher, AgriFutures Horizon Scholar Related content:2022 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship winners announced: https://agrifutures.com.au/news/2022-agrifutures-horizon-scholarship-winners-announced/ University student keen on camels, not cropping, bucks trend of her cohort: https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2022-12-27/camels-over-cropping-for-csu-student-studying-agriculture/101726498
2023-05-0724 minAgriFutures On AirA tiny but harmful pest: how industry and researchers are tackling bluegreen aphidsBluegreen aphids (Acyrthosiphon kondoi) are a major pest of lucerne and other legume crops. These tiny pests feed directly on the foliage, damaging the plant and spreading harmful viruses through crops. What’s more concerning is that the tiny insect has developed resistance to chemicals they’ve never been exposed to before, making the pest more difficult to control. Growers' concerns for bluegreen aphids launched a bottom-up research approach investigating chemical application failure in relation to the insect. To support the research project, Cesar Australia is calling on growers to send in samples of bluegreen aphids...
2023-04-1427 minAgriFutures On AirYearling radiographs and post-sale endoscopies under the spotlightIn this episode of AgriFutures OnAir we bring you an interview from the ANZ Bloodstock News podcast, the Business of Bloodstock. In this podcast Dr Ben Ahearn discusses the fascinating research funded by AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horse Program Australia on endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract at Australian Thoroughbred yearling sales and an investigation of what radiographic lesions in thoroughbred yearlings are significant in limiting future racing performance project.Featuring:· Ben Ahearn, lead researcher and professor, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland.
2023-03-2234 min
AgriFutures On AirSpecial edition evokeAG.: Accelerating transformation to achieve a more sustainable global food systemThis month we are highlighting a number of podcasts from evokeAG. the region’s premier agrifood tech event, attracting the entire ecosystem – farmers, innovators, researchers, corporates, government and investors – to one location to connect and collaborate.Our global food system has a long history of evolution – responding to the changing needs of the global population. But "are we evolving fast enough?"In this evokeAG. podcast internationally recognised thought leader and AgriFutures evokeAG. 2023 speaker, Mary Shelman, speaks with contributor Casey Dunn about how we can accelerate our transformation, and achieve a more sustainable global food system....
2023-02-0936 min
evokeᴬᴳ⋅Accelerating transformation to achieve a more sustainable global food systemOur global food system has a long history of evolution – responding to the changing needs of the global population. But "Are we evolving fast enough?"In this evokeAG. podcast internationally recognised thought leader and AgriFutures evokeAG. 2023 speaker, Mary Shelman, speaks with contributor Casey Dunn about how we can accelerate our transformation, and achieve a more sustainable global food system.Mary will also join a panel discussion on Day two at evokeAG. 2023 to explore the global forces driving world trade in a discussion about climate, COVID-19, conflict and cost.We hope you enjoy their con...
2023-02-0636 min
AgriFutures On AirYoung winemaker looks to local ceramicists to make ancient vesselsAgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant recipient, Samantha Sutherland, is researching the potential for the local manufacture of amphoras, or clay based vessels traditionally associated with the ancient Mediterranean world, to store and transport wine, grapes, olives and olive oil, grain fish and other goods, The research has inspired her in rethinking her own wine label and wrapping up her Bachelor of Wine Science degree. Featuring:Samantha Sutherland - AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant recipientJudy Kennedy - Journalist
2022-12-2222 min
AgriFutures On AirStudent of the ocean relishes diverse experiences as Horizon ScholarAgriFutures Horizon Scholar Luke Austin has always felt the pull towards a career in aquaculture. Growing up on the coast of Coffs Harbour he was afforded a curiosity into the development of a sustainable and robust industry from a young age. He’s excited about cultivating the development of innovative emerging aquatic industries to grow capacity and deliver new products and services that not only Australia will benefit from, but the world. FeaturingLuke Austin - AgriFutures Horizon ScholarJudy Kennedy - Journalist
2022-12-0824 min
evokeᴬᴳ⋅Rewriting the script on animal welfare and environmental sustainability with Harvest RoadThis week we bring you a podcast from AgriFutures evokeAG exploring an end-to-end agrifood production giant from the country’s West. Owned by Andrew and Nicola Forrest, Harvest Road is part of one of Australia’s largest private investment groups, Tattarang. As a proud Western Australian agrifood producer, the company is plotting a course to rewrite the script when it comes to animal welfare and environmental sustainability across its three core brands delivering premium beef, seafood, and horticulture products.Our AgriFutures evokeAG contributor, Megan Woodward caught up with Paul Slaughter, the CEO of Harvest Road, who b...
2022-12-0226 minAgriFutures On AirRural women putting research into actionFor decades there has been some incredible ground broken in agricultural science in Australia, but sometimes the extension side of it lets the team down. In this podcast we delve into how some women have been involved in a shift that means women’s roles in extension are not only more visible but more recognised and valued. Times are changing, and some of the Alumni of AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award are at the forefront. FeaturingJeanette Gellard - 2001 SA AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award WinnerDanielle England - 2013 WA AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award...
2022-11-2346 min
AgriFutures On AirWhat the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award means to meMotherland Village is a simple and easily accessible mothers group service that every rural mum in Australia can access, regardless of where she lives, or how old her children are. In September this year, the Tassie local behind the platform, Stephanie Trethewey, was announced the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award National Winner. Stephanie talks about the Award and how it has helped her further enhance her mission to eliminate the crippling isolation faced by many mothers in rural, regional and remote communities. Featuring:2022 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award National Winner Stephanie Trethewey
2022-10-1221 min
AgriFutures On Air2022 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Finalists: Rebecca BradshawRebecca is passionate about access to health services – no matter the postcode. Specialising in child health from 0 to 5 years, Rebecca launched her online telehealth platform, Rural Child Health at the beginning of 2021 – designed to give rural and remote parents the support and education they need to raise their families.Featuring:2022 QLD AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Winner Rebecca Bradshaw
2022-08-3126 min
AgriFutures On Air2022 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Finalists: Stephanie TretheweyStephanie is on a mission to eliminate the crippling isolation that can accompany rural motherhood.The Motherland podcast was born out of Steph’s move from Melbourne to a small farming community in Tasmania’s northwest, which saw her confront firsthand the isolation that rural mums can feel. Sharing authentic stories of mums on the land, Motherland struck a nerve with women for its raw, unfiltered representation of motherhood.Featuring:2022 TAS AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Winner Stephanie Trethewey
2022-08-3027 min
AgriFutures On Air2022 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Finalists: Louise O'NeillLouise is the Founder of Farm Life Fitness – an online community that’s transforming the physical and mental health of people in rural Australia.Farm Life Fitness runs 30-minute live, online group fitness classes, offering a quick, safe and effective way for people of all fitness levels to exercise from the comfort of their own home.Hear the story about how the program came to life. Featuring:2022 WA AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Winner Louise O'Neill
2022-08-2934 min
AgriFutures On Air2022 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Finalists: Kimberley FurnessIn this episode we hear from Victorian-based Kimberley Furness, journalist and Founder of Oak Magazine who is passionate about telling the stories of women living in regional and rural Australia. Using the Westpac grant for the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, Kimberley hopes to create an audio component of her inspirational magazine. Featuring:2022 VIC AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Winner Kimberley Furness
2022-08-2229 min
evokeᴬᴳ⋅How to feed 10 billion people in 2050 with Phil MorleThis week we bring you a podcast from AgriFutures growAG exploring the colossal challenge, which we face today, how to feed the world in 2050.Did you know there’s a 56% gap between the amount of food we make today and what we're going to need globally by 2050?Our AgriFutures growAG contributor, Megan Woodward caught up Phil Morle, Partner of Main Sequence Ventures, co-founded by CSIRO, and the leader of the ‘Feed 10 billion People’ challenge. Phil believes ‘radical collaboration' is going to be the key driver.“The only way we’re going to be able to solv...
2022-08-1834 min
AgriFutures On Air2022 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Finalists: Kylie JonesKylie loved school from the moment she started. Naturally, she became a teacher and at the age of 21, moved from Tassie to Alice Springs to launch her career. She spent some time as a governess and despite her teaching background, she learned there was a real need for more support for other remote families trying to teach their children from home. In 2020 Kylie launched RAISEducation – a not-for-profit organisation with the goal of building a community that supports remote educators to feel connected, empowered and confident about the lessons they deliver. Featuring:2022 NT AgriFutures Rur...
2022-08-1725 min
evokeᴬᴳ⋅COLLAB Food Futurists: Harnessing Oceania solutions for global climate impact with Peter Wren-HiltonToday we bring you our evokeAG. x Food Futurists collaboration series with Professor Andy Lowe, exploring solutions today that will help drive sustainable food systems tomorrow.Here Andy speaks with Peter Wren-Hilton, the CEO of Wharf42 a consultancy specialising in connecting local and international partners – particularly NZ startups and early-stage agritech companies – to support the Trans-Tasman agritech sector scale its global presence.Peter is also the Founder of Agritech New Zealand, Convenor of the 2035 Oceania Summit and works closely with the AgriFutures evokeAG Steering Committee.Andy caught up with Peter back in May this...
2022-08-1126 min
AgriFutures On Air2022 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Finalists: Robyn VerrallAs a single mum, money was tight. For Robyn Verrall, back then, food insecurity meant skipping a meal or spag bol for 10 nights in a row. The Keith-based beef and lamb producer is now helping tackle food insecurity, working in partnership with Kere to Country providing mentoring and logistics support to the group’s CEO, Jessica Wishart. Featuring:2022 SA AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Winner Robyn Verrall
2022-08-0934 min
AgriFutures On Air2022 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Finalists: Josie Clarke"When I was five years old my dad had a truck accident and that resulted in him becoming a paraplegic. We're from a beef cattle farm and it was a big life change for us but we decided to stay on the farm."Improving accessibility in the agricultural industry is a goal for Josie Clarke. She launched Ability Agriculture and is on a mission to give a voice to people living with a disability, to change perceptions of their capacity to work in agriculture and create opportunities for them to be involved in the sector they love.
2022-08-0923 min
evokeᴬᴳ⋅The secret life of bees and tracking real-time pollinationThis week we bring you an important conversation about bees, the lifeblood of the food chain – responsible for pollinating one third of Australia’s food – and why protecting their existence, in the midst of a national biosecurity threat, the varroa mite, has never been of greater importance.Our AgriFutures evokeAG contributor Casey Dunn caught up with David Lyall, a commercial beekeeper, and CEO and Co-Founder of Bee Innovative, an Australian agritech startup revolutionising the centuries-old practice of commercial pollination. The groundbreaking technology gives growers a real-time insight into how well bees are pollinating a crop, enablin...
2022-08-0431 min
evokeᴬᴳ⋅Finding and nurturing ‘cool innovation’ with Bayer's Phil TaylorAs the largest agricultural research and development organisation in the world, Bayer Crop Science is at the forefront of innovation.And to stay ahead of the curve, Bayer is collaborating with organisations outside of their own to unearth the next big breakthrough in science to advance agriculture.Our AgriFutures growAG contributor, Megan Woodward caught up with Phil Taylor, the Director of Open Innovation and Outreach for Bayer Crop Science, back in May to learn about their approach to unlocking ‘cool innovation’ and how growAG is helping to harness these novel solutions that will benefit growers arou...
2022-07-2127 min
AgriFutures On AirBuilding an agtech business through the eyes of a AgriFutures Horizon ScholarFor Bill Hyem, one of the most rewarding opportunities of the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program are the industry placements. It was during one of these placements where Bill worked alongside the Founders of Ceres Tag, a direct to satellite animal monitoring information platform. Here he learnt the workings behind a leading and innovative start-up agtech business. Featuring:Bill Hyem, AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, student at Australian Melita and David Smith, Founders of Ceres Tag
2022-04-2727 min
AgriFutures On AirWhat matters to our future rural leaders?How has leadership changed over the years? What will the future of agriculture look like and what opportunities and challenges will arise? In this panel interview, AgriFutures Australia Managing Director John Harvey speaks with two emerging leaders in the agriculture sector. Their differences in age, experience in the sector and personal perspectives uncovers fascinating insights. Featuring:John Harvey, Managing Director, AgriFutures Australia Bill Hyem, AgriFutures Horizon Scholar and student, Australian National University Matilda Meppem, AgriFutures Horizon Scholar and student, The University of Queensland
2022-03-0239 min
AgriFutures On Air2020 Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner, Cara PeekThis week we bring you an interview with the 2020 Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner, Cara Peek.Cara is a Broome-based lawyer, entrepreneur and social innovator who is passionate about driving opportunities for rural and remote people to empower the Indigenous community.The Award was announced in a special satellite event, which was streamed live around the country, with the Federal Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia , the Hon. David Littleproud announcing our National Winner. Cara sat down with Skye Manson, host of the Graziher Life on the Land podcast , to talk abo...
2021-10-2729 min
AgriFutures On AirAgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner: Stephanie SchmidtThis podcast first aired in December but we are sharing it again with you now in the lead-up to our AgriFutures Rural Women's Award National Announcement this month. Our podcast guest is the 2020 SA RWA Finalist, Stephanie Schmidt. Steph shares her story and her plans to develop a resilience program made specifically for farming couples, families and individuals, with the aim of seeing psychological flexibility grow throughout the rural sector.
2021-10-1317 min
AgriFutures On AirAgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner: Cara PeekThis podcast first aired in December but we are sharing it again with you now in the lead-up to our AgriFutures Rural Women's Award National Announcement this month. Our podcast guest is the 2020 WA RWA Finalist, Cara Peek . Cara is a Yawuru Bunuba woman who is the founder of Saltwater County Ltd and co-founder of The Cultural Intelligence Project Pty Ltd. A native title lawyer by profession, Cara has travelled the world to work closely with other Indigenous nations such as the San Carlos Apache Nation. Now back home in the Kimberley, this bor...
2021-10-0622 min
AgriFutures On AirAgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner: Elisha ParkerThe AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award in acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural and emerging business, industries and communities. Due to COVID-19 this year our National Winner and Runner Up will be announced via a live virtual National Announcement event on Wednesday, 20 October 2021 at 12:30pm (AEDT). The event is open to the public and it is free to register.There are seven inspiring 2020 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award State and Territory Winners vying for the National title and over the next seven weeks and we are going t...
2021-09-2918 min
AgriFutures On AirAgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner: Amy KirkeThe AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award in acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural and emerging business, industries and communities. Due to COVID-19 this year our National Winner and Runner Up will be announced via a live virtual National Announcement event on Wednesday, 20 October 2021 at 12:30pm (AEDT). The event is open to the public and it is free to register.There are seven inspiring 2020 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award State and Territory Winners vying for the National title and over the next seven weeks and we are going t...
2021-09-2223 min
AgriFutures On AirAgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner: Cressida Cains The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award in acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural and emerging business, industries and communities. Due to COVID-19 this year our National Winner and Runner Up will be announced via a live virtual National Announcement event on Wednesday, 20 October 2021 at 12:30pm (AEDT). The event is open to the public and it is free to register. There are seven inspiring 2020 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award State and Territory Winners vying for the National title and over the next seven weeks and we are going t...
2021-09-1520 min
AgriFutures On AirAgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner: Karen BrockThe AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award in acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural and emerging business, industries and communities. Due to COVID-19 this year our National Winner and Runner Up will be announced via a live virtual National Announcement event on Wednesday, 20 October 2021 at 12:30pm (AEDT). The event is open to the public and it is free to register. There are seven inspiring 2020 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award State and Territory Winners vying for the National title and over the next seven weeks and we are going...
2021-09-0820 min
AgriFutures On AirAgriFutures Rural Women’s Award: Kelly BarnesThe AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award in acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural and emerging business, industries and communities. Due to COVID-19 this year our National Winner and Runner Up will be announced via a live virtual National Announcement event on Wednesday, 20 October 2021 at 12:30pm (AEDT). The event is open to the public and it is free to register.There are seven inspiring 2020 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award State and Territory Winners vying for the National title and over the next seven weeks we are going to hear...
2021-09-0121 min
AgriFutures On AirA growing appetite for Australian native bush foodsDid you know Kakadu plum has the highest Vitamin C content of any food on Earth? Yet only 10% of Kakadu plum is currently being harvested. This super food is an Australian native bush food of which there are more than 6,000 edible plant species. The Acacia “wattle” species is another example of native bush foods which are found across Australia. Of the 1,146 species identified, at least 150 species have been used by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years as food, medicine or materials for tools and weapons.For more on native bush foods and its growing popularity go to...
2021-07-2824 min
AgriFutures On AirMeet the 2020-21 Agricultural Student of the YearWant to be inspired about the future of Australian agriculture? Meet Amy Munro a young person who is passionate about Australian agriculture. Amy recently was awarded the Kondinin Group and ABC Rural 2020-21 Agricultural Student of the Year, sponsored by AgriFutures Australia. She is also a role model, a farmer and a former AgriFutures Horizon Scholar winner who has just completed started working as a veterinarian. In this podcast, Amy talks about her Australian-first research into gender experiences for young people working in the industry and how the AgriFutures Horizon Scholar Program helped pro...
2021-06-3025 min
AgriFutures On AirNext gen rural leaders look over the horizon in Northern AustraliaAgriFutures Australia has been a major sponsor of the Northern Australia Food Futures Conference, with a particular focus showcasing industry partnerships in the north in Emerging Industries. Last month we spoke with Laura Skipworth, Manager of Emerging Industries for AgriFutures Australia and Paul Burke, CEO of the Northern Territory Farmers Association; Mic Jakobi, the Operations Director for Northern Territory Hay Seed & Grain (NTHS&G); and Matt Hall, the Director of Plant Industries with the Northern Territory Government. Matt is also a member of the AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries A...
2021-06-0921 min
AgriFutures On AirOut of this world: why ag is the next frontier for space techSpace has traditionally been the realm of sectors like mining and defence and we are only on the cusp of unlocking opportunities for the rural sector. An AgriFutures Australia funded report, Space-based technologies – opportunities for the rural sector, highlights that space technologies are already making their mark in Australian agriculture. Producers are routinely using satellite imaging, low bandwidth sensors, GPS tracking, autosteer, paddock level imagery and weather forecasting to drive better decision making. For most producers, many of these turn-key technologies rely on space and we don’t even realise it. We encourage you to read...
2021-05-2624 min
AgriFutures On AirJackfruit and the potential of tropical fruits in Northern Australia - episode 2During the month of May, we are looking at the future of food through the lens of the Northern Australia Food Futures Conference, which takes place in Darwin 17-20 May.AgriFutures Australia is a major sponsor with a particular focus showcasing industry partnerships in the north in Emerging Industries as diverse as native foods, pomegranate, jackfruit, hemp, dates and camel, just to name a few. Joining us for today's conversation is Matt Hall, the Director of Plant Industries with the Northern Territory Government. Matt is also a member of the AgriFutures Australia Emerging Industries Advisory Pa...
2021-05-1218 min
AgriFutures On AirThe future of food production in Australia's Top End – episode 1During the month of May, we are looking at the future of food production through the lens of the Northern Australia Food Futures Conference which takes place in Darwin from the 17th to 20th of May.The biannual event is Australia’s leading conference on agricultural development in the north. AgriFutures Australia is a major sponsor with a particular focus showcasing industry partnerships in the north in Emerging Industries as diverse as native foods, pomegranate, jackfruit, hemp, dates and camel, just to name a few. Joining us for this conversation is Laura Skipworth, Mana...
2021-05-0522 min
AgriFutures On AirCourses for horses: Improving racetrack surface selection for safer conditions for thoroughbred racehorsesIn this podcast we sit down with Professor Chris Whitton, Head of the Equine Centre at the University of Melbourne to hear more about his recent work. Funded by AgriFutures Australia, the project aimed to develop knowledge about how racetrack surface selection can improve safety for racehorses and jockeys.Professor Whitton is joined by Dr Craig Suann, AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel member and former chief regulatory veterinarian for the NSW thoroughbred racing industry for 33 years. This conversation is about the importance of this research for the industry while touching on Professor Whitton and Dr S...
2021-04-2820 min
AgriFutures On AirTaking Australian research to the worldInterested in agrifood innovation and what that looks like at a global level?growAG. is a gateway that connects the world to agrifood innovation opportunities in Australia. Just launched this month, growag.com allows you to ‘go, search and find’ Australian’s world leading agricultural research, unique technologies, success stories and commercialisation opportunities in one, easy to use location. It has been developed by the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment and Australia’s 15 Research & Development Corporations, often referred to as the RDC’s with AgriFutures Australia managing the platform on their behalf. In part 2 of o...
2021-04-2118 min
AgriFutures On AirgrowAG. – showcasing Australian innovation to the worldFrom google maps to wifi, the winged keel, ultrasound, and the black box recorder, Australia is a country of innovators. Our isolation has propelled us to find new ways of doing things, and this is especially so in agriculture with some of our world-class inventions like water efficient crop varieties, the Header Harvester and no till farming practices, through to producing world leaders in digital farm management, satellite technology, blockchain and biosecurity. Now we can add another, digital innovation to the list.growAG. is a gateway that connects the world to agrifood innovation opportunities in Australia.
2021-04-1419 min
AgriFutures On AirA conversation starter: The future of Australian agAgriFutures Australia Managing Director, John Harvey calls this story, a conversation starter. John is referring to the future of Australian agriculture and how agriculture should be funded in the future: do we want it to be corporate farms or family farms, or do we want it to be family corporates or something else?That conversation has begun following the release of the AgriFutures Australia’s funded report, Capital requirements of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector report. Written by Natural Capital Economics, the report identified an additional $7.5 billion in net capital investment per year is needed if t...
2021-03-3121 min
AgriFutures On AirThe global potential of insectsAgriFutures Australia is growing the long-term prosperity of Australian rural industries and Catalysing a $10 million Australian Insect Industry. One of the projects AgriFutures has invested in, is the Nutritional quality of edible insects and development of pet foods. This project is the first of its kind in Australia, processing insects as pet food. Watch our video here. The Australian pet food industry is estimated to be worth $2.4 billion. In this podcast we hear from some of the people involved in processing insects as pet food project and why there is so much...
2021-03-2422 min
AgriFutures On AirBuilding workforce capability with the AgriFutures Horizon ScholarshipFarming systems are increasingly becoming more complex. In this podcast we explore the role of education and programs like the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program in ensuring that the workforce of the future is equipped with the skills, capabilities and perspectives to meet these complexities.This week we are joined by April Browne from Dairy Australia and Julia Payne, who joined the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Program in 2020 and is sponsored by Dairy Australia.Applications for the 2021 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship are still open, so if you're looking to kickstart your career like Julia make sure to get y...
2021-01-1320 min
AgriFutures On AirWhat’s on the horizonEver thought about what life is like on a remote cattle station?In this podcast, we hear from university student Emma Moss who is doing exactly that. Her dream to “go north” became a reality when she drove more than 5,000 kilometres to start work on Nerrima Station in the Kimberley region of WA.She documented the experience and, in the process has 20,000 devoted followers.Emma is passionate about Australian agriculture and is an AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, sponsored by Meat and Livestock Australia.You don’t have to be studying an agriculture degree...
2021-01-0620 min
AgriFutures On AirChicken Meat Series: Selecting rodent management that's right for youIn this episode, we speak with Alex Howard from the South Australian Research and Development Institute, Department of Primary Industries, about why it is important to alter your control methods depending on the type of rodent you have on your poultry farm. Further Resources: Review of rodent control for the Australian chicken meat and egg industries project reportFind out more about the AgriFutures Chicken Meat ProgramThis mini episode is part of a 21-part series on AgriFutures' Chicken Meat Program research projects.
2021-01-0110 min
AgriFutures On AirChicken Meat Series: Emergency disease management and mass disposalIn this episode, we speak with Dr Rod Jenner on his mass disposal project and why it is of particular importance for Australia's poultry industries. Teaming up with the egg industry, they've hatched a master plan for emergency disease mitigation and management, ensuring they’re prepared and protected.Further Resources:Mass disposal preparedness for the poultry industries project reportFind out more about the AgriFutures Chicken Meat ProgramThis mini episode is the first in a 21-part series on AgriFutures' Chicken Meat Program research projects.
2021-01-0111 min
AgriFutures On AirChicken Meat Series: Novel rodent control options for poultry farmsIn this episode, we speak with Alex Howard (South Australian Research and Development Institute, Department of Primary Industries) specifically about new and different options currently available for rodent control or new options being researched. Further Resources: Review of rodent control for the Australian chicken meat and egg industries project reportFind out more about the AgriFutures Chicken Meat ProgramThis mini episode is part of a 21-part series on AgriFutures' Chicken Meat Program research projects.
2021-01-0104 min
AgriFutures On AirChicken Meat Series: Reduced crude protein diets – why bother?Reducing the amount of crude protein in poultry diets has many benefits. In this episode, Dr Peter Selle from the Poultry Research Foundation, within the University of Sydney, talks about some of these benefits he discovered as a result of his research on amino acids. Further Resources: Final report summary: Utilisation of synthetic amino acids by poultryFind out more about the AgriFutures Chicken Meat ProgramThis mini episode is part of a 21-part series on AgriFutures' Chicken Meat Program research projects.
2021-01-0110 min
AgriFutures On AirDairy with a difference: 2020 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner Cressida CainsDairy farmer Cressida Cains has been awarded the 2020 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award for her work in promoting a profitable and secure future for Australian dairy farmers.Cressida’s family dairy is a bit different to what you might expect. Named after the Italian word for sheep, Pecora Dairy boasts Australia’s only working, pure East Friesian ewes, the most productive breed of dairy sheep in the world.Sheep milk is one of the most nutrient dense and rich milks, which makes it incredibly suitable for cheese making.Cressida is an a...
2020-12-0920 min
AgriFutures On AirBranching out with AgriFutures 2020 TAS Rural Women’s Award Winner Karen BrockIt’s been a big year for Karen Brock who has been named the 2020 Tasmanian winner of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.Karen grows and supplies commercial fruit trees so it’s no surprise she’s a specialist in plant tissue culture.And it’s in her work with plant tissue where magic is happening. Plant tissue culture is often grown in a gel-like substance, but Karen is changing the face of tissue culture techniques by growing plant tissue in water.Here is her amazing story which starts like all great stories with Karen...
2020-12-0220 min
AgriFutures On AirBuilding resilience with AgriFutures 2020 SA Rural Women's Award Winner Stephanie SchmidtIt's ironic that a woman from a property called "Worlds End" is dedicated to helping farmers and all rural people better manage those mental health issues that all of us face to varying degrees. Steph Schmidt is the 2020 South Australian AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Winner and she shares her story and her plans to develop a resilience program made specifically for farming couples, families and individuals, with the aim of seeing psychological flexibility grow throughout the rural sector.
2020-10-2317 min
evokeᴬᴳ⋅evokeAG. Heads WestThis episode explores the future of the Agrifutures Australia EvokeAg event.In 2021 the West Australian Government will be hosting EvokeAg in Perth on 16th- 17th February 2021.Guests explain the excitement of this announcement and how hosting this event in WA will grow Australia’s position in the agri-food tech scene in the Asia Pacific.Guests include; Agrifutures Australia managing director John Harvey; Director General, WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Ralph Addis; Moora citrus and broad acre farmer, Sue Middleton and Susan Ha...
2020-03-3117 min
evokeᴬᴳ⋅E06 - The Future is looking brightAgrifutures Future Young LeadersAs part of Agrifutures Australia’s commitment to celebrating the diversity of thought and support for agriculture’s emerging leaders, the EvokeAG Future Young Leaders Program identified 10 emerging thought-leaders within agriculture to attend EvokeAG and take the stage to present their key passion or idea relating to one of the event themes – food, farm or future to the international audience in attendance.Featured in this episode:Belinda Allitt – General Manager, Communications & Capacity Building, Agrifutures AustraliaFuture Young Leaders – Matthew Nevison, Dylan Bellchambers, and Minh Nga NguyenEvokeAg – stay in the loop for the 2020 event
2019-04-1622 min