Shows
Australian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS3 Ep 19 - FarmHer HandsAs two sisters working on neighbouring properties in outback Queensland, they've spent long, hot days in blistering sun, battled climate extremes and felt the effects of the harshest conditions. You could say, it's all part of the job. But something that shouldn't be part of a day's work – is skin cancer. From a frightening first-hand experience with melanoma, comes a delightful balance between practicality and fashion. FarmHER Hands launched in December 2023. The line of stylish UPF50+ gloves are now finding their way to farms across the nation. The founders of the business, Shona Larkin and Angie Nisbit join me no...
2024-09-1424 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS3 Ep 12 - World Potato CongressYou'd be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn't love a spud! Baked, mashed, jacket, wedge, or hash brown – they're all good. In fact, 85% percent of us have potatoes in the home pantry. But perhaps more unexpectedly, the huge industry behind this vegetable warrants a World Potato Congress. And this year's is happening in our own backyard in Adelaide on the 23rd-26th of June. The colourful ambassador for the event is Robbie Davis – and she's never spent a single day as a potato farmer. The event is hosted by Potatoes Australia with significant support from the SA Government, Prim...
2024-06-0829 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS3 Ep 11 - GilgoomaA father-daughter duo is embarking on a bold venture to offer curious visitors, a front row seat to a day in the life of a traditional farmer. From lamb-marking to planting winter crops, and even fencing – whatever is on the agenda is an open book. Gilgooma located near Coonamble in north-west NSW is an 11,500-acre working property and now a farm-stay. Hire a cabin or book a camping experience and sit back to take in some bush magic. To learn more about Gilgooma's diversification project Steve Goldsmith and his daughter Pip join me to discuss: Steve and Pip sh...
2024-05-2519 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS3 Ep 10 - Leading the WayBeing a farmer often means being your own boss. It can involve long days spent alone. Given that, it's very easy to stay in your own lane. Jamie Pepper's 'lane' is sheep and cattle farming in Victoria. But he's stepped outside his comfort zone in many ways. He's a leader in the industry, with a place on the National Farmers Federation Young Farmers' Council – a role that's taken him to the other side of the world. He's also openly gay and shares his story in the hope it may help others. To learn more, Jamie Pepper joins me now to...
2024-05-1132 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS3 Ep 9 - Outback RingerMum, wife and bull catcher are roles you don't often see on the same resume. But my guest today does all three in the Northern Territory. Liz Cook is an outback ringer, which means she wrangles feral cattle for a living. Bull catching can be a lucrative business with hundreds of thousands of wild bulls and buffalo wandering remote properties across the country unclaimed. It is tough, it's dangerous and it's isolated. To learn more about this high stakes world, Liz Cook joins me now to discuss: Liz is based on Bauhinia (bo-hin-ya) Downs Station and, her favourite...
2024-04-2723 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS3 Ep 8 - Working DogsIf you're a dog lover, you'd be no stranger to the impressive intelligence, agility and loyalty of working dogs. But these special animals gained a whole new fan club with the hit TV series Muster Dogs. Today I speak with the owner of star pup Gossip. There is a lot to breeding these amazing canines that are so highly sought after on farms that some are worth a small fortune. Happily, for those of us who don't own one, Teesh Grey from Pilbara Working Dogs photographs life on her outback station for us all to enjoy. We discuss:...
2024-04-1323 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS3 Ep 7 - Citrus For DaysThe humble orange finds its way into most fruit bowls at some stage during the year. We know it's a powerhouse for immune boosting Vitamin C. But there's so much more to citrus than many of us know. What better way to find out than with a farmer who grows 14 different varieties. And for a fruit that is usually purchased for its flesh, not its skin, why then is preventing blemishes such a big investment? To learn more, Michael Arnold from South Australia's Pyap Produce joins me to discuss: Michael's favourite place on the citrus orchard near Loxton...
2024-03-3027 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS3 Ep 6 - Just A Farmer** Trigger Warning** In this episode, we do talk about suicide, which can be distressing. If you need resources or support go to beyondblue.org or for 24 hour free counselling in Australia, the number for Lifeline is 13 11 14. Leila McDougall wears many hats – not just an Akubra. As well as being a farmer, she's a mother, a teacher, a writer, producer, actor and former Miss Australia. Most recently she's harnessed all those skills to become a mental health advocate in a self-funded film called 'Just a Farmer' which is currently being shown in regional cinemas. Her motivation is...
2024-03-1626 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS3 Ep 5 - KimchiMEThe humble cabbage may not often receive the kudos it deserves. But for one couple who swapped the hustle and bustle of Sydney for the pristine pastures of Tasmania, these cruciferous vegetables are a hero ingredient. Tom and Sue Glynn might be new to farming but the art of turning cabbage into kimchi is something that's been passed down for generations. Now, they're giving customers the chance to do it too with on-farm workshops. The woman behind KimchiME joins me now to discuss: Sue's favourite place on her farm and, falling in love with the land. Deciding on wh...
2024-03-0131 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS3 Ep 4 - Smile Like a Crocodile FarmerNot all farm animals are soft like woolly sheep or docile like grazing cows. Some in fact, would eat you, if given the chance. Crocodile farming is not for the faint-hearted and today we're catching up with the family who established Queensland's first commercial crocodile farm in 1981. Croc leather, meat and tours are growing in popularity. But this niche enterprise certainly has its challenges from feeding 3000 reptiles to housing them. To learn more about the croc business, Lauren Lever of Koorana Crocodile Farm joins me now to discuss: Lauren's favourite place on the crocodile farm. Koorana Cr...
2024-02-1737 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS3 Ep 3 - The Cut & Dried of Food WasteWhere do all those marked, undersized, scratched and cracked pieces of fruit and vegetables end up? Most shops and consumers won't even look at them. But my guest today is turning second-grade produce into top-notch snacks, meals and garnishes. It's amazing how with a dehydrator, aesthetics suddenly aren't all that important. The magic of turning fresh rejects to prized dried all happens in a factory at Monarto, east of Adelaide. To learn more about Woodlane Orchard, founder Kelly Johnson joins me to discuss: Kelly grew up on the land and shares what she loves most about working with...
2024-02-0324 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS3 Ep 2 - A Country CallingYou could describe my guest today as a country girl trapped in the city. Growing up in Adelaide, there was always a country calling for Meridie Jackson. But it certainly hasn't come easy. She's had to take the long road to get there – from a corporate career, to the job of being a mum. Only in the last few years has her dream come true. She's officially a farmer, producing beef in Central Victoria around 1.5 hours north-east of Melbourne. To learn how she's done it without inheriting a family farm – Meridie Jackson joins me to discuss: Merid...
2024-01-2032 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS3 Ep 1 - Disruptive FoodsWe're living in a market where so-called disruptive foods have flooded supermarket shelves in recent years. Think plant-based meats, insect protein bars, synthetic fat replacers and precision fermented milk proteins. A new report by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank suggests the hype might be over. So, where to next with food innovation? It's a fascinating topic and to learn more Rabobank's Senior Consumer Foods Analyst Tom Bailey joins me to discuss: Tom's family roots in primary production in Illinois, USA. We are talking about "disruptive foods" and Tom explains what this means. Over the last decade, we've seen a hug...
2024-01-0619 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 36 - Going BananasIn sugar-cane and banana country, a Queensland farmer is striving to connect with customers through cutting edge technology that tracks every bunch of bananas from the farm to the fruit bowl. Carbon neutral bananas and protecting the Great Barrier Reef from run-off are also in his sights. A task that has now received a huge boost with a $445 000 grant through the Coles Nurture Fund. The family-run business is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of innovation as they strive for cleaner and more sustainable processes. The owner of Bartle Frere Bananas, Gavin Devaney joins me to discuss: Gavin's...
2023-12-1633 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 35 - Golden NorthAs the days become warmer, our taste buds often get cooler. Ice cream conjures memories of Aussie summers, days at the beach and childhood. South Australian kids have been growing up with one particular brand for 100 years. Golden North started as a true family business and has grown to keep up with demand. It's won the Canstar Blue Award for Australia's Favourite Ice Cream Tub for six years and is officially considered an Icon of the State. The company's Sales and Marketing Director Dimi Kyriazis joins me to discuss: Dimi's favourite ice-cream flavour at Golden North or favourite...
2023-12-0229 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 24 - AgfluencerMy guest today calls a million-acre cattle station in remote South Australia home. While her day-to-day life is incredibly remote, she's also one of the most connected people you could find in the industry. A true 'agvocate', Gillian Fennell is on a mission to promote agriculture. She takes on the tough issues and does so publicly, dispelling misconceptions on social media. To learn more about what drives her to put herself in the hot seat, Gillian joins me to discuss: Gillian's favourite place on her cattle station. She shares what life is like on the farm as she...
2023-11-1823 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 33 - Four Daughters BeefFour daughters and one dream. On the farm, that means a very full house, lots of teamwork but also tough discussions when it comes to the future. We are so lucky to have Karen Penfold and her eldest daughter Bonnie with us today for a live episode recording at the National Farmers Federation 2023 National Conference in Canberra. This mum and daughter have travelled all the way from Western Queensland to be with us today. Before any of us had ever heard of Wuhan – the Penfolds were exporting branded beef directly there. It has been a bumpy road along the wa...
2023-11-0429 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 32 - Emu Hill AgSeventeen years old, living on the family farm in western Victoria with her life ahead of her. It all sounds pretty idyllic for Holly Draffin, until she was struck down with Lyme Disease in April last year. Forced to take time off school, she filled in the time showing off her family's historic property to the wider community through her Instagram account Emu Hill Ag. She describes the immense response as a positive light in a dark situation. To learn more, Holly Draffin joins me now to discuss. Holly's favourite place on the farm. Being a generational farm...
2023-10-2120 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 31 - Rural Women's DayLiving and working in a rural area is a rich and rewarding experience in so many ways. But it can also be isolating. When my guest today moved to Byaduk in Victoria's Southern Grampians, finding her people was difficult. However, she went on to do more than simply make personal connections by founding the Australian brand of "Rural Women's Day" which is celebrated during the month of October. Her local gatherings highlight the United Nations International Day of Rural Women on October 15. A lot has happened since the inaugural gathering in 2019 and Jackie joins me now to discuss:...
2023-10-0734 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 30 - Bush HoneyLife sounds pretty sweet in WA's pristine Kimberley when you're producing beautiful raw bush honey. Given the region has no industry or other pollutants, the bees thrive among the Saltwater Paperbarks, Grevilleas and Melaleuca. This Indigenous owned family business has just been awarded a grant as part of the Coles Nurture Fund. And they have some exciting ideas about how to spend it. To learn more, David Appleby of Walaja Raw Bush Honey joins me now to discuss: David's favourite place on the farm is being surrounded by Melaleuca Trees. David is a retired commercial pearl diver and...
2023-09-2326 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 29 - Velisha's FarmEating our greens is often hailed as the key to good health but my guest's influence goes well beyond her own dinner plate, or any one farm. She's doing her part to spread that message by making vegetables the star of their own tv show and a popular choice in schools by teaching the next generation about these superfoods. Under her vision, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, lettuce, celery and spring onions are celebrated. A strong advocate for horticulture as we've never seen it before - Catherine Velisha, managing director of Velisha Farms joins me now to discuss: Velisha's F...
2023-09-0928 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 28 - Maple Tree Farm'Deep mulch' and 'compost teas' may not be in our every day vernacular but at one commercial scale market garden in southern NSW, they are commonly used terms. Maple Tree Farm is all about healthy soil and nutrient rich vegetables. You won't find a tractor in sight - everything is harvested by hand. The founder of the business is passionate about localised food systems and the land share movement as a means to achieve that. Founder of Maple Tree Farm Samuel Hansen is today's guest. We discuss: Sam's favourite place on the land and, his Market G...
2023-08-2627 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 27 - AirSeedWhat happens when experts in engineering, agriculture, marine and terrestrial microbiology join forces? They develop a company that drops nutrient encapsulated seed pods from a drone, mapping out their placement using artificial intelligence and monitoring their growth using GPS. The method allows up to 40-thousand seed pods to be planted per drone in a single day. It's an Australian company taking on climate change with simple seeds boosted with bio-technology. CEO and Co-Founder of AirSeed Andrew Walker joins me now to discuss: AirSeed operates in Australia and South Africa and some of the some interesting places he has...
2023-08-1228 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 26 - Olympia's InsectsHow many commercial insect farmers have you met? Today, was my first. A woman who always wanted to farm but couldn't afford land or the costs associated with looking after big animals. These tiny creatures are packed with protein and serve as a valuable food source for farm animals and aquaculture. But looking at the bigger picture, these bugs, specifically maggot powered robots, could be the solution to ending Australia's food waste problem. The pioneering technology has earned my guest today the title of ACT Australian of the Year. Olympia Yarger, founder of Goterra joins me now. We...
2023-07-2927 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 25 - Baked in the BarossaWhen you've been farming in the same pocket of South Australia's Barossa region for 7 generations, marrying into that kind of legacy is immense. The family specialty is wine with the oldest remaining vineyard dating back to 1875. But something else is cooking on this impressive estate - sourdough bread - and just like the wine it's baked with the principles of biodynamics and organics in mind. Amie Kalleske has turned a hobby into a thriving business, offering diversification to the regular income streams on the property. The woman pairing the bread with the wine joins us to discuss: Amie's...
2023-07-1731 min
Australian Farmers: Telling Our StoryBaked in the BarossaWhen you’ve been farming in the same pocket of South Australia’s Barossa region for 7 generations, marrying into that kind of legacy is immense. The family specialty is wine with the oldest remaining vineyard dating back to 1875. But something else is cooking on this impressive estate - sourdough bread - and just like the wine, it’s organic and biodynamic. Amie Kalleske has turned a hobby into a thriving business, offering diversification to the regular income streams on the property. The woman pairing the bread with the wine joins us to discuss: Aime’s favourite place on the fami...
2023-07-1531 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 24 - The Art of BelongingAn epic quest to learn about her own origins has lead my guest today to pursue an intriguing career that combines art and agriculture. As a young Chinese-Indonesian refugee, whose family started a new life in the Northern Territory, Tisha Tejaya initially wanted to ignore her past but as she's come into adulthood, burning questions developed. Incredibly, many of the answers lead her to migrant farmers in Darwin, who took her family in. Now, she's helping other migrants break down language barriers and cut through some of the world's toughest bio-security laws. Author, artist and bio-security officer Tisha Tejaya...
2023-07-0123 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 23 - Talking TrufflesWhat do careers in Australian Border Force and Australian Agriculture have in common? Well, for this couple, the answer is dogs. From training dogs to protect our borders to using them to hunt for truffles is a fairly unique pivot but that's exactly what Mel and Gavin Booth have done, starting up Australian Truffle Traders in Manjimup Western Australia. They grow and supply Australian Black Truffles, prized by home cooks and chefs alike. As we enter into the southern hemisphere's truffle season, Gavin Booth joins me now to discuss all things truffles. Gavin's favourite place on this truffle...
2023-06-1733 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 22 - Green Connect FarmMost of us rely on our local farmers for our food but others rely on them for their livelihoods. On an urban 11 acre farm just outside Port Kembla in NSW young people and refugees are being offered work and mentorship. The produce is sold to the local community through fruit and vegetable boxes, and to local cafes and restaurants. Under the guidance of Farm Manager Emily Henderson, the property produces more than 40 seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs all year round as well as free-range pork, lamb, honey and eggs. To learn more about this social enterprise, Emily Henderson joins...
2023-06-0321 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 21 - Hemp CollectiveWe so often hear farmers say dairy or wool has been in their blood for generations. However, in the case of hemp, producers are having to start from scratch. When Maxine Shea was diagnosed with a rare pituitary brain tumour, she desperately wanted hemp for treatment. Accessing it though was not easy, so she and her partner Mike starting growing it themselves. Now they run The Hemp Collective out of the NSW Byron Bay region. It hasn't been easy, not just learning how to harvest the product, but also external challenges from COVID, to floods, to fire. Despite all...
2023-05-2727 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 20 - Accidentally OrganicLife is busy for most of us but spare a thought for this couple from Sunnyside Tasmania. They run a successful dairy whilst raising nine children. Given that work load, it would have been easier not to completely overhaul the business from a conventional dairy to a large-scale organic operation, that has also radically progressed to once a day milking. Why do it? Well, they bought a block of land with all sorts of problems that lead to some health issues with the cows, The solution ended up being an accidental transition to organic production. To learn more about M...
2023-05-2021 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 19 - The Food FarmIt's not often you hear of a boy growing up in a peri-urban area with a dream of being a farmer. But if you want something badly enough, you can make it happen. Not only is he now farming for a living – he and his partner have turned conventional agriculture on its head. The Food Farm uses time-tested slow and regenerative farming practices on the NSW Central Coast, just on the outskirts of Sydney. It has given their customers a rare personal connection with the food they eat. Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields join us from The Food Farm an...
2023-05-1321 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 18 - Regenerative FarmingIf we had to crown a vegetable king in Australia – today's guest would be a contender. He grows cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and kale, all the while producing cows, sheep and chickens for pasture-raised eggs. It's little wonder he's been recognised in the 2022 Farmer of the Year Awards for Excellence in Diversification. The success of his operation is closely linked to his passion for soil biology and regenerative farming on his family property at Manjimup in Western Australia called Three Ryans. To learn more Jake Ryan joins us as we discuss: Jake's favourite place on the family farm. The fa...
2023-05-0621 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 17 - The RoastIt's a little cup of joy for so many of us. Coffee is often part of a daily ritual and an excuse to gather with friends and family. Did you know coffee farmers are growing beans right here in Australia? It's thanks to some pioneers who set up the industry – including my guest today. The Zentvelds are second generation coffee farmers in Byron Bay and were the first commercial sized coffee farmers in NSW. Partner of Zentveld's Australian Coffee and President of the Australian Coffee Growers Association, Rebecca Zentveld is today's guest and we discuss: The countryside in no...
2023-04-2925 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 16 - Whirly BirdThose living on the land are no strangers to working in the most spectacular of locations. However, few can say their office offers a birds-eye view of landscapes like the breathtaking Pilbara or the desolate plains of the Nullarbor. My guest today is a helicopter mustering pilot who has turned those remarkable vistas into a successful photography business called Whirlybird Photography. The man behind the lens, Jack Poplawski joins me now to discuss: Some of the magnificent places Jack has flown over and his favourite location. How the beautiful Australian landscape changes with the seasons. Jack grew up...
2023-04-2215 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 15 - Grandvewe CheesePicture a farm overlooking the ocean. It sounds idyllic for the landowners and the animals seem pretty happy about it too. This 40-acre pocket of paradise is located in southern Tasmania's Birchs Bay. But in their own words – their "soil sucks". So how then do the farmers manage to produce the award-winning produce that is Grandvewe Cheese? See what they did there? That's ewe as in the sheep. Here, it is all about the sheep. To learn more, CEO Diane Rae joins me to discuss: Diane's favourite place on her beautiful farm. After falling in love with Tasmania, Di...
2023-04-1628 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 14 - Pretty ProduceHow does a photojournalist end up making a living farming flowers? It started with a redundancy, a passion for gardening and a business that simply shines on social media and on the plate. We are talking about edible flowers. Not only are they gorgeous, but they have also hit the mainstream snapped up by cake decorators and chefs who want that something special for their creations. The owner of Pretty Produce Simone Jelley grows around 110 different varieties. She joins me now to discuss these beautiful blooms. Simone's favourite place on her flower farm at Canungra, in Queensland's Scenic R...
2023-04-0829 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 13 - Zen HensMy guest today has strong ties to Japan having lived and worked there for five years as a salaryman. His wife, Kumi, grew up in rural Japan. Together they are recreating a special childhood for their own kids with a 23-hectare egg farm in Victoria's Gippsland region. More than drawing on their own cherished experiences – their former corporate jobs and the country's famous approach to efficiency are central to how they operate their Australian farm. Willow Zen is a place for happy hens, making family memories and improving their slice of land for the generations ahead. The partner of Wi...
2023-04-0127 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 12 - Little Big DairyTheir motto is "When you take care of the little things, the big things take care of themselves," and so, Little Big Dairy near Dubbo in Central West NSW was born. It is an incredible business, one of only a handful in the nation offering single source milk, meaning the milk comes solely from one farm, is processed on-site and sold directly to consumers. For the family behind the business - quality, traceability and integrity are everything. The Chesworths come from a long line of dairy farmers but that hasn't held them back from taking a risk by doing...
2023-03-2519 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 11 - Ability AgricultureWhen you picture a farmer in your mind's eye, maybe a certain image comes up each time. My guest today has made it her mission to change perceptions around people with a disability in the industry. She developed an online platform to raise awareness of and provide opportunities for people living with disabilities. It's a cause close to her heart after a devastating accident in her own family. Founder of Ability Agriculture Josie Clarke is today's guest. We discuss: Josie grew up on a farm and shares her favourite aspect of the property. She is an agronomist, researcher...
2023-03-1817 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 10 - Not Kidding AroundMany of us have heard of mohair but for a fibre that's been around for centuries, perhaps we don't know a lot about it. It is a textile made from the hair of Angora goats. These animals are native to the mountainous regions of Turkey with the Sultan of Turkey first allowing the export of raw mohair to Europe in 1820. Now, they're raised in many other parts of the world, including Australia. Doing her bit to bolster the local population is a veterinarian from the NSW Riverina region who has fallen in love with the species. Dr Kiri Westphalen...
2023-03-1116 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 9 - Frida's FieldNestled on 120 acres in the picturesque Byron Bay Hinterland is a true paddock-to-plate eatery, delightfully named Frida's Field. There you will find a blank canvas in the process of being transformed into a productive farm that grows an abundant variety of foods using regenerative techniques. The owners, Edward Rawlings and Jeanie Wylie wanted to share this produce and ethos with others, so they hold long lunches several times a week, operate farm tours and a market garden. To learn more about the couple's tree-change Jeanie Wylie is my guest today. We discuss: The most loved location on her...
2023-03-0416 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 8 - Farming ForestsTurning 18% of his 3500-hectare farm into forest is a move that's landed this producer a seat at a very influential table. Mark Wootton travelled from his property just north of Hamilton in Western Victoria, all the way to Egypt for the COP27 world climate conference. There, he was part of a pitch to promote the benefits of farm-grown sustainable timber to solve current supply issues. Personally, his own farm has been increasingly productive since he made the decision to plant 600 hectares of trees 20 years ago, while still running sheep and cattle. By doing so, they've doubled their production, lowered...
2023-02-2523 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryFarming Wellness** Trigger warning ** This episode contains conversations about suicide, so if you need resources or support go to beyondblue.org or for 24 hour free counselling in Australia, the number for Lifeline is 13 11 14. A childhood on her family farm at Streaky Bay on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula combined with a career as a Clinical Psychologist has given my guest today unique insight into mental health challenges in remote areas and how to address them. Farmers within her own community have reached out seeking accessible ways to help prevent and manage the stress that comes with life on t...
2023-02-1817 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryTo Ukraine with LoveToday we are visiting Scone in the NSW Hunter region. So often we think of those in rural and regional communities as farmers alone but there are so many other crucial roles that make up the fabric of rural life – including those who document what's going on in their part of the country and the world more broadly. My guest today is artist Janno McLaughlin. She grew up on the land and knew the meaning of hard work from a young age. She's transferred those skills to many artistic mediums and is currently immersed in creating a 'Sunflower Quilt fo...
2023-02-1120 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 5 - MotherlandGrowing up on the land offers and idyllic childhood for so many kids. But it's certainly not without its challenges for the parents. Motivated by her own experience of raising youngsters on a farm in Tasmania, my guest today saw a few gaps that needed to be addressed. So, she created Australia's first personalised online rural mothers' group. Motherland Village provides greater opportunities for rural mums across the country to find connection and support, regardless of their location. Founder Stephanie Trethewey is today's guest. We discuss: Stephanie's favourite place on her farm in beautiful Tasmania. Moving from the...
2023-02-0421 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 4 - The Smoked Egg Co.A good wedding anniversary present can be hard to find but when Julie Kos bought her husband Paul a smoker as a gift, they had no idea just how life-changing it would be. They started smoking everything and as egg farmers, well, they gave that a go too. It was a light-bulb moment. Now, the Victorian couple are the proud owners of The Smoked Egg Co – producing an Australian first, raw, cold, smoked egg that's free from bacteria. To learn more, Julie Kos is today's guest. We discuss: Julie's favourite place on their egg farm is the small ca...
2023-01-2819 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 3 - The Apple Doesn't FallThey say, 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree', and the Montague family have proven that to be true. It all started with the patriarch Bill in 1948. Fast forward to now, and his grandson Scott has been busy learning about the orchard, packing, distribution, sales and marketing. As much as we all love a Granny Smith or Red Delicious, the family is continuing to crunch into new ground, introducing consumers to new varieties such as Jazz, Envy and Eve. Managing Director of Montague, Scott Montague joins me now. We discuss: Scott's favourite place the third-generation apple farm...
2023-01-2122 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 2 - Next Generation Grain GrowingManaging a family farm comes with big responsibility but my guest today has not only excelled in the running of Barunga Grains near Bute on the Northern Yorke Peninsula of South Australia – he's made it his own. Technology has opened up a wealth of information many operators won't even know exists. His work has just earned him a gong in the Farmer of the Year Awards where he won the Excellence in Technology category. James Venning is the man behind the data and joins me now. We discuss: James' favourite place on the family farm. He specialises in man...
2023-01-1418 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS2 Ep 1 - "Yess!" New MangoesThe look, the smell and the taste all conjure images of the Australian summer. Mangoes are a family favourite in many households and a sign of warmer days and holidays ahead. Now, there's not just one but three new mango varieties on offer to customers. They're called 'Yess!' 'Ahhh!' and 'Gee!'. Sounds like fun but it means we all benefit from more choice at the checkout. So, how do they stack up against more traditional varieties? Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Senior Principal Horticulturalist Ian Bally joins me now to give some insight into this...
2023-01-0718 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 53 - Dairying to DreamFor our final episode of 2022, we learn how a self-confessed city slicker ended up being named as the 2022 Rural Community Leader of the Year. It is quite the story. It all started with young love, a trip to the Brisbane Ekka and Sarah Parker now calls a dairy farm in Victoria's Goulburn Valley home. Finding connection in a remote part of the world became a calling that's now part of her identity. Sarah is making her mark in the industry as current Vice President of the National Rural Women's Coalition, a director of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority...
2022-12-1020 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 52 - Junee Licorice and Chocolate FactoryWe are about to meet a wheat, spelt and barley farmer, turned factory owner who has made the little town of Junee in NSW a tourist attraction. How else but with the transformation of an abandoned mill built in 1935 into the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. And the most recent addition to the family business is the Corowa Distillery Co, making whiskey from their own barley. If you're still looking for some Christmas stocking fillers – look no further – these locally made treats are the real deal. But it wasn't an easy ride to find the perfect recipe. To learn more...
2022-12-0323 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 51 - Buttenshaw Backyard FarmToday we are visiting a magical garden delightfully named Buttenshaw Backyard Farm. This patch of land in Montrose Victoria is only on a ¾ acre block but the space is bursting with fruit and nut trees, raised vegetable beds and an abundance of berries. Some of the produce includes vibrant glass gem corn, rainbow-coloured chillies, pineapple tomatoes and golden beetroot. The gardeners still have full-time corporate jobs, but the land is now so productive, many fans are trying to get their hands on the rare produce that Nat Buttenshaw specialises in, enabling her to launch a successful seed business. The s...
2022-11-2620 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 50 - Drone MusteringOn the land, mustering takes many forms. It can be done on horseback, on motorbike, with a helicopter but my guest today plans for his AgTech start-up to become the first company in the world to commercialise livestock mustering with drones. SkyKelpie has been undergoing trials and there are some exciting results for cost savings, animal welfare and the environment. Founder Luke Chaplain is the perfect guest to coincide with this year's National Agriculture Day. The theme being Innovation. Today we discuss: A hill on Malakoff Station in north-west Queensland, is Luke's favourite place on the property. Discovering...
2022-11-1921 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 49 - Gap YearWe've all heard of taking a gap year – but usually you hear of kids from Sydney heading for Europe. Not Bradley Benge. This city boy ended up at a cattle property in Western Australia called Challa Station. It's all part of a National Farmers Federation lead program AgCAREERSTART which supports young people out of school head to the bush for a year of work and training. Brad and his host farmer, Debbie Dowden are today's guests. We discuss: After joining the National Farmers Federation lead program AgCAREERSTART, Brad shares the differences he has noticed between city and county li...
2022-11-1221 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 48 - Rice to the TopThe Hollins family has been growing rice since 1942. Their farm sits in picturesque Burraboi in southern NSW. Neville and Brooke are experts in the field but in all that time, they've never had a crop quite like that of 2022. Their efforts have lead them to take out the coveted SunRice Grower of the Year award. To learn more, Brooke joins us to discuss: Brooke's favourite place on the long-standing family farm. The Hollins family has been growing rice for 80 years. Some of the changes in rice farming in the recent past with the use of technology. W...
2022-11-0513 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 47 - The Camel Milk Co.Have you ever tasted camel milk or used camel beauty products? It's a relatively new industry in Australia. Leading the way in bringing this range to the masses is husband and wife Megan and Chris Williams. Having met on holiday in the outback, the couple fell in love with each other and with wild camels. One thing lead to another, and The Camel Milk Co was born. It was the first officially licensed Camel Dairy in the state. It started with three camels – now they're up to about 500 as Australia and the world falls in love with this fascinating pr...
2022-10-2923 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 46 - Busy BeesHoney is a true gift of nature and the busy bees that make it are impressive and fascinating. That love of bees has taken Charlie Casido around the world - until the 1990s when he and his wife decided to migrate to Australia from the Philippines. It was at Orange in the Central West of NSW they started their business called Australian Queen Bee Line, selling honey, queen bees and offering pollinating services. There's a lot to navigate as an apiarist at the moment – especially with the Varroa Mite emergency response in full swing. Today Charlie Casido and his da...
2022-10-2220 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 45 - Married to the LandBeing born and raised on the land hasn't meant any free passes for Angie Nisbet. Forging her own path as a stockwoman and grazier hasn't come easy. She's had to work tirelessly and prove a lot of people wrong. As if running Landsborough Downs near Hughenden Queensland wasn't challenging enough – she's recently added a couple more roles into the mix: mother to three children under four with a fly-in-fly-out husband and podcast host. Angie is a powerhouse and the perfect guest to mark International Rural Women's Day this weekend. Angie's favourite task on her farm is jump...
2022-10-1519 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 44 - Pear Shaped PerfectionThere's a new kid on the chopping block that's tipped to redefine how Australians perceive pears. It's a big call but the Rico Pear boasts a striking blush colour and a surprising crunch. Marketing experts have described it as 'unlike anything you've tasted before'. So, if you thought maybe pears had fallen out of favour, there's a team of people working hard to change your mind. Our guest today is a Research Leader at Agriculture Victoria's Tatura SmartFarm, Ian Goodwin. We discuss: Ian's favourite place at the Tatura SmartFarm where he works at an experimental sundial orchard. He...
2022-10-0815 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 43 - Waste Not, Want NotWhen you find yourself collecting your neighbours' left-over home grown produce so you can make pickles and preserves in an effort to save them from the bin – you know food is your thing. Alex Elliott-Howery has channelled her love of the kitchen into a café and cooking school along with a series of cookbooks, the most recent being 'The Food Savers A-Z'. Within those pages, you'll not only learn traditional methods to create fabulous food, but you'll also master how to use up all those bits and pieces left in the fridge. Think brown avocado, limp cauliflower, and bruised bea...
2022-10-0126 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 42 - White StrawberriesImagine going to work with hundreds of new strawberry prototypes awaiting taste testing. That's all in a day's work for Australia's leading strawberry breeder. Senior Scientist Dr Jodi Neal and her team have just perfected one that is pretty special. It's a stunning white colour with bright red seeds and tastes a little like a pina colada! How did they do it? When can we buy it? So many questions. To learn more about this intriguing fruit, Queensland's Department of Agriculture has kindly shared Dr Neal with us for this episode. Today we discuss: Dr Jodi s...
2022-09-2418 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 41 - Cobram EstateOlive growing is steeped in history and tradition. Few know the art better than Leandro Ravetti having just completed his 31st harvest. From working in olive groves around the world to now calling Australia's Cobram Estate home. His work has lead to the company being recognised in the Australian Financial Review's Sustainability Leaders list of 2022. So, it seems extra virgin olive oil is good for us and good for the planet too. To learn more, we discuss: Leandro has worked in some amazing olive groves around the world and shares the places he loves most. This year marks...
2022-09-1719 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 40 - Big Farmer AndyMeet Big Farmer Andy. The bloke who turned his dairy farm into a source of intrigue and fascination. With an online following of more than 300-thousand people he aims to bridge the divide between city and country people by sharing snippets of his life on the land with humour. He's also not afraid to challenge those with opposing views. And is a strong advocate for mental wellbeing, sporting a very fine Mullet for Mental Health. In today's episode we discuss: Andy's favourite place on the farm and the sunset in the winter. He is a third-generation dairy farmer...
2022-09-1017 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 39 - SundressedToday we are speaking with a fashion editor, columnist and author who says natural fibres are the answer to fashion's climate crisis. Think wool, cotton, flax, silk, hemp and cashmere. There are amazing regenerative farms and fashion houses already changing the industry and in turn the way we all shop and dress. It is possible to wear beautiful clothes and improve the environment at the same time. To gain rare insight into the world of sustainable fashion Lucianne Tonti joins me having just released her beautiful new book called Sundressed featuring excerpts of interviews with farmers from all over...
2022-09-0320 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 38 - Bully's MeatsWhen you marry into farming, life can take many unexpected turns. For today's guests moving to Caloundra Station in the Upper South-East of South Australia came with the shock of only having an income once a year! So, Robyn Verrall set out to create an income for herself. By promoting her husband's animal welfare and best farming practices, she managed to start a direct paddock to plate business called Bully's Meats. More than that – she's turned her focus to helping others, with a mission to improve food insecurity in regional communities. Today we discuss: Robyn's favourite place on he...
2022-08-2719 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 37 - Buy From The BushIn October 2019, Australian farmers were faced with a crippling drought. One woman set out to give those communities a voice and showcase all the incredible wares for sale in the towns doing it tough. It started with an Instagram account and before long, the hashtag #buyfromthebush became a sensation. Small bricks and mortar stores on the brink of closure were selling out of stock. We are a long way out of that drought now but the support and sentiment behind Buy From The Bush is as strong as ever. To learn more about this wonderful initiative, founder Grace Brennan...
2022-08-2027 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 36 - GraziherAfter an idyllic childhood on a Central Queensland cattle station, my guest today has travelled far and wide. Attending boarding school, going to University in Brisbane, touring Canada and New Zealand – all the while spending as much time on the family farm as possible. Something always stood out to her in her adventures and that was the story of women in agriculture. In 2015, whilst helping out on the property she started writing for agricultural publications. From a blog to a fully-fledged magazine – Graziher was born. Founder Claire Dunne joins me today and we discuss: Claire has an af...
2022-08-1314 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 35 - Flourishing in the DesertImagine farming in one of the most arid places in Australia. The Litchfield family manages to produce Angus Cross Cattle and Australian White Sheep (a breed suited to the harsh conditions with a self-shedding coat) on the Edge of the Simpson Desert in far-north South Australia. Ellen Litchfield is a farmer, veterinarian and scholar with a keen interest in climate change and some interesting observations about the swing towards plant-based meat alternatives. We are lucky to have captured a spare moment in time to speak with his very accomplished and very busy young mum. Ellen's favourite plac...
2022-08-0621 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 34 - Food ForensicsToday we are off to New Zealand to talk farm forensics. It's a bit like interviewing the lead detective on a crime scene to learn the truth about where our food and fibre really comes from. Fraud is alive and well in the global supply chain. So how do you know whether that Egyptian Cotton really comes from Egypt or that grass-fed Australian beef is as advertised? Oritain are the scientists untangling that web - tracing the provenance of an item not just to country of origin but in some cases back to a specific region. To learn more...
2022-07-3023 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 33 - Foot and MouthYou would have to be living off the grid to have not heard the term Foot and Mouth in the last week. What is it? Why do we care? How come it's suddenly become such a hot topic in Australia. We export about 70 per cent of our agricultural produce in this country. A lethal livestock disease threatens to shut down that market for years with disastrous results for farmers and indeed all of us with price hikes and a shortage of meat inevitable. Biosecurity is increasingly important. It comes down to what each one of us does when we...
2022-07-2324 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 32 - For the Love of FarmingThis is no doubt a love story. The story of a city boy's love of agriculture that lead him to pursue a career in corporate ag. Then, falling in love with his now wife who happened to be a farmer's daughter with a desire to take on the family business. James Knight made the brave decision to face his own personal demons to take up an integral role in running the primarily beef cattle property at The Sisters south of Mortlake in Southwest Victoria. He's taken that opportunity and run with it - operating the farm through a strategic...
2022-07-1633 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 31 - Urban GreenToday we are on the road to Sydney. That doesn't sound very rural but hopefully, by the end of this conversation – you might change your views about how and where farms can operate. Sydney Urban Green is the city's first commercial indoor farm specialising in vertically growing microgreens and sprouts. It makes a lot of sense. It's an economical use of space. And the food is grown where we have the most people. You'll often see these super greens used as a garnish in restaurants but apart from looking good, they are a nutritional powerhouse. Director Noah Verin is to...
2022-07-0925 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 30 - Make Australia Make AgainWe've all heard the saying coined in the 1950s that Australia "rode on the sheep's back". Many in the industry now argue the economic ride is over. The answer, they say, is to take back control of the wool handling process from fleece to fabric. Currently, more than 80 per cent of the nation's greasy wool is exported to China for processing. Now, slowdowns at mills overseas due to COVID may have opened the door to a more local approach. For consumers – those 100% Australian Merino Wool labels on your clothes would mean exactly that. Queensland Wool Processors or QWool seeks to...
2022-07-0629 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 29 - Fields of GoldWhen an engineer becomes a farmer, you expect it to be well researched and planned to perfection. However, today's guest bought her little patch of Beechworth in Victoria within a week of seeing it advertised in 2009. The parcel of land was 12-acres, so she had to get creative, choosing two niche crops that don't need much space. Artisan table olives and prized saffron have been her bread and butter ever since. Incredible, considering she had never even tried saffron prior! Gamila MacRury has just finished the year's saffron harvest, which can require picking up to 3 times a day. Today...
2022-06-2632 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 28 - One Woman BandToday's guest has fit more jobs into her 36 years than most of us do in a lifetime. This powerhouse loves showing up for a day's shearing only to shock her colleagues by being tiny in stature. She drives trucks with her handbag on the front seat and classical music playing. To add to that, she started her own sheep stud at age 17 and has since added grain trading and muscle scanning businesses to her resume. What's more, she loves to cook! Rachel Chirgwin is a woman not to be underestimated. However, there is a role she'd still like to a...
2022-06-1820 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 27 - From Farm to FootySome people are talented and brave enough to be trailblazers in one industry, but my guest today is breaking down barriers in two male-dominated arenas – footy and farming. She is a star recruit in the AFLW for Greater Western Sydney. Then, when she's not training or playing, she's working full-time on the family farm at Holbrook in southern NSW. It means, she lives 6 months in the city and 6 months in the country, whilst studying agriculture in between. At 21 years old age, she is dedicated to both pursuits but is sure the country will play a starring role in her fu...
2022-06-1124 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 26 - Broad Acre BrosWhen three young farmers with a passion for cinematography decide to join forces, you know you're in for a visual treat. By combining their spectacular agricultural videos and posting them to social media, they have amassed an enormous following with more than a million views. One third of the sensation that is Broad Acre Bros is today's guest. Jack Moyses is a 5th generation broad acre farmer growing oats and canola - and he always has a camera in hand to capture some bush magic. Jack joins me to discuss: The orange glow of a sunset is Jack's...
2022-06-0416 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 25 - Soil ScienceWhen you head to the shops to collect that perfectly shaped cherry, super crunchy apple or juicy nectarine, today's guest worked behind the scenes to achieve that top quality. She's the person growers call when they have a problem with pests, soil and even the changing climate. Jessica Fearnley is a young and emerging scientist who just loves agriculture. Her work has now earned her the coveted Rural Achiever Award presented by the Rural Agricultural Society of NSW. Today we discuss: What Jessica loves most about the land. Jessica's role is to help farmers produce better f...
2022-05-2820 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 24 - "Jillaroo of All Trades"It would be hard to find someone more passionate about agriculture than Lucy Collingridge. Unlike so many others in the industry, she didn't grow up on a farm. In fact, it wasn't until she was 15 that she took on her first active role in ag. In the 15 years since, she has packed in a lot. Her titles have included Jillaroo, Station Hand and Biosecurity Officer. In between, she spends her time volunteering to speak with school children – a lot of them from the city – to inspire them to pursue farming. She truly believes, if you eat food and wear clot...
2022-05-2125 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 23 - AsparagopsisWe already choose between free-range and caged eggs. Grass-fed or grain-fed beef. Our guest today says it's only a matter of time before we add a low emissions option to the supermarket aisle. The reason, is a native seaweed that grows abundantly off the West Australian Coast. The CSIRO has found this unique red seaweed called asparagopsis can reduce methane emissions by 80-95 per cent when used as a feed supplement. SeaStock has now become the nation's third and WA's first company licensed to farm this fascinating crop. For more, we speak with managing director Tom Puddy whose office...
2022-05-1431 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 22 - @Lenswood Pick Your OwnSo many of us romanticise about a "green change" but this husband-and-wife duo actually did it. The couple has purchased 23 acres in South Australia's Adelaide Hills which is home to an apple orchard. With absolutely zero farming experience they somehow manage the farm entirely on their own. It's not quite commercially viable yet so they do all of this whilst still nursing and raising a family. Anyone can come along to experience the magic that is @Lenswood because they've opened the farm gates to run a Pick Your Own experience. To learn more about how the model works, Emily...
2022-05-0726 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 21 - Iris and WoolWhat happens when a woman with a long-standing love of fashion marries a wool grower? The answer is a luxury fashion label straight out of Burra in South Australia. Emily Riggs and her husband Tom have forged a unique partnership in business as well as life. She loves getting out on the farm to lend a helping hand, while in turn, he's found himself stepping into the shoes of a model! Luxury clothing label Iris and Wool is a crucial part of the diversification of the family farm. But Emily has had to overcome incredible personal tragedy to forge...
2022-04-3022 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 20 - KalettesWhat do you get when you cross a Brussels Sprout with Kale? A Kalette. This little-known superfood is the first new vegetable to hit the Australian market since Brocollini more than a decade ago. It's non-GMO, instead painstakingly developed over 15 years through traditional hybridisation techniques. So, what do they look like? How do they taste? Our Kalette expert grower Scott Samwell answers all those questions. Today we discuss: Scott's favourite place on the farm. So, what is a Kalette? Kalettes were developed as a non-genetically modified product. A day in the life of a sprout farmer. Kalettes are...
2022-04-2327 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 19 - 'Sconversations' with the CWAThe Country Women's Association is famous for scones and tea, but this organisation is so much more. Today's guest has transitioned from dairy farmer to the CWA's NSW President. Stephanie Stanhope has advocated for better services for regional communities for years and has been a friendly face to countless residents doing it tough. When she lost her own home during the 2020 Black Summer Bushfires, she learnt first-hand how important that support network of women really is. This is a very timely chat - not only is it week two of the Sydney Royal Easter Show where the CWA is...
2022-04-1618 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 18 - Best in ShowIt's Show Time – Week One of the Sydney Royal Easter Show 2022. To celebrate, we are shining a light on a farmer who proudly exhibits there every year. In fact, they started showing their dairy cows at the show in 1885. The Browns operate one of the oldest Jersey Studs in Australia and have claimed many awards along the way. You'll often see them leading the ever-popular Grand Parade or tending to their beautiful animals in the cattle yards. The Brown's cows are magnificent to behold, and they have taken the family all over Australia and the world. Robert Brown is my...
2022-04-0924 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 17 - Easter Show PreviewFor many, the Sydney Royal Easter Show is a family tradition. Behind the scenes, the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW works tirelessly to bring 12 days of fun to about 850 000 people. It's a special year for the not-for-profit organisation, celebrating 200 years of service to agriculture. So, with each ticket you purchase, you'll be supporting real farmers to strive for excellence and also, young farmers who deserve a bright future to look forward to. The society's General Manager of Agriculture is today's guest and has a special preview of this year's show. Murray's favourite location at the Sydney Royal Easter...
2022-04-0225 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 16 - Where the Outback meets the TropicsOn a remote farm about 320 kilometres outside Darwin, mangoes grow by the truckload. But the owner of Foxalicious Fruit decided to try something new – adding asparagus into the mix. It turns out, the unique climate poses unexpected challenges like the need to pick the vegetable up to three times a day because it grows so quickly. Mangoes and asparagus are an unlikely combination but a source of great passion for my guest, Andrew Dalglish. Today, we discuss: Andrew's favourite place on his farm in the Northern Territory. He is a very popular man as a grower of mangoes an...
2022-03-2620 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 15 - The Mysterious World of MushroomsToday we are on the road to Monbulk in the Yarra Valley in Victoria. That's where you'll find Australia's largest range of exotic and gourmet mushrooms. Mushrooms for food and mushrooms for medicine. If this food hasn't been for you in the past – these may go down a little differently. Some taste like macadamia nuts - others taste like lobster. And they come in all shapes and sizes – resembling coral and even lettuce. There is so much more to mushrooms than most of us realise. The founder and chief grower of Unearthed Co Mushrooms have been fascinated by this smal...
2022-03-1926 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 14 - Biodynamic LambIt's not often you see a queue down the street that leads to a butcher shop but it was that very sight at a store in Canberra that grabbed Vince Heffernan's attention. That shop sold biodynamic meat and the 6th generation farmer had to know more. He armed himself with a degree in Ecological Agriculture and set out to learn how to manage the entire landscape without chemicals. The result is Moorlands Biodynamic Lamb based in Dalton in the Southern Tablelands of NSW. Today we discuss: Vince's favourite place on the farm. Driving past a butcher shop with...
2022-03-1228 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 13 - World's Your OysterThere are land farmers and there are water farmers but few can say their office is in a National Park. You'll find today's guest growing oysters on pristine Nelson Lake on the Far South Coast of NSW. Their specialty is the world-famous Sydney Rock Oyster. This little superfood has earned the family-run business more than 180 awards and recognition from some of our top chefs. But my guest Gary Rodely explains, the oyster is often quite misunderstood. Gary's favourite place on his Oyster Farm in Tathra. Growing oysters on Nelson Lake, in the Mimosa Rocks National Park. Gary shares...
2022-03-0526 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 12 - Pearls of WisdomImagine working in an underwater garden where you brush shoulders with whales and sharks while cultivating one of most prized jewels of the sea. That's all a standard day in the office for James Brown who runs Pearls of Australia on farms at Cygnet Bay in WA and Broken Bay in NSW. At a time when other pearl farmers were going out of business James' resilience and innovation have earned him the coveted title of Australian Farmer of the Year. James is using the platform to offer rare insights into the magical world of pearling, a fascinating yet painstaking...
2022-02-2628 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 11 - Feather and BoneToday we are on the road to Marrickville in Sydney's Inner West. While that doesn't sound very rural – my guest spends a lot of time on farms. As the owner of Feather and Bone, a butchery of ethically sourced meats, she personally visits all her suppliers ensuring a short, traceable and transparent supply chain. Laura Dalrymple knows how these animals are raised and how they are slaughtered. It's not an easy conversation to have but Laura is passionate about ensuring her customers know the truth about meat. She hopes education leads us all to choose mindfully and therefore reduce wa...
2022-02-1929 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 10 - Future FarmingVictoria's beautiful South Gippsland region is synonymous with dairy, so when Adam Schreurs moved his vegetable farm to the area, it raised a few eyebrows. But if there's one thing Adam loves doing - it's planning for the future. The move has been crucial in mitigating climate change. He's also in the process of converting 25% of his property to native bushland to sequester carbon. In addition, he holds regular robotic field days on site to help uncover which robots will make his job easier in the future and deliver customers a more consistent celery or leek. His future focus...
2022-02-1223 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 9 - Rising from the AshesToday we are on the road to Woombye on Queensland's glorious Sunshine Coast. Our farmer of the week knows what it's like to work hard, lose it all - and then go on to come back even stronger. Five years ago, the family's fresh produce shop was destroyed in an arson attack but the setback ended up being a reset with Mick Dan and his partner Kelly deciding to found Good Harvest Organic Farm. A green change that paid off - having just been declared Australian Organic Farmer of the Year. ...
2022-02-0519 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 8 - Asian Veggies In The Top EndImagine fleeing your homeland with nothing but what you could carry and starting a new life in another country. That's what the Pham family decided to do when they left Vietnam for Australia in 1987. Through lots of hard work and a little creativity, they've progressed from farm hands to land owners, operating a successful vegetable farm in Darwin specialising in Asian greens and green mangoes. We speak with Chris Pham who has just taken over the family business from his parents and is proud to be a second-generation farmer. Chris' parents arrived in Australia in 1987, after being in...
2022-01-2923 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 7 - Sunny Side UpCaged, barn laid, free-range, organic - when did buying eggs become so confusing? Today's guest could speak about eggs for hours but she didn't always want to take on the family business. Now, at 29 years old, tired of trespassers and vandalism, Danyel Cucinotta has opened the farm gates using virtual reality and an on-site deli to reveal the truth about eggs. Today we speak with Danyel Cucinotta and discuss: Danyel was born into a family whose main business is cage laid eggs and she explains what that means. The misconceptions about the caged egg industry and...
2022-01-2224 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 6 - A Cotton GraveyardHave you ever been roped into the fast fashion frenzy of buying a new piece of clothing on a weekly or monthly basis, only for it to end up in landfill a short time later? There is a world-first movement on the Queensland/New South Wales border to tackle that very issue. On a farm near Goondiwindi, you'll find a cotton graveyard where customers are welcome to return unwanted clothes to be shredded and deposited back into the soil. Our guest today is the tireless Sam Coulton from Goondiwindi Cotton. The energy and passion he brings to turning rubbish...
2022-01-1525 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryS1 Ep 5 - Beef Meets Big TechDid you know only 25% of Australians believe farmers are adapting to climate change? Today's guest has proven we are in fact world leaders when it comes to adapting to climate pressures. Stuart Austin of Wilmot Cattle Co in the NSW Northern Tablelands has pioneered a deal to sell around $500 000 worth of soil carbon credits to Microsoft. It's the first sale of its kind in this country. The farm captures more carbon than it releases. Now he wants to share the knowledge he's learnt along the way to keep the innovations coming. Today we speak with Stuart Austin...
2022-01-0824 minAustralian Farmers: Telling Our StoryIntroducing Australian Farmers: Telling Our StoryThis is Australian Farmers - your exclusive behind the farm gate look into the remarkable people who produce the food and fibre we all rely on. Do you have questions about the produce you eat and the clothes you wear? You'll find those answers right here. I'm your host Angie Asimus, partnering with the National Farmers Federation. We think, you'll be surprised by the vision, ingenuity and innovation of those living on the land. This is their story. Today we speak with the president of the National Farmers Federation, Fiona Simson and discuss: How we ca...
2021-12-0719 min