Humans of Agriculture

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Hamish Irvine, Head of Southern States at Halter Australia, to explore the technology, leadership and mindset driving one of agriculture’s fastest-growing companies.Growing up on a mixed farming operation in western New South Wales, Hamish always imagined a future on the land. But after drought forced a change in direction, his career took him through the meat industry, global supply chains and commercial leadership before landing at Halter, the virtual fencing and livestock management company now transforming grazing systems across Australia and New Zealand.This conversation goes beyond the technology itself. Hamish shares the lessons that shaped his career, what it takes to build high-performing teams, and why feedback, accountability and culture are critical in fast-growing businesses. He also unpacks how Halter is helping farmers rethink labour, pasture management and livestock performance through virtual fencing and real-time animal insights.From career progression and leadership to innovation and the future of livestock farming, this is a conversation about embracing change and creating impact.Key insights from the conversation:How growing up on a family farm and experiencing drought shaped Hamish’s career journeyWhy stepping outside traditional agriculture career pathways can create unexpected opportunitiesThe lessons learned from building a career across meat processing, sales and agribusiness leadershipWhat high-performance culture looks like in practice and why feedback is central to successHow Halter uses virtual fencing and animal insights to transform livestock managementThe three biggest drivers of value for farmers: pasture utilisation, labour efficiency, and animal healthWhy adopting new technology requires trust, clear outcomes and a willingness to changeHow innovation is reshaping the future of livestock farming and creating new opportunities across agricultureThe importance of leadership, ownership and accountability in building successful teamsWhy agriculture needs more people focused on solving industry challenges rather than following traditional career pathsChapters:00:00 Introduction to Halter and Hamish Irvine02:05 Career Path and Early Experiences04:37 The Importance of Diverse Experiences08:37 Reflections on Career Choices10:37 Leadership and Team Building at Halter12:17 Transitioning to Halter: Embracing Change20:13 High-Performance Culture at Halter26:56 The Art of Feedback and Communication30:18 The Birth of Halter: A Journey from Dairy Farming to Tech Innovation34:37 Expanding Horizons: Halter's Growth in Australia37:36 Understanding Farmer Needs: The Halter Approach39:59 Building Trust: Overcoming Skepticism in Agriculture43:45 Transformational Technology: The Future of Farming46:42 Bridging Agriculture and Technology: The Ideal Candidate48:07 The Future of Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

This business spotlight episode is a practical deep dive into the Regional Investment Corporation, how it works, why it exists, and how it’s helping farmers manage risk and build stronger businesses.CEO John Howard shares his journey across agriculture, food, and finance and breaks down how concessional loans can provide breathing room during tough seasons and create opportunities for long-term growth.This episode explains what RIC does, who it’s for, and how farmers can access loans to improve cash flow, rebuild after hardship, or enter the industry. For anyone in agriculture looking to better manage risk, understand finance options, or plan for the future, this is a practical and highly relevant conversation.RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times.Key insights from the conversation:What the Regional Investment Corporation is (and isn’t)The role of concessional finance in agricultureManaging risk through drought, flood, and volatilityWhy timing and preparation matter when accessing financeThe reality of farm business resilience in AustraliaChapters:00:00 Spotlight on Regional Investment Corporation01:30 Understanding RIC's Role in Agriculture03:49 Navigating Hardship and Opportunities06:57 Demand Trends in Australian Agriculture10:49 Innovative Loan Products for Farmers13:03 The RIC Team and Customer Experience14:53 RIC vs Traditional Banks15:34 Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers18:11 Future of Agriculture and Succession Planning19:34 Success Stories from RIC Customers23:09 Practical Steps for Engaging with RIC Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

The Tom & Mick Show is back!! With a timely livestock market update as rain finally arrives across much of eastern Australia and confidence begins returning to the paddock.Tom and Mick are joined once again by Riverina livestock agent James Tierney from Riverina Livestock Agents to unpack what's happening in the cattle and sheep markets, how producers are approaching restocking, and whether the lessons from recent seasons will influence decision-making this time around.From record lamb contracts and surging cattle prices to breeder shortages, restocker demand and the outlook for the next 12–24 months, James provides a practical perspective from the front line of the livestock industry.In this episode:James Tierney and Riverina Livestock AgentsOverview of RLA and its role across southern NSW and VictoriaOperating from Wagga Wagga with a livestock footprint extending across eastern AustraliaCurrent seasonal conditions across the Riverina and southern AustraliaWhy many producers are experiencing one of the strongest starts to winter in recent memoryLivestock markets gaining momentumLamb contracts reaching up to $12.80/kgStrong processor demand continuing across both sheep and cattleWhy cattle markets received a major boost following recent rainfallThe significant lift seen in southern saleyards over recent weeksRestocking and rebuilding numbersHow traders and breeders are approaching the current marketWhy breeder numbers remain well below historical levelsThe impact of drought-driven livestock liquidation over recent yearsWhere producers are still finding opportunities in the marketThe cattle outlookWhy many cattle haven't disappeared... they've simply found a new postcodeLarge movements of livestock from northern regions into southern AustraliaThe risks of chasing expensive restocker cattleLessons learned from the cattle market correction of 2023Could we see $2,000 weaner steers again?Sheep markets and supply challengesWhy sheep producers may be among the biggest beneficiaries of current conditionsThe impact of reduced breeding ewe numbers across AustraliaStrong mutton prices and ongoing supply constraintsWhy retaining breeding stock is becoming increasingly attractiveJames' outlook for lamb and mutton markets over the next two yearsManaging risk in a rising marketThe danger of letting green grass drive decision-makingWhy discipline remains critical during periods of optimismBalancing opportunity with caution as prices strengthenThe importance of understanding seasonal risk in livestock enterprisesFeeding systems and future opportunitiesThe growing role of containment feeding and on-farm finishing systemsWhy more producers are retaining stock longer rather than selling into weak marketsThe economics of feeding cattle through market downturnsBuilding flexibility into livestock businessesKey takeawaysRain has rapidly improved confidence and livestock demand across much of eastern AustraliaBreeder numbers remain historically tight, supporting medium-term market fundamentalsSheep supply is likely to remain constrained for several yearsCattle markets remain highly dependent on seasonal conditions and producer confidenceStrong markets create opportunities, but discipline and risk management remain essentialThis episode is packed with practical market insight for livestock producers, agents, traders and rural businesses navigating changing seasonal conditions. It's a valuable conversation on rebuilding confidence, managing risk and understanding where the next opportunities may emerge across Australia's sheep and cattle sectors. Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Nathan Potter, CEO of Pavilion Farms, to unpack the future of precision agriculture and why Pavilion Farms is now searching for an AgTech Lead to help shape the next chapter of the business.From growing up on chicken farms in Victoria to building a career in management consulting with PwC across Australia and London, Nathan shares the journey that brought him back to the family business and how Pavilion Farms has grown into a large-scale operation focused on innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.Nathan explains why he sees poultry farming as “the Formula 1 of agriculture” and how emerging technologies, AI, and real-time monitoring are creating new opportunities to improve animal welfare, farm performance, and operational consistency at scale.The conversation also dives into Pavilion Farms’ newly created AgTech Lead role, the mindset they are looking for in candidates, and why curiosity, systems thinking, and a willingness to solve problems matter more than coming from a traditional farming background.This episode is designed to give candidates and listeners a genuine insight into the business, the people, the opportunity, and Nathan’s vision for the future of agriculture.If you’d like to learn more about Pavilion Farms or the AgTech Lead opportunity, head to https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/agtech-lead-precision--cgk9The role is live now, and we’d love to hear from anyone interested in the future of agriculture and technology.Key insights from the conversation:How Pavilion Farms grew from a family farm into a large-scale poultry businessWhy Nathan left consulting in London to return to agricultureThe role AI and technology could play in poultry farmingWhy poultry is one of the most data-driven sectors in agricultureWhat the AgTech Lead role will focus on day to dayThe importance of curiosity, innovation, and continuous improvementHow technology can improve consistency, welfare, and efficiency at scaleWhy Nathan believes agriculture offers endless opportunities to solve problemsChapters:00:00 Introduction to Pavilion Farms and AgTech Lead Role04:57 Evolution of Pavilion Farms and Industry Changes10:10 Dynamic Between Nathan and His Father in Business12:58 Balancing Family and Business Responsibilities17:14 Precision Agriculture: The Formula 1 of Farming21:07 Team Structure and Operations at Pavilion Farms21:45 Future Opportunities and Technological Evolution in Poultry Farming23:24 Harnessing Technology for Poultry Management25:01 The Role of Ag Tech Lead26:28 Fast Tracking Innovation in Poultry28:15 Understanding the Current Technology Landscape30:46 Incremental Improvements in Poultry Farming32:14 Consistency and Efficiency in Production34:30 The Ideal Candidate for Ag Tech36:06 Passion for Agriculture and Family Legacy37:53 Building Relationships and Change Management38:59 Early Wins and Data-Driven Decisions41:00 Balancing On-Farm and Desk Work43:01 The Importance of Location in Poultry Farming44:08 Recruitment Process and Future Opportunities Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre shares a very different kind of conversation, part late-night reflection, part Instagram live announcement, as he opens up about a major shift happening at Humans of Agriculture.Parlty recorded at 2am and continued via an Instagram Live, this episode captures a raw and honest moment behind the scenes at Humans of Agriculture. Oli takes listeners through the evolution of the business over the past seven years, the challenges of building a sustainable model through storytelling alone, and the decision to step fully into recruitment.It’s a conversation about growth, discomfort, and backing a new direction, not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary.This episode is about taking action, building something sustainable, and redefining how agriculture attracts its next generation of talent.Key insights from the conversation:Evolution of Humans of Agriculture into a recruitment platformThe importance of storytelling and community in agricultureStrategies for attracting and showcasing talent in agThe role of video content and social media in recruitmentFuture vision for Humans of Agriculture and industry impactChapters:00:00 Introduction: Oli's Wake-Up Call00:29 The Business Evolution at Humans of Agriculture01:26 Building a Stronger Foundation with New Team Members02:19 Humans of Agriculture as a Recruitment Business03:42 Sharing the Exciting New Chapter04:12 The Sector's Opportunities and Challenges05:08 The Next Evolution in Agriculture Storytelling06:07 Why Recruitment Is the Future for Humans of Ag07:35 The Power of Content and Community in Recruitment09:01 Why Now Is the Right Time for Recruitment Focus09:57 Using Video Content to Promote Jobs and Culture11:25 The Impact of Authentic Content on Talent Attraction13:21 Backing the Recruitment Strategy14:16 Vision for the Next 10 Years in Agriculture15:15 The Importance of Sharing Opportunities and Stories16:13 Conclusion: Staying Committed to the Journey Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

(Image: Supplied)In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Sarah McDonald, Head of Sustainable Impact at Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino) to unpack the reality behind sustainable wool.Sarah sits at the intersection of growers and global brands, her role is to translate what’s happening on farm into credible, measurable data that brands can trust and consumers can believe. From regenerative frameworks and biodiversity metrics to digital traceability and global legislation, this conversation explores how wool is being repositioned in a rapidly evolving sustainability landscape.Sarah unpacks the tensions between profitability and expectations, the challenge of comparing natural and synthetic fibres, and why clear communication across the value chain is more important than ever.This is a deep look into the systems, science and strategy shaping the future of wool.Key insights from the conversationWhy wool sits at the centre of a complex global system connecting growers brands and sustainability expectations across continentsWhat ZQ and ZQ+ actually measure on farm from biodiversity and soil health to credible market ready dataThe balancing act between farmers and brands navigating productivity and rising sustainability demandsWhy sustainability is really about risk driven by banks insurers and legislation more than consumersThe challenge of measuring impact in agriculture with seasonality and long timelines versus short term expectationsHow technology is transforming traceability by tracking wool from farm to garment using digital systemsNatural versus synthetic fibres and why emissions accounting can disadvantage woolChapters:00:00 Intro & episode overview02:15 Sarah’s role & measuring on-farm sustainability03:13 What Zentera (NZ Merino) does04:18 Bridging farmers and global brands05:07 Farm reality vs global expectations07:21 Sustainability timelines: short vs long term08:15 How sustainability is measured on farm09:35 Global pressure, risk & regulation12:16 Differences across NZ, AUS & South Africa13:53 The challenge of data collection15:17 Food vs fashion sustainability gap17:42 Tech, traceability & supply chains20:48 Natural vs synthetic fibres debate23:25 Careers in sustainability & Sarah’s journey29:51 Animal welfare, mulesing & industry pressure36:43 Outro & closing remarks Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

Charlie Blomfield isn’t just building a farm business, he’s building a voice that agriculture can’t afford to ignore.In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Charlie Blomfield at Boridgeree, just outside Canowindra in Central West NSW. Farmer, business owner, marketer and one of the most talked-about voices in Australian agriculture right now, Charlie shares what’s driving him, how he’s built GreatHAY, and why he’s chosen to step so publicly into conversations around ag, media and advocacy.From growing up in a tough era for agriculture, to working across Northern Australia and the Middle East, to building a modern mixed farming and hay business from the ground up, Charlie’s story is shaped by curiosity, conviction and a willingness to back himself.But this conversation goes beyond the farm gate.It explores the role agriculture must play in telling its story better, why traditional industry communication is falling behind, and how humour, clarity and honesty are helping Charlie connect with audiences far beyond agriculture.This episode is about leadership, relevance, building teams, making hard decisions under pressure, and why the future of agriculture depends on more people being willing to speak in ways the rest of the country can actually understand.Key insights from the conversationHow Charlie went from asset management and private equity to building BoridgereeWhy water security and flexibility shaped their move to CanowindraThe evolution of Boridgeree from mixed farming into a branded hay businessWhy GreatHAY was built around simplicity, clarity and cut-throughHow social media became more than marketing and turned into a platform for advocacyWhat agriculture gets wrong when it tries to communicate with the broader publicWhy humour, character and storytelling are powerful tools for building trustHow Charlie thinks about leadership, team culture and accountability on farmThe value of coaching, perspective and creating time for what matters mostWhy agriculture needs more voices that are credible, human and willing to say what they really thinkChapters:00:02 Introduction and why this conversation matters02:03 Who Charlie is and what drives him05:13 Growing up in ag and forging his own path06:21 Global experiences and gaining perspective10:30 Starting in business and backing himself early12:00 Moving into farming and building Boridgeree14:16 Water strategy and evolving the farm business17:35 Building GreatHAY and the power of simplicity20:27 Social media, storytelling and cutting through22:57 Building teams, culture and leadership27:47 Coaching, performance and managing priorities34:31 Stepping into media and why ag comms is broken40:10 Using influence to drive change in agriculture46:28 Momentum, opportunity and staying relevant53:18 Decision-making, perspective and what matters most01:00:05 Advice for the next generation and future of ag Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

What if agriculture’s biggest opportunity isn’t on farm, but in the classroom?In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Scott Graham, Head of Agriculture at Barker College in Sydney. From a a student base that’s almost entirely from the city, Scott has built the largest Year 12 agriculture cohort in Australia, completely reshaping how young people see the industry.Scott isn't focused on just one school, he is also completing a PhD focused on engaging metropolitan students in agriculture, and what he’s learned challenges how the entire industry thinks about talent, careers and perception.This conversation dives into what’s holding agriculture back from attracting the next generation and what needs to change if we’re serious about building the workforce of the future.Key insights from the conversationWhy agriculture needs to move beyond farming stereotypes to attract urban talentHow Barker turned agriculture into one of the most in-demand courses in the schoolThe missed opportunity: 70% of ag careers exist off-farm, yet most students never see themWhy “plate to paddock” is a more powerful way to teach agriculture than traditional approachesWhat Scott’s PhD through Charles Sturt Uni reveals about the biggest barrier to students choosing agHow parent perceptions can make or break subject selectionThe rise of agribusiness, agtech and city-based careers among studentsWhy even small increases in student numbers can have a huge impact on the future workforceChapters:00:00 Introduction and why this conversation matters02:17 Scott’s journey and influence as an educator04:15 Reimagining agriculture for urban students08:39 Purpose, passion and careers in agriculture10:54 Transforming Barker’s agriculture program13:54 Changing perceptions and building credibility17:56 The role of industry in showcasing careers21:28 Off-farm opportunities and the future workforce24:44 What today’s students are interested in27:44 The rise of agribusiness and agtech pathways32:29 Scott’s PhD and understanding student engagement36:31 Barriers to scaling agriculture in urban schools39:30 Rethinking how agriculture is introduced to students42:17 “Plate to paddock” and making ag relatable46:55 Key findings from Scott’s research50:29 Why narrative matters for the future of ag52:34 What keeps Scott motivated Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

(Image: Supplied)In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli and Mick Corcoran sit down with Angus Street, CEO of Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino), for a full-circle conversation on leadership, legacy, and the future of wool.From growing up on a farm in northern NSW to navigating job loss during the GFC, launching startups in China, and leading major ag businesses, Angus shares an honest reflection on a career shaped by curiosity, risk, and relationships.Now at the helm of Zentera, Angus unpacks the company’s evolution from a grower-led wool collective into a global, purpose-driven brand focused on traceability, sustainability, and premium markets. He explains why the wool industry must fight for relevance in a synthetic-dominated world, and how consumer trends in Europe, China, and the US are creating new opportunities.The conversation dives deep into leadership, what it takes to step into an existing culture as CEO, why “discovery before diagnosis” matters, and the importance of putting people at the centre of transformation.This episode is equal parts strategy, storytelling, and self-reflection - grounded in agriculture but globally relevant.Key insights from the conversationAngus Street’s journey from journalism to global ag leadershipLessons from failure and starting businesses in ChinaThe evolution of New Zealand Merino into ZenteraWhat “whakapapa” means in a business contextHow wool is competing in a synthetic-dominated marketLeadership lessons: curiosity, culture, and managing changeWhy the future of wool depends on collaboration and storytellingChapters:00:00 Intro & Why This Conversation Matters02:10 Meet Angus Street03:50 Early Career, China & AuctionsPlus Journey08:00 From NZ Merino to Zenterra: The Rebrand11:30 What Zenterra Does & Global Brand Partnerships14:40 Moving to NZ & Leading an Existing Team18:05 First 90 Days as CEO: Curiosity Over Action21:00 Culture, Change & Leadership Lessons26:40 Global Wool Demand & Market Trends30:45 Premiums, Growers & Industry Challenges33:40 The Future of Wool: Niche or Opportunity?35:20 Dream Job, Family & Life on the Land38:40 Wrap Up Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

As fuel pressure builds across parts of regional Australia, we wanted to step into the conversation in a way that is clear, factual and useful. Not to add to panic, but to help our audience understand what is actually happening, what it means for agriculture, and what bigger questions this moment is exposing around resilience, preparedness and national priorities.And when it comes to conversations like this, Andrew Henderson is one of our go-to voices.Andrew is the founder and principal of AgSecure and has built his career working across biosecurity, national resilience and the vulnerabilities that sit inside the systems agriculture depends on. He brings a rare combination of strategic insight, practical understanding and calm analysis, which is exactly what a topic like this needs.In this episode, Andrew helps unpack the current fuel challenge facing Australian agriculture and Australia more broadly. He explains how the fuel system works, why regional areas are feeling the pressure first, what the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act means, and why this is about much more than a temporary supply scare.This is a conversation about fuel, but it is also a conversation about resilience, leadership and the reality of operating in a world that is becoming less stable, less predictable and more exposed to disruption.In this episode, we cover:Why the fuel challenge matters to Australian agriculture right nowWhy Andrew Henderson was the right person to help unpack itHow Australia’s fuel system actually worksWhy regional Australia feels these pressures firstWhat the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act means in practiceWhy this moment is exposing bigger resilience gaps in the systemWhat farmers and agricultural businesses should be thinking about next Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

Johno Mackay grew up remote in the Northern Territory, shaped by hard work, risk-taking parents, and a deep love for the bush. In this conversation, Johno shares the path from School of the Air and station life to building a contract mustering and fencing business in Northern Australia, before an accident in his team pushed him into an entirely new chapter: ag tech.What followed was the creation of JobSafe Pro, a practical safety and compliance platform designed to help agricultural businesses simplify paperwork, think more clearly about risk, and build stronger safety systems without adding more complexity.This episode is about far more than an app. It is about backing yourself young, learning to lead, finding opportunity in tough moments, and recognising that agriculture today can open more doors than ever before. Johno also shares his belief in the value of the North, the importance of mentors, and why the people who get ahead are often the ones willing to work hard, show initiative, and keep having a crack.It is a grounded and forward-looking conversation about agriculture, ambition, safety, and building something meaningful from the bush.In this episode we coverGrowing up remote in the Northern Territory and the influence of familyLife after School of the Air and heading to Emerald Ag CollegeStarting a contract mustering business at 21Building a life and business in Northern AustraliaThe opportunity that still exists for young people in the NorthLessons in work ethic, leadership and earning trustA serious workplace accident and the reality of risk in agricultureWhy farm safety needs more attention across the sectorTurning a hard experience into the idea for JobSafe ProWhat Johno learned through Farmers2FoundersBuilding partnerships with AgForce and EldersBringing Patrick into the business after a life-changing accidentWhy the future of agriculture will belong to people willing to learn, move and adapt Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, we dive deep into the innovative world of AMPS Agribusiness. Join us as we sit down with Tony Lockrey, a seasoned agronomist and leader who has dedicated decades to the fields of Northern New South Wales. Tony takes us "under the hood" of AMPS's unique, grower-led model that fast-tracks agricultural research from institutions directly into the paddock.We explore how AMPS has built a seamless ecosystem connecting research, agronomy, and commercial supply. Tony shares the fascinating story of Lancer wheat, a variety that became a regional powerhouse thanks to intensive, localised trials. Beyond the science, we discuss the evolving role of an agronomist, the importance of nurturing the next generation through a "job-first" education model, and the unparalleled value of a business owned and driven by the growers themselves.Chapter Markings[0:00] Introduction: AMPS Agribusiness and the Grower-Led Model.[1:15] Tony Lockrey's Evolution: From Technical Specialist to People Leader.[3:45] The Power of Relationships: When Customers Become Family and Shareholders.[5:10] Research in the Ute: Bringing the Lab to the Paddock.[7:20] Managing the Next Generation: Moving Out of the Way for Growth.[9:05] The Lancer Story: How Localised Research Accelerates Variety Adoption.[12:30] The "How-To" Grow Guide: Turning Data into Decisions in One Season.[14:15] The Origins of AMPS: A Response to Declining Institutional Research.[17:00] Commercial Synergy: Linking Supply, Procurement, and Paddock Outcomes.[19:40] Scientific Rigour: 30,000 Plots a Year and Statistical Significance.[22:15] Paddock Geography: Understanding Elevation, Frost, and Time of Sow.[25:30] Developing the "Agronomy Eye": Training the Future of Ag.[28:10] The Changing Face of Education: Work-First, Degree-Second.[31:00] Building a Safe and Cohesive Team Culture.[34:15] The Resilience of Australian Growers: Innovation Born of Necessity.[37:00] Pride in Cohesion: Six Branches, One Mission.[39:30] Upcoming Events: Winter Crop Reviews and Research Membership. Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

For decades, Australian agriculture has operated within a set of conditions that quietly shaped its success - stable geopolitics, expanding global trade, predictable markets, and steady productivity gains.That era is ending.In this conversation, Tim Hunt joins Oli Le Lievre to unpack the global forces reshaping food and agriculture right now, from geopolitics and trade fragmentation to climate volatility and rapid technological change. With a career spanning banking, economics, and international agriculture, Tim brings a clear-eyed, global perspective on why these shifts are structural, not cyclical - and what that means for producers, agribusiness leaders, and the wider food system.Recorded just one week out from evokeAG 2026, where Tim and Oli will be part of the MC team alongside Liz Brennan, this episode is about making sense of a changing world - and asking how Australian agriculture adapts, evolves, and leads in what comes next.In This Episode, We ExploreWhy the conditions that built modern Australian agriculture are no longer guaranteedHow geopolitics, trade, climate, and technology are colliding to reshape food systemsWhy these shifts represent long-term structural change, not short-term cyclesThe role realism plays in building resilient farm businesses and industriesWhy agriculture sits at the centre of global economics, politics, and cultureHow a top-down view of the world complements on-farm decision-makingTechnology as agriculture’s most important tailwind in an increasingly volatile eraWhat real value-adding looks like beyond branding and provenanceWhy adaptation, not protection, has always underpinned Australia’s agricultural successThe role events like evokeAG play in helping the industry respond collectively Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way. Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming. With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business. Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying. Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.