Humans of Agriculture

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Blair Davies, Assistant Commercial Manager at Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino Company), for a conversation that spans five decades in the wool industry.Blair’s story is one of deep industry knowledge, long-term commitment, and an enduring passion for natural fibre. From working in wool stores as a student to spending 23 years with the same company, he’s witnessed firsthand the evolution of wool, from manual classing to data-driven testing, and from local markets to global brand partnerships.Recorded in the Christchurch wool stores, this episode explores how the industry has changed, what still matters when assessing a fleece, and why, despite disruption and competition from synthetics, wool continues to hold a powerful place in the future of textiles.This conversation is about experience, perspective, and a lifelong belief in the value of wool.Key insights from the conversation:Blair Davies’ 50-year journey in the wool industryWhat’s changed (and what hasn’t) in wool classing and fibre assessmentThe evolution from visual appraisal to data-driven testingWhy natural fibres like wool are regaining consumer attentionThe role of growers and ownership in shaping the industryHow Zentera is evolving into a global brand beyond New ZealandWhy relationships with growers remain at the heart of the businessSkills and pathways for young people entering the wool industryChapters:00:00 Intro & Blair’s Journey02:10 Early Days & Industry Evolution05:54 Working with Growers06:54 How to Assess a Fleece08:29 Skills for the Next Generation09:23 The Shift to Zentera & Future Vision

The Tom & Mick show continues with a practical conversation on livestock trading, grazing systems, business resilience and long-term decision making.Tom and Mick are joined by Nigel Kerin, CEO of Kerin Ag, to unpack how his business approaches livestock trading, forward contracts, pasture management, Wagyu, and the systems that drive profitability through both dry and strong seasons.From the role of grass budgets and forward pricing to lessons from drought, inflation and on-farm technology, Nigel shares a grounded look at what it takes to build a resilient livestock business.In this episode:Nigel’s background and Kerin AgCentral west NSW grazing business based south of DubboKerin Ag founded through succession in 2007Built around Merinos, a newer Wagyu seedstock arm, and a growing trading enterpriseHow the trading business worksTrading introduced as a pressure valve for seasonal variability and cashflowDecisions driven by grass budgets, not headline market pricesFocus on securing the sell price first, then finding the buyForward contracts used to remove emotion and manage downside riskWhy relationships matterThe value of strong relationships with agents, commission buyers, financiers, processors and transportersCreating win-win outcomes across the supply chainWhy trust and consistency matter when operating at speed in trading marketsThe 2020 lamb tradeLocking in a $9/kg dressed weight JBS contract as drought brokeContracting 15,800 lambs before owning any of themHow forward pricing protected the business when the spot market later fell sharplyA defining trade that helped get the business back in the blackShould every livestock producer trade?Nigel’s view: absolutely notWhy trading needs systems, rules, finance and disciplineThe danger of trading without forward pricing or without enough grassTechnology and grazing systemsRegular pasture analysis every 10–14 days in growing periodsUsing OptiWeigh, soil moisture probes and grazing data to drive decisionsThe emergence of a new grazing app Nigel describes as potentially “the auto-steer for grazing”Why Kerin Ag moved into WagyuReturn on grass as a major driverLower adult cow weight and efficiency compared with larger framed alternativesTaking a long-game view on Wagyu economics rather than reacting to short-term cyclesInflation and on-farm economicsNigel’s estimate that on-farm inflation has run at 7.8% annually post-COVIDWhy understanding business cost inflation is critical to decision makingThe importance of introducing structural change in good times, not when under pressureKey business lessonsSystems matter more than goals on their ownFeed efficiency and speed of turnover are central to profitIn agriculture, long-term averages matter more than short-term noise“Don’t run out of grass” remains one of the core rules of a successful trading businessThis episode is full of practical insight for livestock producers, graziers, advisors, seedstock operators and ag businesses thinking about risk, trading, pasture utilisation and long-term business performance. It’s a valuable conversation on how to build guardrails, use data well, and make better decisions through changing seasons and volatile conditions.

This is a special Humans of Agriculture “radio-style” episode recorded at CommBank’s Cultivate event in the Hunter Valley — bringing together voices from across the agricultural supply chain.Across four mini-conversations, we unpack the key forces shaping modern agriculture: Innovation and ag tech adoption Succession and family business transition Financial strategy and risk Market dynamics and global demand This episode captures the energy of the room — where farmers, advisors, innovators, and financiers are all working toward a stronger, more resilient industry.👥 Featured GuestsRoddy Brown (CommBank) — Why Cultivate exists and the importance of next-generation farmers Bill Mitchell (Optiweigh) — Turning a farm frustration into a global ag tech business Glenn Calder (Viridian Financial Group) — Practical realities of succession, structure, and long-term planning Tash Greenwood (CommBank) — Supply chain insights and why there’s still strong optimism in agriculture 🔑 Key Themes Why bringing the right people together matters more than ever The shift from intuition to data-driven decision-making The reality of ag tech adoption — and why effort still matters Succession as the most important (and often avoided) conversation in farming Structuring farm businesses for long-term success and risk management The role of global markets and why demand for Australian agriculture remains strong The growing importance of communication, leadership, and peopleChapters:00:00 Introduction and context from CommBank Cultivate 02:10 Roddy Brown on why Cultivate exists and next generation focus 07:20 Innovation in agriculture and the role of technology 08:10 Bill Mitchell on building Optiweigh from a farm problem 12:30 Lessons in ag tech adoption and customer-driven insights 16:30 Why succession remains agriculture’s biggest challenge 17:40 Glenn Calder on structuring farm businesses and managing risk 20:40 Practical steps to start succession and investment conversations 23:00 Empowering teams and building scalable businesses 25:50 Tash Greenwood on supply chains and market confidence 28:00 Global demand, volatility, and optimism in agriculture 30:40 Reflections on community, collaboration, and the future of ag 32:30 Final takeaways from CommBank Cultivate

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, we sit down with Jack Ternouth, Head of Commercial Operations at Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino Company), for a conversation that captures what’s possible when curiosity, grit, and opportunity collide in agriculture.Jack didn’t grow up on a farm, but through sheer determination and a willingness to learn, he’s built a career from the ground up in one of the most complex and globally connected parts of the ag industry. From classing wool and working alongside growers to now leading commercial conversations with global brands, his journey is a powerful example of what’s possible in ag today.On this episode, we explore what it takes to build a career in agriculture without a traditional background, the critical role of mentorship, and why value creation - not scale - is the future for countries like Australia and New Zealand. Jack also shares how Zentera is helping create more certainty for growers in a volatile market through traceability, long-term contracts, and global brand partnerships.This episode is about ambition, learning on the go, and the next generation shaping agriculture’s future.Key insights from the conversation:Jack Ternouth’s journey from outsider to commercial leader in the wool industryWhy curiosity, hunger, and alignment matter more than backgroundThe power of mentorship in accelerating a career in agricultureHow Zentera is creating stability for growers in volatile marketsWhy storytelling still matters in a data-driven worldThe shift from commodity to value-added agricultureThe importance of traceability, certification, and global consumer trustOpportunities for young people to build careers in ag without farming rootsChapters:00:00 Intro & Why This Conversation Matters01:48 Jack’s Background: From Zimbabwe to New Zealand04:10 Starting at NZ Merino & Learning the Wool Industry06:30 Moving Into Commercial & Global Brand Relationships08:05 Advice for Young People Entering Agriculture09:40 Learning the Industry Without a Farming Background11:30 Storytelling vs Data in Modern Agriculture12:45 Zentera’s Growth & Global Strategy14:40 Certifications, Traceability & Market Access16:20 Supporting Growers & Moving Away from Mulesing18:10 Volatility, Contracts & Creating Certainty20:15 The Future of Wool & Global Demand22:10 Long-Term Vision for the Industry24:10 Opportunities for the Next Generation in Ag25:45 Wrap Up

What happens when you put nature first in a cattle business?In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Carly Baker-Burnham from Bonnie Doone Beef in Queensland’s North Burnett. Together with her husband Grant, Carly has helped reshape their grazing operation by focusing on landscape health, intensive rotational grazing and long-term stewardship.That shift eventually led them to take part in one of Australia’s early soil carbon projects, resulting in one of the country’s largest issuances of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). But beyond the headlines, Carly shares what actually matters: improving soil, increasing biodiversity and building a business that works with nature.This conversation explores the realities behind soil carbon, the importance of measurement and scientific rigor, and why observation of the land remains one of a farmer’s most powerful tools.Key insights from the conversationWhy shifting to a nature-first approach transformed productivity and nearly tripled production on the same land baseThe practical changes behind their grazing system: more paddocks, rest for pastures and better dataInside one of Australia’s early soil carbon projects, including the measurement, audits and long timelines involvedWhy Carly welcomes scepticism around carbon claims and the importance of science-backed resultsThe role farmers can play in removing carbon from the atmosphere through healthy soilsWhy observation and connection to the land remain critical for better decision makingChapters:00:00 Introduction and life at Bonnie Doone 03:58 Family history and finding their path in agriculture 08:19 Succession, family business and hard decisions 13:22 Moving from reactive farming to strategic business thinking 16:13 Practical grazing changes and adopting a nature-first approach 21:26 Inside Bonnie Doone’s soil carbon project 29:02 Carbon claims, scepticism, and scientific rigour 33:08 Involving the next generation in environmental stewardship 35:05 Where farmers can start with soil carbon thinking 37:57 What Carly is most proud of today

A short sharp and quick chat with the 2026 Zanda McDonald Award Winners.2026 Winners:Karn Dhaliwal (NZ): Founder and owner of Ohinewai Harvest Ltd and Dhaliwal Ag Ltd in Waikato, recognised for his entrepreneurial approach to horticulture.Bryce Neyland (AU): A civil engineer for Select Harvests in New South Wales, focused on large-scale, transformative rural developments and almond orchard infrastructure.Bryce Neyland, 35, from Gol Gol in New South Wales, is a civil engineer for Select Harvests, leading projects across their almond orchards and processing facility. Combining a farming background with strong engineering and project management expertise, he manages large scale, transformative rural developments.Karn Dhaliwal, 32, from Te Hoe in Waikato, is the founder and owner of Ohinewai Harvest Ltd and Dhaliwal Ag Ltd. He has built a diverse horticultural and cropping business and is recognised for his entrepreneurial approach to growing, leadership within the vegetable industry and commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation in horticulture.Zanda McDonald Award Chairman Shane McManaway said both winners demonstrated outstanding leadership and a strong vision for the future of the primary industries.

Australian agriculture runs on more than crops, livestock, and markets. It runs on people and communities.In this episode, Skye Ward shares the story behind the Rabobank Community Fund, a program designed to invest directly into grassroots initiatives across rural and regional Australia.Since launching in 2021, the fund has invested over $4 million into projects that strengthen leadership, improve wellbeing, and support the resilience of rural communities.Skye also shares her personal story of growing up in the Monaro region, the experience of moving towns and building community as an adult, and why belonging remains one of the most powerful drivers of strong rural places.From succession workshops and financial literacy programs to melanoma skin-check trucks and simple community events that bring people together, the fund supports practical initiatives that make a real difference on the groundThis conversation highlights why investing in people and community capability is just as important as investing in farms and businesses.In this episode we exploreWhy strong communities underpin successful agricultural regionsThe thinking behind the Rabobank Community FundHow grassroots funding creates real impact on the groundExamples of initiatives supported across rural AustraliaThe role of leadership development and wellbeing programsWhy collaboration and community capability matter for agriculture’s futureFind out more & apply now!!Applications for the 2026 Rabobank Community Fund close on 15 March.If you’re part of a local group, community initiative, or organisation looking to make an impact, this could be the opportunity to bring your idea to life.Learn more and apply via rabobank.com.au.

Season 4 of Monthly Markets opens with a strong pulse check across livestock, wool, property and grain.Tom and Mick begin with:Wagga sheep market strength, with mutton pushing 7.50–8.00 and trade lambs over 10.50The Eastern Market Indicator hitting 1677 cents — a two-year recordCattle prices holding firm at GunnedahMajor rural property listings across NSW and QLD, including Springfield, Bogo, Glenfinnan, and Goodar StationThen they’re joined by Tommy Taylor from Clear Grain Exchange for a deep dive into the grain landscape.In this episode:How Clear Grain Exchange worksEmpowering growers to set their own target pricesBringing 140+ buyers into a single digital marketplaceSecure settlement and title retention for reduced counterparty riskDigitised documentation simplifying compliance and accounting2025–26 Harvest ReviewRecord WA cropStrong Northern NSW and QLD yieldsChickpeas, lentils and canola performing wellBarley trading near parity with wheat in some regionsGlobal Market PressuresArgentina’s 30 million tonne wheat crop flooding lower-spec marketsFreight advantages favouring WA exportersStocks-to-use ratios tightening globally despite current surplusesOn-Farm Storage TrendsIncreased investment in storage infrastructureGrowers holding grain as both a price strategy and drought hedgeRisks and costs of multi-year carryChina & CanolaFirst canola exports to China since 2020Political risk remains, but diversified export markets provide resilienceFeedlots & Domestic DemandPotential 6 million head on feedFeedlots becoming a major structural demand driverBarley strength in northern markets driven by ration preferencesTommy’s AdviceDon’t miss opportunitiesSet target pricesVolatility creates upside for prepared sellersThis episode is essential listening for growers, traders, feedlot operators, advisors and agribusiness professionals planning for the year ahead.

Millie Moore didn’t leave her job because she was unhappy. She left because she was curious.After four and a half years in a corporate ag role, Millie made a decision that many people talk about but few actually take. She quit, moved to Canada, and went ranching to properly immerse herself in the beef industry and test herself on the ground.That choice led to something bigger. In this episode, Millie shares how ranch life in Alberta opened doors to meat judging, scholarships, and ultimately a fully funded Masters in meat science at the University of Illinois.This conversation explores career risk, confidence, building networks without a farming background, and why agriculture offers far more pathways than most people realise. It also kicks off a year-long series with Millie, where she’ll continue to share what she’s learning across the US, Canada, and Australia.⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Quitting a corporate job to go ranching02:10 — University, early career, and choosing what not to do03:20 — Why Millie stayed 4.5 years in her first role04:40 — The fear and reality of moving overseas06:30 — First impressions of ranch life in Canada08:45 — Canada vs the US beef industry09:05 — Not coming from a farming background10:30 — “If you want to be in beef, go be in beef”11:40 — How Millie built her network from scratch13:40 — Why agriculture feels hard to break into (and why it isn’t)15:20 — Dealing with rejection and imposter syndrome19:55 — Meat judging and why it shapes so many careers22:10 — The US meat judging circuit explained24:40 — Sponsorship, alumni, and industry support26:20 — Returning to study and why Illinois made sense28:30 — What’s next and a year of conversations ahead

Clancy Mackay’s story is one of the most extraordinary ever shared on Humans of Agriculture and there’s a reason it remains our most downloaded episode of all time.This is a full re release of our most listened to episode ever.In this conversation, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Clancy Mackay to share one of the most extraordinary stories ever told on Humans of Agriculture.From growing up off grid in the Northern Territory with no power or running water, to breaking horses, mustering cattle, riding saddle broncs in the US, flying helicopters across remote Australia, and navigating profound personal loss, Clancy’s journey is raw, confronting, and deeply human.This episode explores resilience beyond the buzzword. It is about grit, grief, purpose, and learning how to keep moving forward when life repeatedly tests you. It is also about respect for animals, people, and place, and why calm leadership and deep understanding matter more than force or ego.Why this episode mattersClancy’s story is not polished or comfortable. It is honest.It reminds us that agriculture is built on people who endure, adapt, and keep showing up. People shaped by hardship, curiosity, and responsibility rather than shortcuts or certainty.This is an episode to sit with. An episode to return to. And an episode worth sharing.

In today’s episode, I wanted to do something a little different and share an update on where Humans of Agriculture is heading. Over the last six years we’ve told hundreds of stories and met thousands of people, and it’s clear that the beating heart of our work isn’t just the stories themselves, but the people behind them.We’re stepping into a new chapter. One that builds on our storytelling roots, but focuses more deliberately on careers, connection, and helping people see what’s possible for them in agriculture.After that, I sit down with two remarkable leaders. First up is Billy Slater, who shares insights on confidence, preparation, transition, and why the biggest moments require the smallest focus. Then, I chat with Adrian Capogreco, Managing Director of Nutrien Ag Solutions, about leadership, resilience, community, and the future of the industry.Episode Chapters00:00 — Welcome and Why This Episode Is Different01:20 — What’s Ahead: Upcoming Conversations and Guests02:24 — The Honest Update: Where Humans of Agriculture Is Heading04:49 — How the Project Started and Why It Still Matters06:55 — The Pivot: From Storytelling to Stories + Careers + Community08:40 — Introducing HOA Recruitment09:36 — Oli’s Personal Challenge: The Longest Resume in Agriculture10:35 - Setting Up Today’s Conversations11:00: Leadership with Billy Slater11:46 — Preparing for Transition and Backing Yourself12:55 — Earning Confidence13:34 — Overcoming Self-Doubt14:45 — Handling Big Moments15:38 — Vulnerability, Courage, and Team Culture17:00 — Positive Reinforcement and High Standards18:32 — Oli’s Reflections on Billy’s Lessons19:30 - Leadership and the Future with Adrian Capogreco19:41 — Introducing Adrian at the Nutrien Stand19:56 — Adrian’s Non-Negotiables in Leadership20:20 — A Non-Negotiable in Life: Balance20:55 — Advice for First-Time Managers21:55 — The Quirks and Strengths of Agriculture22:40 — Mindset When Things Get Tough23:45 — What’s Next for Nutrien24:45 — Wrapping Up with Adrian

In this episode, Oli sits down with Australia’s Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Julie Collins — live from the National Farmers’ Federation Conference on the Gold Coast.From her Tasmanian roots to leading one of the nation’s most important portfolios, Julie shares how her background shaped her approach to agriculture, sustainability, and community. She reflects on the government’s new Ag and Land Sector Plan, the role of programs like free TAFE and Ag Connections in building the workforce, and how storytelling can strengthen both our domestic pride and global reputation.Julie also talks candidly about being out on farms, meeting producers, and why she believes Australian agriculture is the most productive and sustainable in the world. Looking ahead, she shares her optimism for how the industry can leverage the 2032 Olympics to showcase our regions, food, and people to the world.

This month Tom and Mick catch up with New England livestock agent Mat Larkings about what he’s seeing on the ground—from post-drought price shifts to clients swapping breeding for trading. They dive into the growing interest in coastal markets, the cautious optimism among producers, and why quality stock still rules.It’s a great listen for anyone keen to understand the real dynamics behind the numbers.TakeawaysThe cattle market is experiencing fluctuations post-drought.Clients are transitioning from breeding to trading operations.Quality cattle are essential in the current market.The coastal market presents new opportunities for livestock.Caution prevails among clients regarding market investments.Rural property market is lagging behind livestock market trends.Chapters00:00 Introducing Matt Larkins: A Livestock Agent's Journey05:23 Market Insights: Cattle and Sheep Dynamics08:21 Navigating the Livestock Business: Challenges and Opportunities11:33 The Coastal Market: Expanding Horizons14:34 Future Trends: Cattle Market Predictions17:18 Cautious Optimism: Client Perspectives on Market Fluctuations20:19 Rural Property Market: A Parallel Journey23:04 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young DadsYou can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here. If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!