Humans of Agriculture

This week we are sitting down with Nick Crundall the CEO of Market Check a specialist grain marketing advisor.Nick grew up in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, his connection to agriculture was fairly minimal however today, he's determined to show kids just like him, the careers and opportunities in agriculture.Initially he wanted to be a real estate agent, it was the interest in economics that saw him apply for and be accepted to Agriculture Economics at Sydney Uni before a summer internship with Meat and Livestock Australia solidified his interest and passion in Agriculture.Since then, his career moves and interests have been well thought out, leaning on mentors, friends and the broader network to ultimately become a CEO in his mid-30's.In this episode we chat about:Leadership in an emerging agriculture businessCareer Advice and decision makingConnecting Rural and Urban AustraliansThe Vast opportunities in agricultureBuilding a career in agriculture in a capital cityCommunication, business strategy and team dynamics

Welcome back to the Humans Of Agriculture Podcast with your host, Oli Le Lievre. There is so much to unpack in this episode with Jack Milbank. He's a Father, farmer, Nuffield Scholar, beer maker, cattle breeder and agronomist... Jack reflects on the seismic shifts in Zimbabwe's economy, the loss of his family farm, and the tragic death of his mother, which prompted him to forge a new path in Australia.  “Your whole life, you think you're going to do something. For that to suddenly change in a three-month window does make you re-evaluate things pretty quickly. And you don't actually have much choice, you have to innovate”. - JackIn this conversation, Jack and Oli discuss topics, such as:Land redistribution in Zimbabwe, leading to displacement and adapting to a new futureAgriculture, breeding, and business in ZimbabweZimbabwean family farming history and adapting to changeEntrepreneurship, risk management, and community support in Australian agricultureAgriculture, self-sufficiency, and succession planningAssembling ingredients and building a community for a successful businessBuilding a cooperative agricultural businessEmbracing change and innovation in agricultureSustainable agriculture and its importanceThis episode is part of our partnership with Nuffield Australia. Over the next 12 months, we'll be sharing a variety of stories from different scholars, understanding their journeys, pathways and how their Nuffield Scholarship has helped shape their careers.

Welcome to the Humans Of Agriculture Radio! Oli and Milly sit down for a chat in this episode called... 'Moly'... 2023 has been HUGE and we have so much that we want to share with our Community. We chat about the insights from our Community Survey, mental health, Careers In Agriculture and touch on what have been some of our favourite podcasts throughout the year. Over the next few weeks we will be doing more of this, but also bringing back some of our most popular Humans of 2023, chatting to some experts on timely matters and sharing some of behind the scenes from the team... As well as hopefully some better jokes (please help us out here). Stay tuned!There are some amazing support networks and helplines out there, we've listed a couple below which we spoke about on this episode:LifeLine - 13 11 14TIACS - 0488 846 988

For this weeks Friday episode, we're switching things up and drawing attention to our Careers In Agriculture channel that you might not be so familiar with!Oli recently sat down with Ben Dwyer, Chief Operating Officer - Agribusiness at Harvest Road Group to find out about their latest job opportunities.The team are on the lookout for several staff to join their business, but today we are chatting about the Station Manager Role at Minderoo Station.In the chat, Oli and Ben discuss:Their integrated Cattle and Beef supply chainWhat the businesses goals areThe agribusiness strategy and how the Station Manager role will support the business in achieving their goals and objectivesA bit about the team members, the properties, and the job inclusionsFrom their job advertisement:Minderoo Station is not just a location; it's an experience. Encompassing four pastoral leases across 760,000 hectares, boasting diverse landscapes ranging from the rugged Pilbara mesa ranges to the tranquil riverfront stretching 180 kilometres and the captivating Exmouth Gulf coastline. Established in 1878 by the pioneering Forrest Family, Minderoo stands as the foundation of Harvest Road. Over the past decade, the herd has flourished, now home to an impressive line of composite cattle. The homestead is conveniently located just 30 minutes from the Onslow airport.We are seeking a leader who has an established reputation and is looking to etch their mark on Australia's Northern Pastoral industry. Your commitment to animal welfare and adept stock handling is paramount. Your leadership, by example, champions health, safety, and wellbeing. Infuse a spirited horse culture and seamlessly harmonise daily operations with the grand vision. Your financial acumen and strategic prowess shape the future, while your innovative spirit fuels business productivity. A penchant for community engagement and exceptional communication skills seamlessly weave you into our diverse tapestry.Your role at Minderoo is pivotal – a testament to your expertise. Our remuneration package respectful to your remarkable contributions. A modern, inviting home awaits, currently undergoing a splendid renovation in 2023. Positioned at the crossroads of Western Australia's natural wonders, including Ningaloo and Karijini National Park, your downtime will be just as fulfilling as your workdays. Your imprint on Western Australia's largest vertically integrated beef business awaits.You can learn more about Harvest Road Group by visiting our dedicated Harvest Road Group Careers In Ag page and learn more about this role by going to  STATION MANAGER, Harvest Road Pastoral, Minderoo Station.

Bryce Ive's story is as colourful as Bryce himself. We have something to learn from all of our conversations on the Humans Of Agriculture podcast, but this chat is especially special and enlightening. Bryce grew up a 'naughty boy' who was in trouble just as often as he was successful. He adored arts and performance, staging Shakespeare productions with over 100 people from the age of 14, whilst also running his own radio station and trying to stay out of the School Principals Office. Despite a connection to agriculture through family and friends, it certainly wasn't on the cards for Bryce.   "If you'd said to me at the age of 18, 'Bryce, by the age of 40 you'll have had a profound connection and partnership with many key parts of Australian farming and agriculture', I would have been like, 'You are drunk!'"Thankfully, Bryce's journey in agriculture did indeed unfold! In a nutshell, he utilises creative arts to create an energy that allows people to unlock their brilliance. In this chat, we learn about Bryce's fluid ideas around his gender and sexuality, his dedication to empowering and valuing young people, how he has learnt to love himself and how becoming a Dad has shaped him and influenced his facilitating.  Oli has been a HUGE fan of Bryce and anyone who has been in a room with Bryce knows just how remarkable he is.

Random unpredicted rainfall in some parts of Australia with bushfires in other areas, El Niño declaration across the media and some very early winter crop harvesting... The Humans Of Agriculture team got thinking - what on earth is happening to the weather?So, we got in the expert - Karl Lijnders from Weather Matters for a chat with Oli.  Karl got us up to speed on the weather and what it all means, touching on the following topics:Weather updates and their impact on Australian farmersAustralian weather patterns - El Niño and Positive Indian Ocean DipoleDry conditions and fire risks in Australia Forecast for harvest and potential challengesOutlook for how 2024 is shaping upFind out more from Karl - https://www.weathermatters.org/

Erica Halliday embodies optimism. Her upbeat nature is genuinely infectious, even when she is talking about some really difficult periods for her, her family and the business.Erica and her husband Stu run Ben Nevis Angus Stud, a 5th generation family business situated in Walcha, New South Wales. Erica is a natural storyteller who believes in bringing something to the business, not taking from it. It was fascinating to learn how her and Stu built their foundations which added to the family business and Angus Stud when it was time to merge. While you’d be forgiven to think everything is always rainbows and butterflies for Erica given how optimistic she is, she has certainly had more than her fair share of struggles. With three natural disasters in 12 months, Erica says it was humour that got her through - and that you can believe!An absolute asset to agriculture, Erica has ideas about climate change, sustainability and the future of the beef industry. She believes that the beef industry is not only part of the solution for climate change, but for global food security as well. On their own property, they are implementing change that works with their soil and natural environment. With all her spare time, Erica sits on the board for Angus Australia and is a Director of Rural Aid. We left the conversation with Erica feeling energised and there’s so many more pockets of gold from Oli's chat with her.

Who better to help us get 'In The Know' than with our Minister for Agriculture himself!Before getting the gig, Minister Murray Watt said to the Prime Minister, "I'd be really keen to take on agriculture, it has issues that I care about. I was really keen to write maintain some sort of portfolio that kept me connected to rural and regional Australia, and agriculture is a pretty good one for that."In this episode, Oli and Murray cover: Murray's journey from growing up in Queensland to practising law to the QLD senate to the Federal Minister for Agriculture Mental health and loneliness in regional AustraliaPositioning Australian agriculture in global foreign policy and powerThe points of connection that agriculture has with technology and sustainability and how it can be further promoted The fundamentals and imperfections of decision-making in policy A legacy in biosecurity Unlocking the key to a successful ag sector, not just in five years but 500 yearsOpportunities for careers in agriculture 

How does a person become the Managing Director (MD) of one of the biggest Agricultural Research & Development Corporations in the country? Well, Jason Strong accredits a lot of his success and career progression to judging livestock. For him, that’s just about where it all began!With an arguably unrivalled love for cattle, livestock and agriculture more broadly, Jason is the current MD of Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Oli had the opportunity to sit down with him for this episode. They cover a lot... What brings Jason joy, what he's seen in the evolution of agriculture over the years, how mindset of the industry can sure us forward in approaching challenges, the different stages of his journey and career, industry targets for carbon neutrality, communication... It's a jam-packed episode. 

Your host, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Catherine Sayer for this weeks In The Know On The Go episode. They touch on the following:  Catherine's background, including her role as the former CEO of Food South Australia and her transition to leading the Family Business Association (FBA)The significance of family businesses in Australia, both economically and culturally, spanning various sectors and communitiesCatherine's experience in the seafood industry, highlighting sustainable fishing practices and aquaculture's growthThe services offered for FBA members, including education programs, forums, and support mechanisms tailored to family-owned businessesDefining what makes a 'family business' (Catherine identified Humans Of Agriculture as a "First Generation Entrepreneur")Opportunities and challenges facing small and family businesses in the agriculture sectorFBA's focus on providing a safe space for family businesses to navigate challenges and succeed