Humans of Agriculture

Daniel Kahl, a cotton farmer from Narrabri, Australia, discusses his involvement in the cotton industry and his recent appointment to the board of Cotton Australia. He talks about the resurgence of young people in the town and the collaborative nature of the industry. Daniel also addresses misconceptions and myths surrounding cotton farming, highlighting the industry's progress in reducing pesticide use and water consumption.What we chat about:The cotton industry in Narrabri has seen a resurgence of young people returning to the town due to the ag opportunities and the close proximity to agricultural universities.The cotton industry is known for its collaborative nature, with growers working together to drive the industry forward and overcome challenges.The industry has made significant progress in reducing pesticide use and water consumption, with cotton now requiring 97% less pesticides and 40-50% less water to grow a bale.The family business is structured with different divisions, each managed by one of the three brothers. They have implemented school-based apprenticeships and gap years to provide development opportunities for their staff.His Nuffield scholarship topic focused on the people side of agriculture, reflecting his passion for the industry and the importance of building strong relationships and supporting the next generation. Having diverse perspectives in agriculture, such as a non-agricultural background, can lead to a more robust understanding of the industry.Building personal skills and finding ways to connect with people who have different perspectives is crucial for personal development.Creating pathways for the next generation in agriculture requires a balance between tertiary and vocational education.Implementing learnings from other countries can help improve the structure and development of farm managers in Australia.Programs like Ag Career Start play a vital role in providing opportunities and support for young people entering the agriculture industry.Nuffield episode sponsor:A message from this episode sponsor, ANZ Agribusiness:Farming in Australia is never without opportunity, nor challenge. From season to season, and from day to day, producers manage a myriad of risks and rewards as they produce the vast range of commodities global markets now demand. At ANZ Agribusiness, we’ve been supporting farmers to take opportunities and manage through challenges for over 150 years. We’re a proud and long term partner of Nuffield Australia, supporting its goal of capacity building for producers, their businesses, industry and rural community. Our network of regionally based Agribusiness bankers are ready to support both our existing customers, and any farming business seeking a review of their banking arrangements at any time. Find your local ANZ Agribusiness manager now.What we cover:Australian cotton industry, Narrabri, young people, collaboration, misconceptions, myths, pesticide reduction, water consumption, family business, team, Nuffield scholarship, agriculture, pathways, next generation, education, vocational, tertiary, farm managers, business structure, personal development

In this episode, Stefan Vogel, the General Manager of Rabo Research for Australia and New Zealand, shares insights into his extensive career in agriculture and the role of RaboResearch in the agricultural sector. He discusses the importance of understanding the food supply chain, the characteristics of effective team members, and the global insights that impact local agriculture. Stefan also highlights exciting research opportunities, particularly in sustainable aviation fuels, and the interconnectedness of various agricultural sectors.

In the heart of Dubbo, NSW, a remarkable story unfolds at The Little Big Dairy Co, where Emma Elliott and her father, Steve Chesworth, are not just dairy farmers, but they regard themselves as environmentalists. Their journey showcasing the importance of embracing new and sustainable practices in the dairy industry to benefit both the environment and the bottom line. We discuss:The importance of preserving the dairy industry and encouraging the next generation to be involved.The balance between profitability and sustainability in the dairy industry.The need for education and transparency to build trust with consumers.The implementation of sustainable practices, such as solar panels and water recycling, on the farm.Future plans for the business, including the production of butter and housing cows in climate-controlled barns.Paid Partnership Transparency:Humans of Agriculture have been fortunate enough to engage in a paid agreement powered by the NSW Government, Dairy NSW, and Dairy Australia to gain first-hand insight into the Australian Dairy Industry and share it with our audiences and more broadly. This six-part series includes video, podcasts, photography and written content and is made possible by the Australian and NSW Government’s Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program.

Our Quarterly update with the team from LAWD is back and we've got Danny Thomas in the hot seat to chat all things property.We exploreThe different tiers of the rural property marketthe impact of interest rates on family farms versus institutional investorsInternational flow of money and new entrantsthe future of agricultural land pricesThe importance of strategic planning for the next generation of farmers. We cover new entrants into agriculture, the challenges faced by aspiring land owners and the roles of government and regulation in the market. Chapters00:58 Understanding the Australian Rural Property Market Tiers06:13 Market Dynamics and Trends10:11 Future of Agricultural Land Prices12:09 Advice for the Next Generation of Farmers14:07 New Entrants and Investment in Agriculture16:05 Challenges with New Agricultural Investments19:01 Government's Role in Agricultural Market Regulation19:59 Current Market Activity and Future Outlook

He lived in 20 houses by the time he was 20, that ability to meet new people and build rapport have been central to his career success.In his first year with LAWD he transacted nearly a billion dollars in farm sales.In this chat we cover:Danny's background and upbringingHis love of the Northern Victoria RegionHis career from the Valuers General Office to leading global agriculture teamsA love and genuine passion for Aussie AgricultureAdvice to the next generation of Ag ProfessionalsThe importance of giving to Danny and his wife KateMental Health and the role of Ag companies in doing more to support it

The boys have been on a mid-year holiday (or so it seems). They had the chance to sit down with Ed & Bea in mid-August so this one has taken a few weeks to get Liveeee... that said, lets get into it! In this episode of the Tom and Mick show, the boys are sitting down with Ed Bradley and Bea Litchfield of Hazeldean Angus and Hazeldean Merino studs. They discuss their career backgrounds, how they met, and their family history in the stud cattle business. The conversation also covers topics such as the crossover between the stud sheep and cattle industries, the current state of the seed stock market, and the outlook for the commercial markets. At the time of recording, they had their upcoming sale in Tamworth (which went off without a hitch)

Mike Casey, a technology founder turned farmer, shares his journey from selling his tech startup to buying a cherry orchard in New Zealand. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning from one industry to another and the importance of being open to new opportunities. Mike emphasises the role of luck in entrepreneurship and the need for tenacity and bravery. He also highlights the value of having clear boundaries and trust in business partnerships. Mike Casey discusses his journey of electrifying his farm and the potential for farmers to play a key role in the energy transition. He explains the financial benefits of electrification, such as saving operational costs and generating additional revenue. Mike talks about the importance of farmers in generating energy for the rest of the population and reducing the need for expensive infrastructure. He also highlights the role of consumers in adopting fully electric homes and contributing to the energy transition. Casey encourages university students to lead by example and focus on the economic benefits of sustainability.

We are sitting down with National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) star and NSW Dairy Industry Ambassador Kezie Apps, along with renowned sports dietitian Chloe McLeod, to delve into the fascinating world of nutrition, sport recovery, community and the vital role that dairy plays in this equation. Paid Partnership Transparency:Humans of Agriculture have been fortunate enough to engage in a paid agreement powered by the NSW Government, Dairy NSW, and Dairy Australia to gain first-hand insight into the Australian Dairy Industry and share it with our audiences and more broadly. This six-part series includes video, podcasts, photography and written content and is made possible by the Australian and NSW Government’s Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program.

Back in 2018, Oli was "umm'ing and ahh'ing" about whether to apply for a professional development program, and it was the best thing he's done and today he's still in contact with that group of people!!Ahead of applications closing for the evokeAG Groundbreakers Program on the 2nd of September we wanted to chat with Natalie Bell who was a 2024 Future Young Leader (now known at Groundbreaker).We wanted to hear from her what she got out of the program, what was beneficial for her and why she thinks it's worth throwing your hat in the ring! 

What's better than 100+ people coming for brekky...we love these events!! And now we're sharing it with you!We had the chance to sit down at Elders Farm Fest with a great crew of people we've had the chance to get to know to discuss all things, the Next Gen in Aussie Agriculture.Join Humans of Agriculture host, Oli Le Lievre as he sits down to interview Queensland Farmer Tom Coggan, Engineer who has returned to farming Mark Porter, and Elders Technical manager and all-round champion for young people Maree Crawford.The panellists discuss their backgrounds, approaches to farming, and the opportunities they see in the agricultural sector. Topics covered include multi-generational farming, soil health and microbiology, agtech and robotics, and the importance of education in agriculture. The panellists also emphasise the need for curiosity, innovation, and collaboration in driving the industry forward. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background08:08 The Importance of Soil Health and Microbiology13:56 Exploring Agtech and Robotics18:12 The Role of Education in Agriculture21:57 Driving Innovation through Curiosity and Collaboration26:58 The Integration of Technology in Agriculture29:21 Prioritising Sustainability and Biosecurity32:13 Changing Perceptions of Agriculture38:29 Challenges in Attracting and Retaining Skilled Labor45:16 Sustainability and Market Access49:37 Optimism for the Future of Agriculture