Derek Peterson has had a colorful career. He's found himself at the head of ROAM, an agriculture tech company trying to solve the problem of methane emissions. But he didn't get there following the 'traditional path.' In this chat we cover his career so far, from working on Wall Street to becoming a visionary entrepreneur whose journey expertise br…

When I got a chance to head to evokeAg this year, I heard Jocie Bate speaking and thought to myself, we need to get her on the podcast! I came across an extraordinary character whose ideas may just revolutionise the future of agriculture. "It's amazing how quickly the sector is evolving," says Jocie Bate on her mission to fully automate the paddock…

“If we don’t get it right, the opportunity will be given to people post the farm gate. And it’ll happen to farmers again.” Hugh Killen's CV is incredibly impressive, he's spent decades working across the globe in finance and markets, before returning home to work in aussie agriculture. In this chat, we explore Hugh's time in finance, his time leadi…

Tess Cook grew up on her families beef property in Queensland. When she was on stage at evokeAG, she mentioned the challenge and lack of understanding of different career pathways in Ag. Now this is so interesting because it’s being talked about a lot, but talking isn’t solving much - we want to know more to see what we can do! Tess recently moved …

We’re sitting down with Lauren Roellgen this week. She wears a few different hats including aa an Associate Director at LAWD, a farmer-in-training on her family farm, and the Chair of the Future Farmers Network. She shares her family’s inspiring journey from Germany to Australia, how they built a successful cotton farming enterprise, and the modern…

EvokeAg is one of the premier events for agrifood tech and innovation, and this year’s edition in Brisbane took things to a new level. In this episode, Oli catches up with Harriet Mellish, General Manager at AgriFutures Australia, to unpack what went into making EvokeAg 2025 a success, the evolving conversations in the agri-tech space, and how the …

This episode is part of our partnership with Cotton Australia, we’re joined by Liz Stott, a cotton grower and the Deputy Chair of Cotton Australia. She brings a plethora of insights into the industry's innovations, sustainability efforts, and leadership development programs that are defining the Australian Cotton industry. Then, I have a yarn with …

I first met Ed Currenti in the sheep yards at Mount Hesse, over more than 15 years we've stayed in touch and followed each others journeys closely. Ed is the General Manager at Prestige Foods, in our chat he shares his journey from a city upbringing to a successful career in agriculture and food production. He discusses the importance of mentorship…

Joining us from his ute on top of a hill during a busy week of shearing is the 2025 Zanda McDonald Award winner from Australia, Jack O'Connor. Jacko is the General Manager at his family mixed farming operation, Oxton Park. His career has seen him working on farms in developing countries such as Uganda, in the Head Office for Meat and Livestock Aust…

Maegen Blom is the Operations Manager within her family owned business Mills Bay Mussels. She is the 2025 Zanda McDonald Award winner from New Zealand, so we thought we would love to get to know a bit more about her and share it with you! We cover: How she found out that she'd won, a bit more about the vertically integrated business selling direct …

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with fourth-generation pineapple farmer Bert Harris. From his family's century-long farming legacy in Queensland to the modern-day challenges of growing pineapples, dragon fruit, and pumpkins, Bert shares insights into the evolution of farming, his deep connection to the land, a…

What does world-class gelato have to do with agriculture? A whole lot, as it turns out and a world of flavour! In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Steve Arnold and Keegan Ryan from Gelato Messina, one of Australia's most iconic gelato brands. With over 30 stores across the country, Messina isn’t just about de…

In this week of Humans of Agriculture we have the pleasure of catching Paul Niven. Paul has come back to Australia after a long career working within China’s dairy industry. He’s a seasoned agricultural leader with a wealth of experience agribusiness and international consulting. He paints a picture of how his small roots from growing up on a farm …

For Liz, it was easy to fall for her now husband with their shared love of nature. It became their dream to purchase their first farm and test out a theory they had in Uni - that agriculture and conservation could live in harmony rather than conflict. In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Liz Blair to discuss how ag…

It’s 35 degrees in this industrial area of Moorabbin on Melbourne’s fringes. 6 Australian butchers are 3 hours into their final preparations before they head to France and we’ve got the privilege of seeing this closed session! Oli sits down with Luke Leyson and Tom Bouchier, as they prepare to represent Australia at the World Butchers’ Challenge 20…

Welcome to part 3 of our mini-series on agricultural financing, partnered with Legacy Livestock. We wrap up our conversation Richard Brimblecombe, CEO of Legacy Livestock, by exploring the transformative role of livestock financing in modern agriculture and how innovative solutions are empowering Australian farming families. Richard shares his jour…

The three-generation curse. Perhaps you've heard this ominous phrase before. Farming families know the reality all to well that their land and careers are built over generations. So why is it so common to hear stories of how quickly all that hard work can become undone? And is it possible to avoid this curse? In this episode of Humans of Agricultur…

James Wagstaff reflects on his 20-year career with The Weekly Times, one of the most consumed print news publications among ag folks. It can feel like print is in flux thanks to the shift to digital platforms and indie social media content creators. However, with a focus on quality over quantity, James shares the big stories that have shaped the ag…

Uncertainty of reaching the finish line is always on the mind of an ultra-marathon runner like Michael Crowley. But by pushing through, you can make the unbelievable possible. Such is the story for Australian agriculture and the long future ahead of it. In this episode, Oli sits down with Michael Crowley who recently took up the top job with Meat a…

Welcome to part 2 of our mini-series, which we partnered with Legacy Livestock to create. Many unforeseen factors can shake up things on the farm. Drought, disease, or uncertain family farm succession are just a few in the mix. So how can folks and ag take a long-term view to prepare for those moments, or pull themselves out of it through the assis…

We're back with a three-part series that we have partnered with Legacy Livestock to bring to life. Many folks in agriculture have spoken with us about the challenges and rewards of building their dream life. We can empathize with wanting to build a legacy. In this episode Oli shares that dream. He asks how do you bring that dream into reality. In e…

We're sitting down with Jo Palmer, co-founder of The Connection Table. After returning to her rural roots in The Rock, New South Wales, following a stint in Singapore, Jo reflects on her journey and her latest endeavour with co-founder Julia Spicer. The Connection Table is a professional network aiming to elevate rural Australians into decision-mak…

Mid this year we were at the Aussie Cotton Conference and it sparked a curiousity into who the big players are, where are they going and what impact is that having for Australian cotton growers. I grabbed Paul Joules from Rabobank to discuss the current state of the cotton market and farm inputs. Paul shares insights from his experience in global a…

In this conversation, Sabrina Davies shares her journey of living on Kangaroo Island, the impact of the Black Summer bushfires, and her initiative, Humans of Kangaroo Island, which aims to tell the stories of the local community. She discusses the challenges of rebuilding after losing her home, the importance of community support, and her reflectio…

This episode was recorded on the 9th of October and that might add a bit of context to the conversation! Tom & Mick are back to sit down with Scott Bremner from McCulloch Agencies to chat all things Livestock. Takeaways Scotty Bremner has a long history in the livestock industry. Feedlot procurement is about turnover and continuity of supply. Mobil…

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Richie Kirkland shares his love of popping off on the buggies, hunting rabbits, and enjoying the life afforded as a farm boy in South Australia. His father showed him how to shear and he quickly realized how wool spun into a nice chunk of change for his teen years. Life in the business has had its highs and…

In this episode of the Humans of Agriculture podcast, host Oli Le Lievre explores the multifaceted operations of a South Australian farm with Alex McGorman. The conversation delves into the history of the farm, the evolution of farming practices, the importance of relationships in agriculture, and the role of family boards and external support in b…

Jenny Stanton wears multiple hats as a farmer, agronomist, netball coach, and community leader on Kangaroo Island (KI). She shares her story of resilience, having survived the devastating 2020 bushfires, which wiped out livestock and infrastructure, and how her family rebuilt both their farm and their lives. Jenny discusses the journey of running a…

Chris Schied has been a business advisor for more than the last 25 years. Across his career he's learnt a few things about what it takes for family business and farming businesses to succeed. A few things we chat about: - Family boards are essential in agriculture for effective strategy, governance, risk management, and succession planning. - Famil…

This week we're heading to a tiny little town called Tilba on the South Coast of NSW. An old mining town, the small mainstreet pops under an enormous mountain. For generations Tilba Dairy has been providing jobs, amazing dairy products and played a key part of the social fabric that makes this town what it is. So, what's the value of branded busine…

Kate Gunn, is a clinical psychologist and founder of iFarmWell, in this episode she discusses the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the agriculture industry. She shares her journey of researching farmers' mental health and the need for support in rural communities. Kate explains how iFarmWell was created to provide accessible and farmer-…

Darren Thomas is the CEO of Thomas Foods International and in this episode we chat about his journey, the family business, and how they've not just made the most of opportunities they've overcome huge adversity. From growing into new international markets, supporting local communities, the business is proud of its heritage and excited for the futur…

Sarah Crosthwaite is a a rural mental health clinician from Northeast Victoria, and she has worked as a rural outreach counsellor to farmers across our region. The rest of the time she works with her husband and their team on our 550-cow dairy farm in the Kiewa Valley. Sarah Crosthwaite discusses her journey in addressing mental health issues withi…

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, highli…

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 insight…

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 a…

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 explore The different tiers of the rural property market the impact of interest rates on family farms versus institutional investors International flow of money and new entrants the future of agricultural land prices The i…

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 upbringing His love of the Northern Victoria Region His career from the Valuers Genera…

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. …

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…

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 hav…

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 Fut…

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 in…

Matthew Evans, a food critic, chef, and farmer, discusses his journey into the world of food production and the challenges of the agriculture industry. He emphasises the importance of communication and dialogue between farmers and consumers to bridge the gap and address the polarising topics in agriculture. Evans also highlights the potential of ag…

Felicity Taylor is the Area manager at Rabobank Australia in Moree. In this conversation, she shares her journey from growing up in Moree to working in banking and the importance of being involved in the community. Felicity discusses her role as a branch manager and the satisfaction she gets from helping clients achieve their goals. For anyone fami…

Steph joined us on episode 6 of the Humans of Agriculture podcast in April 2020. It's fair to say since then, quite a few things have changed! The last time we chatted, it was all things Tas Ag Co, what was back then a new venture and business opportunity for Steph and their husband Sam. What we didn't even mention once was 'Motherland Australia' t…

Back in May we had the chance to host a Next Gen conversation at the Elders tent at FarmFest. Someone in the elders team who is most definitely going places is Georgie Speedy and we wanted you to meet her. Georgie is a St George local, leaving high school she had no real idea where her future might go. Eager to stay in the area she began wroking at…

Andrew is a passionate farmer, dad, husband and community man. He’s a thinker. Progressive. Visionary. He takes people along on the ride with him. In this chat Andrew shares his story, the evolution of ‘Chilwell farms’, the family business, the change and expansion of farming in his pocket of Western Australia. In 2000, Andrew undertook a Nuffield …

Jim began his life on a farm in the irrigation area of the Riverina in NSW. His love of farming followed everything he did and would ultimately shape his career so far. After exploring farming in Thailand in his early twenties, he returned home to work on the family farm before looking further afield, eager to pursue opportunities outside the farm …

This special episode explores the impact of avian influenza on the egg industry in Australia. Melinda Hashimoto, CEO of Egg Farmers of Australia, provides insights into the virus, its transmission, and the measures taken to control its spread. The discussion covers the process of detecting and responding to avian influenza outbreaks on farms, the i…