Humans of Agriculture

Six years ago, South Australian accountant Tom Cosentino ditched his day job and bought a cattle property without ever having touched a cow before.  Relying on YouTube to learn the basics, Tom reckons his naivete has also helped endear him to other farmers willing to teach.  Hear how Tom feels great freedom without the ‘generational inertia’ behind him, and perhaps under less pressure than those who’ve inherited a family businesses. He shares his rollercoaster experience as a first-generation farmer, alongside his wife Aimee and tractor-obsessed son, Ted. Takeaways:To this day, Tom learns about farming through YouTube and the generous advice from farmers around him Since purchasing his first parcel of land in 2019, he's faced great challenges through Covid and now drought Tom emphasises the importance of financial decision-making in farming and always consults a spreadsheet His son Ted is a great source of joy and inspiration for his new farming careerTom aims to achieve full-time farming by the age of 40Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Tom Cosentino's journey02:15 From accountant to farmer: a new beginning08:00 Learning the ropes and realities of farming23:12 Decision-making during drought 40:02 Looking ahead: future aspirations and reflections Links & Resources:Gum Park Beef - Tom has partnered with his neighbour to sell direct to consumer grass-fed beef More episodes at Humans of AgricultureIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

It's time to level up our produce game! There are few things more disappointing than biting into a floury apple, or cutting open a bruised avocado... if only we knew what mango to choose based on skin spots, or how to best store pears so they ripen perfectly…That, friends, is the mission of our next guest, Thanh ‘The Fruit Nerd’ Truong.He's put a modern spin on the traditional fruiterer, using his growing social media profile to share entertaining tips on choosing, storing and prepping fruit and veg.  Thanh wants consumers to have the best possible eating experience without playing ‘Russian Roulette’ with our produce.He understands that an elevated flavour experience is not only good for us, it benefits the whole horticulture supply chain - leading to a healthier population and planet.Thanh's knack for storytelling and passion for enjoying fresh produce is absolutely infectious.  Join Oli at the dawn wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Melbourne to discover how this second-generation fruiterer operates.  Takeaways As we've commodified fruit and vegetables we've lost the experience of the fruitererSocial media is an effective way to reinvigorate the storytelling behind fruit and vegetables  Equipping shoppers with knowledge gives them agency to choose their fruit better, store it better and have the best possible eating experienceConsumers have lost connection with their food and the horticulture industry could do more to educate the public'Braver' storytelling through social media, or even gaming platforms, could foster deeper connections between consumers and farming and claw back social licenseIncremental change in consumer eating habits will lead to a healthier population and planetDon't squeeze your avocados!Chapters00:00 Morning madness at the Melbourne fruit market03:44 A day in the life of a fruiterer08:28 Is social media the new shop front?17:08 How ag industries could better educate consumers and build social license29:57 Should cooking classes be compulsory in schools to encourage healthier eating?42:00 Thanh's Nuffield journey ahead55:06 The power of incremental change in shifting buying habits and reducing food waste01:01:06 Lessons from Asian food systemsLearn more about The Fruit Nerd and follow his wholesome content on Instagram.You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.This episode of Humans of Agriculture is brought to you by our Partners at Rabobank Australia — proud supporters of the Nuffield Scholarship. Rabobank’s commitment to backing bold ideas and future thinkers like Thanh Truong is shaping the future of food and farming.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!

In this second episode of our AgRi-silience series, Jono Mudge gives a glimpse into the realities of stepping up as the next generation in a family business.  It hasn't been an easy run of seasons for mixed farmers in South Australia's mid-north, but the AgRi-silience program came at the perfect time for Jono - deflecting his attention away from the seemingly endless dust, to what he can control. From the humble workshop whiteboard to navigating new apps, Jono explains how simple tools are leading him to better communicate with family members and a smoother operation of his business day-to-day. Jono's renewed sense of enthusiasm to improve his business is worth sharing.  Here's his story.Key takeaways:Engaging outside experts was key in shifting Jono's mindset and setting strategic goals Professional development is a crucial part of building a sustainable and resilient businessPlanning family time before farm expansion helps maintain a healthy work-life balance Chapters:02:59 How AgRi-silience has helped combat farming challenges06:05 The importance of mentorship in agriculture11:50 Setting goals for business and family life14:55 Understanding the corner stones of financials and business management17:52 Stress management and finding work-life Balance23:46 Succession planning and future outlookAbout AgRi-silienceToday's episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.You can secure your place and take the next step towards a more resilient future by visiting the AgRi-Silience page on the Livestock SA website www.livestocksa.com.au.Cut out dinnerIt's a challenging time for many. The AgRi-Silience Cut Out dinner is a great opportunity to pause, reset and come together to gain collective strength from shared stories and ideas. Book your seat at the AgRi-silience Cut Out Dinner at Sunnybrae Estate in Adelaide on June 20th.  Tickets are just $65 for alumni and $80 for industry participants.You 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!

After a brief hiatus, Tom and Mick are back at it...  This time they sit down with their first international guest, José Paz Vermal of Argentina, to discuss the current state of play in the wool market.SummaryThis chat delves into the dynamics of the global wool market, discussing current trends and challenges. The market hasn't been flash for a while, but José thinks that can be turned around with a focus on quality and better marketing.  Find out what opportunities there are for growers in 'nature positive' wools and why José is ok with being nicknamed 'the toe cutter', and other such things, when he reveals his alter ego on the wool buying floor! TakeawaysWool clip is down across the board, drought conditions are impacting wool yields and specs aren't great The wool market has barely budged in recent years, partly due to European businesses struggling to sell goods post-CovidJosé predicts an upward trend in wool prices, with supply dropping offPremiums still exist! Up to 30% for some cuttingsTrump's tariffs have impacted confidence and the Australian market will likely feel it in the next 6-8 months, depending on conversations had between China and the USAustralia is ahead of other countries with applying technologies to farming, we just need to market our clip betterChapters01:45 Jose's Journey: From Argentina to Australia06:01 Understanding the Wool Market Dynamics10:01 Market Trends and Challenges in Wool Buying22:06 Future Opportunities in Wool Production27:09 Predictions for the Wool MarketWe've managed to snag Tom and Mick for a monthly livestock chat from now on, so keep eye on your feed.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Follow Humans of Agriculture on Instagram. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

Succession planning is complicated territory for any business, but perhaps more so in farming with families at the core of most operations.It's not just relationships and family legacies that hinge on effective succession planning, it also plays a critical role in building strategic foresight, sustainability and continuity into a business. Succession is delicate stuff, so we thought we'd draw on the experience of accountant Chloe Arthur and lawyer Kirsty Evans to learn what can make the process more positive for farming families.So, pull up a chair and make yourself comfy, to hear their tips on navigating those difficult conversations... and the key parts of the process to 'get right' to foster trust and collaboration throughout the succession journey.TakeawaysOpen communication, flexibility, and goodwill are the foundations of effective succession planning It's important to understand the differing needs of each generation It's essential to build a team of external professionals to support decision makingSuccession planning is an ongoing process that constantly evolves with family dynamicsFair doesn't necessarily mean equal Delaying the transfer of farm assets is one of the least effective strategies for successionChapters00:00 Breaking the taboo of succession planning in agriculture08:53 Balancing optimism and realism 11:56 Generational Shifts: understanding the needs of each generation and family values17:56 Successful succession stories: learning from others' experience24:07 Navigating difficult conversations: the importance of open communication30:00 Structuring family farms as businesses42:06 Preparing for a return to the family farm52:04 Ongoing discussions: being nimble with your plan and evolving with the family unitIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

In the first episode of this special AgRi-silience series, we visit Mark and Rachel McInerney at Riverton, South Australia, to hear how they navigate adversity by redefining their roles on the farm and turning professional development into a catalyst for business renewal.In this chat you'll hear:How an HR masterclass became the starting point for major business change The impact of back-to-back climate challenges and how they planned through uncertaintyHow weekly planning, clear roles, and external coaching transformed their partnershipThe story behind launching their direct-to-consumer beef businessHow involving their children is shaping a future-ready sixth generationKey Takeaways:Resilience isn’t just surviving tough years, it’s planning for the next tenGround rules and family meetings can turn tension into teamworkProfessional development is for every age, every stageBalancing passion with profitability is possible, even during droughtChapters:00:00 The McInerney family journey so far05:57 Adapting business models and financial strategies09:00 The shift in roles and responsibilities11:59 Seeking external help and professional development21:06 Mental load and work-life balance28:32 Transforming communication in a family business dynamic44:04 Balancing professional growth and personal joyLinks and resourcesCheck out the McInerneys’ beef business at Garyowen HerefordsMore episodes of Humans of Agriculture About AgRi-silienceToday's episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.You can secure your place and take the next step towards a more resilient future by visiting the AgRi-Silience page on the Livestock SA website www.livestocksa.com.au.Cut out dinnerIt's a challenging time for many. The AgRi-Silience Cut Out dinner is a great opportunity to pause, reset and come together to gain collective strength from shared stories and ideas. Book your seat at the AgRi-silience Cut Out Dinner at Sunnybrae Estate in Adelaide on June 20th.  Tickets are just $65 for alumni and $80 for industry participants. 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!

A couple weeks back, I spotted through the Global Food Forum that Nutrien Ag Solutions has decided to partner with Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia. This move marks a big investment in how the ag industry interacts with the next generation of producers. So I decided to ring up Carissa Buckland, who works in Nutrien as their Director of Corporate Affairs.Carissa shares her unconventional journey from studying history and politics to working on farms and eventually climbing the corporate ladder in agri-business. This conversation explores the wide variety of career paths in agriculture and the importance of helping young people navigate their way into the industry. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ag Workforce Challenges02:53 Nutrien's Graduate Program and Recruitment Strategies05:50 Diversity and Inclusion in Agriculture08:47 Partnerships for Education in Agriculture12:00 Career Opportunities Beyond Farming14:57 Empowering Women in Agriculture LeadershipResources:Nutrien Ag Solutions: nutrienagsolutions.com.auLearn more about PEIFA: piefa.edu.auHumans of Agriculture: humansofagriculture.com

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 bridge traditional agriculture, finance, and the  emerging industry of  — medicinal cannabis.In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, we dive into the intersection between innovation, agriculture, and public perception, revealing the foresight needed to build a business in uncharted territory.Chapters00:00 Derek Peterson's Unique Career Path03:02 Insights from Evoke Ag Conference05:46 Transition from Finance to Cannabis11:59 Challenges of Going Public in Cannabis18:08 Exploring Methane Reduction in Agriculture24:08 Consumer Acceptance and Product Development30:00 Future Careers in Agriculture Links & Resources:ROAM – Derek’s companyConnect with Derek Peterson on LinkedInMore episodes at Humans of Agriculture

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 with robotics.Jocie Bate and her husband, Andrew, founded SwarmFarm Robotics, a pioneering agtech business transforming how we think about farming systems. From growing up on her families grazing property in rural Queensland to co-founding one of Australia's leading ag robotics startups, Jocie shares her journey through finance, family farming, and the bold leap into agricultural innovation. The conversation explores the dynamic of family partnerships, women in agriculture, bootstrapping a startup, and what the future of farming could look like. Chapter00:00 Exploring Modern Agriculture03:07 The Journey of Swarm Farm05:47 Building Strong Partnerships in Agriculture09:09 Innovations in Farming Technology12:08 The Evolution of Swarm Farm14:50 Navigating Funding and Growth18:06 The Future of Agriculture and Robotics20:47 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth23:55 The Role of Technology in Agriculture26:45 Engaging the Next Generation in Ag TechConnect with SwarmFarm:Website: swarmfarm.comInstagram: SwarmFarm IGYoutube: SwarmFarmFollow Humans of Agriculture on Instagram & LinkedInSubscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

“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 leading publicly listed iconic Australian Ag companies, and his mission today at the helm of Impact Ag Australia to help Aussie farmers seize the opportunity in natural capital and regenerative ag systems.  What we cover:00:00 From Farming Roots to Finance03:12 Navigating the Agricultural Landscape05:57 The Value Chain of Agriculture08:53 Resilience in Leadership11:52 Building a Supportive Team14:58 Impact Ag Australia: A New Venture17:48 Defining Regenerative Agriculture21:27 Understanding Soil Health in Regenerative Agriculture25:04 The Risks and Rewards of Soil Carbon Projects27:00 Navigating the Complexities of Carbon Markets30:00 The Future of Agriculture: Transitioning to Regenerative Practices39:00 The Role of Policy and Consumer Awareness in Agriculture40:49 The Importance of Farmer Empowerment and EducationLinks & Resources:Connect with Hugh Killen on LinkedInFollow Humans of Agriculture on InstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!