Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

S5 Ep 11 - Peppergreen Farm

Close to the centre of Bendigo in Victoria, is a little oasis. On the historic 5-acre site, a true social enterprise. A little farm with a big heart, offering jobs to around 70 people with disabilities and all the proceeds go straight back to the upkeep of the farm. And with Bendigo being voted a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, there is suddenly a lot of interest in the fabulous produce being grown locally. To learn more, Daniel Robinson, Manager of Peppergreen Farm joins me now. * Daniel shares why one of his favourite places on the property is overlooking the natural wetlands and taking in the view across the farm — a site that holds incredible significance. * Daniel shares the rich history of Peppergreen Farm, with the site holding deep cultural significance from the traditional custodians, the Dja Dja Wurrung, through to its Chinese gold rush heritage, including a historic brick kiln hidden beneath the property. * More than just a farm, Peppergreen supports the wider community through meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while combining food production, hospitality, catering services, NDIS meal support, and grounds maintenance services across the Bendigo region. * He shares why the workforce at Peppergreen Farm is so unique, with around 70 staff members, 70% of whom are people living with disabilities. * Education is also a core value of the organisation, and Daniel discusses the important role learning and development play across the farm. * The site itself has a rich history, including an impressive historical Chinese kiln that remains part of the property today. * Peppergreen Farm does much more than simply grow produce, and Daniel explains the many other facets of the social enterprise. * As a supplier to many local restaurants, Daniel reflects on Bendigo becoming a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and why it's such an exciting place to be. * He shares what day-to-day life on the farm looks like and how staff support, teach and learn from one another. * Daniel explains what he loves most about working in agriculture and being part of a model with such a strong social purpose. * He reflects on the most unexpected moments and surprises throughout his journey so far. * Daniel addresses common misconceptions surrounding workers with disabilities and the work being done at Peppergreen Farm. * Looking to the future, Daniel shares his ultimate vision and dream for what lies ahead. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus [https://angieasimus.com/] Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/angieasimus/] Partnered with Australian Farmers [https://farmers.org.au/] Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/australianfarmers/] Peppergreen Farm [https://www.peppergreenfarm.com.au/] Connect with @peppergreenfarmau on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/peppergreenfarmau/] Produced by Pretty Podcasts [https://www.prettypodcasts.com/]

S5 Ep 10 - The Travelling Farmer

Farming is often as much about looking after your own patch of land - as it is learning from others. Weather extremes and changing seasons can make grazing cattle year-round incredibly difficult. In his quest for answers former Nuffield Scholar Stuart Tait has travelled to New Zealand, Europe, the UK, North and South America to learn about filling the pasture-based feed gap to boost beef profits. He's also offered up his farm as the site of a first of its kind pilot plant to turn straw into fertiliser. When he's not travelling world, he's managing his family farm in the NSW Central Tablelands. Stuart Tait joins me now. * Stuart calls his family farm in Mandurama home, with his favourite spot being along the Belubula River. * In 2017, Stuart was awarded a Nuffield Australia Scholarship, which saw him travel to 14 countries over 18 months to explore global farming practices. * He has developed a strong interest in addressing the pasture-based feed gap during the winter months and explains what this means for producers. * Stuart discusses the challenges of climate variability and the importance of being able to fatten and finish beef across a full 12-month cycle. * He shares his experience designing a forage-based system using a variety of pasture species, including key learnings from New Zealand and the cost of producing a kilogram of dry matter. * Stuart explores ways to make feed go further, including alternative options to traditional hay and silage, and maximising available resources. * While there's no simple solution to improving grazing profitability, Stuart outlines innovative approaches to managing feed shortages in colder, drier months, such as stockpiling pasture, self-feeding silage, and bale grazing. * With four generations living on the family farm, Stuart reflects on how his role has evolved over time and the lessons he's learned along the way. * He shares what he loves most about life on the land, particularly the changing seasons throughout the year. * Stuart opens up about some of the challenges he has faced throughout his farming journey. * He addresses common misconceptions around using straw as fertiliser and discusses plans to establish a pilot plant in the coming years. * Looking ahead, Stuart shares his vision for the future and what lies ahead for him and his two sons. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus [https://angieasimus.com/] Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/angieasimus/] Partnered with Australian Farmers [https://farmers.org.au/] Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/australianfarmers/] Nuffield Scholars [https://www.nuffield.com.au/scholars/stuart-tait] Produced by Pretty Podcasts [https://www.prettypodcasts.com/]

S5 Ep 9 - Roseville Park Merinos

You have to go back a long way to find the beginnings of this family farm. The year 1880 to be exact when a Mr Charles Coddington dreamt of creating the finest sheep stud in Australia, travelling down-under from England. Now the 5th generation is running with his vision and winning awards along the way. The current custodians are Mathew Coddington and his wife Cherie. Together they are still breeding top Merino sheep throughout NSW, south of Dubbo. Matthew joins me now. * Roseville Park has a long history of breeding sheep across multiple properties, with Cherie loving time with the goats and Matthew enjoying the outdoors and family time. * The Coddington family legacy began in 1880 when Matthew's ancestor moved to Australia to establish a Merino sheep stud. * As fifth-generation producers, Matthew and Cherie are passionate about integrating modern technology, genomics and science into the business. * Their award-winning success, including major industry accolades, is driven by a strong sense of open-mindedness. * They take a strategic approach to farming by thinking outside the box, utilising creek flats and grazing land alongside a planned feedlot and even shearing twice a year. * Matthew shares how succession planning is an ongoing and important conversation within the family business. * What they love most about life on the land is being part of a multigenerational farming legacy. * A common misconception they see is the growing disconnection between people and agriculture. * One of the unexpected aspects of their journey highlights how the industry continues to evolve in ways they hadn't anticipated. * Their vision for the future of Roseville Park Merinos is to continue building on their legacy while adapting to modern advancements in agriculture. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus [https://angieasimus.com/] Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/angieasimus/] Partnered with Australian Farmers [https://farmers.org.au/] Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/australianfarmers/] Roseville Park Merinos [https://rosevilleparkmerinos.com.au/] Produced by Pretty Podcasts [https://www.prettypodcasts.com/]

S5 Ep 8 - Storybook Alpacas

They're the quirky creatures with super soft fleece, members of the camel family and often unfairly criticised for spitting. Alpacas occupy a unique corner of the agriculture industry and, one central west New South Wales farm boasts the state's largest herd. These animals have won the heart of the next generation, with young farmer Rubey Williams working on the family property and she is already turning heads as an industry leader. To learn more, Rubey Williams of Storybook Alpacas joins me now. * Rubey's favourite place is the old shearing shed on their Mittagong property, which holds both personal memories and historical significance as one of the first alpaca sites in Australia. * She also values a specialised area on their newer Central West property designed for reproductive technologies, representing future opportunities for the business. * As a second-generation alpaca farmer, Rubey has grown up in the industry and purchased her first show-quality alpaca at just 13 years old. * Although she initially began studying pre-med, COVID led her back to the farm where she rediscovered her passion for agriculture. * Rubey made the decision to leave university and instead invest in the family alpaca business, while continuing her studies in agribusiness. * Alpacas are part of the camelid family and are primarily bred for their fleece, which is soft, fine and suitable for those who are sensitive to wool. * Rubey's main interest lies in the fibre market, working with other growers to market and sell alpaca fleece both domestically and internationally. * Rubey's involvement with the Royal Agricultural Society has broadened her perspective and allowed her to connect with other sectors across agriculture globally. She is the youngest qualified alpaca judge in Australia. * What Rubey loves most about life on the land is the resilience it builds and the strength of rural communities. * A common misconception is that alpacas spit all the time, when in reality it is simply a defence mechanism used when they feel threatened or annoyed. * One of the most unexpected outcomes in her journey was how COVID changed her career path and led her back to agriculture. * Rubey's ultimate dream is to continue growing the family business, expand into new agricultural areas and build on the opportunities in the Central West. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus [https://angieasimus.com/] Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/angieasimus/] Partnered with Australian Farmers [https://farmers.org.au/] Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/australianfarmers/] Storybook Alpacas [http://storybookalpacas.com.au/] Produced by Pretty Podcasts [https://www.prettypodcasts.com/]

S5 Ep 7 - Dairy Grand Champion

Full cream, light, skim, homogenised, unhomogenised – milk takes many forms. But right now, a moment for the lactose free variety. Riverina Fresh's Lactose Free Milk has been crowned the best dairy product at the Australian Grand Dairy Awards. It is the dairy industry's highest honour. To learn more about what it takes to be the grand champion and some interesting observations about the impact of weight loss drugs on the future of the dairy industry, Executive Chairman of Riverina Fresh Craig Shapiro joins me now. * Craig celebrates Riverina Fresh winning Grand Champion Dairy Product for its lactose-free milk, explaining that adding lactase is a simple and natural process that makes it easier to digest. * Despite being lactose-free, the milk retains exceptional aroma, texture and body, and Craig notes it is one of the best milks for coffee. * Riverina Fresh is proudly based in Wagga Wagga with deep country roots, and its farmer-supplied, domestically focused model allows for strong quality control. * With over 100 years in business, Craig shares that lactose-free milk became important as part of bridging the gap between city consumers and understanding where their food comes from. * The award highlights a true Australian success story, with the product being 100% Australian to qualify. * Beyond taste, Craig emphasises that strong values like sustainability, ethics and animal welfare are central, with care extending from the farmers through to the final product. * He also discusses the emerging impact of weight loss drugs on food systems and the interesting flow-on effects within the dairy industry. * What Craig loves most about contributing to agriculture is that the more he learns, the more invested he becomes in sustainability and agrifood technology. * One of the most unexpected experiences has been travelling to America and seeing how deeply social media connects to the sale of produce. * Craig believes a common misconception isn't misunderstanding his role specifically, but rather a broader lack of awareness about where food comes from across agriculture. * His ultimate dream for the future is a sustainable dairy industry where farmers are paid fairly and appropriately. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus [https://angieasimus.com/] Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/angieasimus/] Partnered with Australian Farmers [https://farmers.org.au/] Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/australianfarmers/] Riverina Fresh [https://www.riverinafresh.com.au/] Produced by Pretty Podcasts [https://www.prettypodcasts.com/]