Unearthed: The people changing Australian agriculture

The new farm economy

Facing tight margins and increasing competition for land, farmers around the world are looking to non-traditional revenue streams that reward their role as environmental stewards. But navigating the complexities of soil carbon, biodiversity and nature repair markets is incredibly challenging. AgriFutures-sponsored Nuffield Scholar Sally Higgins has been investigating how farmers around the world have responded, while UNE researcher, Associate Professor Rhiannon Smith, has developed the Environer website to assist farmers find the right opportunities for their business.

Ginger and Jive

Making the right moves for disease-free crops: As ginger growers prepare to plant their new crop in July, we speak with researcher QDPI's Dylan Corner about trials showing promise in the control of microscopic worms; hear from fourth generation ginger grower, Abby Templeton, about her plans to study tissue culture processes around the world, as part of her Nuffield Farming Scholarship; and we reminisce about the good old days with her grandfather John, who balanced the hard work on the farm with the grace and skill of ballroom dancing.

Bushfires and bees

Why honeybees are overlooked and misunderstood in bushfire planning - this episode investigates the impact of both prescribed burning and out of control bushfires on Australia's honeybee industry. The sector contributes $4.6 billion in value to the nation's cropping industry through pollination services, but does not have a formal seat at the table in fire planning.

Cow collars and meatshakes

evokeAg special: Just Meat protein in powder form and Halter, the collar for cows In the first of a series of special episodes unearthing the stars of the AgriFutures evokeAg conference, we meet the innovators behind two new livestock technologies which are attracting investors and customers around the world. Ellie Whelan has collaborated with CSIRO in developing the Just Meat protein powder, and Andrew Fraser is leading Halter’s global expansion, but both have had to overcome unexpected challenges in bringing their brilliant ideas to market.

Liquid gold: Extracting every drop of value from the farm

SEASON 2 OF UNEARTHED KICKS OFF WITH THE STORY OF TWO INSPIRATIONAL ENTREPRENEURS FROM OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE COUNTRY, WHO HAVE EMBRACED VALUE-ADDING TO GROW THEIR FAMILIES' FARMING BUSINESSES AND BUILD RESILIENCE IN THEIR REGIONAL ECONOMIES. MEET WA RURAL WOMEN'S AWARD FINALIST, FIONA MANN, OF BLOCK 275 CANOLA OIL, AND ROS VODUSEK, OF RICH GLEN OLIVE OIL.