Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

S5 Ep 14 - Merced Farming

Born and raised on the family farm, my guest today has chosen to make a life back where it all started in Wee Waa NSW. After studying and a corporate career, turns out there was no place like home after all. From cattle, to corn, to cotton, he's passionate about sustainability and biodiversity, interests that earned him the Nuffield Scholarship in 2017 and more recently, he became the Chair of the Lower Namoi Cotton Growers Association. To learn more, Daniel Kahl of Merced Farming, joins me now. * Daniel shares his favourite place on the family farm, reflecting on what makes it so special after growing up there and now helping lead the business. * Although he left the farm to study Commerce and work as a cotton merchant, Daniel explains how agriculture was always his passion and how those experiences shaped his career. * As Business Manager of Merced Farming, Daniel discusses his role overseeing the day-to-day operations and the strategic direction of the family enterprise. * With a diverse food and fibre operation, Daniel takes us through the business, which includes around 300 Angus cattle, along with corn, wheat, beans and cotton as the primary crop. * He explains the farm's irrigation system and the transition to groundwater irrigation, highlighting the role water management plays in the business. * Daniel shares how Merced Farming is embracing sustainability through initiatives including annual carbon audits, biodiversity projects and continual environmental improvements. * Awarded a Nuffield Scholarship in 2017, Daniel reflects on the knowledge, global experiences and lifelong networks the scholarship has provided, and why those connections remain so valuable today. * He shares what he loves most about life on the land—the constant mental stimulation of farming, balanced by the slower moments that make the lifestyle so rewarding. * Daniel addresses some of the most common misconceptions surrounding agriculture, particularly Australia's cotton industry. * One of the biggest surprises in Daniel's career has been discovering the many different products and industries his cotton ultimately becomes part of. * Looking ahead, Daniel shares his vision for the future of the business and the legacy he hopes to leave for the next generation. 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/] Merced Farming [https://www.mercedfarming.com.au/] Follow @mercedfarming on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mercedfarming/] Produced by Pretty Podcasts [https://www.prettypodcasts.com/]

S5 Ep 13 - Business with Brooke

A childhood on the family farm in Central West NSW is where a fearless agribusiness woman was born. Whether her clients are looking for storytelling strategy, or systems – Brooke Watts is helping rural organisations and communities to realise their dreams. Whether it be on the speaking circuit, running workshops or youth programs, she is passionate about enriching the future of agriculture. To learn more, founder of Business with Brooke, Brooke Watts joins me now. * Brooke shares some of her favourite places in country Australia, from her family farm to the many regional communities she has visited throughout her career, and explains why wide-open spaces will always hold a special place in her heart. * Growing up on a farm shaped Brooke in ways she didn't fully appreciate at the time, and she reflects on the journey that ultimately led her back to the land. * Brooke explains how she launched Business with Brooke and the work she does through workshops, consulting, and capacity-building programs designed to support regional businesses. * She shares the story behind her brand, including the courage it took to step into a full-time business role and pursue a career helping others bring their ideas to life. * Having worked with a diverse range of rural communities, Brooke discusses the lessons she has learned and the common thread that makes regional Australia so special — its people. * Brooke highlights the many opportunities available to the next generation considering a career in agriculture and regional industries, and the importance of helping young people understand the pathways open to them. * She shares what she loves most about contributing to the agricultural sector and supporting the growth of regional communities. * Brooke addresses common misconceptions about regional careers, including the belief that agriculture is an industry you must be born into, and explains why there is so much room for innovation and new ideas. * She reflects on some of the most unexpected moments and successes since launching Business with Brooke. * Looking ahead, Brooke shares her ultimate dream for the future and the impact she hopes to continue making across regional Australia. 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/] Connect with Brooke on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/business.withbrooke/] Business with Brooke [https://www.businesswithbrooke.com/] Produced by Pretty Podcasts [https://www.prettypodcasts.com/]

S5 Ep 12 - Land in Safe Hands

The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. So we've chosen someone whose passion for agriculture started at a very young age on her family's grazing property in Queensland. She's turned that passion into a career with a focus on exceptional land management. To further her skills in the area, she's currently completing her PhD. To learn more about her varied agricultural career and her passion for horse-riding, Ang Hammond joins me now. * Ang reflects on growing up on a grazing property and shares some of her favourite places and memories from a life deeply connected to the land. * Agriculture was always part of Ang's world, and she speaks about the strong sense of community within the industry and the lifelong relationships she has built along the way. * She shares fond memories of life in Lightning Ridge, including the unique multicultural community that made such a lasting impression and continues to draw her back. * Determined to forge an independent career in agriculture, Ang spent five years riding racehorses before completing her studies and discovering her true passion within the industry. * Ang discusses how inheritance was traditionally passed through the male line and reflects on how she challenged those expectations and carved out her own path. * She explores the important connection between land stewardship and mainstream agriculture, and why both must work hand in hand for the future of farming. * Working with Landcare Australia, Ang describes the role as feeling like "coming home" and explains why the work is so personally meaningful. * Ang shares her involvement in industry research projects funded by the Federal Government and the key learnings she has taken from that work. * She discusses the changes currently being implemented across the agricultural sector and the positive impact they are having on farming landscapes and sustainability. * On a personal note, Ang reveals plans for an upcoming horse-riding adventure through Argentina with her husband. * For Ang, the best part of life on the land has always been the people and the communities that make the industry so special. * One of the most unexpected changes she has witnessed throughout her career has been the growing number of young women entering the agricultural industry. * Ang addresses common misconceptions about women in agriculture and shares the changes she believes are still needed across the sector. * Looking ahead, Ang shares her ultimate dream for the future and her hopes for the next generation 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/] Landcare Australia [https://landcareaustralia.org.au/contact-us/] Facebook @landcareaustralia [https://www.facebook.com/landcareaustralia] Instagram @landcareaustralia [https://www.instagram.com/landcareaustralia/] X @ LandcareAust [https://x.com/LandcareAust] LinkedIn @LandcareAustralia [https://www.linkedin.com/company/landcare-australia-ltd/] Connect with Angela Hammond on LinkedIn [https://au.linkedin.com/in/angela-hammond-rangelands-advocate] Produced by Pretty Podcasts [https://www.prettypodcasts.com/]

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/]