Generation Ag

L: Thea Walker [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thea-walker-80b58a25b/] is a fourth-generation farmer from Manjimup, WA, where her family grows avocados, passionfruit, truffles, and raises livestock. With a Bachelor of Agribusiness from Curtin and experience on a Kimberley cattle station, she now works as a horticultural consultant with Planfarm. In 2023, she received the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant for her project addressing avocado food waste. Recently named the 2024 WA Rural Ambassador, Thea is passionate about advocating for sustainable practices and the future of Australian agriculture.

In this episode, cohost Kayla (IG: @kaylajaydee_ [https://www.instagram.com/kaylajaydee_/profilecard/?igsh=eWJsOWpidGJvdHo2]), with nearly a decade of experience in agricultural workforce management, shares essential tips for farmers looking to improve their approach to managing on-farm employees. From better workforce planning and navigating employment fundamentals to mastering employee performance management and boosting retention, Kayla provides practical advice that helps build a more efficient, effective, and satisfied team. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed in managing your most valuable asset: your people.

Mia Ryan is the founder and creative force behind Howdy [https://howdyglobal.com.au/] (IG: @howdy.global [https://www.instagram.com/howdy.global/]), a unique dating app designed to bridge the gap for those seeking genuine connections in rural Australia. At just 22, Mia launched Howdy to address the unique challenges of dating in the bush, where small-town dynamics and limited dating pools can make it tough to find a meaningful relationship. Raised on a farm herself, Mia understands firsthand the demands of agricultural life and the desire to connect with someone who truly understands rural values and lifestyle. Mia’s journey began with her own frustrations with mainstream dating apps, which often focus on quantity over quality, catering poorly to rural communities. Driven to create a solution, she developed Howdy, an app that prioritises genuine connection and community. With thoughtful features like ‘I am a farmer’ and ‘I’m looking for a farmer’ options and a small subscription fee, Howdy has already built a reputation for attracting sincere users committed to real relationships. Since its launch, Howdy has grown rapidly, especially among women, and is already fostering long-distance romances across the country—including Mia’s own budding relationship with a farmer from Western Australia. Through Howdy, Mia is reshaping the rural dating experience, giving Australians in agriculture a place to connect and build lasting relationships on their terms.

Erin Lukey (IG: @erinlukey [https://www.instagram.com/erinlukey/]) is a passionate agriculture analyst. After being introduced to the industry through her Sydney high school, Erin decided to study further, choosing to complete a Bachelor of Agriculture through the University of New England. After this, Erin moved into a Rural Affairs policy position, working alongside producers and government to advocate for policy positions ranging from AgVet chemical regulation, biosecurity and animal welfare, to telecommunications, innovation and technology.  After three years with the NFF, Erin was craving a change, so moved to northern Australia for a year as a ringer. Here, she was introduced to an extremely practical side of the industry, working within an extensive program, mustering and processing tens of thousands of cattle.  Currently she is the Senior Market Information Analyst at Meat & Livestock Australia, focusing on red meat market dynamics, providing a range of informative and educational analysis for the supply chain. Don't forget to send us an email if you know of a story that we should tell at hello@generationag.com.au *Become a Patreon Partner* - https://patreon.com/generationag Find us here: Instagram: @generation.ag Twitter: @generation_ag Website: www.generationag.com.au

Mil and Tess are the dynamic duo behind (IG: @theprimarysource_ [https://www.instagram.com/theprimarysource_/]) a podcast dedicated to shining a light on the stories and people within the agricultural industry. With backgrounds rooted in farming, both Mil and Tess bring a fresh, authentic perspective to every conversation, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of life on the land. Their passion for connecting with rural communities and sharing the realities of agriculture makes The Primary Source an essential listen for those interested in farming, sustainability, and the future of food production. Tess on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tesscolquhoun?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAADYSrKUBraf6wgmcziLNMQAfyyRne3dsSmY&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_search_srp_all%3BTmRn4MUeRPy8udtIajL8Hw%3D%3D] | Mil on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-unthank-b4b72b1aa?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAADDfpqsB9wsCAHLvudLdZX0HyhBy_eBqzHs&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_search_srp_all%3BumxJlBo1R7iksSzPUUTbbQ%3D%3D] Book Recommendation from Tess [https://www.amazon.com.au/Excessively-Obsessed-passion-business-limits/dp/0349437920]