A Place to Call Home | Stories from Australian Agriculture

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G'day and welcome to episode 63 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.

In this episode, Randal shares his unique journey from a city life to becoming a farmer, detailing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He discusses the importance of community support, creativity, and resilience in agriculture, especially during tough times like drought and COVID-19. 

Randal emphasizes the significance of building a community around farming and the impact of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model in connecting consumers with their food sources. He also highlights the need for innovation and collaboration among farmers to create a sustainable food system.

In this episode we chat about

• Randall's journey into farming
• How he transitioned from a carpenter to a full-time farmer after years of exploring different careers.
• How community support played a crucial role in sustaining their farm during the drought and COVID-19.
• How the CSA model allowed Randall to connect with consumers and share the risks and rewards of food production.
• Why he believes creativity and boldness are essential for success in agriculture.
• Why aspiring farmers should approach agriculture with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Resources Mentioned

• RCS Farm Management Professional Development Australia - Resource Consulting Services
• Australian Holistic Management Co-operative
• Call of the Reed Warbler by Charles Massey
• Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe
• Utopia for Realists – Rutger Bregman
• Humankind – Rutger Bregman (Sams Mention)
• Mountain & Prairie Podcast • Mountain & Prairie

Follow Randal Breen and Echo Valley Farm

📸 Instagram: @echovalleyfarmer
🌏 Website: The Breen Family – Echo Valley

If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.

Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:

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📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au

🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, PRP Regional North Queensland
PRP Regional North Queensland - Preston Rowe Paterson Australasia Pty Ltd

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G'day and welcome to episode 62 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.

In this conversation, Paul Martin, CEO and founder of Summer land Camels, shares his journey from traditional cattle farming to establishing a successful camel dairy business. He discusses the challenges posed by drought, the importance of innovative grazing management, and the role of tourism in educating consumers about camel products. Paul emphasizes the need for investment in sustainable practices and the potential for the camel industry in Australia. He also offers valuable insights for the next generation of farmers, encouraging them to seek opportunities and think outside the box.

In this episode we chat about

• Paul's from a cattle and grain property to Camels Dairy.
• Regenerative agriculture.
• Being open to new business opportunities..
• How tourism can play a key role in educating consumers.
• How investing in off-farm ventures can provide additional income.
• The history of camels in Australia.

Resources Mentioned

• RCS Farm Management Professional Development Australia - Resource Consulting Services
• History ⋆ Savory Institute
• The Ballad of Abdul Wade by Ryan Butta | Goodreads

Follow Paul Martin and Summer land Camels.

📘 Facebook: Summerland Camels
📸 Instagram: @summerlandcamels
🌏 Website: Camel Rides, Farm Tours, Camel Milk Skincare – Summer Land Camels

If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.

Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:

📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au

🎙️ This episode is proudly supported Feed Central's LocalAg —Your trusted partner in agricultural solutions..
👉 To learn more be sure to check out their website.: Trusted Secure Agricultural Marketplace | LocalAg

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G'day and welcome to episode 61 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.

In this episode, host Sam Fryer speaks with Sophia, a commercial beekeeper with a rich family legacy in the industry. 

Sophia shares her journey from a childhood fear of bees to a deep passion for beekeeping, highlighting the importance of pollination in food production and the challenges faced by the industry, including the Varroa mite crisis and fluctuating honey prices. 

She also discusses her early experiences, the significance of family collaboration in beekeeping, and offers valuable advice for aspiring beekeepers.

This is a great episode for anyone interested in getting into the Bee industry.

In this episode we chat about

• Sophia's family has a long history in beekeeping.
• How commercial beekeeping plays a critical role in food production through pollination.
• Starting her beekeeping business at 18
• What challenges the industry is facing.
• How consumers can support the bee industry.
• Seeking mentorship guidance in the industry.

Follow Sophia Croker:

🌐 Website: The Bee Drover - Australian Beekeeper
📘 Instagram: @phiasbees

If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.

Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:

📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au

🎙️ This episode is proudly supported Feed Central's LocalAg —Your trusted partner in agricultural solutions..
👉 To learn more be sure to check out their website.: Trusted Secure Agricultural Marketplace | LocalAg

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.

In this episode, we bring you the closing keynote from the A Place to Call Home: Next-Gen Ag Forum — a powerful and deeply personal session from Kat Reed on Overcoming Obstacles.

Kat’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and sheer determination. From navigating life’s toughest seasons to finding strength in the face of burnout, big decisions, and unexpected setbacks, she shares practical lessons and raw honesty that resonate with anyone in agriculture — and beyond.

Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland

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Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.

From succession and diversification to mental resilience and innovative farming practices, the conversation dives deep into the realities of building a business, caring for the land, and leading the next generation.

Featuring:

• Mark Vass – Fifth-generation cane farmer from Home Hill, passionate soil-health advocate, and diversified business owner.
• John Board – From diesel fitter to full-time farmer in Ingham, sharing raw, real insights on mental health and resilience in agriculture.
• Caitlyn Donaldson – Fifth-generation beef producer from Central QLD, championing sustainability and the role of women in family operations.

Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland

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Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.

Callan Solari brought a fresh and practical perspective to the Next-Gen Ag Forum, sharing insights from his work as a veterinarian on how the next generation of producers can lift animal health, welfare, and productivity standards.

Callan shared stories from his veterinary practice that highlighted the difference between reactive and proactive management — and how small changes can deliver big long-term gains.

Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland

Support the show

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Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.

Mark Westcott delivered a powerful and thought-provoking session on succession planning — not just as a business handover, but as a deeply personal and strategic process that shapes the future of families, farms, and communities.

Drawing on years of experience in agribusiness, leadership, and mentoring, Mark explored how successful succession is built on open communication, clear expectations, and a shared vision between generations. He challenged attendees to approach succession not as a transaction, but as a journey that safeguards both relationships and the legacy of the land.

Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland

Support the show

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Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.

The Thinking Outside the Box panel showcased four inspiring producers who have stepped away from traditional approaches to agriculture, building unique, profitable, and sustainable enterprises tailored to their passions and environments.

Panel Members

• Jacob Wolki – Wolki Farms
• Kale & Karen Robinson – Goat Producers and former Butcher 2 Go owners.
• Kylie Stretton – Life on red Hill

Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland

Support the show

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Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.

Jacob Wolki is a farmer, business owner, and innovator who’s built a reputation for challenging the status quo. In this engaging and thought-provoking session, Jacob shared how he has created diverse, vertically integrated enterprises — from livestock and market gardening to direct-to-consumer retail — all by reimagining what’s possible in agriculture.

Jacob’s story is a reminder that the next generation of producers can design businesses that suit their lifestyle, values, and market — not just follow the conventional path.

Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland

Support the show

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Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville. 

This panel brought together:
Andrew Cox – Generational Wealth Partners (Investing 101)
Sam Spina – QRIDA (Loans & grants for producers)
Alison Larard – Rural Financial Counselling Service (Tips & tricks for the next generation)

Together they shared practical, no-nonsense advice on building strong financial foundations, seizing opportunities, and navigating challenges in agriculture.

Whether you’re starting out or looking to level up your business, this session is full of valuable takeaways.

Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland

Support the show