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G'day and welcome to episode 72 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast

Today I’m joined by Jacob (Jake) Wolki, a mixed-enterprise farmer from Woomargama in southern New South Wales. Jake and his wife Ann run a 60-hectare home block with Nguni cattle, Berkshire pigs, laying hens, honey, an orchard and a stack of little side enterprises – all feeding into their on-farm butchery and direct-to-consumer business.

What started as a personal health crisis and a backyard veggie patch has evolved into a fully fledged, multi-layered farm business: regenerative, direct-to-consumer, value-adding, and fiercely family-centred. Jake is also known for creating one of Australia’s first 24/7 unstaffed butcher shops, his unapologetically honest social media, and his advocacy for “fit-for-purpose” African genetics like Nguni cattle and Damara sheep.

Whether you’re dreaming of stacking enterprises, going direct-to-consumer, or just want your kids more involved in the day-to-day, this yarn is packed with hard-won lessons, uncomfortable truths and plenty of practical inspiration.

In this episode we chat about

• How a health crisis pushed Jacob from the “stupid Australian diet” into growing food and building a regenerative farm business.
• The journey from leasing his dad’s 100-acre block to creating a fully integrated farm, butchery and nationwide direct-to-consumer model.
• Why he built one of Australia’s first 24/7 unstaffed butcher shops — and how it transformed the business.
• The power of value-adding: turning trim, fat and “waste” into high-margin products like tallow, broth and skincare.
• Why Jacob chooses African genetics like Nguni cattle and Damara sheep for fit-for-purpose, low-input, resilient farming.

Resources Mentioned

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie - Penguin Books Australia
• The Richest Man in Babylon, eBook by George S. Clason | 9789897786884 | Booktopia
• Almanack of Naval Ravikant
• MAN, CATTLE and VELD : Zietsman, Johann: Amazon.com.au: Books

Follow Jacob and Wolki Farms

📘 Facebook: Wolki Farms
📸 Instagram: @Wolkifarms
🌏 Website:Wolki Farm Grass Fed Meat

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

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

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G'day and welcome to episode 71 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast

n this episode, Sam Fryer interviews Andrew and Megan Miller about their journey in agriculture, their experiences with HerdXL, and their aspirations for land ownership. They discuss the challenges and lessons learned from managing properties, the development of the HerdXL app, and the importance of financial literacy and community support. The conversation also touches on personal growth, family dynamics, and the value of surrounding oneself with the right people.

In this episode we chat about

• Introduction to Andrew and Megan Miller's journey in agriculture.
• Development and features of the HerdXL app.
• Challenges and lessons learned from managing properties.
• Importance of financial literacy and community support.
• Personal growth and family dynamics in the agricultural sector.
• Insights on investment strategies for aspiring landowners.
• The Millers' aspirations for land ownership and future goals.
• The role of mentorship and community in their journey.
• Gratitude for the opportunities and experiences along the way.

Follow Megan, Andrew and Herd XL

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HERDXL
📸 Instagram: @herdxl
🌏 Website: Herd XL - Cattle Calculators & Trading Tools to Maximise Beef Cattle Profit

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

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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, Speed Tagger

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G'day and welcome to episode 70 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast

Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of agricultural media with Jon Condon, founder of Beef Central. With decades of experience, Jon shares his journey from traditional journalism to digital innovation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing the beef industry today. Discover how quality content, strategic foresight, and embracing change are key to thriving in this dynamic field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of agriculture.

In this episode we chat about

• Evolution of Media: The transition from traditional print to digital media has significantly impacted how agricultural news is disseminated and consumed.
• Importance of Quality Content: Maintaining high-quality, original content is crucial for sustaining readership and trust in the digital age.
• Challenges in Digital Publishing: The agricultural media industry faces challenges such as balancing speed with accuracy and avoiding clickbait to maintain credibility.
• Industry Battles: The beef industry is navigating various challenges, including compliance issues, environmental concerns, and the impact of AI.
• Opportunities in the Beef Industry: There are significant opportunities for growth and innovation in the beef industry, particularly in enhancing producer-processor relationships and focusing on high-quality, premium products.
• Role of AI: AI is playing an increasing role in the agricultural sector, offering efficiencies in areas like meat processing and data analysis.
• Need for Continuous Learning: The importance of ongoing education and training in areas like people management and industry-specific skills is emphasized for future growth.

Follow Jon Condon and Beef Central

📘 Facebook: Beef Central
📸 Instagram: @beefcentralofficial
🔗 LinkedIn: Beef Central: Posts | LinkedIn
🌏 Website: Home - Beef Central

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

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

🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, Full Noise Sound and Production

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G'day and welcome to episode 69 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast

In this episode, Nathan Cleasby shares his journey from a non-agricultural background to founding Living Water Aquaculture, focusing on red claw farming. He discusses the challenges and opportunities he encountered, the importance of collaboration and research, and his approach to raising capital. Nathan emphasizes the significance of investing in knowledge and building a supportive team to achieve long-term success in the aquaculture industry.

In this episode we chat about

• Getting into the Red claw industry
• The importance of collaboration.
• Different approaches to raising capital
• The importance of having a solid team around you
• Investing in knowledge and skills is crucial for long-term success.

Resources Mentioned

• The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett | No.1 Podcast
• Aquaculture - JCU Australia

Follow Nathan Cleasby and Living Water Aquaculture

📘 Facebook: Living Water Aquaculture
📸 Instagram: @living_water_aquaculture
🔗 LinkedIn: Living Water Aquaculture: Overview | LinkedIn
🌏 Website: Welcome to Living Water Aquaculture - Living Water Aquaculture

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

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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, Full Noise Sound and Production

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G'day and welcome to episode 68 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Sally Edwards, a dedicated steer trader from Taroom. Sally shares her experiences growing up in agriculture and the pivotal moments that led her to leave the family business. She candidly discusses the emotional challenges of this transition and how she and her husband successfully built their own thriving steer trading business. Through resilience and adaptability, they navigated the complexities of the agricultural industry while prioritizing family relationships. This conversation offers valuable insights into managing risk, seizing opportunities, and the enduring importance of family ties in farming.

In this episode we chat about

• The significance of family support in agricultural ventures.
• How Sally navigated the challenges of family succession.
• The emotional impact of stepping away from the family business.
• Strategies for managing risk and seizing opportunities in steer trading.
• The importance of maintaining family relationships amidst business challenges.

Resources Mentioned

• The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett | No.1 Podcast
• Marcus Oldham College - We mean business.
• BBC World Service - Global News Podcast - Downloads

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 brought to you by, Rural Succession Solutions

This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by Rural Succession Solutions.

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G'day and welcome to episode 67 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.

Join Sam Fryer as he sits down with Adam and Jacynta Coffey to explore their incredible journey from Tasmania to the Northern Territory. Discover how they navigated the challenges of agriculture, embraced opportunities, and built a life centered around resilience and growth.

In this episode we chat about

• Embrace opportunities as they arise, even if they don't look perfect.
• Building resilience in agriculture is key to weathering market fluctuations.
• The importance of networking and learning from industry mentors.
• Balancing dreams with practical steps in land and livestock management.
• Navigating financial challenges with creativity and determination.
• The significance of soil health and sustainable practices.
• The role of community and mentorship in personal and professional growth.
• Understanding the balance between land ownership and financial independence.
• The power of adaptability and open-mindedness in achieving long-term goals.

Resources Mentioned

• RCS Farm Management Professional Development Australia - Resource Consulting Services
• Lachlan Hughes Foundation - Supporting Regenerative Agriculture

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 brought to you by, Invest Inya Farmer.

To learn more be sure to check out their website Home - Invest Inya Farmer

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G'day and welcome to episode 66 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.

In this episode, Kristie Lisle shares her journey from a mining career to becoming a full-time primary producer in agriculture. She discusses her early life in agriculture, the challenges and sacrifices made while building a contracting business, and the importance of setting goals. 

Kristie emphasizes the significance of infrastructure development, technology adoption, and effective communication in achieving success. She also highlights the role of family dynamics in business and the unique experience of driving a school bus for her children. With aspirations to grow their cattle operation, Kristie offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring producers.

In this episode we chat about

• Kristie and her husband Matt transition from mining to agriculture, while emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication.
• How real estate investments played a crucial role in their financial growth and stability.
• How setting clear goals, such as their number plate 'TT16', helped them stay focused.
• How the hard sacrifices in their early years, including social events, were necessary for their long-term success.
• Succession planning and the different ways to make it happen
• Why transitioning to being a full-time primary producer requires careful planning and cash flow management.
• Infrastructure development, particularly water and fencing and it  significantly improved their productivity.
• The importance of continuous learning and surrounding oneself with supportive people.

Resources Mentioned

• RCS Farm Management Professional Development Australia - Resource Consulting Services
• ABL Foundation
• Raw & Wild Instincts 'Seminar' | Wild Adventures with Johnny Mitchell | Fishing Training
• klrmarketing.com.au
• Uncut & Real Raw With Clinton Anderson | Clinton Anderson
• Codie Sanchez
• chrishelder.com.au

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 brought to you by, Invest Inya Farmer.

To learn more be sure to check out their website Home - Invest Inya Farmer

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G'day and welcome to episode 65 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.
In this conversation, Nathan MacPhee shares his journey from a successful career in finance to founding Invest inya Farmer, a platform that allows urban investors to support agricultural production without owning land. 

He discusses the importance of understanding the agricultural landscape, the unique investment model that mitigates risk for farmers, and the emotional connection urban investors develop with their agricultural assets. 

Nathan emphasizes the need for innovative thinking in agriculture, the role of capital in supporting next-generation producers, and the future expansion of the platform into new markets.

In this episode we chat about

• Nathans transition from finance to agriculture after a gap year during COVID.
• How Invest Inya Farmer allows urban investors to support farmers without owning land.
• Where did Invest Inya Farmer start
• How farmers are encouraged to communicate with investors about their challenges and successes.
• How the platform is building an emotional connection between investors and farmers is crucial for success.
• Invest in Your Farmer focuses on solving problems for farmers, not just providing capital.

Resources Mentioned

• klrmarketing.com.au
• Farm Owners Academy
• COLD START PROBLEM: How to Start and Scale Network Effects : Chen, Andrew: Amazon.com.au: Books

Follow Nathan MacPhee and Invest Inya Farmer

📘 Facebook: Invest Inya Farmer
📸 Instagram: @investinyafarmer
🔗 LinkedIn: IIF - Invest Inya Farmer: Posts | LinkedIn
🌏 Website: Home - Invest Inya Farmer

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 brought to you by, Invest Inya Farmer.

To learn more be sure to check out their website Home - Invest Inya Farmer

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*It's school holidays so we have a special intro and outro for the podcast.

G'day and welcome to episode 64 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.

In this episode, Stuart Austin shares his journey in agriculture, discussing his experiences from managing large farms to his aspirations of owning land and cattle. He emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, mental health awareness in rural communities, and the shift towards regenerative agriculture.

Stuart also introduces his new venture, Audacious Ag, aimed at helping others succeed in the agricultural sector through innovative partnerships and coaching. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships and the need for open discussions about mental health in the farming community.

In this episode we chat about

• Stuart Austin career in Agriculture
• Their journey to finding "A Place To Call Home"
• Why financial literacy is crucial for success in agriculture.
• Regenerative agriculture and its focus on improving land health and biodiversity.
• Mental health being a significant issue in rural communities, and why open conversations are essential.
• Audacious Ag and its aim to help others in agriculture.
• How Innovative partnerships can provide pathways to land ownership.
• Why building relationships is key to finding opportunities in agriculture.
• Health and well-being are foundational to success in life and business.

Resources Mentioned

• RCS Farm Management Professional Development Australia - Resource Consulting Services
• Marcus Oldham College - We mean business.
• Codie Sanchez
• The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett | No.1 Podcast
• You Inc by John McGrath - 9780732276362

Follow Stuart Austin and Audacious Ag

📘 Facebook: Audacious Ag
📸 Instagram: @audacious.ag
🔗 LinkedIn: Audacious Ag
🌏 Website: Audacious Agriculture | Agriculture, Unbound

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 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 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:

📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 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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