Biosecurity Warning, Ag Department Cuts & The Raw Truth About the SA Drought

This week’s episode is a wild one — equal parts alarming, heartfelt, and honest.

🦠 Topic 1: Flesh-Eating Parasite – A New Biosecurity Threat? We unpack the shocking news of a flesh-eating parasite from southern Mexico that’s making headlines. Could this be Australia's next biosecurity nightmare? We break down what it is, who’s at risk, and what it means for Aussie agriculture.

📉 Topic 2: 165 Ag & Regional Jobs Cut The axe has fallen. We dive into the recent slash of 165 jobs from regional and agricultural departments — what’s really behind it, what this means for our communities, and why regional Australia is again paying the price.

💬 Topic 3: Your Thoughts on Funerals & Reels We read your powerful, personal and sometimes hilarious comments from this week’s viral reel and the post about planning rural funerals. If you’ve ever had to juggle grief, gumboots and logistics — this one’s for you.

🌾 Topic 4: Has the SA Drought Hit Breaking Point? A raw discussion: Are South Australian pastoralists facing the worst of it right now? We hear firsthand stories and share insights from the bush. Could this be the hardest season yet?

2026 Harvest Her Power Conference - Dubbo NSW

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Yhv2wFKzQ/

🚜 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

💻 Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/

[email protected]

🎙️ Episode 39 – Royal Protocols, Frog Farming & Found Dogs with Katja Williams (The Ultimate Farm Wife) & Gillian Fennell (Station Mum 101)

This week’s episode is a wild ride (and not just because Katja had a birthday! 🎉).

Here’s what we’re unpacking: 🐾 WE FOUND OUR DOG! You’ll never believe how. 🐸 Frog farming is a thing – and yes, we’ve found the videos. Stay tuned on socials. 📻 We got sent an old-school comedy reel about “political” visits to farms – classic throwback, we’ll try and slip it into the episode. 👑 We dive into a deep listener question:

“Farms are often compared to the monarchy when it comes to tradition and succession… but why don’t we consider funeral protocols or planning in the same way when a key family member passes in a farming business?”

💍 Plus, a hot-button convo raised on Ducks on the Pond with Kirsten Diprose:

“If you marry a farmer… should you get a prenup?”

🎉 Also, some milestone moments: 🗓️ Next month marks 12 months of Agsolutley Fabulous! Over 80 episodes and counting. We’re asking: 👉 What do you want more (or less) of? 👉 Got a burning question or article to share? 👉 Know someone who wants to sponsor? It’s free to listen, but not to make – every bit of support helps.

💜 Speaking of community… The fundraiser for Jen and her girls was nothing short of amazing: ✅ 53/53 lots sold 🎟️ Two HHP Conference tickets sold – we can't wait to meet the winning bidder and their plus one. We know the conference will be worth every cent.

Mention links (Instagram or search them on the web)

• https://www.instagram.com/lauren.the.mortician/?igsh=eHRha2pneW9udndk&fbclid=IwY2xjawLv0chleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsRTgySzVFT0JjeFBlcXZSAR4dC6yXMXsb7ZemzPiWMjz6n6uVrZ6RZ5Nl4pwSUv-UV0YdOtBPWpG8m_BVew_aem_Ea6JsQOMuyR2KG0ymzEyrw#
• http://instagram.com/eterneva/?igsh=YjBiZWdycjVjbTZm&fbclid=IwY2xjawLv0cpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsRTgySzVFT0JjeFBlcXZSAR7tANAiPQE6SxHgyG5UO3tLO-OsrIkJVLShrxFLShPfcVXbsPtQNchKpJonrg_aem_q9wKFRlqDLK1gD0jt1T2SQ#
• https://www.instagram.com/emsforkids/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLv0c1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsRTgySzVFT0JjeFBlcXZSAR4H5rR5UftxwehlL1s05aGlxYl5_K_Kk_2mwXPkt3taiJsHVtjLvDyg3P068Q_aem_hYsBtTVZffebTfQIuFJHcQ

2026 Harvest Her Power Conference - Dubbo NSW

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Yhv2wFKzQ/

🚜 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

💻 Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/

[email protected]

.Andrew "Cutchy" McCutcheon was an integral part of the Collie, Gilgandra and surrounding communities. He was a devoted father to Evie and Annie, and a loving husband to Jen. He will be remembered for his passion for farming, teaching & helping others, his strong work ethic, his ability to start a conversation with literally anyone and his infectious smile.

Raffle tickets: $50

Live auction starts: 3PM

Raffle drawn: 4PM

Tickets & details: & more info: https://cutchys-daughters-future-fund-raffle.raiselysite.com

The Ultimate Farm Wives Group

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1LQpo5L8Z7/

The Ultimate Farm Wife

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089799045170

2026 Harvest Her Power Conference - Dubbo NSW

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Yhv2wFKzQ/

🚜 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

💻 Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/

[email protected]

🎙️ Agsolutley Fabulous Ep 27: Lab-Grown Meat, Smuggled Food, Agent Exodus & Ag Q&A

This week on Agsolutley Fabulous, Katja and Gillian are back with a no-filter take on the biggest stories in ag—and a few wild ones too.

🔥 Hot Topics:

1. Lab-Grown Meat Approved in Australia It’s official—cultured meat has been given the green light. What does this mean for real beef producers, the supermarket shelf, and the future of farming?
2. 62,000kg of Illegal Food Stopped at the Border Tons of smuggled food intercepted by border control—but what’s the real cost of lax enforcement when it comes to protecting Australian producers?
3. Gillian Sends Another Wild Reel Let’s just say… this one has Katja questioning her friendship (again). Tune in for a laugh.
4. Livestock Agent Exodus: What's Happening at Elders? An Elders-owned agency faces a mass resignation of stock agents. Is this the start of a shake-up in livestock marketing? Could it mean more competition—and possibly better prices—for sellers?

Andrew "Cutchy" McCutcheon was an integral part of the Collie, Gilgandra and surrounding communities. He was a devoted father to Evie and Annie, and a loving husband to Jen. He will be remembered for his passion for farming, teaching & helping others, his strong work ethic, his ability to start a conversation with literally anyone and his infectious smile.

Raffle tickets: $50

Live auction starts: 3PM

Raffle drawn: 4PM

Tickets & details: & more info: https://cutchys-daughters-future-fund-raffle.raiselysite.com

The Ultimate Farm Wives Group

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1LQpo5L8Z7/

The Ultimate Farm Wife

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089799045170

2026 Harvest Her Power Conference - Dubbo NSW

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Yhv2wFKzQ/

🚜 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

💻 Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/

[email protected]

lab grown meat Australia, cultured meat approved, livestock industry news, ag industry Australia, smuggled food Australia, food import border control, Elders stock agent exodus, cattle market prices, Angus cattle premiums, Hereford cattle market, Australian agriculture podcast, women in agriculture, rural podcast Australia, ag news 2025, farming policy Australia, drought not natural disaster, farm data for policy, Agsolutley Fabulous podcast, Katja Williams, Gillian Fennell

Show Notes: In this episode, we dive into several important issues facing rural communities today:

• Why are South Australian grain farmers being denied access to bank loans, and what does this mean for their future?
• What is the appropriate driving age for farm kids on private property, and what supervision rules apply?
• How government policies are making life harder for people living in rural and remote areas.
• A tragic update on a man who died after a collision with a tractor on a public road.
• Practical advice for managing the rising cost of living while running a farming business.

Whether you’re a farmer, farm family, or rural supporter, this episode covers crucial topics that impact your life and livelihood. Tune in for insights, stories, and solutions to help navigate the challenges of farming today.

Andrew "Cutchy" McCutcheon was an integral part of the Collie, Gilgandra and surrounding communities. He was a devoted father to Evie and Annie, and a loving husband to Jen. He will be remembered for his passion for farming, teaching & helping others, his strong work ethic, his ability to start a conversation with literally anyone and his infectious smile.

Raffle tickets: $50

Live auction starts: 3PM

Raffle drawn: 4PM

Tickets & details: & more info: https://cutchys-daughters-future-fund-raffle.raiselysite.com

Catalogue now available

For a paperback version of the catalogue please email us your name and address.

For a digital copy please send us your email address or click the link below

https://drive.google.com/.../11KdkoJJ1TM2lfCMGc6k.../view...

Tuesday 8th July 2024

40 Quality Bulls and Commercial Females ready to enter into any breeding program

Over 64 years of breeding Quality Seed Stock Cattle

The Ultimate Farm Wives Group

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1LQpo5L8Z7/

The Ultimate Farm Wife

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089799045170

2026 Harvest Her Power Conference - Dubbo NSW

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Yhv2wFKzQ/

🚜 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

💻 Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/

[email protected]

📝 Show Notes:

In this week’s episode of Agsolutley Fabulous, we’re diving headfirst into some of the most pressing and passionate conversations in Australian agriculture:

🌾 1. Cities Targeting Prime Farmland for Waste Disposal New proposals suggest metropolitan councils may begin dumping city waste on high-value agricultural land. We unpack what this means for food security, farming livelihoods, and rural communities. Is your farm at risk?

👨‍🌾 2. Post-Succession Education: What You Really Need to Know Taking over the family farm is just the beginning. We explore what’s missing in post-succession training—everything from finance to leadership, mindset, and management. If you’ve inherited land (or are about to), don’t skip this chat.

🐄 3. The Great Australian Cattle Drive is Back! The dust, the grit, the legacy. We celebrate the return of one of the most iconic agricultural events in Aussie history—and why it's more than just a ride. This is about culture, history, and connection to the land.

🔥 Why Listen? Whether you’re in the middle of succession planning, worried about policy overreach, or just love a good yarn about cattle and courage—this episode will challenge, educate, and inspire.

📢 Join the Conversation: Have thoughts or questions? Drop a comment on Instagram or Facebook @AgsolutleyFabulous, or nominate a guest through our website.

Catalogue now available

For a paperback version of the catalogue please email us your name and address.

For a digital copy please send us your email address or click the link below

https://drive.google.com/.../11KdkoJJ1TM2lfCMGc6k.../view...

Tuesday 8th July 2024

40 Quality Bulls and Commercial Females ready to enter into any breeding program

Over 64 years of breeding Quality Seed Stock Cattle

The Ultimate Farm Wives Group

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1LQpo5L8Z7/

The Ultimate Farm Wife

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089799045170

2026 Harvest Her Power Conference - Dubbo NSW

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Yhv2wFKzQ/

🚜 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

💻 Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/

[email protected]

🎙️ Agsolutely Fabulous Podcast

Show Notes:

In this week’s episode of Agsolutely Fabulous, Katja Williams and Gillian Fennell are back at the mic with another no-nonsense rural roundup. We’re diving into the big issues making waves across rural Australia:

📡 Telstra’s Satellite Texting Service – Is this the outback solution we’ve been waiting for? We break down what it means for farmers, remote families, and emergency comms in isolated areas.

🔍 Small-Scale Abattoir Under Surveillance – Covert cameras, community concerns, and the bigger question: should government surveillance be mandated in agriculture?

🥩 Where’s the Beef? – Supermarket shelves are empty while cattle prices remain high. We ask: who's profiting, and why aren’t consumers seeing the value?

🐗 Pig Hunters Doing the Heavy Lifting? – New data reveals recreational hunters are culling more than triple the national average. Should policymakers take notice—and support their role in feral animal management?

👩‍🌾 Should Women Be Paid for Voluntary Work? – From on-farm labour to organising community events, women are doing the invisible heavy lifting in ag. It’s time we ask: what’s it worth, and who benefits from keeping it unpaid?

💬 Join the conversation by sending us your thoughts on any of this week’s topics. Follow us on socials and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of rural real talk.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Catalogue now available

For a paperback version of the catalogue please email us your name and address.

For a digital copy please send us your email address or click the link below

https://drive.google.com/.../11KdkoJJ1TM2lfCMGc6k.../view...

Tuesday 8th July 2024

40 Quality Bulls and Commercial Females ready to enter into any breeding program

Over 64 years of breeding Quality Seed Stock Cattle

The Ultimate Farm Wives Group

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1LQpo5L8Z7/

The Ultimate Farm Wife

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089799045170

2026 Harvest Her Power Conference - Dubbo NSW

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Yhv2wFKzQ/

#AgsolutelyFabulous #WomenInAg #RuralIssues #BeefShortage #AgPolitics #FarmLife #TelstraSatellite #PigHunting #AgSurveillance #UnpaidWork

This week on the podcast, no topic was off limits! We dive into everything from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's latest moves to Ag Minister Julie Collins' impact on rural Australia.

We unpack the vibe at the Dubbo Show, explore the reshaping of the Nationals Party, and shine a light on Katie O'Brien's powerful rural mental health movement: "Check Your Mates, Open Gates."

We also recap the latest from Farmer Wants a Wife (FWAW) and take a bold look at the dangerous ideologies still shaping women’s roles in agriculture.

This episode is raw, real, and unfiltered—just how rural conversations should be.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your take on these topics!

Catalogue now available

For a paperback version of the catalogue please email us your name and address.

For a digital copy please send us your email address or click the link below

https://drive.google.com/.../11KdkoJJ1TM2lfCMGc6k.../view...

Tuesday 8th July 2024

40 Quality Bulls and Commercial Females ready to enter into any breeding program

Over 64 years of breeding Quality Seed Stock Cattle

The Ultimate Farm Wives Group

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1LQpo5L8Z7/

The Ultimate Farm Wife

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089799045170

2026 Harvest Her Power Conference - Dubbo NSW

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Yhv2wFKzQ/

🚜 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

💻 Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/

[email protected]

In this episode, we dig into the dust—literally and figuratively.

First, we shine a spotlight on the Australian Defence Force’s deployment to the Mid North Coast during recent flood events and ask the question on many QLD farmers’ minds: "Where was this response when we were underwater—or on fire?" It's a hard conversation, but one that deserves attention.

Then, it’s not just frustrations in the air—it’s red dust, and plenty of it. We talk about the intense dust storms rolling into NSW from drought-stricken regions of Victoria and South Australia, and how it’s affecting air quality, mental health, and everyday rural life.

We also celebrate a beautiful grassroots movement from rural mental health champion Katie O’Brien: “Check Your Mates, Open Gates”. Her Tuesday Call a Friend initiative is sparking honest conversations, neighbourly care, and rural resilience.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a weekly wrap without a FWAW (Farmer Wants a Wife) update. We break down the latest drama, heartfelt moments, and what the show’s teaching (or not teaching) about real life on the land.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Australian Defence Force Flood Response
• Dust & Air Quality Monitoring NSW
• Katie O'Brien’s Initiative: "Check Your Mates, Open Gates"
• Farmer Wants a Wife (weekly Review)

🚜 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

💻 Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/

[email protected]

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