In this episode of AgVic Talk, Simon Craig discusses the critical issue of fatigue in farming. He shares his journey managing a broad-acre grain and sheep farm in Kooloonong in North-western Victoria, and the steps he has taken to reduce fatigue on his property.  

 Simon highlights the importance of recognising fatigue signs, implementing training sessions for seasonal workers, and creating a culture of safety and well-being. By hiring additional staff and managing shifts effectively, Simon has seen increased productivity and a better work-life balance. He encourages other farmers to embrace safety and open communication about fatigue to create safer and more efficient farms. 

Further information:

In this episode of AgVic Talk, Jason Letchford from the Shearing Contractors Association of Australia and Craig French from Australian Wool Innovation discuss the safety challenges and improvements in the shearing industry.

They delve into key safety issues such as musculoskeletal injuries, exposure to viruses, and the importance of improved shearing shed safety.

The episode also highlights the SafeSheds program and practical strategies for enhancing safety and productivity in shearing sheds.

Tune in to learn more about the efforts being made to ensure a safer working environment for shearers.  

Note: The EVO shearing plant is mentioned in this podcast. There are other brands of shearing plants available, and Agriculture Victoria does not endorse any specific brand. 

In this episode of AgVic Talk, Nigel Corish, the 2023 Farmer of the Year and Chair of Ability Agriculture shares his journey of farming with cerebral palsy, the challenges he has faced, and how he has overcome them. He also discusses the importance of inclusivity in agriculture and how technology is creating new opportunities for people with disabilities.

Josie Clarke, founder of Ability Agriculture, joins the conversation to share her personal story and the mission to create an inclusive agriculture sector. 

Disclaimer: There is language used in this episode that is not used anymore, however, it is used as part of a personal story  

Further information:

This podcast episode features Maggie Bridgewater, a Wellbeing Counsellor with the Rural Financial Counselling Service in Western Victoria, discussing the unique challenges farmers face, such as financial instability and unpredictable weather, and the importance of recognising and addressing burnout, anxiety, and stress.

Maggie shares strategies for managing stress, including working with counsellors, maintaining a work-life balance, and practicing mindfulness. 

In this episode Catherine Velisha, Managing Director of Velisha Farms, discusses the importance of cultural safety in the workplace, emphasising treating employees as individuals with unique needs and values. Vy Pham, a production manager, shares her experience of receiving language support and training, highlighting the benefits of a culturally inclusive work environment. 

Further information:

This podcast episode focuses on farm safety, particularly the safe handling of livestock during loading and unloading processes. It features interviews with Joel Haberfield, a livestock transporter, and Peter Miller, a farmer, who share their experiences and insights on improving safety standards in the agricultural sector. 

Further information:

Welcome to season 10 of AgVic Talk.

This podcast season covers farm safety and wellbeing in Victoria. In this introduction, Beth Jones, Chief Executive of Agriculture Victoria discusses the rewarding yet high-risk nature of farming, stressing the importance of raising awareness, sharing stories, and fostering a culture of safety.

Tune in to help make positive changes on our farms.

In this episode, we discuss demonstration sites across the Mallee aimed at protecting

and improving the productivity of vulnerable Mallee soils.

Discover how to boost Mallee soil productivity and protect the soil with expert tips from Darryl Pearl and Richard McKee.

The Farm Business Resilience Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.

Richard Collins, a 3rd generation beekeeper plans for the unexpected but with climate variability this can be challenging.  

Learn about Richard’s tips for planning for the unexpected and future climate risks.

The Farm Business Resilience Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund. 

This podcast shares key tips from Peter Brown, a beef farmer from East Gippsland who participated in the Farm Business Resilience (FBR) Program and Farm Business Consultant Paul Blackshaw from Meridian Agriculture.

Peter and Paul speak about embracing on-farm uncertainty, documenting the farms strategic direction, and regularly reviewing and updating the farm’s plan to adapt to changing conditions.

The Farm Business Resilience Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.