On this episode of the AgWatchers Podcast, we’re joined by Julie Collins to unpack the forces shaping Australian agriculture. From Canberra to the Middle East, we explore how geopolitical tensions are influencing fuel, fertiliser and food production and why events unfolding thousands of kilometres away are being felt at the farm gate.

As instability in the Middle East rattles global energy markets, Australian producers are once again grappling with rising diesel prices, volatile fertiliser costs and mounting uncertainty across supply chains. When shipping lanes tighten and oil prices surge, the ripple effects are immediate, pushing up the cost of planting, harvesting and transporting food and fibre. For farmers, it’s a stark reminder that geopolitics can have as much influence on profitability as rainfall and commodity prices.

Julie Collins shares her insights on regional Australia, agricultural policy and the role government plays in supporting producers through an increasingly complex and unpredictable global landscape. Together, we examine the challenges facing rural communities, the policy decisions shaping the sector’s future and the resilience required to navigate an era defined by uncertainty.

We have a chat with Melinda Hashimoto, CEO of Egg Farmers of Australia. In this podcast, we talk about a wide range of issues from biosecurity to Japanese raw eggs. 

We have a chat with Lola Rauch, who works for the German Ag Society, who is now working in Australia to bring an offshoot of the famous Agritechnica conference to Australia - the future ag expo in Melbourne in July.

Will we run out of fuel? will we need horses for harvest? What about our urea supply? Are people stockpiling?

Food is one of our favourite topics. The two of us love to go out and eat a good meal, and meat is usually the centre point. We invited Professor Peter McGilchrist onto the podcast to talk about what makes meat so great to eat. We talk about the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that drive the taste of meat. 

Warning: Do not listen to this podcast when you are hungry. 

This podcast was recorded live on stage at EvokeAg. In this podcast, we have Sarah Adams, GM of Global Strategy and New Ventures for Gallagher, and Dr Guy Coleman, a researcher and innovator currently working at the University of Copenhagen. 

In this podcast, we discuss where innovations will come from, whether from small start-ups or big corporations. 

*Please note the sound quality is not the best due to being recorded on stage and Matt having a microphone malfunction. 

In this podcast we talk about the new tariffs announced over the weekend and due to go into action as of tomorrow. 

This podcast was recorded live on stage at EvokeAg*, so if you didn't make it to the event, you don't miss out. This podcast was a discussion of geopolitics and how the industry should respond. We had Rachel Triggs, the chair of Women in Wine and Will Barton, CEO of Gundagai Lamb up on the stage for a chat. 

We have a chat with Leighton Wilksch of Agbyte. We discuss the possibilities and the value that farmers get from localised weather information through having IoT-enabled weather stations on the farm. We also learn about the signal that allows weather stations to continue working on 4G, whilst all our other services seem to fail. 

We then talk about his Cows for Cambodia trip, which he is running in September, a charity event where you get to learn about farming in Cambodia, and also give something back to those who are more in need. If you want more info follow this link 

We chat with Alastair Rayner, an independent beef extension officer. In this podcast we discuss the using genetics to improve efficiency in a herd, but also a secondary benefit, reducing emissions. 

A really interesting discussion, with strong linkages back into farm profitability.