What happens when your farm-obsessed son just can't find that one special book or toy to match his passion for all things rural? Well if you're a graphic and web designer – you just make your own. George the Farmer was created in 2014. Since then, there is an interactive story app, storybooks music, paddock to plate videos and touring performances. This little character is a powerhouse from regional South Australia. Simone Kain is the woman behind the popular brand, and she joins me now.

• Simone shares that her son was the inspiration behind George the Farmer, having always wanted to be out on the farm with his dad, and reflects on her favourite places on the farm, where she grew up.
• Her early career in graphic and web design helped kick-start George the Farmer, allowing Simone to create much of the content herself, from apps and online resources to songs and books.
• George the Farmer has grown into a fun yet educational tool that encourages children to learn about life on the land while inspiring future careers in agriculture and educating adults along the way.
• Because food and fibre affect everyone, both in the city and the country, Simone loves that George the Farmer is reaching audiences across Australia and around the world.
• Receiving multiple awards, it highlighted a major gap in agricultural understanding, and she is proud to have industry support and to see the content making a real impact.
• Simone now works on George the Farmer full-time, with 14 picture story books, five board books and eight early learner readers, all self-published and 100 per cent owned by her.
• Despite its global reach, George the Farmer remains owned and operated by Simone from regional South Australia.
• Simone shares that what she loves most about life on the land is the lifestyle and connection it brings.
• A common misconception she challenges is that agriculture isn't innovative and that women don't play significant roles within the industry.
• The most unexpected outcome was the rapid uptake of George the Farmer and its inclusion in both Australian and US school curriculums.
• Simone's dream for the future is that when children think of agriculture, they immediately think of George the Farmer.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

George the Farmer

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Big things happen with a commitment to a series of small changes. That philosophy is working wonders on a Northern Territory farm in Katherine. From half a dozen cattle to more than 350. Throw in vegetables, fresh cut flowers and eggs – it's easy to see why. The property is managed from a holistic, entire landscape perspective. It's work that has caught the eye of industry leaders with Jeremy Trembath of Lonesome Duck Estate being named among the finalists for Young Grower of the Year. To learn more, Jeremy joins me to discuss;

• Jeremy's favourite place on the farm is always shifting, depending on where the cattle are at any given time.
• While the property has multiple facets, cattle are currently the primary focus, alongside significant recent expansion.
• Having stepped into the property over a decade ago, Jeremy reflects on how he truly made it his own from around 2019 onward.
• Jeremy takes a holistic, whole-landscape approach, and although regenerative farming is often discussed, he has achieved meaningful change in a relatively short time.
• The changes include no tillage, minimal chemicals and no kill systems, guided by the belief that overgrazing is not a symptom of stock numbers but of time.
• Jeremy explains that reaching this outcome came through trial and error, noting that "for me, the fun is in that."
• Soil underpins everything, with Jeremy stating that "soil is crucial to the human race's success," and that caring for land has far-reaching effects on the planet.
• Opening local markets for selling produce matters to Jeremy because food security is often overlooked, and he believes food should never be something we worry about.
• Health is deeply important to Jeremy, driven by observation, research and an appreciation for diversity.
• Jeremy describes how vegetables, chickens and cattle function together as an interconnected and balanced system.
• What Jeremy loves most about working on the land is the depth of connection it brings.
• He also shares unexpected ways his perspective has shifted over time.
• A common misconception about his work is summed up in his view that "when we're more afraid of a green growing plant than the chemical we use to remove it, we've lost the plot."
• Jeremy's ultimate dream is to continue building a resilient and regenerative future for Lonesome Duck Estate.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Being the support manager of a million-hectare cattle station in the Northern Territory keeps her busy enough but my guest today has been handpicked for the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program run by the National Farmer's Federation. The program helps support female leaders who are driven to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for the industry. To learn more, Anna Cochrane of Consolidated Pastoral Company joins me now.

• Anna's favourite place on the station is less about a specific location and more about the feeling of privilege that comes with living there and appreciating the environment around her.
• She manages Newcastle Waters Station, working in station support alongside the team and being someone people feel comfortable coming to talk to.
• Before moving to the Northern Territory, she began studying law but quickly felt drawn to agriculture and was fortunate to build a working partnership with her husband.
• While the roles were daunting at times, she learned the importance of being adaptable and kind to herself and others.
• Anna is passionate about regional and rural development and is motivated by continuous improvement, loving the challenge and the opportunities this lifestyle has provided.
• Being selected for the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program allows her to learn, add value, network, and advocate for herself and others.
• She is already working to create positive change by encouraging women to put their hands up for leadership roles and addressing the factors that inhibit them from doing so.
• Championing diversity matters to her because placing yourself in new situations with new people leads to growth and deeper understanding.
• What she loves most about working on the land is that despite being 400 kilometres from the nearest store, she has never felt isolated.
• A common misconception about what she does is that distance equates to isolation.
• Her dream for the future is to continue along a path of continuous improvement.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram Produced by Pretty Podcasts

The power of pictures is profound – they tell stories, celebrate moments that would otherwise be lost in time, and connect people. The thirst for authentic outback stories is undeniable, but it's not often we have the chance to meet the person behind the camera. Photographer and founder of AgriShots Alice Mabin joins me now.

• Her favourite place to have done a shoot isn't about the location but the people, although the Kimberley is incredible.
• Alice originally planned a career in animal health but bought a camera after seeing that the stories of people in the industry weren't being told well and wanted to share them from a positive place.
• She felt there was a more authentic story to be told about agriculture and regional business, wanting to bridge the gap between the city and the true stories of humble farmers.
• While documenting tough topics like drought in South Australia, she found beauty in difficult moments by being a listening ear and helping create meaningful memories that boosted morale.
• Alice shares that she left a secure job to join cattle drive and finally took the leap into working on her business sharing stories.
• She turned her images into bestselling coffee table books, with their success coming from sharing true stories that live on.
• Alice founded AgriShots in 2013 as a photo-sharing platform that reflects the bigger picture and genuine stories of agriculture.
• Her achievements are even more remarkable as a traumatic brain injury survivor, an experience that led her into motivational speaking.
• What she loves most about working on the land is the realness of the people.
• The most unexpected thing to happen was the success of the book, and seeing the impact on others.
• A common misconception about her work is that it's simple or only shows the glossy side, when it's really about documenting truth and preserving life.
• Her ultimate dream for the future is producing a television series, which is in the early stages but very much one to watch.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram AgriShots Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Working in remote parts of Australia doesn't mean no one is watching. Quite the opposite. In Queensland's Goondiwindi Region, a station general manager has become one of seven inaugural recipients of the AgriEmpower Scholarship. The prize is $20 000 for the winners to continue to be change-makers in the industry. Andrew Powne of Cameron Pastoral Company joins me now.

• Andrew's favourite place on the station is home, because "home is where the heart is."
• A typical day for Andrew involves managing 6–7k head of cattle and keeping people moving.
• He was recently part of the first cohort of scholarship recipients, embracing the philosophy of raising and training the next generation despite its challenges.
• Andrew plans to use the prize money for stock development, which will ultimately give back to the farming community.
• He is passionate about regenerative agriculture and how it is applied on the station.
• Andrew is interested in sustainable farming and the systems he wants to implement for long-term impact.
• He explains what a carbon-positive supply chain looks like in practice.
• What Andrew loves most about life on the land is the opportunity to lead and contribute to the community.
• Leaders in the industry have influenced him and helped him become a station general manager.
• Andrew values the community and being actively involved as a highlight of life on the land.
• Common misconceptions within agriculture are something Andrew would love to see change.
• Andrew's ultimate dream for the future

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Find out more about the AgriEmpower Scholarship

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All farmers wear many hats, but others wear more than they need to. From farming, to podcasting, being a mum and heralding rural women through a groundbreaking conference, my guest today is spreading an important message with her own unique story. Founder of Harvest Her Power, Katja Williams joins me now.

• Katja's favourite place on her farm is when the family enjoys picnics on the hill where you can see almost the whole of Orange.
• She became an ag-influencer by finding her own space and, starting her Instagram page over five years ago.
• Empowering rural women is important to Katja, which is why she launched the inaugural "Harvest Her Power" conference and what's in store for next year's event.
• The main audience for the conference is rural wives, and Katja shares some of the speakers who will be presenting.
• She is also a podcaster with The Ultimate Farm Wife, having spoken with countless women across the country and gathered many valuable insights.
• Katja has completed over 90 episodes of her podcast and shares tips and wisdom for women in rural communities.
• She helps families navigate the challenges of running a business together and shares advice based on her own experiences.
• The hardest part of navigating family relationships for Katja is balancing business and personal dynamics.
• She studied criminology and later decided to return to the country to work in agriculture and rural advocacy.
• What Katja loves most about life on the land is being together with family and creating core memories.
• The most unexpected thing to happen throughout the years.
• A common misconception about her work and rural life is that she is a "lady of leisure."
• Katja's ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram Harvest Her Power on Instagram Harvest Her Power on Facebook Produced by Pretty Podcasts

One Family. One Flock. That's the extraordinary history that belongs to the Dennis family. Since 1840, each generation has added their own touch to this unique sheep farm and historic homestead, Tardwarncoort in south-western Victoria. It's also home to Australia's first breed of sheep – the Polwarth. And everyone is invited to share in the property's rich history with accommodation and a wool shop open to the public. To learn more, Tom Dennis of the place affectionately known as Tarndie, joins me now.

• Tom's favourite place on the farm is the courtyard.
• His family history on the property goes back to 1840, and they are now the 6th generation on the farm.
• Tom gets us up to speed on what has been happening in the family's farm operation.
• Adapting and "farming people," as Tom says.
• The history of the farm and how it has evolved over the generations, beginning with three brothers.
• The Polwarth breed of sheep, and how this same flock is still flourishing today.
• Their wool is naturally coloured, and the 1970s played a role in influencing this special adaptation.
• The Tarndwarncoort Wool Shop is open four days a week, and they also host guests on the farm.
• The changes in weather and climate over the generations and the pivots the family has made.
• Tom didn't expect to live his life on the land, but he shares how his passion for tourism grew over time and eventually brought him back home.
• The historic homestead, including the preservation and conservation efforts.
• Reflecting on the last 185 years, and how the family is preserving its history and name.
• Tom loves the opportunity to meet people and to be creative.
• He has been surprised by how his love for sheep has grown over the years.
• Succession planning—the process and the reasons behind their approach.
• Agritourism and the common misconceptions surrounding it.
• The most unexpected aspect? Tom has learned to knit!
• The ultimate future for Tarndwarncoort.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram Learn more about Tardarncoort Produced by Pretty Podcasts

We're all busy but sometimes you meet someone, take a look at their schedule, and wonder how on earth it's all possible. From studying nursing, to helping on the family cattle property, being an active member of the Country Women's Association, visiting parliament and even sitting on the local Campdraft committee. It all comes back to a deep love of rural Australia. To learn more about her impressive contribution to the industry, Charlotte Leys joins me now.

• Charlotte's favourite place on the family farm is riding her horse down at the back creek.
• Studying nursing, working multiple jobs and volunteering motivates her because she loves being busy and gaining experience as an assistant nurse.
• She is passionate about improving healthcare access in regional Australia and explains how agriculture and healthcare must support each other.
• Charlotte loves being hands-on at the farm when she's not studying or on placement.
• She values rural communities because strong connections make them special.
• Although only 21 and the youngest member of the CWA, Charlotte sees great value in being involved.
• We discuss rural health adversity and Charlotte reflects on speaking with policymakers in parliament.
• The biggest issue facing her community right now is access to healthcare in rural areas.
• Charlotte describes her involvement in the Campdraft Committee, becoming secretary after high school and helping run their last event.
• Her favourite part of life on the land is being able to know your neighbours.
• The most common misconception is that Charlotte can effortlessly juggle full-time study with farm work, when it actually requires huge commitment and hard work.
• The most unexpected thing, she says, is that every day can—and does—look different.
• Charlotte's ultimate dream for the future

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Connect with Charlotte Leys on Instagram

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Behind every piece of food we eat and fibre we wear, there is not only a farmer, but a scientist solving the ever-changing puzzle that is agriculture. Whether it be adapting to changes in climate or bolstering natural capital. Paris Capell is a passionate young agricultural professional who is helping to make a meaningful mark on the future of farming, and she joins me now.

• Paris' favourite place is being in the 'living classroom of home'.

• Realising agriculture was her path while working at the local pool in summer. She started wondering where the dust settling in the pool was coming from and, if it was her family farm.

• She holds a degree in environmental science and is undertaking a Masters as the science evolves with the times we're living in.
• Paris explains that 80% of Australia is arid or semi-arid, and environmental impacts are having major effects on the land.
• She feels proud when she steps onto farms, learning from and working alongside other farmers.
• Paris explains the concept of carbon farming and natural capital.
• She is part of the NFF's National Agricultural Leadership Program and is passionate about the connections, the policy space, and future opportunities.
• Paris discusses Australian Carbon Credits and how carbon can be used to support sustainability in farming.
• In her current role with NSW DPI, she assesses climate-vulnerable crops and livestock and works on promising adaptation strategies.
• Paris loves the direct impact she can have on the land and the diversity her role offers.
• A common misconception in the Carbon and Natural Capital space is that farm holders are really passionate about looking after natural assets.
• Every day out in the field brings something unexpected for Paris.
• Paris' ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Connect with Paris Capell

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

https://www.prettypodchttps://www.prettypodcasts.com/ asts.com/ Joining stock camps in north-west Queensland is about as tough as it gets, let alone holding your own there as a teenager. It kick-started a career in agriculture that has since spanned the country. For now, a pause, managing Elverton Pastoral in Blessington, Tasmania. And they say farmers wear many hats, so a mechanics apprenticeship, dog handling skills, courses in low stress stock handling and grazing management have all prepared young talent William Lyon for his current role. To learn more, William Lyon joins me now.

• His favourite place on the farm in Tasmania is driving around with his dogs and working the land.
• A typical day for William involves managing priority jobs, overseeing shearing and a lot of forward planning.
• With both parents having agricultural experience, he grew up in a diverse farming environment.
• William has pursued extensive professional development, taking on varied roles to learn as much as possible.
• This year he was welcomed into the National Agricultural Leadership Program run by the NFF, which included several days in Canberra focusing on leadership, self-profiling, personal development and a tour of Government House.
• William's dedication to growth and contribution to the industry helped him stand out for the program.
• He has received multiple scholarships and continues to expand his knowledge, always eager to explore every avenue in agriculture.
• For anyone considering a career in the industry, William credits podcasts and mentors as key to his success and development.
• What he loves most about working on the land is working livestock with his dogs, even in the cold.
• The most unexpected thing to happen to William while working in this role.
• A common misconception about farming is that it's like what's shown on TV, with many underestimating the hours it takes.
• William's ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram Follow William on Instagram @AnAussieStockman Produced by Pretty Podcasts