Behind The Collective

Nikita Jamson didn’t own a handpiece when she first entered the shearing industry. Just three years on, she’s turned the physical demands of the job into fitness for her triathlon training, used the flexibility of the work to complete her degree, invested her income into property, and built a network that’s helping shape her future in agriculture.

We caught up with Nikita to hear her story - how she got started, what the industry has taught her, and why she believes more young people should give it a go.

Homestead Road is an Australian Merino wool athleisurewear brand founded by fifth-generation wool producer Bridgitte Brooks.

In this episode, we dive into Bridgitte’s story as a wool producer in Western Australia, exploring the hows and whys behind launching a fashion brand. We talk about what makes Merino wool so special, her journey from paddock to product, and what she loves most about working with wool and so much more.

We caught up with Bella Wilshusen between campdraft runs. She's a vet nurse turned university lecturer at Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory. Like many others, she headed north for a gap year — and never left. So if you're thinking about doing the same, this episode is for you.

Jodie Pengel was originally a Wheatbelt girl in Western Australia, she shares what it takes to be an agronomist in Kununurra - from how and when to grow cotton, to why everyone should consider doing a stint in the north.

In a makeshift podcast studio next to a Goose Neck in the Northern Territory, we chat with Jess Di Pasquale about how a woman from Katherine took on the Mongol Derby - a 1,000 kilometre horse endurance race across Mongolia. We also dive into her love for Brahmans and all things related to the Northern Territory's agricultural industry.

Recorded amongst the cattle lanes of the Katherine Show in the Northern Territory, we catch up with Brad Inglis of "Sturt Plains Brahmans" for a a chat that covers everything from Brahmans, leadership in the North, to how a bloke from Sydney ended up owning a cattle station in the Top End.

In this episode, we sit down with Nikki Lyons, the incredible woman who set a Women's World Record by shearing 395 merino lambs in just 8 hours. Nikki shares her love for wool, her journey in the shearing industry, and the grit, determination, and heart it takes to achieve a world record. This conversation is part of the AWI & TLC Partner Program, celebrating those who shape the future of Australian wool.

In case you missed the webinar, this episode is converted over for easy listening. It is the first session of our 'Ten Minute Talks: Lunchtime Series' - quick, insightful updates and discussions designed to support you as a wool grower, along with the latest news from the industry.

• Beth Green – eID 101: What You Need to Know Now

• Georgia Welsh PhD student – Improving Lamb Survival

• Steph Schmidt – Filling Your Silo: Mental Health Tools for the Silly Season

• Bridget Peachey – AWI Research Update. What’s happening behind the scenes? Bridgett shares the latest developments and updates from AWI’s current research projects.

This episode is part of the Australian Wool Innovation and The Livestock Collective partner program.

In this episode, we sit down with Brett Jones, owner of the Ejanding Merino Stud in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia. Brett's journey into farming began at 15, with some time spent jackarooing in South Australia before returning to the family farm. He shares his passion for what he does, his vision for the future of the Merino industry, and offers a valuable "don't put off" farm hack. Plus, he tells us the story of his unusual pet crow!

In today's episode, we chat with Luke and Jess Harding, a dynamic couple who built successful careers as shearing contractors and now farmers while raising a family. Both graduates of the WA College of Agriculture Cunderdin, Luke and Jess developed a deep passion and skill for the wool industry. This journey has led them to compete in shearing competitions and work across Australia and New Zealand. They share their personal story, valuable lessons from transitioning into contracting, and how those experiences have shaped their farming business. Tune in for advice on how to get started in the industry, plus hear why they have a special love for wool – or perhaps Merino sheep!