David Jochinke is a Farmer in the Wimmera and President of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF). The NFF is the peak national body representing and advocating for farmers and the agricultural industry in Australia.

In this episode, David discusses his experiences as a farmer and how they inform his ability to serve as the head of the NFF. He shares his insights about leadership, what the ag industry needs to focus on in the coming years, and how he effectively advocates for the needs of Aussie producers.

 

Resources and links:

• National Farmers’ Federation website

• David Jochinke on LinkedIn

 

Send us your story:

• Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at [email protected].

 

Connect:

• Rural Bank website

• Rural Bank on Facebook

• Rural Bank on Twitter

• Rural Bank on LinkedIn

• Rural Bank on YouTube

 

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

We’re doing something slightly different to round out 2024 on Beyond the Farm Gate!

In this episode, Zali introduces Matt and Helen as they all discuss how their experiences brought them to host the podcast. They share why ag matters to them, the lessons Matt has learnt by running a farm with his wife, how Helen and Zali both embraced lives in different countries, and they answer the all-important question: when you’re on the farm, what brand of workboots do you wear?

 

Resources and links:

• Agriculture Outlook report for 2025

 

Send us your story:

• Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at [email protected].

 

Connect:

• Rural Bank website

• Rural Bank on Facebook

• Rural Bank on Twitter

• Rural Bank on LinkedIn

• Rural Bank on YouTube

 

In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.

 

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Quentin and Renee Mooney are the husband and wife duo behind Mt Mooney Simmentals in Culburra, South Australia. Mt Mooney Simmentals is a family-owned and operated cattle stud focused on producing tough, healthy cattle.

In this episode, Quentin and Renee explain why they breed Simmentals and where they think the breed is headed. They also share their journey of buying their farm, how they supported themselves through the early years of the stud, and why prospective farmers should follow their dreams even if they aren't from a farming family.

 

Resources and links:

• Mt Mooney Simmentals website

• Mt Mooney Simmentals on Facebook

 

Send us your story:

• Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at [email protected].

 

Connect:

• Rural Bank website

• Rural Bank on Facebook

• Rural Bank on Twitter

• Rural Bank on LinkedIn

• Rural Bank on YouTube

 

In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.

 

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

This episode is part two of our two-part chat with Mark Wootton. In the last episode, Mark shared his journey with carbon-neutral farming and why he became an early adopter in Australia.

In this episode, Mark explains the role of vegetation in carbon sequestration and the challenges involved in trying to achieve net-zero targets. He emphasises ongoing efforts towards methane and carbon reduction, acknowledges the progress towards 2030 targets, and shares practical tips for long-term tree planting, managing carbon footprints, and why staying carbon neutral is an ongoing process and not a one-time change.

 

Resources and links:

• Jigsaw Farms website

 

Connect:

• Rural Bank website

• Rural Bank on Facebook

• Rural Bank on Twitter

• Rural Bank on LinkedIn

• Rural Bank on YouTube

 

In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Mark Wootton is the Owner-Operator of Jigsaw Farms with his wife, Eve. Jigsaw Farms is a carbon-neutral sheep, cattle, and agroforestry farm near Hamilton.

In this episode, Mark explains how integrating sustainable practices such as agroforestry and biodiversity in 2010 has transformed Jigsaw Farms. He also discusses the challenges of maintaining carbon neutrality, understanding the carbon market, and the future of sustainable agriculture.

This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Mark. Join us for the next episode, where Mark shares more lessons he learnt on the carbon-neutral journey.

 

Resources and links:

• Jigsaw Farms website

 

Connect:

• Rural Bank website

• Rural Bank on Facebook

• Rural Bank on Twitter

• Rural Bank on LinkedIn

• Rural Bank on YouTube

 

In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.

 

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

John Blore is a Grazier on Belmont Station at Silverton near Broken Hill. Belmont Station is a fully operational sheep and goat farm that regularly hosts some of the biggest celebrities in Aussie music including Missy Higgins, Birds of Tokyo, The Angels, Kasey Chambers, and more.

In this episode, John shares how he balances his farming operation with hosting the massive Mundi Mundi Music Festival, which drew 14,000 attendees this year alone. He also explains how diversifying his farm brought Hollywood knocking as a filming location for the latest Mad Max film.

 

Resources and links:

• Mundi Mundi Music Festival website

 

Connect:

• Rural Bank website

• Rural Bank on Facebook

• Rural Bank on Twitter

• Rural Bank on LinkedIn

• Rural Bank on YouTube

 

In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.

 

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

This episode is part two of our two-part chat with Brent Finlay. In the last episode, Brent shared how one conversation sparked a decade-long leadership journey. He opened up about the importance of advocating for farmers domestically and internationally and what he learned from the experience.

In this episode, Brent shares how he got involved with RELA, an organisation committed to generating renewable energy. He explains how he helps farmers negotiate the best deal if renewable energy firms and mining companies come knocking to establish projects on the farm.

 

Resources and links:

• RELA website

• Brent Finlay on LinkedIn

 

Connect:

• Rural Bank website

• Rural Bank on Facebook

• Rural Bank on Twitter

• Rural Bank on LinkedIn

• Rural Bank on YouTube

 

In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.

 

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Brent Finlay is an Agricultural Advocate and Farmer from Southeast Queensland. Throughout his career, Brent has served as President of AgForce in Queensland, President of the National Farmers’ Federation, and on the board of the World Farm Organisation in Rome.

In this episode, Brent discusses his journey from his farm to becoming a leader in the agricultural space. He shares a few of his achievements and what he learned as the head of AgForce and the National Farmers’ Federation.

This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Brent. Join us for the next episode, where Brent shares how he became involved with RELA and the work he does to help farmers negotiate when approached by the energy sector.

 

Resources and links:

• Brent Finlay on LinkedIn

 

Connect:

• Rural Bank website

• Rural Bank on Facebook

• Rural Bank on Twitter

• Rural Bank on LinkedIn

• Rural Bank on YouTube

 

In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.

 

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Amanda Moohen is the COO of Condabri Beef and the Founder of Women of Lot Feeding (WOLF). Condabri Beef is a family-owned and operated integrated beef enterprise between Miles and Condamine. Women Of Lot Feeding is a group of passionate women in feedlotting who aim to provide support and networking opportunities for those in the field.

In this episode, Amanda shares where her passion for beef started and the discoveries she made by navigating a largely male-dominated industry. She opens up about founding WOLF and the importance of mentorship, support, and working together in agriculture and feedlotting.

 

Resources and links:

• Condabri Beef on Facebook

• Women Of Feed Lotting (WOLF) on Facebook

• Amanda Moohen on LinkedIn

 

Connect:

• Rural Bank website

• Rural Bank on Facebook

• Rural Bank on Twitter

• Rural Bank on LinkedIn

• Rural Bank on YouTube

 

In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Tim McClelland is a Farmer from Birchip in North West Victoria. Together with his wife Julie, they operate their farm using a unique blend of family council and management board.

In this episode, Tim opens up about their approach to succession and how it led to their current management structure. He also shares how his experience as a researcher influenced his approach to farming and the benefits they've seen on the farm from adopting new farming methods and technologies.

 

Resources and links:

• Tim McClelland on LinkedIn

 

Connect:

• Rural Bank website

• Rural Bank on Facebook

• Rural Bank on Twitter

• Rural Bank on LinkedIn

• Rural Bank on YouTube

 

In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.