Beyond the Farm Gate

In today’s episode, I speak to Vanessa Bell — wool producer, designer, entrepreneur and passionate advocate for women and the future of Australian wool.

We chat about Vanessa’s journey from the International runway to the sheep paddocks and on to becoming a fashion designer, the incredible versatility of wool, the importance of telling the story of Australian wool to a new generation and why women have such an important role to play in the future of agriculture.

From fleece to fashion, farming to advocacy, Vanessa brings a fresh perspective on what’s possible when you’re willing to think differently, surround yourself with the right people and ultimately back yourself.

Prepare to be inspired!

Resources and links:

• Vanessa Bell - LinkedIn
• Fashion to Farmer Podcast - Hosted by Vanessa Bell
• Fashion to Farmer - Instagram
• Vanessa Bell - Luxury Merino Knitwear - Instagram

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:

• Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website
• Bendigo Bank on Facebook
• Bendigo Bank on X
• Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn
• Bendigo 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Fryer is the host of A Place to Call Home, a podcast that celebrates the people and places that make regional Australia so special. He's also the founder of the Next Gen Ag Forum, bringing together producers, innovators and industry leaders to inspire and empower the next generation of Australian agriculture.

This year's Next Gen Ag Forum will be held 20–21 August 2026 at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville, Queensland, with the theme "From Paddock to Port – The Conversation That Connects It All."

The forum will explore everything from succession planning and regenerative agriculture to supply chains, finance and export opportunities, all while fostering the connections that will shape the future of our industry. Check the links below for more info.

In this episode, Sam and I talk about the power of storytelling, the importance of creating a sense of belonging through A Place to Call Home - and why investing in young people and meaningful conversations is essential for the future of agriculture.

Resources and links:

• Next Gen Ag Forum website
• A Place to Call Home Podcast website
• A place to call home - Facebook
• A place to call Home - Instagram

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:

• Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website
• Bendigo Bank on Facebook
• Bendigo Bank on X
• Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn
• Bendigo 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, I'm speaking to Nikki Lyons, one of Australia's most accomplished sheep shearers, whose remarkable career has seen her achieve record-breaking milestones while balancing the demands of motherhood and life on the land.

Nikki has built a reputation for determination, resilience and an unwavering passion for the Australian wool industry.

In this episode, Nikki talks about her journey into shearing, what it takes to perform at an elite level in one of Australia's toughest professions and how she has navigated the challenges of raising a family alongside a demanding career.

We also dive into the future of the wool industry, the challenges facing Australian producers, the importance of skilled shearers, and why wool continues to play such an important role in agriculture.

I am super excited to meet Nikki in person in July as Nikki will also be joining me on stage to chat about all things Wool at the upcoming Australian Sheep and Wool show as I MC the " Women of Wool" Lunch.

Resources and links:

• Wool.com Article on Nikki

• Nikki Lyons Instagram

• Australian Sheep and Wool Show

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:

• Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website
• Bendigo Bank on Facebook
• Bendigo Bank on X
• Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn
• Bendigo 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest in this episode is Amelia Baker — a young Australian rodeo rider taking on one of the toughest sports out there and helping carve out space for women in an arena that’s long been dominated by men.

From life on the land to the intensity of competition, Amelia shares how she first found rodeo, what keeps pulling her back into the chute, and what she learned competing overseas in the United States — where rodeo isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life.

We also dive into the realities women face in the sport, the physical and mental toughness it demands, and why the future of women’s rodeo is only just getting started.

And since recording this conversation, I’ve actually had the privilege of seeing Amelia in action myself at the Ingham Rodeo, where she rode brilliantly, took out first place in the Women's Ranch Bronc Riding and walked away with the buckle. 

Since then, she’s also gone on to be crowned the 2026 WRBC Australian Champion and World Finalist — an incredible achievement and a true reflection of the dedication and grit she brings to the sport.

Resources and links:

• Amelia Baker - Ladies Bronc Rider | Dysart QLD | Facebook

• womens ranch bronc champs Instagram

• https://www.womensranchbronc.com/

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:

• Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website
• Bendigo Bank on Facebook
• Bendigo Bank on X
• Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn
• Bendigo 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I’m joined by Kelly Skewes, Industry Liaison Officer at Boonah State High School where we dive into the AG Futures program and how it’s giving young people real pathways into agriculture — not just through textbooks, but through hands-on experience, industry connections, and a whole lot of heart.

From their “Coffee N Cows” mornings to powerful student success stories, this episode is all about what happens when education meets opportunity in rural Australia.

What really stood out to me was not every student comes from a farming background… but many leave with a future in agriculture.

If you’ve ever wondered what the next generation of farmers, producers and ag leaders looks like — this episode is for you!

Resources and links:

• Boonah State High School - Website
• Paddock to Place - Facebook
• Kelly Skewes - Industry Liaison Officer - Boonah State High School
  07 5460 6111 / 0425 567 268
  [email protected]

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:

• Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website
• Bendigo Bank on Facebook
• Bendigo Bank on X
• Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn
• Bendigo 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kay and her husband Dave along with their children Georga and Harry are the fifth generation on their farm in Kerry and they’ve taken some seriously bold steps in the past few years — from cutting down their herd, leaving their milk processor, to building their own, on-farm, micro-creamery and opening their farm to become one of South East Queensland’s most loved Agritourism experiences.

In this episode Kay will discuss the realities of succession planning, the emotional and practical shifts that come with reinventing a multi-generational farm and the beautiful story of the next generation — especially Kay’s son, Harry — as he builds his own business on the farm and continues on the family legacy.

Resources and links:

• Tommerup's Dairy - Website
• Tommerup's Dairy Farm - Facebook
• Tommerup's Dairy Farm on Instagram
• Kay Tommerup | 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:

• Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website
• Bendigo Bank on Facebook
• Bendigo Bank on X
• Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn
• Bendigo 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bianca Tarrant is the co-founder and CEO of Our Cow, an online paddock-to-plate meat business connecting Australian farmers directly with consumers. Built alongside her partner Dave, Our Cow emerged from firsthand experience with drought, bushfires and the volatility of traditional cattle markets.

In this episode, Bianca shares how a simple idea to sell meat from their own farm grew into a national subscription business supporting more than 150 farmers in just over half a decade. She talks through the realities of building a values-driven business, the challenges and rewards of scaling, and what the Our Cow model looks like today. The conversation also explores what direct-to-consumer food systems mean for farmers, customers and the future of Australian agriculture.

Resources and links:

• Our Cow Website
• Our Cow on Instagram
• Our Cow on Facebook
• Bianca Tarrant 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:

• Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website
• Bendigo Bank on Facebook
• Bendigo Bank on X
• Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn
• Bendigo 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathy Gabriel is a Farmer and Photographer from New South Wales. When Kathy is not working on her farm, her love of adventure leads her to travel to the most unique and hidden places across the earth.

In this episode, Kathy describes her love of horses, her preference for the arts of maths and sciences, and how it has led her to where she is today. She recounts various emotional, physical, and mental hurdles to her journey and how she bounced back and conquered the Mongol Derby. Finally, she discusses her travels to Mongolia, meeting secluded tribes, and the things she learned from the experience.

Resources and links:

• Kathy Gabriel Photography Website
• Kathy Gabriel on Instagram
• Kathy Gabriel 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:

• Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website
• Bendigo Bank on Facebook
• Bendigo Bank on X
• Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn
• Bendigo 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this end-of-year special episode, Helen and Matt turn the microphones on themselves to reflect on their very first year behind the mic. 

They look back on the highlights, the hiccups, and the unexpected moments that shaped the show. You’ll hear Helen and Matt talk a bit about their roles at Bendigo Bank, what made this year such a memorable ride, and what they have planned for the year to come.

Resources and links:

• Bendigo Bank Website
• Matt Gill on LinkedIn
• Helen Connick 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:

• Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website
• Bendigo Bank on Facebook
• Bendigo Bank on X
• Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn
• Bendigo 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Priscilla Evans-Gittany is the Owner of Vet and Ag Tools. Priscilla runs Vet & Ag Tools, a business helping vets and agricultural professionals work smarter, not harder.

In this episode, Priscilla explains how Vet & Ag Tools got started. She breaks down what they offer and what she hopes to provide for the ag industry. She walks us through the benefits and uses of their custom-made pulleys. Lastly, Priscilla gives some life advice regarding the use of technology in the ag industry.

Resources and links:

• Vet & Ag Tools Website
• Vet & Ag Tools on Facebook
• Priscilla Evans-Gittany on Instagram

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:

• Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website
• Bendigo Bank on Facebook
• Bendigo Bank on X
• Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn
• Bendigo 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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.