In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Josh Tepper, CEO, and Michael Webb, COO and co-founders of Ornata Technologies, to explore how they're transforming farm operations through autonomous machinery and why now is an exciting time to join their growing team.

Following their appearance at evokeAG, Josh and Michael share how Ornata has evolved from launching its first commercial customers to building strong momentum across Victoria. They discuss their unique approach to autonomy, where experienced remote operators work alongside autonomous machinery to deliver the benefits of automation without adding complexity for farmers or requiring them to replace the equipment they already own.

The conversation also provides an inside look at the newly created Area Sales Manager role across Victoria and Southern New South Wales. Josh and Michael explain why this is much more than a sales position. It is an opportunity to build trusted relationships with farmers, understand their operations, demonstrate the technology in the field, and help producers solve one of agriculture's biggest challenges, finding skilled labour.

Whether you're passionate about agriculture, technology or helping farmers adopt new innovations, this episode offers a genuine insight into life inside one of Australia's most exciting agtech startups. Josh and Michael explain what success looks like, why trust sits at the centre of every customer relationship, and how joining Ornata today offers the chance to grow alongside a business shaping the future of Australian agriculture.

To learn more about Ornata Technologies and the Area Sales Manager opportunity, visit the Humans of Agriculture careers page.

The role is live now, and we'd love to hear from people who are ready to help bring the next generation of autonomous farming technology to Australian agriculture.

Key insights from the conversation:

• How Ornata has progressed from its first commercial deployments to a growing customer base.
• Why Ornata's remote operations platform makes autonomous farming practical for today's producers.
• How the business helps farmers address labour shortages while using the machinery they already own.
• Why building trust with farmers is the foundation of every customer relationship.
• What the Area Sales Manager role looks like day to day.
• Why understanding farming systems matters more than having deep technical knowledge.
• How customer referrals are driving growth across regional farming communities.
• What it is like working in a fast-growing Australian agtech startup.
• Why joining early creates opportunities to grow with the business.
• What success looks like after the first 12 months in the role.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Ornata Technologies and the new role
02:34 Six months of progress and milestones
05:31 The importance of local customer relationships
12:00 Why Victoria and New South Wales are key markets
15:10 What success looks like in the territory manager role
22:45 Customer profiles and farm types
26:54 Onboarding and what to expect in the role
36:51 The future of autonomous farming technology

In the first of a two-part panel series with the Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, Oli brings together Alex Archer from Webster Grain & Grazing at Lundavra and Ewen Beaton, Aminya Pastoral Pty Ltd, Manager at Kioma, west of Goondiwindi, to explore how two producers have approached the adoption of virtual fencing within their own grazing businesses.

While each operation uses a different virtual fencing platform, this conversation is not about comparing technology. It is about the decision-making process behind adopting innovation, identifying opportunities within a farming business and understanding how new tools can support more productive, resilient grazing systems.

Alex shares how virtual fencing has unlocked more than 160 hectares of previously underutilised country within a predominantly cropping enterprise, while Ewen reflects on how the technology is changing the way his team thinks about pasture utilisation, forage management and livestock movement. Together, they discuss the practical realities of implementation, the importance of good systems and the lessons they've learned along the way.

From business decisions and grazing management to resilience and continuous improvement, this is a conversation about using innovation to solve real problems on farm.

The Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is supported by funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Learn more at www.unisq.edu.au/sqnnswhub.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Why both businesses started looking for new grazing solutions and what drove their investment decisions.
• How virtual fencing is helping improve pasture utilisation and unlock previously underutilised country.
• The importance of matching technology adoption with business goals and economic outcomes.
• What successful implementation looks like beyond the technology itself.
• The role of management systems, people and processes in making innovation work.
• How virtual fencing is changing the way producers think about grazing intensity, livestock movement and pasture management.
• The practical challenges, limitations and lessons learned during adoption.
• Why curiosity, continuous learning and asking questions are essential when adopting new technology.
• How innovation can help farming businesses become more productive, adaptable and drought resilient.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Virtual Fencing and Guests

02:02 Why Virtual Fencing is a Game Changer

03:05 Alex Archer's Farm and Grazing Innovation

05:01 Ewan Beaton's Experience with Halter

05:48 Adoption Timeline and Decision Factors

09:04 Economic Drivers and Farm Benefits

11:55 Training Cattle and Managing Boundaries

16:03 Animal Behaviour and Welfare Insights

19:58 Seasonal Grazing and Pasture Management

28:05 Challenges, Connectivity, and Lessons Learned

32:08 Future Potential and Next Steps in AgTech

Third-generation cattle producer Tom Lahey always knew he wanted to return home to the family farm near Goondiwindi. But after working across Western Australia and travelling through the United States to visit some of the world's leading regenerative ranches, he came back with a different perspective on what the future of Australian grazing could look like.

Rather than chasing quick wins, Tom has focused on building a more resilient business by improving soil health, measuring grazing performance and making better decisions with data. Over the past five years, AgriWebb has become a central part of that journey, helping the family move from relying on notebooks and memory to having real-time information that supports day-to-day management and long-term planning.

In this episode, Tom shares how travel reshaped his thinking, why healthy soil and healthy people go hand in hand, and how technology is helping his family make more confident decisions while creating a stronger future for the next generation.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Growing up on a family cattle property near Goondiwindi
• How travelling through the US changed his approach to grazing and soil health
• Bringing new ideas back into a multi-generational family business
• Why AgriWebb became the foundation for better decision-making
• Using grazing data to navigate dry seasons with confidence
• How technology supports carbon projects and tells the story behind farming practices
• The importance of measuring progress instead of relying on memory
• Why the future of farming will rely on connected technology and better data
• Building a legacy focused on healthy soils, healthy businesses and healthy people

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Tom Lahey and his farm journey

00:28 Tom's background and family farm in Wyaga

02:08 Growing up on the family farm and passion for farming

04:56 Adopting a progressive mindset in agriculture

06:53 Experience in Western Australia and genetic improvements

07:35 Trip to the US and insights into regenerative ranching

09:42 Soil health, environment, and profitability

11:30 Implementing grazing techniques post-US trip

13:20 Using AgriWebb for farm management and decision making

17:52 Integrating data and technology in farm operations

20:26 Evolution of farm management tools over five years

22:38 Future plans for technology and farm legacy

This episode of Humans of Agriculture is proudly brought to you by Rabobank, Australia's Most Recommended Agribusiness Bank for three consecutive years running.*

Exciting news - Applications for the Rabobank Rural Community Hub Program are now open, Rabobank is awarding 10 grants of $10,000 to help improve rural community hubs and halls across regional Australia.

These important community spaces play a vital role in bringing people together, strengthening connections, and supporting the wellbeing of regional communities.

If your local hall or community hub could benefit from funding, now is the time to apply. Applications close on 30 August 2026.

To learn more and apply, visit rabobank.com.au.

*RFI Global Australian Banking & Finance Awards

John Fargher grew up on a sheep and cattle station in South Australia's Flinders Ranges, where innovation wasn't a buzzword. It was a necessity.

From School of the Air and life on a remote station to practising law in London, John's path looked a long way from building one of agriculture's most recognised technology companies. But a conversation in a London pub changed everything.

Together with fellow co-founders Kevin Baum and Justin Webb, John left his legal career behind to tackle one of agriculture's biggest challenges: helping livestock producers move beyond paper records and make better decisions using data.

More than a decade later, AgriWebb supports producers across Australia, the UK, North America, South America and beyond, helping digitise livestock businesses while connecting farmers more closely with supply chains and the future of food production.

In this episode, John reflects on the journey from startup garage to global ag-tech business, the realities of building a company in one of the world's least digitised industries, and why earning farmers' trust has always mattered more than building software.

The conversation also explores AgriWebb's recent acquisition by URUS, the future of livestock data, and why John believes agriculture still has enormous untapped opportunities for innovation.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Growing up on a remote station in the Flinders Ranges
• Leaving a legal career in London to co-found AgriWebb
• Why agriculture was still running on paper when AgriWebb began
• Building a startup before ag tech was an established industry
• The lessons from growing a global software business
• Expanding into the UK, North America and Brazil
• Why digitising agriculture remains one of the industry's biggest opportunities
• The role of trust, partnerships and culture in scaling a business
• How AI, data and genetics could shape the future of livestock production
• What's next for AgriWebb following its acquisition by URUS

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AgriWebb and its origins

00:33 John Farger's background and childhood in the Flinders Ranges

01:01 The early days of AgriWebb and its mission

02:24 Recent milestones and the URUS acquisition

06:40 John’s childhood and the influence of farming life

09:39 The start of the AgriWebb story in London

12:00 The founding of AgriWebb in Melbourne

13:40 The state of Australian agtech a decade ago

16:08 The initial problem in livestock digitization

20:51 Pivot from hardware to software focus

23:41 Technological evolution and early challenges

27:55 Business model evolution and market education

30:49 Competitive landscape and category creation

33:11 International expansion and market entry strategies

37:26 Building a global business with a unified culture

41:24 Company culture and employee engagement

45:46 Lessons from market fluctuations and industry challenges

49:00 Managing noise and trends in ag tech

51:46 Future opportunities in agriculture and advice for entrepreneurs

55:33 Vision for the next decade and impact goals

58:57 Connecting farm data to global supply chains

01:03:50 The role of sustainability and corporate responsibility

01:06:01 Reflections on the journey and future outlook

This episode of Humans of Agriculture is proudly brought to you by Rabobank, Australia's Most Recommended Agribusiness Bank for three consecutive years running.*

Exciting news - Applications for the Rabobank Rural Community Hub Program are now open, Rabobank is awarding 10 grants of $10,000 to help improve rural community hubs and halls across regional Australia.

These important community spaces play a vital role in bringing people together, strengthening connections, and supporting the wellbeing of regional communities.

If your local hall or community hub could benefit from funding, now is the time to apply. Applications close on 30 August 2026.

To learn more and apply, visit rabobank.com.au.

*RFI Global Australian Banking & Finance Awards

This business spotlight explores how RLF AgTech is turning decades of agricultural research into practical products that help farmers improve productivity and profitability.

Chairman Ben Barlow shares his journey from building and exiting New Edge Microbials to leading RLF AgTech, explaining why commercialisation is often the missing link between great science and widespread adoption. He discusses what attracted him to the business, how RLF has built on more than 20 years of research and field trials, and why the future of Australian agriculture depends on making innovation practical at the farm gate.

This episode explains how RLF AgTech's approach to plant nutrition, biologicals and local manufacturing is helping strengthen farm businesses while positioning Australian innovation for global growth. For anyone interested in ag tech, agricultural productivity or the future of farming, this is a practical and insightful conversation.

RLF AgTech is an Australian agricultural technology company developing plant nutrition and biological solutions that improve crop performance. The business combines decades of research, extensive field trials and local manufacturing to deliver products that integrate into existing farming systems while supporting more productive and resilient agriculture.

Key insights from the conversation:

• How RLF AgTech is commercialising decades of agricultural research
• Why adoption depends on trust, education and on-farm results
• The role of local manufacturing in strengthening Australian agriculture
• Why improving farm profitability is the foundation for future ag tech adoption
• Ben's outlook on the future of Australian agriculture and agricultural innovation

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Ben Barlow's background
01:34 Ben's journey since last conversation
02:30 Focus on plant, animal, and soil health
03:57 Deep science and commercial potential of biologicals
05:55 Involvement with RLF AgTech
07:52 Opportunities in biologicals and crop yields
10:54 Australian agriculture's adoption challenges
14:13 Market opportunities and niche products
17:06 Global markets and export potential
20:02 Local manufacturing and supply chain resilience
23:11 Future of agritech and investment challenges
26:08 Leadership, risk, and strategic growth
30:00 Opportunities and pathways for Australian agriculture
32:50 Skills for the next generation of farmers
33:56 Closing remarks and key takeaways

This episode of Humans of Agriculture is proudly brought to you by Rabobank, Australia's Most Recommended Agribusiness Bank for three consecutive years running.*

Exciting news - Applications for the Rabobank Rural Community Hub Program are now open, Rabobank is awarding 10 grants of $10,000 to help improve rural community hubs and halls across regional Australia.

These important community spaces play a vital role in bringing people together, strengthening connections, and supporting the wellbeing of regional communities.

If your local hall or community hub could benefit from funding, now is the time to apply. Applications close on 30 August 2026.

To learn more and apply, visit rabobank.com.au.

*RFI Global Australian Banking & Finance Awards

When Campbell Mauchan moved from Canada to Australia in 2016, agriculture wasn't part of the plan.

He'd been running frozen yoghurt stores back home when his partner accepted a six-month opportunity in Melbourne. Looking for work, he landed an interview with a small ag-tech startup called AgriWebb, despite having no farming background, no sales experience and none of the qualifications listed in the job description.

That decision changed everything.

Nearly a decade later, Campbell has helped grow AgriWebb from a team of fewer than ten people into one of agriculture's leading technology businesses, building his career across Australia, the UK, Europe and North America along the way.

In this episode, Campbell shares what it's been like to grow alongside the business, why curiosity became his greatest strength, and how working with farmers and ranchers around the world has shaped both his career and perspective.

The conversation explores why you don't need to grow up on a farm to build a meaningful career in agriculture, what great leadership looks like inside a fast-growing business, and why trust will always matter more than technology alone.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Following an unexpected opportunity into agriculture
• Joining AgriWebb in its earliest startup days
• Why asking questions became a career advantage
• Building a global career by putting your hand up
• What farmers across Australia, the UK and North America have in common
• The role trust plays in agriculture and ag-tech
• Lessons from working in startups across multiple countries
• How AI and technology could support better decisions on farm
• Why agriculture offers incredible opportunities for people from all backgrounds

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Campbell Mauchan and AgriWebb
00:33 Campbell’s journey from Melbourne to Toronto
02:09 Reflecting on a decade of growth at AgriWebb
04:01 Backstory: From frozen yogurt to ag tech
08:51 Why AgriWebb backed Campbell
10:58 The early days of AgriWebb and initial challenges
13:26 Approach to management and decision-making
16:57 The importance of farm visits and farmer engagement
19:56 Solving real problems with technology
22:18 The evolution of farm mapping technology
23:50 Building trust with farmers and ranchers
27:26 Data ownership, privacy, and value for farmers
30:14 Career growth through global opportunities
34:46 Balancing confidence and curiosity in leadership
38:34 The impact of changing locations on career development
42:57 Commonalities among farmers worldwide
45:43 Cultural differences in agriculture and technology adoption
48:19 The future of ag tech and AI advancements
50:56 Closing remarks and advice for aspiring ag tech professionals

This episode of Humans of Agriculture is proudly brought to you by Rabobank, Australia's Most Recommended Agribusiness Bank for three consecutive years running.*

Exciting news - Applications for the Rabobank Rural Community Hub Program are now open, Rabobank is awarding 10 grants of $10,000 to help improve rural community hubs and halls across regional Australia.

These important community spaces play a vital role in bringing people together, strengthening connections, and supporting the wellbeing of regional communities.

If your local hall or community hub could benefit from funding, now is the time to apply. Applications close on 30 August 2026.

To learn more and apply, visit rabobank.com.au.

*RFI Global Australian Banking & Finance Awards

Australian agriculture is chasing lower emissions, but what does that actually look like on farm?

In this short episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre catches up with Richard Heath, CEO of the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture CRC, ahead of the 2026 ZNE Ag CRC Conference in Perth.

Richard shares what has changed since the CRC's inaugural conference, the promising research already emerging around productivity and emissions, and why there is no single silver bullet. They also unpack this year's conference theme, Rewarding Pathways to Zero, exploring how farmers can reduce emissions while building more productive and profitable businesses.

From 18 to 20 August in Perth, Western Australia this is where real conversations
will happen, bringing together the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future
of agriculture.

Whether you're in the paddock, in research, or across the supply chain, this is your
chance to be part of it.

Head to zneagcrc.com.au to explore the program and get your ticket today.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Zero Net Emissions CRC's role and projects
• Research on plants, animals, and farm systems
• Reward pathways for emissions reduction
• Innovations in methane and nitrous oxide reduction
• Conference in Perth and stakeholder engagement

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the conference and its significance
01:01 Richard Heath's overview of CRC's work and goals
02:00 Recap of last year's Brisbane conference and progress
03:01 Focus on reward pathways and economic incentives
04:06 Research on plants and animals to reduce emissions
05:01 The importance of incremental improvements in agriculture
07:07 Understanding the theme: rewards pathways to zero net emissions
08:11 Potential financial and environmental rewards for farmers
08:51 Significance of Western Australia in the conference
10:02 Target audience and benefits of attending the conference
10:49 Final thoughts and how to learn more about the event

This episode of Humans of Agriculture is proudly brought to you by Rabobank, Australia's Most Recommended Agribusiness Bank for three consecutive years running.*

Exciting news - Applications for the Rabobank Rural Community Hub Program are now open, Rabobank is awarding 10 grants of $10,000 to help improve rural community hubs and halls across regional Australia.

These important community spaces play a vital role in bringing people together, strengthening connections, and supporting the wellbeing of regional communities.

If your local hall or community hub could benefit from funding, now is the time to apply. Applications close on 30 August 2026.

To learn more and apply, visit rabobank.com.au.

*RFI Global Australian Banking & Finance Awards

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Tony Murfit, Regional Manager for Western Australia at Warakirri Cropping, to explore the Farm Operations Manager opportunity at Mawarra and what makes it such an important role within the business.

Having managed Mawarra himself before Warakirri purchased the property in 2011, Tony shares how the farm has evolved into one of Western Australia's leading broadacre cropping operations. He reflects on the transformation of the business, the innovation happening across the WA grains industry, and why he believes Mawarra continues to offer enormous potential.

The conversation also provides an inside look at the Farm Operations Manager role. Tony explains what success looks like, the importance of planning, logistics and leading a team across more than 24,000 hectares, and why trust, communication and the ability to adapt are just as important as technical farming knowledge.

Whether you're already working in broadacre cropping or looking to take the next step in your career, Tony shares why this role is an opportunity to learn, grow and build a long-term future with Warakirri Cropping. With the support of an experienced team and clear pathways for progression, he explains why the right mindset matters more than having all the answers on day one.

This episode is designed to give candidates and listeners a genuine insight into the business, the people, the opportunity and Tony's vision for building high-performing farming teams.

Key insights from the conversation:

• How Mawarra became Warakirri Cropping’s first property in Western Australia
• How soil improvement and changing farming practices have transformed the farm
• What it takes to operate across more than 24,000 hectares
• Why planning, logistics and timeliness are critical at Mawarra
• What the Farm Operations Manager will focus on day to day
• Why trust and communication are central to building a strong team
• Why candidates do not need to know everything before stepping into the role
• The importance of leading from the front and working alongside the team
• What success could look like after the first 12 months
• The lifestyle and community available around Merredin
• How the role could create a pathway towards becoming a Farm Manager within Warakirri

Interested in learning more? We have a full job description and additional information available on our Careers page: 

https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/farm-operations-manager-x191

Or connect with Zoe Burgess for a confidential conversation about the role available with Warakirri Cropping.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and recent farm visit to WA

00:29 Interview with Tony Murfit on WA grain industry

01:31 The evolution of soil management and crop yields in WA

03:29 The importance of Mawarra farm to Warakirri Cropping

04:52 Farm expansion and cropping intensity growth

05:35 Major advancements in farm management since 2011

07:07 Role and team structure of the farm operations manager

08:25 Approach to stepping into the farm operations role

09:06 Current challenges and capacity planning

10:36 Managing farm operations across large distances

11:53 The importance of timeliness and adaptability

12:18 Success indicators after 12 months in the role

14:25 Team culture and peer learning at WA farms

16:03 Leadership style and team trust

19:16 Opportunities for women and diverse leadership in agriculture

22:36 Encouraging relocation and career growth in WA farming

25:37 Final thoughts and closing remarks

This episode of Humans of Agriculture is proudly brought to you by Rabobank, Australia's Most Recommended Agribusiness Bank for three consecutive years running.*

Exciting news - Applications for the Rabobank Rural Community Hub Program are now open, Rabobank is awarding 10 grants of $10,000 to help improve rural community hubs and halls across regional Australia.

These important community spaces play a vital role in bringing people together, strengthening connections, and supporting the wellbeing of regional communities.

If your local hall or community hub could benefit from funding, now is the time to apply. Applications close on 30 August 2026.

To learn more and apply, visit rabobank.com.au.

*RFI Global Australian Banking & Finance Awards

The Tom & Mick Show is back, and so is repeat guest Jeremy Cummins.

Two years after first joining the show, Jeremy returns to share how his cattle feeding business has grown from around 4,000 head on feed to more than 22,000 across multiple locations.

The conversation also dives into the current cattle market, seasonal conditions, feedlot demand and how Jeremy is positioning his business as the industry navigates another changing cycle.

In this episode:

Growing the business

• What's changed since Jeremy's first appearance on the show
• Rebuilding and expanding the Mirambee Feedlot
• Growing from 4,000 to more than 22,000 head on feed
• Building a team and bringing experienced people into the business
• The role mentors and advisors continue to play

Feedlot strategy

• Why Jeremy operates across multiple feedlot locations
• Diversifying supply, customers and seasonal risk
• How different feeding programs fit different markets
• Why flexibility is becoming a competitive advantage

Reading today's cattle market

• Jeremy's outlook on current cattle prices
• The impact of seasonal conditions across Australia
• Why supply and demand still drive his decision making
• How international markets influence, but don't dictate, his business

Managing risk

• Why Jeremy focuses on margins instead of trying to predict the market
• Matching purchases to forward sales
• Lessons learned from previous market corrections
• Why understanding your costs matters more than guessing where prices are heading

Growth mindset

• Why Jeremy never planned to grow as quickly as he has
• Backing opportunities when they make sense
• Scaling a business without chasing growth for growth's sake
• His philosophy: know your numbers, back yourself and don't be afraid to do more

Looking ahead

• Jeremy's thoughts on the future of feedlotting
• The potential of covered feedlots
• Why Wagyu isn't part of his current strategy
• What the next decade could look like for the business

Key takeaways

• Business growth often comes from recognising opportunities rather than following a rigid plan.
• Knowing your costs and protecting your margins is more important than trying to pick the market.
• Diversification across locations, customers and feeding programs helps manage risk.
• Seasonal conditions will continue to play a major role in shaping Australia's cattle market.
• The best opportunities often come to those prepared to act with confidence when the numbers stack up.

Whether you're involved in cattle production, feedlotting, livestock trading or simply interested in how successful agribusinesses make decisions, this episode offers practical insights into growth, risk management and navigating today's cattle market.

This episode of Humans of Agriculture is proudly brought to you by Rabobank, Australia's Most Recommended Agribusiness Bank for three consecutive years running.*

Exciting news - Applications for the Rabobank Rural Community Hub Program are now open, Rabobank is awarding 10 grants of $10,000 to help improve rural community hubs and halls across regional Australia.

These important community spaces play a vital role in bringing people together, strengthening connections, and supporting the wellbeing of regional communities.

If your local hall or community hub could benefit from funding, now is the time to apply. Applications close on 30 August 2026.

To learn more and apply, visit rabobank.com.au.

*RFI Global Australian Banking & Finance Awards

Agriculture is built on more than land, livestock, and capital. It’s built on people, capability, and the strength of the communities that support them.

In this episode, Danny Shepherd shares the thinking behind RaboElevate, Rabobank’s capability-building platform designed to support farmers and agribusiness leaders through every stage of their career.

Drawing on a background in education and leadership development, Danny explains why building knowledge, networks, and self-awareness is just as important as access to finance. From emerging farm managers through to business owners and strategic leaders, RaboElevate aims to help people navigate the "sticky points" that come with growing a business, leading people, and making better decisions.

Danny also shares his personal story of discovering his farming roots later in life after meeting his father for the first time in his late thirties, and how that experience unexpectedly brought together his passions for education and agriculture.

From leadership development and financial literacy to international study tours, strategic thinking, and the role of AI in agriculture, this conversation explores what it takes to build resilient businesses and thriving rural communities for the long term.

This conversation highlights why investing in people and capability may be one of the most important investments agriculture can make.

Key insights from the conversation:

• The story behind RaboElevate and why Rabobank invests in capability, knowledge, and networks
• How farmers move through different seasons of leadership across their careers
• The importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and critical thinking in business
• Navigating the "sticky points" of farm ownership, growth, succession, and leadership
• How practical education programs help bridge the gap between operational and strategic thinking
• The value of peer networks, study tours, and learning from farmers around the world
• Why AI should enhance decision-making, not replace critical thinking
• How stronger leaders contribute to stronger businesses, communities, and future generations of agriculture

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:56 Danny Shepherd's Journey to Agriculture

07:29 Understanding RaboElevate

12:22 Career Development in Agriculture

17:26 Sticky Points in Agricultural Careers

21:39 Comparing Agricultural and General Business Challenges

28:44 RaboElevate Programs and Offerings

29:03 Community Involvement and Accessibility of Programs

31:32 The Next Generation and AI in Agriculture

36:01 Conclusion and Reflections

This episode of Humans of Agriculture is proudly brought to you by Rabobank, Australia's Most Recommended Agribusiness Bank for three consecutive years running.*

Exciting news - Applications for the Rabobank Rural Community Hub Program are now open, Rabobank is awarding 10 grants of $10,000 to help improve rural community hubs and halls across regional Australia.

These important community spaces play a vital role in bringing people together, strengthening connections, and supporting the wellbeing of regional communities.

If your local hall or community hub could benefit from funding, now is the time to apply. Applications close on 30 August 2026.

To learn more and apply, visit rabobank.com.au.

*RFI Global Australian Banking & Finance Awards