Humans of Agriculture

Mid this year we were at the Aussie Cotton Conference and it sparked a curiousity into who the big players are, where are they going and what impact is that having for Australian cotton growers.

I grabbed Paul Joules from Rabobank to discuss the current state of the cotton market and farm inputs. Paul shares insights from his experience in global agricultural commodities, particularly focusing on cotton production, demand dynamics, and the impact of global events on prices. The conversation also delves into the volatility of farm inputs, especially fertilisers, and the importance of staying informed as a farmer in a rapidly changing landscape.

In this conversation, Sabrina Davies shares her journey of living on Kangaroo Island, the impact of the Black Summer bushfires, and her initiative, Humans of Kangaroo Island, which aims to tell the stories of the local community. She discusses the challenges of rebuilding after losing her home, the importance of community support, and her reflections on loss and recovery. Sabrina emphasises the beauty of Kangaroo Island and the unique lifestyle it offers, while also providing insights into her personal growth and the lessons learned through adversity.

Pic Credit: Australian Rural Leadership Foundation

Kangaroo Island, community, bushfires, storytelling, resilience, recovery, nature, Humans of Kangaroo Island, personal journey, support

This episode was recorded on the 9th of October and that might add a bit of context to the conversation!

Tom & Mick are back to sit down with Scott Bremner from McCulloch Agencies to chat all things Livestock.

Takeaways

• Scotty Bremner has a long history in the livestock industry.
• Feedlot procurement is about turnover and continuity of supply.
• Mobile phones have changed accessibility in agency life.
• Market trends are influenced by weather and supply.
• Lamb and mutton markets are currently stable and sustainable.
• Cattle market dynamics are affected by female slaughter rates.
• Trading strategies should focus on doing the opposite of the majority.
• The future of feedlotting requires more processing facilities.
• Wool market predictions are uncertain but influenced by global economies.
• Heifers are a good investment due to quick turnover.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Scotty Bremner
03:06 Scotty's Career Journey in Livestock
05:56 Insights on Feedlot Procurement
08:49 Market Trends and Seasonal Insights
12:12 Lamb and Mutton Market Analysis
15:00 Cattle Market Dynamics
17:51 Trading Strategies and Market Sentiment
21:05 Future of Feedlotting and Processing Facilities
23:55 Wool Market Overview and Predictions

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Richie Kirkland shares his love of popping off on the buggies, hunting rabbits, and enjoying the life afforded as a farm boy in South Australia. His father showed him how to shear and he quickly realized how wool spun into a nice chunk of change for his teen years. Life in the business has had its highs and lows and he’s realized the importance of a forward mindset in the industry. By focusing on sustainability, innovations, and engaging with the community, Richie believes storytelling and sharing thoughtful perspectives will lead to a more resilient wool sector.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the shifts over the decades in the shearing business shows pivotal moments of what direction the industry has taken.
• Sustainability and Environmental Practices are important to ensure long-term productivity and environmental health.
• Technology and innovation in modern farming will help to meet industry demands and address challenges.
• Community, collaboration, and storytelling foster resilience within agricultural communities.
• Resilience and adaptation during tough seasons are essential for navigating the agriculture sector.
• Support and training for agricultural workers and those new to the industry is crucial in the future of the industry.

LivestockSA Partnership:
Today's episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.

Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.

Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.

You can secure your place and take the next step towards a more resilient future by visiting the AgRi-Silience page on the Livestock SA website www.livestocksa.org.au.

In this episode of the Humans of Agriculture podcast, host Oli Le Lievre explores the multifaceted operations of a South Australian farm with Alex McGorman. The conversation delves into the history of the farm, the evolution of farming practices, the importance of relationships in agriculture, and the role of family boards and external support in business growth. Alex shares insights on transitioning from a traditional farming mindset to a more business-oriented approach, emphasizing the significance of consistency, adaptability, and good people in achieving success in the agricultural industry.

Takeaways:

• The importance of relationships in agriculture cannot be overstated.
• Consistency in operations leads to long-term success.
• Transitioning to a business mindset is crucial for growth.
• Family boards can provide valuable external support.
• Good people are the backbone of any successful operation.
• Adaptability is key in the face of changing market conditions.
• Farming is a trust-based industry that relies on integrity.
• External advice can help navigate complex business challenges.
• Investing in branding and marketing is essential for growth.
• There are numerous opportunities in agriculture for those willing to innovate.

LivestockSA Partnership:
Today's episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.

Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.

Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.

You can secure your place and take the next step towards a more resilient future by visiting the AgRi-Silience page on the Livestock SA website www.livestocksa.org.au.

Jenny Stanton wears multiple hats as a farmer, agronomist, netball coach, and community leader on Kangaroo Island (KI). She shares her story of resilience, having survived the devastating 2020 bushfires, which wiped out livestock and infrastructure, and how her family rebuilt both their farm and their lives. Jenny discusses the journey of running a family farm, including succession planning and the balancing act of managing daily operations, community roles, and personal well-being.

We dive into topics such as:

• How her family navigated succession planning after the fires.
• The importance of community and their "Fat Farmers" initiative to improve physical and mental health.
• Jenny's passion for soil health, sustainable farming practices, and the challenges of finding natural solutions to pest problems.
• The role of Farm Owners Academy and the Australian Rural Leadership Program in shaping their business and personal growth.

LivestockSA Partnership:
Today's episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.

Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.

Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.

You can secure your place and take the next step towards a more resilient future by visiting the AgRi-Silience page on the Livestock SA website www.livestocksa.org.au.

Chris Schied has been a business advisor for more than the last 25 years. Across his career he's learnt a few things about what it takes for family business and farming businesses to succeed.

A few things we chat about:

- Family boards are essential in agriculture for effective strategy, governance, risk management, and succession planning.
- Family boards should meet at least twice a year, with an annual general meeting to review past performance and plan for the future.
- Non-returning family members and external advisors should be involved in family board meetings.
- Emotion should not be removed from decision-making in family businesses, as it plays a role in succession planning and understanding the purpose of the business.

LivestockSA Partnership:
Today's episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.

Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.

Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.

You can secure your place and take the next step towards a more resilient future by visiting the AgRi-Silience page on the Livestock SA website www.livestocksa.org.au.

This week we're heading to a tiny little town called Tilba on the South Coast of NSW. An old mining town, the small mainstreet pops under an enormous mountain.

For generations Tilba Dairy has been providing jobs, amazing dairy products and played a key part of the social fabric that makes this town what it is.

So, what's the value of branded businesses to small communities like Tilba? That's exactly why we caught up with Erica Dibden co-owner of Tilba Dairy.

Paid Partnership Transparency:
Humans of Agriculture have been fortunate enough to engage in a paid agreement powered by the NSW Government, Dairy NSW, and Dairy Australia to gain first-hand insight into the Australian Dairy Industry and share it with our audiences and more broadly. 
This six-part series includes video, podcasts, photography and written content and is made possible by the Australian and NSW Government’s Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program.

Kate Gunn, is a clinical psychologist and founder of iFarmWell, in this episode she discusses the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the agriculture industry.
She shares her journey of researching farmers' mental health and the need for support in rural communities.
Kate explains how iFarmWell was created to provide accessible and farmer-focused resources for improving mental health.
She emphasizes the significance of addressing mental health in the workplace and the benefits of having a team with good wellbeing.
Kate also provides tips for seeking help and supporting others in rural communities.

LivestockSA Partnership:
Today's episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.

Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.

Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.

You can secure your place and take the next step towards a more resilient future by visiting the AgRi-Silience page on the Livestock SA website www.livestocksa.org.au.

Darren Thomas is the CEO of Thomas Foods International and in this episode we chat about his journey, the family business, and how they've not just made the most of opportunities they've overcome huge adversity. 

From growing into new international markets, supporting local communities, the business is proud of its heritage and excited for the future.

Takeaways

• Being present and connected with employees and customers is crucial for success in the agricultural industry.
• South Australia offers unique advantages for businesses, such as access to owners and CEOs and affordability.
• Strategic acquisitions and expansion into processing have been key factors in the growth of Thomas Foods International.
• Teamwork, continuous learning, and a clear vision are essential for achieving success in the industry. The major fire at the TFI meat processing plant in Murray Bridge was a significant challenge, but there were no injuries or loss of life.
• The rebuilding process was a huge undertaking, but TFI was able to mitigate losses and quickly get back to production.
• TFI has diversified its business into seafood, cooked meats, and pet food, allowing for the extraction of maximum value from the carcass.
• Sustainability and innovation are important focus areas for TFI, including investments in environmental awareness, cyber security, and financial reporting.
• A sustainable price for farmers is crucial for the long-term viability of the agricultural industry.

LivestockSA Partnership:
Today's episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.

Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future. 

Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.

You can secure your place and take the next step towards a more resilient future by visiting the AgRi-Silience page on the Livestock SA website www.livestocksa.org.au.