They say you can't be what you can't see, and thankfully there are many incredible role models for women in agriculture these days.

When entering the workforce and feeling a little untethered, Maddie Morgan saw a need to better connect those women and grow support networks for industry professionals.

As if being an agribusiness lawyer and helping on her family's farm in Condamine QLD wasn't enough, Maddie co-founded the Women in Agriculture network, which keeps her busy and most importantly - connected.

Hear her share her aspirations for the initiative's future and the crucial role mentorship has played in her career development.

takeaways

• Maddie balances her legal career with responsibilities on her family dryland cropping and shorthorn stud 
• Women in Agriculture is events based and aims to create support networks for industry professionals
• Maddie emphasises the importance of preserving family relationships in succession planning
• The value of mentorship and networks in building a vibrant career in agriculture
• The agribusiness sector is seeing a trend towards proactive succession planning
• Maddie hopes to continue growing her initiatives and providing opportunities for others

Chapters

03:03 Balancing Law and Agriculture

05:57 The Journey into Agribusiness Law

09:11 Succession Planning in Agriculture

11:47 Women in Agriculture: Building Networks

15:05 The Young Beef Producers Forum

18:04 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

This episode of Humans of Agriculture is brought to you by our friends at Rabobank Australia.

You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.

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Charlie Perry reckons he might know more intricate details of the health of his Wagyu bulls than he does of his kids!

He's fascinated by the genomic data behind every calf he breeds, which allows him to make incremental genetic gains for the betterment of the supply chains he services. 

And he'd have to be pretty patient too, with the results of the careful breeding decisions he makes today taking four years to show up on the consumer's plate.  

With the 2025 Trent Bridge Wagyu bull sale around the corner, Charlie explains what it takes to produce an animal he believes in, the vulnerability of opening your farm gate to auction his year's efforts, and how his family transitioned from super fine merinos to producing some of the highest quality wagyu genetics in the industry.

takeaways

• Beyond commercial metrics, the consumer eating experience is paramount
• Genetic advancements have transformed Wagyu breeding practices
• Sale day is an exciting but sometimes daunting event, with so much blood, sweat and tears going into the whole affair
• Building relationships with clients is essential for long-term success
• A clear vision and execution are vital for navigating market fluctuations

chapters

02:41 Wagyu Cattle: Breeding and Business Insights

05:48 Transition from Sheep to Cattle: A Family Journey

08:48 The Importance of Consumer Experience in Beef Production

11:26 Genetic Advancements in Wagyu Breeding

17:30 The Pressure of Sale Day: Expectations and Reality

26:20 Future of the Business: Vision and Legacy

Located at Aberfoyle on the Northern Tablelands NSW, Trent Bridge Wagyu is a family owned and operated stud producing high performing bulls for the Fullblood and F1 market since 2005.

There is so much to love about what Charlie is building. Learn more about the Trent Bridge Wagyu story and the 2025 Bull Sale on September 4th, on farm and online via AuctionsPlus.

Last year's sale was an absolute cracker and this year's is set to be even bigger. Register for your sale catalogue here. 

If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

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Yesterday’s surprise move to lift biosecurity restrictions on US beef imports has sent ripples through Aussie ag - with historical concerns around potentially devastating diseases like foot and mouth or mad cow entering our shores.

It comes as rumours swirl about a possible hike in tariffs on Aussie exports to the US. Is this a long-planned, science-based decision, or is there something more strategic at play?

We speak with agricultural policy and trade expert Andrew Henderson to unpack the timing, implications to industry, and the fine line between biosecurity risk management and political maneuvering. 

What You’ll Learn

• Why US beef imports were previously banned in Australia (since 2019)
• What’s changed in US traceability and food safety systems
• Potential biosecurity risks and how real they are
• The political and trade dynamics behind this decision, including tensions with the US under the Trump administration
• How this affects tariffs on Australian beef exports
• Whether consumers are likely to see US beef in Australian supermarkets
• The importance of country-of-origin labelling in building trust

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to US Beef Imports and Biosecurity

02:42 Historical Context of US Beef Imports

05:54 Current Trade Dynamics and Political Implications

08:47 Consumer Impact and Future of US Beef in Australia

What are you thoughts on the lifting of restrictions to US beef imports? Continue the conversation on Instagram and explore more episodes of Humans of Agriculture - don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

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If one word could sum up the current agricultural land market - volatile - is how Rabobank analyst Paul Joules would describe it. 

He reckons the unprecedented 80% growth in land prices in recent years is changing the way farmers make decisions... shifting their focus to productivity over expansion. 

This bite-size chat touches on the influence of commodity prices and global supply chains on land values, as well as the emerging trend of partnerships in farm purchases.

takeaways

• Agricultural land prices have increased by about 80% from 2020 to 2023
• There has been a recent 6% decline in land prices, but they remain high historically
• The agricultural sector is entering a phase of more modest growth
• Corporate investment in agriculture has increased but is showing signs of tapering off
• Farmers may shift focus from expansion to maximising productivity on existing land
• Commodity prices have a significant lag effect on land values
• New farmers face challenges due to high land prices and market volatility
• Partnerships and joint ventures may become more common in agriculture

chapters

02:59 Current Trends in Agricultural Land Values

05:38 Impact of Corporate Investment on Agriculture

08:47 Challenges for New Farmers in the Current Market

You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.

This episode of Humans of Agriculture is brought to you by our Partners at Rabobank Australia.

If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

Rabobank Grad Program: If you're on the lookout for a graduate role, head over to Rabobank.com.au to apply for their 2026 Graduate program before the 18th of August! 

You won't find too many fellas as genuinely happy and passionate about their job as Glenn 'Yogi' Kendall.

Yogi is a prominent figure in the trucking community - a celebrity even - with a cult following on TV show Outback Truckers and well known for his tireless work mentoring rookie drivers.

Yogi is a big believer in the value of good old fashioned, honest, hard work. He's barely had a day off in his 28 year career but finds solace from the spotlight in the hours of solitude he spends on the open road. 

And nothing makes Yogi prouder than returning to his family and small, rural community.

Our newest recruit to Humans of Agriculture, Liv Thorn, visits Yogi at his home in Katanning, Western Australia.

takeaways

• Growing up in milking sheds in Victoria, Yogi started his career as a tree faller (hence the nickname!) before becoming a truck driver
• Yogi has developed an educational program called Steering the Future where he trains and mentors young drivers
• The trucking job is rewarding, challenging and unpredictable
• Yogi values the rural community of Katanning and is proud of his roots
• He believes that hard work can lead to success anywhere
• Yogi appreciates the balance between solitude and social interaction on the road

chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yogi and the Trucking Community

02:33 Yogi's Background and Career Path

05:10 Steering the Future: Education and Mentorship in Trucking

07:58 The Rewards and Challenges of Trucking and Farming

13:34 Life on the Road: Balancing Loneliness and Community

15:33 Pride in Community and Future Aspirations

Follow Yogi's trucking antics on Instagram and YouTube.

Explore more episodes of Humans of Agriculture - don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]. 

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Tom Redden of Naparoo Pastoral never thought he'd circle back to the family farm after a stint in the corporate world but the opportunities he saw in the red meat supply chain were too enticing.

Tom chats with Tom & Mick about the 'sweet spot' he's found in the paddock to plate business model, based in Coonabarabran NSW. 

Takeaways

• Tom Redden is a fourth-generation farmer who transitioned back to the family business after a corporate career in the meat industry
• Tom's farm focuses on Aussie white sheep and Angus cattle, with a paddock-to-plate business model
• Building relationships with butchers is crucial for success in the direct-to-consumer market
• Tom emphasises the importance of understanding the supply chain and logistics
• He lambs year-round to ensure a consistent supply for butchers
• Market dynamics can significantly impact pricing strategies for livestock
• Tom prefers to operate in the middle of the supply chain for better margins

Chapters
00:00 Tom Redden's Background and Farming Operations

17:52 Direct to Butcher Business Model

23:49 Market Dynamics and Pricing Strategies

29:24 Future Outlook and Market Predictions

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If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

Rabobank Grad Program: If you're on the lookout for a graduate role, head over to Rabobank.com.au to apply for their 2026 Graduate program before the 18th of August! 

As the geopolitical situation shall we say... deteriorates, what impact are overseas conflicts and trade disputes having on Aussie grain markets?
 
Vitor Pistoia, Senior Grains and Oilseeds Analyst for Rabobank, is watching global events closely and joins Oli to explain the resulting market dynamics, as well as the opportunities for canola growers as the Sustainable Aviation Fuels industry gains traction.

takeaways

• Geopolitical events have a lag effect on grain prices
• Sustainable aviation fuel is gaining traction but requires clear guidelines
• The balance between food and fuel production is a critical issue
• Farmers must stay informed about competitor crops and market trends
• Monitoring currency and bond markets is essential for decision-making

chapters

00:00 Introduction to global grain and oilseed markets

05:18 Current trends in grain and oilseed prices

08:01 The impact of global events on agriculture

11:04 Sustainable Aviation Fuels: current status and future

13:32 The dilemma of food vs. fuel

16:03 Future projections for grains and oilseeds

This episode of Humans of Agriculture is brought to you by our friends at Rabobank Australia.

You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.

If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

Rabobank Grad Program: If you're on the lookout for a graduate role, head over to Rabobank.com.au to apply for their 2026 Graduate program before the 18th of August! 

When you're in the grip of drought, with livestock to feed and budgets to recalibrate, it can feel impossible to escape the business for a mental break.

But the Bayer Big Fish Challenge is giving farmers the perfect excuse.

It's an all-year-round nationwide fishing competition, which anyone can be part of, and every big fish caught raises money for mental health charity The Fly Project. A win-win!

Hear farmer Brad Stillard and program facilitator Matt Tripet share their personal stories, and how Bayer's initiative is fostering connections and strengthening the mental fitness of rural people across the country, one bite at a time.

Takeaways

• Fishing is an effective outlet for famers needing a mental break from their business and the stress of difficult seasons 
• The camaraderie built through an outdoor competition and shared experiences helps build trust and connection with others
• The Bayer Big Fish Challenge is proving to be a useful vehicle to reach out to mates doing it tough 
• Bayer's support has significantly impacted The Fly Program's reach

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the therapeutic benefits fishing to mental health

05:44 The Bayer Big Fish Challenge and how it works 

11:44 Camaraderie and connection in fishing

25:08 Overcoming mental barriers in farming

33:54 The impact of Bayer's support

Links

• Register a team for the Bayer Big Fish Challenge 
• Learn more about the Bayer Retreats and The Fly Program
• Learn more about Bayer Australia and New Zealand, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

This is a sponsored series in partnership with Bayer Crop Science Australia, showcasing Bayer's commitment to innovation; supporting Aussie agriculture and backing rural communities. 

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

Rabobank Grad Program: If you're on the lookout for a graduate role, head over to Rabobank.com.au to apply for their 2026 Graduate program before the 18th of August! 

It's a good thing Aly Bunton loves talking to people, as her Public Affairs role with Bayer Crop Science Australia depends on good relationships.  

And it's not just with the suits in Canberra; Aly is well-connected with scientists and farmers all over to ensure Bayer stays on the front foot of industry issues globally, and that Governments are aware of how different policies impact Aussie farmers.

With no previous ties to farming, a career in agriculture was a little unexpected for Aly.  She explains what led her to a job in ag science communications with a multinational company and the evolution of biologicals vs synthetic solutions in agriculture. 

Takeaways 

• Aly is proud of Bayer’s manufacturing presence in Australia with a big onshore investment here
• Aussie farmers are punching above their weight, respected globally as being highly professional, innovative and adaptable 
• The future of inputs use in agriculture needs to be a toolbox system
• Ali is an avid reader, zooming through up to 100 books a year 
• Her involvement with the CWA has opened her eyes to the incredible advocacy work at play in the regions

Chapters
01:58 Understanding the role of public affairs in agriculture

06:04 Building relationships in Government and industry

11:59 The importance of networking for students

22:51 The future of agriculture: biologicals vs. synthetics

27:09 Australian manufacturing and local solutions

30:09 Involvement with the New South Wales CWA

Links:

• Learn more about Bayer Australia and New Zealand, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
• More episodes at Humans of Agriculture

This is a sponsored series in partnership with Bayer Crop Science Australia, showcasing Bayer's commitment to innovation; supporting Aussie agriculture and backing rural communities. 

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

Rabobank Grad Program: If you're on the lookout for a graduate role, head over to Rabobank.com.au to apply for their 2026 Graduate program before the 18th of August! 

In an increasingly noisy world, how can ag speak with a unified, consistent voice?

The changing dynamics of agricultural advocacy in Australia has caught our attention, and we're keen to explore whether industry representation is still 'fit for purpose' in a rapidly shifting political and social landscape.

With around 270 farm advocacy bodies in Australia with a combined annual spend of $400-600 million, there's no shortage of voices sticking up for ag.  But how effective are they in delivering genuine policy solutions to Government?

To open up this conversation, Oli is joined by Katie McRobert, Executive Director at the Australian Farm Institute, and Tyson Cattle, a rural journalist-turned-Nuffield Scholar, currently exploring how ag advocacy is done around the world and what Australia could be doing better.

Takeaways

• Advocacy in agriculture is fragmented and there's a disconnect between what's being said and what's being heard
• Effective advocacy requires a clear purpose, two-way conversations and cultivating long-term relationships to drive policy change
• Finding common ground with decision-makers is essential for achieving policy outcomes
• Respect and credibility is often overlooked in advocacy structures
• Farmers are good as telling stories, but ag needs to get better at sharing stories
• Current advocacy structures in Australia are often conservative and 'locked in' to a traditional structure, but new approaches such as social media influencers are having an impact 
• Leadership in advocacy often requires taking unpopular stances

Links

• Learn more about Tyson's Nuffield topic, and LinkedIn
• Katie McRobert LinkedIn

You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.

If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  
Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

Rabobank Grad Program: If you're on the lookout for a graduate role, head over to Rabobank.com.au to apply for their 2026 Graduate program before the 18th of August!