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

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

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.

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

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre is joined by SproutAg Senior Agribusiness Manager, Oscar McLean, alongside Humans of Agriculture Talent Specialist, Zoe Burgess, to explore the opportunities available as SproutAg continues its rapid growth across regional Australia.

After starting his career in agtech before moving into agricultural banking, Oscar shares the journey that led him to SproutAg and why helping farmers navigate increasingly complex finance decisions has become such a rewarding career. He explains how the business works alongside farming enterprises to provide independent finance, debt advisory and business planning services that help clients achieve their long-term goals.

The conversation also provides an inside look at what it's like to work at SproutAg. Oscar explains what an Agribusiness Manager does day-to-day, the type of people who thrive in the business, and why attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than ticking every box on a job description.

As SproutAg continues to expand across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and beyond, Oscar shares why now is an exciting time to join the business, the career pathways available, and how ambitious people can grow alongside one of Australia's fastest-growing agribusiness advisory firms.

Whether you're already working in agricultural banking, finance or agribusiness, or you're looking for your next career move, this episode offers a genuine insight into the people, culture and opportunities behind SproutAg's continued growth.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Oscar's career journey from Marcus Oldham to banking and into SproutAg
• Why independent agribusiness finance and advisory is one of agriculture's fastest-growing sectors
• What an Agribusiness Manager does day-to-day
• The type of people SproutAg is looking to recruit
• Why attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than having every technical skill
• Career pathways and progression opportunities as SproutAg continues to expand across Australia
• Why now is an exciting time to join the business, including its recent acquisition and ambitious growth plans
• What makes Tamworth and regional Australia great places to build a career and lifestyle

Interested in learning more? We have a full job description and additional information available on our Careers page: https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/agribusiness-manager-70hq

Or connect with Zoe Burgess for a confidential conversation about the opportunities available with SproutAg.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to SproutAg and Recruitment Opportunities
02:13 Oscar McLean's Career Journey and Insights
05:01 Understanding SproutAg's Business Model
07:38 Role of Agribusiness Manager: Responsibilities and Expectations
11:26 Growth and Expansion of SproutAg
14:26 Career Pathways and Opportunities at SproutAg
17:59 Selling Tamworth: A Regional Hub for Agriculture
20:56 Encouragement for Potential Candidates

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Hamish Irvine, Head of Southern States at Halter Australia, to explore the technology, leadership and mindset driving one of agriculture’s fastest-growing companies.

Growing up on a mixed farming operation in western New South Wales, Hamish always imagined a future on the land. But after drought forced a change in direction, his career took him through the meat industry, global supply chains and commercial leadership before landing at Halter, the virtual fencing and livestock management company now transforming grazing systems across Australia and New Zealand.

This conversation goes beyond the technology itself. Hamish shares the lessons that shaped his career, what it takes to build high-performing teams, and why feedback, accountability and culture are critical in fast-growing businesses. He also unpacks how Halter is helping farmers rethink labour, pasture management and livestock performance through virtual fencing and real-time animal insights.

From career progression and leadership to innovation and the future of livestock farming, this is a conversation about embracing change and creating impact.

Key insights from the conversation:

• How growing up on a family farm and experiencing drought shaped Hamish’s career journey
• Why stepping outside traditional agriculture career pathways can create unexpected opportunities
• The lessons learned from building a career across meat processing, sales and agribusiness leadership
• What high-performance culture looks like in practice and why feedback is central to success
• How Halter uses virtual fencing and animal insights to transform livestock management
• The three biggest drivers of value for farmers: pasture utilisation, labour efficiency, and animal health
• Why adopting new technology requires trust, clear outcomes and a willingness to change
• How innovation is reshaping the future of livestock farming and creating new opportunities across agriculture
• The importance of leadership, ownership and accountability in building successful teams
• Why agriculture needs more people focused on solving industry challenges rather than following traditional career paths

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Halter and Hamish Irvine
02:05 Career Path and Early Experiences
04:37 The Importance of Diverse Experiences
08:37 Reflections on Career Choices
10:37 Leadership and Team Building at Halter
12:17 Transitioning to Halter: Embracing Change
20:13 High-Performance Culture at Halter
26:56 The Art of Feedback and Communication
30:18 The Birth of Halter: A Journey from Dairy Farming to Tech Innovation
34:37 Expanding Horizons: Halter's Growth in Australia
37:36 Understanding Farmer Needs: The Halter Approach
39:59 Building Trust: Overcoming Skepticism in Agriculture
43:45 Transformational Technology: The Future of Farming
46:42 Bridging Agriculture and Technology: The Ideal Candidate
48:07 The Future of Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli heads to the windswept coastline of Seaspray in Gippsland to sit down with first-generation farmer Danna Boulton.

Growing up just down the road on her family’s dairy farm, Danna always dreamed of farming - but like many young Australians, the pathway to ownership wasn’t straightforward. After building a career as a teacher, making sacrifices, studying the land market for years, and leaning on the right support networks, she found her opportunity.

Today, Danna is three years into running her own beef operation on “the island” at the Honeysuckles - a unique coastal property she now calls home. With support from her family, a rural financial counsellor, her bank, and a RIC AgriStarter Loan, she’s been able to take that leap into ownership and build a business from the ground up.

This episode explores patience, persistence, and the reality of doing it on your own - while also highlighting the importance of community, financial support, and backing yourself when the opportunity finally comes. 

RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans to help farmers establish a first farm business and support with succession arrangements.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Non-linear pathways into farming and first-generation ownership
• The power of patience and studying the market over time
• Making sacrifices to build a deposit and create opportunity
• The role of support networks - family, advisors, and community
• Using finance to reduce pressure and enable sustainable growth
• Learning to ask for help and manage risk on your own

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Farming Life

02:23 Growing Up on a Dairy Farm

05:11 Transitioning from Teaching to Farming

08:09 Navigating Financial Challenges in Farming

10:51 Acquiring Land and Starting a Farm

13:59 Support Systems in Farming

16:37 Challenges of Solo Farming

19:34 Advice for Aspiring Farmers

This business spotlight episode is a practical deep dive into the Regional Investment Corporation, how it works, why it exists, and how it’s helping farmers manage risk and build stronger businesses.

CEO John Howard shares his journey across agriculture, food, and finance and breaks down how concessional loans can provide breathing room during tough seasons and create opportunities for long-term growth.

This episode explains what RIC does, who it’s for, and how farmers can access loans to improve cash flow, rebuild after hardship, or enter the industry. For anyone in agriculture looking to better manage risk, understand finance options, or plan for the future, this is a practical and highly relevant conversation.

RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times.

Key insights from the conversation:

• What the Regional Investment Corporation is (and isn’t)
• The role of concessional finance in agriculture
• Managing risk through drought, flood, and volatility
• Why timing and preparation matter when accessing finance
• The reality of farm business resilience in Australia

Chapters:

00:00 Spotlight on Regional Investment Corporation

01:30 Understanding RIC's Role in Agriculture

03:49 Navigating Hardship and Opportunities

06:57 Demand Trends in Australian Agriculture

10:49 Innovative Loan Products for Farmers

13:03 The RIC Team and Customer Experience

14:53 RIC vs Traditional Banks

15:34 Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers

18:11 Future of Agriculture and Succession Planning

19:34 Success Stories from RIC Customers

23:09 Practical Steps for Engaging with RIC

This week, Oli sits down with farmers Chris and Nick Blunt at their family farm near Orange, NSW.  The Blunts know the importance of water, and Chris can use his water divining skills to find it, but he needed the capital in order to support the business survive and ultimately rebound from the drought. 

In this episode, Chris Blunt shares how a lifetime on the land has helped him build deep instincts and partnering that with his son Nick’s background in finance - they’re building a thriving future fit business. 

The Blunt’s used a low-interest loan through the Regional Investment Corporation, to build water security for their business and help to secure its future direction. 

RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Multi-generational farming and succession in practice
• Decision-making under pressure (drought context)
• The role of financial literacy in modern farming
• Blending instinct with data and external advice
• Using finance to rebuild and grow

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Family Farming and Legacy

01:43 Chris’s Spiritual Connection to the Land

04:36 The Importance of Safety in Farming

07:05 Navigating Drought and Financial Challenges

12:57 Collaboration Between Generations

17:30 Decision Making During Crisis and Drought

21:20 Utilising a RIC Loan for Growth

25:43 The Benefit of having a career outside Farming 

28:24 Water Security and Its Impact

30:12 Future Aspirations and Innovations in Farming

The Tom & Mick Show is back!! With a timely livestock market update as rain finally arrives across much of eastern Australia and confidence begins returning to the paddock.

Tom and Mick are joined once again by Riverina livestock agent James Tierney from Riverina Livestock Agents to unpack what's happening in the cattle and sheep markets, how producers are approaching restocking, and whether the lessons from recent seasons will influence decision-making this time around.

From record lamb contracts and surging cattle prices to breeder shortages, restocker demand and the outlook for the next 12–24 months, James provides a practical perspective from the front line of the livestock industry.

In this episode:

James Tierney and Riverina Livestock Agents

• Overview of RLA and its role across southern NSW and Victoria
• Operating from Wagga Wagga with a livestock footprint extending across eastern Australia
• Current seasonal conditions across the Riverina and southern Australia
• Why many producers are experiencing one of the strongest starts to winter in recent memory

Livestock markets gaining momentum

• Lamb contracts reaching up to $12.80/kg
• Strong processor demand continuing across both sheep and cattle
• Why cattle markets received a major boost following recent rainfall
• The significant lift seen in southern saleyards over recent weeks

Restocking and rebuilding numbers

• How traders and breeders are approaching the current market
• Why breeder numbers remain well below historical levels
• The impact of drought-driven livestock liquidation over recent years
• Where producers are still finding opportunities in the market

The cattle outlook

• Why many cattle haven't disappeared...  they've simply found a new postcode
• Large movements of livestock from northern regions into southern Australia
• The risks of chasing expensive restocker cattle
• Lessons learned from the cattle market correction of 2023
• Could we see $2,000 weaner steers again?

Sheep markets and supply challenges

• Why sheep producers may be among the biggest beneficiaries of current conditions
• The impact of reduced breeding ewe numbers across Australia
• Strong mutton prices and ongoing supply constraints
• Why retaining breeding stock is becoming increasingly attractive
• James' outlook for lamb and mutton markets over the next two years

Managing risk in a rising market

• The danger of letting green grass drive decision-making
• Why discipline remains critical during periods of optimism
• Balancing opportunity with caution as prices strengthen
• The importance of understanding seasonal risk in livestock enterprises

Feeding systems and future opportunities

• The growing role of containment feeding and on-farm finishing systems
• Why more producers are retaining stock longer rather than selling into weak markets
• The economics of feeding cattle through market downturns
• Building flexibility into livestock businesses

Key takeaways

• Rain has rapidly improved confidence and livestock demand across much of eastern Australia
• Breeder numbers remain historically tight, supporting medium-term market fundamentals
• Sheep supply is likely to remain constrained for several years
• Cattle markets remain highly dependent on seasonal conditions and producer confidence
• Strong markets create opportunities, but discipline and risk management remain essential

This episode is packed with practical market insight for livestock producers, agents, traders and rural businesses navigating changing seasonal conditions. It's a valuable conversation on rebuilding confidence, managing risk and understanding where the next opportunities may emerge across Australia's sheep and cattle sectors.