Seeds for Success

What if better results in the feedlot start with knowing your numbers, controlling your risk and making decisions based on data? 

In this episode, Local Land Services Livestock Extension Officer Chelsea Koch speaks with Hamish Pennington, who runs his family farming enterprise alongside Conqueror Milling in Cootamundra, about the practical decisions behind his sheep and cattle operation and feedlot. Hamish shares how the feedlot began as a way to test the performance of the pellets produced by the family business, why he prefers to lock in a margin before buying livestock, and how using data helps him track individual animal performance and make more informed decisions. 

Hamish also discusses transitioning lambs onto pellets, the role of genetics and feed quality in achieving performance, and why he prefers a performance-based approach rather than simply trying to produce the cheapest feed. He explains how the family has used diversification, including an irrigation farm and feed mill, to help drought-proof the business, as well as the importance of keeping capital costs under control so the feedlot can be scaled back when the opportunity isn't there. He also shares his approach to risk, traceability and data, working with family, and why automation could be the next step in making feeding more efficient. 

Resources and links:

• Conqueror Milling Company

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website

Central West LLS on Facebook

Central West LLS on X

Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if getting more value from silage starts with making better decisions before you even cut the paddock? 

In this episode, Local Land Services Livestock Extension Officer Chelsea Koch speaks with Scott Angel, of Broula and Angels Livestock Services, in Tarcutta near Wagga Wagga in southern NSW, about the practical decisions that go into producing and storing high-quality silage. Scott shares how he uses grazing to help offset the costs of establishing silage crops, why timing can have a major impact on protein levels, and how he works with his agronomist to make decisions based on the season rather than simply following a set calendar date. 

Scott also discusses choosing the right species, managing dry matter, and deciding between quality and quantity when it's time to cut. He explains the pros and cons of different storage options, from pits and bunkers to tube-line and bales, and why storage and sealing are just as important as producing good-quality silage in the first place. Whether you're already making silage or considering it for the first time, Scott shares practical lessons from years of experience, including why you should start with what your farm needs and make the most of the infrastructure you already have. 

Resources and links:

• Scott Angel: LinkedIn 

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website

Central West LLS on Facebook

Central West LLS on X

Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the key to the future of farming isn't buying more land, but making better use of the land and data you already have? 

In this episode, Senior Land Services Officer Lauren Roberts speaks with fifth-generation farmer and agtech entrepreneur Hamish Munro at his property, Springwood, near Molong in the Central Tablelands of NSW. Hamish shares his journey from working across cattle and cropping on his family's large-scale farming operation to cattle trading, industry representation and developing Pairtree, an agtech platform designed to connect farm data and make it more useful for farmers and agronomists. 

Hamish also discusses why timing is everything in farming, how technology can support better decisions around livestock, pastures and inputs, and why farmers should start collecting digital records now to prepare for the future. He shares lessons from succession planning, the changing role of technology in family farms, and his vision for the next 200 seasons of Australian agriculture — where good data can improve productivity, profitability, compliance and the long-term resilience of farming businesses. 

Resources and links:

• Hamish Munro: LinkedIn 
• Pairtree 
• Farms of the Future overview | Department of Primary Industries

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website

Central West LLS on Facebook

Central West LLS on X

Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can farmers build resilience and find new income opportunities without simply buying more land? 

In this episode, Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach speaks with Kristen Hegarty, who farms with her family on a 1,000-hectare livestock property in the Upper Hunter of NSW. Kristen shares her journey into the family business, regenerative grazing, and how the farm responded to a challenging season through destocking, early weaning, and a new cattle trading opportunity in the desert. 

Kristen also discusses her flower-growing enterprise and Nuffield Scholarship research into value-adding opportunities for livestock farms. She shares lessons from her international travels, exploring agritourism, agroforestry and other ways farmers can diversify income, reduce reliance on land and build a more resilient farm business. 

Resources and links:

• Kristen Hegarty: LinkedIn 
• Nuffield Farming Scholarship 
• Future Drought Fund 

Nominate a Mate:

• If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

• Central West LLS website
• Central West LLS on Facebook
• Central West LLS on X
• Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can farmers balance profitability, sustainability and productivity in a changing agricultural landscape? 

In this episode, Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell, speaks with Iain MacLennan, Orchard and Farm Manager at his family farm in Orange, NSW, about apple production, sustainable farming and building a resilient agricultural business.  

Iain shares his journey from working as an agronomist in broadacre agriculture to managing a family-owned apple orchard, including the challenges of redeveloping an established orchard and learning the complexities of fruit production. He discusses the seasonal demands of orchard management, from tree health and pollination through to pest management, marketing and making decisions about future varieties. 

You'll also hear about Iain’s Nuffield Scholarship research into the intersection of profitability and sustainability in apple orchards, the lessons he’s learned from visiting agricultural businesses around the world, and why focusing on efficiency, diversity and strong production systems is essential for creating a more resilient future for Australian farms. 

Resources and links: 

• Iain MacLennan: LinkedIn | Instagram 

Nominate a Mate:

• If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

• Central West LLS website
• Central West LLS on Facebook
• Central West LLS on X
• Central West LLS on YouTube

This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could virtual fencing transform the way you manage grazing, cattle and pasture? 

In this episode, Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell speaks with Andrew Dowd about livestock trading, pasture management and the practical benefits of virtual fencing technology. Andrew runs a young cattle trading enterprise across family-owned and leased properties, using a combination of grazing management, data and technology to improve productivity and profitability. 

Andrew shares how moving from dairy heifers into cattle trading gave him greater control over his business, how he makes buying and selling decisions based on market opportunities and feed availability, and why long-term pasture improvement is central to his operation. He also explains how virtual fencing, rotational grazing and farm data are helping him increase carrying capacity, improve pasture utilisation and prepare for future carbon farming opportunities. 

You'll also hear how Andrew uses technology to support decision-making, why he's embracing early adoption of virtual fencing, and the practical lessons he's learned from implementing new systems across multiple properties. 

Nominate a Mate:

• If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

• Central West LLS website
• Central West LLS on Facebook
• Central West LLS on X
• Central West LLS on YouTube

This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a fifth-generation farmer from Cowra, Jo Treasure works alongside her family managing prime lambs, Black Angus cattle, grazing crops and perennial pastures, while continually looking for ways to improve profitability and long-term sustainability. In this episode, she shares how she is running a mixed farming enterprise, making strategic business decisions, and encouraging more young people to pursue careers in agriculture. 

Jo shares how an unexpected gap year led to a lifelong career in agriculture, why she's focused on improving financial literacy and business performance on the family farm, and the practical decisions behind their livestock, pasture, and cropping systems. She also explains how direct marketing, feedlots, improved genetics and pasture management are helping build a more resilient farming business. 

You'll hear about Jo's passion for agricultural education, the school lamb program she's expanded across multiple schools, and why giving young people hands-on farming experiences could help shape the future of Australian agriculture. 

Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell sat down with Jo to bring you this conversation.

Resources and links:

• Jo Treasure on Instagram 

Nominate a Mate:

• If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

• Central West LLS website
• Central West LLS on Facebook
• Central West LLS on X
• Central West LLS on YouTube

This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you build a farming business that stays profitable through both the good seasons and the tough ones? 

In this episode, Rob Watt shares how his mixed farming operation balances livestock, cropping and long-term decision-making to manage risk and improve resilience. Drawing on years of experience and farm benchmarking data, Rob explains his approach to stocking rates, enterprise diversity, confinement feeding and maintaining profitability without relying on exceptional seasons. 

Rob also discusses the value of self-replacing livestock systems, pasture management, wool production, and why having more options across your farm can help you make better decisions when conditions change.  

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach sat down with Rob for this practical and insightful conversation. 

Resources and links:

• Rob Watt on LinkedIn

Nominate a Mate:

• If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

• Central West LLS website
• Central West LLS on Facebook
• Central West LLS on X
• Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fifth-generation mixed farmer David Langfield has spent a lifetime balancing cropping, livestock and pasture management on his family's Cowra property. In this episode, he shares how lucerne underpins his farming system, why long-term soil management matters, and how on-farm grain storage has improved grain quality, marketing flexibility and business resilience. 

David also talks about his passion for telling the stories of Australian agriculture through his podcast, Ages of Farming. He reflects on the changing media landscape, the importance of showcasing the next generation of farmers, and why sharing real stories from the paddock is one of the best ways to promote Aussie agriculture.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with David to bring you this chat.

Resources and links:

• Ages of Farming Podcast on Instagram
• Ages of Farming Podcast on Spotify

Nominate a Mate:

• If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

• Central West LLS website
• Central West LLS on Facebook
• Central West LLS on X
• Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do large-scale farming businesses balance productivity, sustainability and profitability while staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry?

In this episode, Sarah Jacobson from Lawson Grains shares how research, data and technology are shaping the future of farming across New South Wales and WA. Sarah explains how Lawson Grains approaches R&D, variable rate technology, soil health and sustainable farming practices. She also dives into soil carbon projects, the importance of accurate farm data, and how the business is using innovation to improve long-term productivity and resilience across diverse farming systems.

Sarah shares practical insights into evaluating new technology, managing risk with trial work, and why continuous learning is critical in modern agriculture. 

Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell sat down with Sarah to bring you this chat.

Resources and links:

• Sarah Jacobson on LinkedIn

Nominate a Mate:

• If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

• Central West LLS website
• Central West LLS on Facebook
• Central West LLS on X
• Central West LLS on YouTube

This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.