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

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.

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

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 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.

How do you make the right decisions when the season turns against you and the pressure is on?

In this episode, Chris Kilby shares how he’s managing a dry and challenging season near Trundle, offering practical insights into decision-making, risk management, and keeping a farming business moving forward when conditions are tough.

Chris explains how they’ve adapted their cropping plans after missing key rainfall windows, shifted focus to feeding and protecting their core breeding ewes, and made early decisions to reduce stock numbers. He walks through the realities of confinement feeding, water security challenges, and the significant effort involved in establishing reliable infrastructure under pressure. You’ll also hear about the mental side of farming through dry conditions, the importance of community and connection, and why continuous learning and surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference.

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

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.

Are you making the right decisions when it comes to expanding your farm business or managing risk in a new environment?

In this episode, Chris Kilby speaks about building a mixed farming enterprise near Trundle, sharing his journey of starting again, consolidating land, and improving efficiency across his operation. Alongside his wife Sarah and their three daughters, Chris runs a self-replacing Merino flock and cropping program, while continuing to refine their system after moving from the Goulburn region.

Chris shares the realities of purchasing and piecing together multiple blocks of land, the challenges of succession planning, and the steep learning curve of farming in a new district during drought conditions. He explains how infrastructure investments, pasture renovation, and strategic decision-making have shaped their business, along with the importance of relationships, flexibility in purchasing strategies, and long-term planning. You’ll also hear insights into managing worm resistance, testing before making decisions, and why knowing your numbers and your land is key to building a sustainable and profitable farming operation.

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

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.

Are you matching your livestock trading decisions to your feed base or the market?

In this episode, Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell speaks with Courtney Tourle about livestock trading, decision-making, and building a profitable enterprise while balancing work, family and farming. Courtney and her husband Tom run a livestock trading business on a leased property, while Courtney also works as an Animal Production Advisor at Nutrien Ag Solutions, giving her a unique perspective across many different farming operations and seasons.

Courtney shares how they got their start leasing country after the drought, the steep learning curve of financial literacy and trading livestock, and the lessons they learned from both profitable seasons and difficult market downturns. She explains how they match livestock classes to available feed and the importance of making proactive decisions rather than waiting too long.

You’ll also hear about how the best farmers manage seasonal variability, make confident decisions using the best information available at the time, and focus on controlling what they can control.

Resources and links:

• Courtney Tourle 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.

Are mixed farming systems the key to more resilient and productive farms?

In this episode, Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach sits down with Lawrence Balcomb from Golden Glen near Toogong to talk about mixed farming, pasture management and how cropping and livestock can work together in a practical farming system. Lawrence shares how his operation combines prime lamb production with grazing crops and pasture renovation, using rotations that include oats, canola, wheat and lupins to improve pastures and manage weeds and chemicals.

You’ll hear practical insights on managing lucerne-based pastures, dealing with soil acidity and dryland salinity, integrating tropical grasses, and how crop rotations can be used as a tool to reset and improve pasture productivity. Lawrence also talks about succession planning in family farming, labour challenges, and the role Landcare plays in helping farmers access support, knowledge and community networks.

This episode is a great listen for mixed farmers, livestock producers, and anyone interested in improving pasture systems, integrating cropping and grazing, and building a resilient farming operation for the long term.

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.

Is your grazing strategy working for your land or are you working for your grazing?

In this episode, Local Land Services senior Natural Resource Officer Jasmine Wells sits down with Emily Mosely, Grazing Solutions Advisor with Atlas Carbon and MaiaGrazing. Emily explains how a people- and data-first approach to grazing management transformed her family’s semi-arid rangeland operation. Drawing on both her personal experience and professional role, she shares why proactive monitoring, digital tools, and strategic rest and recovery are game changers for sustainable livestock and pasture management.

You’ll hear practical insights on multi-species grazing, leveraging technology to track livestock and pasture performance, increasing carrying capacity while regenerating ground cover, and fostering a feedback loop that improves decisions across your enterprise. Emily also discusses how implementing practice changes early and experimenting with regenerative techniques can create measurable, long-term results.

This episode is a must-listen for graziers, land managers, and anyone interested in optimizing productivity while caring for the land.

Resources and links:

• Emily Mosely on LinkedIn
• Atlas Grazing (formerly MaiaGrazing)

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.

Is your family serving the farm… or is the farm serving your family?

In this episode, Tim Bartimote sits down with James Hamilton, a central New South Wales farmer who also works nationally in agricultural succession planning. Drawing on lived experience and more than a decade advising families, James explains why succession isn’t about dividing assets; it’s about aligning needs. He outlines his people-first approach, how he structures conversations to move families from “I” to “we,” and why everyone must see their opportunity for a transition to succeed.

You’ll hear practical insights on introducing the next generation early, managing debt responsibly, handling off-farm siblings fairly, and why succession rarely works when it’s left too late.

This is an essential listen for producers who want to extend productivity across generations while keeping the family unit intact.

Resources and links:

• James Hamilton on LinkedIn
• Cultivate Advisory

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.