State of the Australian Grains Industry (2021)

In this final episode, we build on what we've learned so far and examine what it means for the future of the industry. Our perspectives come from the Hosking family who farm in Quambatook, Victoria, Brett and Grace who talk about the challenges they see the growing community facing in the coming century. Andrew Short and Trevor Philp of Pacific Seeds Foundation Farm fill us in on the opportunity to speed up technology innovation if we work together, particularly on sharing data. And finally, Megan Gooding tells us her real-life story of innovating through uncertainty to create a supermarket brand, all thanks to a combination of guts, brains and collaboration. Don't miss it!

If you would like to read the 2021 State of the Grains Industry report in full, visit graingrowers.com.au.

CREDITS

Rhiannon Mooney Productions

Transport and storage are the backbone of the agro-economy. Australia's grain transportation system is not perfect, with relatively high costs compared to other countries. Josh Connell, a senior manager at GrainCorp, explains the state of play on the east coast, and the importance of coming up with smart solutions to remain competitive on the world stage. We also speak with South Australian grower Tristan Baldock to get a picture of how the infrastructure affects his ability to recruit, and the obligations on farmers and storage owners to think beyond short-term economics to the communities they want to create and the legacy they want to leave.

If you would like to read the 2021 State of the Grains Industry report in full, visit graingrowers.com.au.

CREDITS

Rhiannon Mooney Productions

In our discussion this week, we zoom in on production. Improvements in technology have changed what it is possible to achieve under harsh weather conditions, giving hope for the future of grain growing in a changing climate. Steve Jeffries, former Managing Director of the GRDC, gives a whistle-stop tour of the latest innovations, from satellites and autonomous vehicles to good old-fashioned gene-editing. We get to take a view from the ground level as well, speaking with brothers Andrew and Richard Rice on their family-owned farm in New South Wales, learning how they are adapting to a new era of production practices.

If you would like to read the 2021 State of the Grains Industry report in full, visit graingrowers.com.au.

CREDITS

Rhiannon Mooney Productions

Diversification is the topic of today's discussion. The rise of pulse crops, coupled with crippling tariffs on both pulses and barley, has provided a rollercoaster ride for grain growers in recent years. It's clear that responding quickly to changes and opportunities is a non-negotiable skill in today's globalized marketplace. You can't always predict the future, but you can have a strategy. Pulse expert Paul Mcintosh joins us to take us through the events that have led us to the present day, and Victorian growers Tim and Julia Hausler tell us about the tactics they've used to weather the storm.

If you would like to read the 2021 State of the Grains Industry report in full, visit graingrowers.com.au.

CREDITS

Rhiannon Mooney Productions

This week's focus is Profitability. So many factors outside our control determine the bottom line: be it labor costs, weather, land value, or domestic and international regulations. With sustainability becoming an increasing part of our decision making process, we must find a way to fulfil our environmental obligations as well as balance the books. Join our discussion with agricultural finance expert Belinda Turner of Daybreak Cropping, and Western Australian grain grower Bob Nixon, as they talk about the financial challenges of an uncertain environment and practical ways to survive and thrive.

If you would like to read the 2021 State of the Grains Industry report in full, visit graingrowers.com.au.

CREDITS

Rhiannon Mooney Productions

In our inaugural episode, we touch on all the main topics covered in the series, discussed from three perspectives. We start with a big-picture look at the most pressing issues facing the industry today with analyst Cheryl Kalisch-Gordon of RaboResearch. We then speak with two Queensland growers, Peter and Nigel Corish, father and son, to get their perspective on what's changed for farmers on the ground, and the implications for the future as these changes continue to play out. Finally, our Federal Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud joins us to talk through the government's approach to innovation, research and development, trade and biosecurity.

If you would like to read the 2021 State of the Grains Industry report in full, visit graingrowers.com.au.

CREDITS

Rhiannon Mooney Productions

This six-part podcast series, in conjunction with GrainGrowers upcoming 2021 report, looks at where we've been, where we're going and what's changed over the last five years.

Join GrainGrowers' Zachary Whale as he travels around Australia, talking with growers and key industry players about the challenges and opportunities facing our grain's industry. Coming soon.