There are many fascinating pockets of Aussie agriculture and Grace Griffiths is keen to explore them all.
A few years ago, Grace created 101 Ag Pathways to showcase the plethora of roles and career pathways into agriculture.
Grace is an agronomist, cotton grower, GIS specialist and part of her family business Data Ag, based in Goodiwindi QLD.
She chats about the chaos of juggling multiple roles, how her side passion project is opening doors to a new generation of ag professionals, and why Bayer's crop innovation is shaping a more sustainable and attractive cotton industry.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Grace Griffiths and the Cotton Industry
03:07 The Importance of Traceability in Cotton Production
05:52 Grace's Journey Back to Gundawindi
12:00 Innovations in Cotton Farming and Bayer's Role
15:07 The Evolution of Cotton Varieties and Sustainability
18:01 101 Ag Career Pathways: Bridging the Knowledge Gap
21:09 Exploring Overlooked Careers in Agriculture
Links:
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 hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!
This week we’re wrapping up our series in partnership with Bayer Crop Science Australia. We’ve heard from staff at Bayer about the work they do supporting growers and industry in public affairs and regulation, but we’ve also heard how Bayer is focused on the farmers who are out in the paddocks growing food and fibre for Australia and the world. To cap off the series today we have the remarkable Grace Griffiths chatting about her many hats as a grower, agronomist and sustainability lead. Enjoy!
The biotech at the fingertips of farmers is super exciting. But is regulation keeping pace with scientific leaps?
Biotech like gene editing has the potential to revolutionise the industry - by not only enhancing crop yields, but supporting sustainable farming practices, and helping address global climate change and food security.
Michael Leader's job with Bayer is an interesting one - he's the bridge connecting the science labs and the regulators; translating complex new biotech innovation to policy makers.
In this chat Michael discusses the legislative hurdles for biotech, use of AI in new crop protection technologies, the new biotech in the pipeline for farmers, and the careers in agriculture that go beyond the paddock.
Michael Leader is the Regulatory Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Manager for the Asia region, for Bayer Crop Science Australia.
Takeaways
Chapters
03:06 The Intersection of Law and Molecular Biology
05:58 Career Journey in Regulatory Policy
09:03 Current Work and Responsibilities at Bayer
12:08 Opportunities in Asian Agriculture
17:57 Challenges and Misconceptions in Biotechnology
23:55 Regulatory Hurdles in Biotechnology
26:58 Future of Agricultural Innovation
Links:
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.
This week we’re wrapping up our series in partnership with Bayer Crop Science Australia. We’ve heard from staff at Bayer about the work they do supporting growers and industry in public affairs and regulation, but we’ve also heard how Bayer is focused on the farmers who are out in the paddocks growing food and fibre for Australia and the world. To cap off the series today we have the remarkable Grace Griffiths chatting about her many hats as a grower, agronomist and sustainability lead. Enjoy!
When Tim Felan was exploring career options fresh out of uni a decade ago, marrying his love for agriculture and finance together just made sense.
But he says 'falling into' a trial internship at Rabobank is what really fast-tracked his career to becoming National Manager of Major Agribusiness Clients.
He was pleased to see the Rabo Graduate Program formalised in 2023, exposing more uni graduates to the incredible possibilities open to young people in the food and agribusiness sector.
Hear how the 18 month bespoke grad program is tapping into the talent pool early, which Tim says is bringing fresh ideas to tackling global challenges in ag.
takeaways
chapters
00:00 Introduction and Career Path in Agribanking
06:17 The Value of Graduate Programs in Agribusiness
08:30 The Rabo Difference: What Sets Rabobank Apart
09:47 Opportunities in Agriculture for Future Generations
Find out more about the 2026 Rabo Graduate Program and get cracking as applications close 18th August!
This episode of Humans of Agriculture is brought to you by our Partners at Rabobank Australia.
You can hear more stories of Humans of Agriculture here.
If you enjoyed this chat with Tim, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. 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!
Choosing to get along seems to be the mindset critical to the success of the Coggan family mixed farming business over five generations.
Juggling a massive beef, lamb and grain operation in Queensland's Western Downs, siblings Emily, Tom and Sarah are fast becoming a leading force in the early adoption of ag technology.
They're the first beef farmers in Australia to use halter collars, allowing them to double the number of breeder cattle grazing otherwise unproductive land, with virtually zero labour or fencing costs.
You can't miss this fascinating chat with three dynamic young farmers, all with open minds and the courage to back each other and give just about anything a crack!
takeaways
chapters
00:00 Introduction and Roles in the Family Business
06:10 Career Paths and Returning to the Farm
09:02 The Importance of Family Dynamics
17:39 Adoption of Technology in Agriculture
20:46 Evaluating New Technologies
23:39 Success Stories with Ag Tech
26:52 Attracting the Next Generation to Agriculture
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 hello@humansofagriculture.com.
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!
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
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.
If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. 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!
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
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 hello@humansofagriculture.com. 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!
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
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!
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com.
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
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 hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!
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
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 hello@humansofagriculture.com.
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
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
Hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.
Follow Humans of Agriculture on Instagram.
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!
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
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
You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.
This episode of Humans of Agriculture is brought to you by our friends at Rabobank Australia.
If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!
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
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
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!
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
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:
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 hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!
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
Links
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 hello@humansofagriculture.com.
Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!
Cattleman Stuart Austin doesn't shy away from a challenge and his next venture is no exception.
Stuart is well-known for his work in the natural capital space in his former role as General Manager of Wilmot Cattle Company, a regenerative grass fed beef operation in NSW.
In this chat with Tom & Mick, Stuart explains the various arms of his new venture Audacious Agriculture and the land-use challenges he's noticing overseas, which he thinks we could learn from.
Despite the career pivot, his passion for regenerative farming practices and mentoring younger people in Aussie ag hasn't wavered.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and guest background
06:35 Stuart's new venture Audacious Agriculture
09:31 Insights from the Agri Investors Forum
18:20 Natural Capital in Agriculture
23:01 Predicts bullish trends in the cattle market
Links
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Follow Humans of Agriculture on Instagram. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!
It's not often you get the chance to hit the pause button, zoom out and look at the bigger picture of your farming business.
Farmers are often great at being operational - getting the crop in, or managing livestock cycles - but perhaps not as well practiced at thinking through a strategic plan: where you want your business to go and how you want to go about it.
Many of us tend to simply let things unfold and that's why Jeanette Long's pearls of wisdom are so helpful - she's a director, trainer and coach for Ag Consulting Co, which delivers the LivestockSA AgRi-Silience program.
She takes a strategic planning approach to help farmers reflect on their business decision processes and build not just business resilience, but personal resilience too.
We hope this chat with Jeanette helps you make some of those big (and small!) decisions in your farming and family lives, no matter what seasonal conditions are thrown at you.
Key takeaways:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the AgRi-Silience program
02:11 Building resilience in agriculture, both in business and personal worlds
09:07 Decision-making in challenging times
11:51 The value of networking and learning from others
Learn more about the work Jeanette does with Ag Consulting Co here.
About AgRi-silience:
Today's episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.
Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.
Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.
You can secure your place and take the next step towards a more resilient future by visiting the AgRi-Silience page on the Livestock SA website www.livestocksa.com.au.
Cut out dinner
It's a challenging time for many. The AgRi-Silience Cut Out dinner is a great opportunity to pause, reset and come together to gain collective strength from shared stories and ideas. Book your seat at the AgRi-silience Cut Out Dinner at Sunnybrae Estate in Adelaide on June 20th. Tickets are just $65 for alumni and $80 for industry participants.
Six years ago, South Australian accountant Tom Cosentino ditched his day job and bought a cattle property without ever having touched a cow before.
Relying on YouTube to learn the basics, Tom reckons his naivete has also helped endear him to other farmers willing to teach.
Hear how Tom feels great freedom without the ‘generational inertia’ behind him, and perhaps under less pressure than those who’ve inherited a family businesses.
He shares his rollercoaster experience as a first-generation farmer, alongside his wife Aimee and tractor-obsessed son, Ted.
Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Tom Cosentino's journey
02:15 From accountant to farmer: a new beginning
08:00 Learning the ropes and realities of farming
23:12 Decision-making during drought
40:02 Looking ahead: future aspirations and reflections
Links & Resources:
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!
It's time to level up our produce game!
There are few things more disappointing than biting into a floury apple, or cutting open a bruised avocado... if only we knew what mango to choose based on skin spots, or how to best store pears so they ripen perfectly…
That, friends, is the mission of our next guest, Thanh ‘The Fruit Nerd’ Truong.
He's put a modern spin on the traditional fruiterer, using his growing social media profile to share entertaining tips on choosing, storing and prepping fruit and veg.
Thanh wants consumers to have the best possible eating experience without playing ‘Russian Roulette’ with our produce.
He understands that an elevated flavour experience is not only good for us, it benefits the whole horticulture supply chain - leading to a healthier population and planet.
Thanh's knack for storytelling and passion for enjoying fresh produce is absolutely infectious.
Join Oli at the dawn wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Melbourne to discover how this second-generation fruiterer operates.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Morning madness at the Melbourne fruit market
03:44 A day in the life of a fruiterer
08:28 Is social media the new shop front?
17:08 How ag industries could better educate consumers and build social license
29:57 Should cooking classes be compulsory in schools to encourage healthier eating?
42:00 Thanh's Nuffield journey ahead
55:06 The power of incremental change in shifting buying habits and reducing food waste
01:01:06 Lessons from Asian food systems
Learn more about The Fruit Nerd and follow his wholesome content on Instagram.
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 — proud supporters of the Nuffield Scholarship. Rabobank’s commitment to backing bold ideas and future thinkers like Thanh Truong is shaping the future of food and farming.
If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!
In this second episode of our AgRi-silience series, Jono Mudge gives a glimpse into the realities of stepping up as the next generation in a family business.
It hasn't been an easy run of seasons for mixed farmers in South Australia's mid-north, but the AgRi-silience program came at the perfect time for Jono - deflecting his attention away from the seemingly endless dust, to what he can control.
From the humble workshop whiteboard to navigating new apps, Jono explains how simple tools are leading him to better communicate with family members and a smoother operation of his business day-to-day.
Jono's renewed sense of enthusiasm to improve his business is worth sharing. Here's his story.
Key takeaways:
Chapters:
02:59 How AgRi-silience has helped combat farming challenges
06:05 The importance of mentorship in agriculture
11:50 Setting goals for business and family life
14:55 Understanding the corner stones of financials and business management
17:52 Stress management and finding work-life Balance
23:46 Succession planning and future outlook
About AgRi-silience:
This episode is produced in partnership with LivestockSA’s AgRi-silience program, which helps South Australian producers build skills in business management, finance, people, and planning. Learn more or register your interest at www.livestocksa.org.au.
AgRi-Silience is part of the Farm Business Resilience Program, delivered by Livestock SA and jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Government of South Australia.
AgRi-Silience Cut out dinner
It's a tough year for a lot of producers so this is a great opportunity to come together, reset, and gain strength from shared stories and collective resilience. Book your seat at the AgRi-silience Cut Out Dinner at Sunnybrae Estate in Adelaide on June 20th. Early bird tickets are just $55 for alumni and $70 for industry participants, until May 23rd.
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 hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!
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After a brief hiatus, Tom and Mick are back at it...
This time they sit down with their first international guest, José Paz Vermal of Argentina, to discuss the current state of play in the wool market.
Summary
This chat delves into the dynamics of the global wool market, discussing current trends and challenges. The market hasn't been flash for a while, but José thinks that can be turned around with a focus on quality and better marketing. Find out what opportunities there are for growers in 'nature positive' wools and why José is ok with being nicknamed 'the toe cutter', and other such things, when he reveals his alter ego on the wool buying floor!
Takeaways
Chapters
01:45 Jose's Journey: From Argentina to Australia
06:01 Understanding the Wool Market Dynamics
10:01 Market Trends and Challenges in Wool Buying
22:06 Future Opportunities in Wool Production
27:09 Predictions for the Wool Market
We've managed to snag Tom and Mick for a monthly livestock chat from now on, so keep eye on your feed.
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Follow Humans of Agriculture on Instagram. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!
