Agsolutely Fabulous

Katja Williams and Gillian Fennel
  • 4.9 (15)
  • ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Agriculture Beyond the Headlines Hosted by two powerhouse Australian women in agriculture, Gillian Fennell and Katja Williams. Get ready to go beyond the headlines with honest, entertaining, and informed conversations about what’s really happening in the Australian agriculture and food industry. Each week, Gillian and Katja share their professional farming insights, tackling trending ag topics, rural news, and industry stories that shape the way we grow, produce, and consume food. From paddock to plate, we break down complex issues, bust myths, and spotlight the people and innovations driving modern farming. Whether you’re a farmer, ag enthusiast, or consumer curious about where your food comes from, you’ll laugh, learn, and gain a deeper understanding of the industry that keeps us fed, clothed, and thriving. 🎙️ New episodes weekly — informative, unapologetically real, and always #AgsolutelyFabulous.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    #73 | From Fire Ants on the Move to Rising Fuel Costs: Catch up with Gillian & Katja

    In episode 73 of Agsolutely Fabulous, Katja and Gillian discuss farm updates, including cattle work, road conditions, skincare products sent to Gillian, and Katja's destocking in New South Wales due to drought and high input costs, alongside land management comparisons from the last drought. They address an unintended mining rehabilitation ad placed on their podcast and how automated ads can conflict with their views. The episode covers the fuel crisis linked to conflict affecting oil routes, resulting in price spikes, supply bottlenecks, and knock-on impacts for farming, transport, emergency services, roads, plastics, and fertilizer. They warn about fire ants spreading across parts of Queensland and into New South Wales and stress biosecurity risks from moving hay, soil, or plants. They also respond to claims that Sydney Royal Easter Show attendance contradicts a cost-of-living crisis, arguing that people budget for outings and exhibitors attend for work and marketing. A Q&A clarifies “organic,” “free range,” and “pasture raised” as marketing and production systems, recommending direct-from-farm sourcing for traceability. inks & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 Support Our Partners THANK YOU TO OUR PODCAST SPONSORS! Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/ Book Box - Use code Fabulous15 for a special discount at checkout! Start your next chapter here → https://bookbox.au/ Email us - agsolutelyfab@gmail.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W 00:30 Farm updates and skincare mishap 03:10 Drought destocking realities 05:06 Drought photos and land management 07:18 Renovations and wildlife visitors 08:51 The accidental mining ad 10:50 Fuel crisis and price gouging 15:53 Supply knock-ons and shortages 18:48 Fire ants spreading warning 23:46 Cost of living vs Easter Show 31:34 Labels explained organic and free range

    41 min
  2. #72 | Going Beyond the Pantry & Prepping for Today's Uncertain World with Robyn Verrall

    1 MAY

    #72 | Going Beyond the Pantry & Prepping for Today's Uncertain World with Robyn Verrall

    In episode 72 of Agsolutely Fabulous, Katja speaks with Robin Verrall—farmer, beef and lamb producer, author, publisher, and board and committee member in South Australia—about navigating global change, practical prepping, and supporting aging parents as winter approaches. They contrast city shopping habits with farm “pantry staples” and discuss readiness without panic buying, including keeping backups like flour, long-life milk, shelf-stable meals, gas cookers, battery backup landlines/radios, and organized, pest-proof storage, plus planning for power outages. They also discuss the emotional and social adjustments after COVID, including close contact in public spaces. For aging parents, they emphasize winter needs such as heating, wood/kindling, comfort foods in manageable portions, safer transport when driving becomes risky, staying connected through neighbors, and medication management via chemist blister packs, especially with dementia. Links & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 Support Our Partners THANK YOU TO OUR PODCAST SPONSORS! Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/ Book Box - Use code Fabulous15 for a special discount at checkout! Start your next chapter here → https://bookbox.au/ Email us - agsolutelyfab@gmail.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W 00:27 Meet Robin Vel 01:09 World Feels Unstable 02:40 Pantry Prep Basics 06:50 Beyond Stockpiling 07:08 Kids and Kindness 08:44 Aging Parents in Winter 10:38 Safety and Connection 14:08 Medication Management

    19 min

  3. 23 APR

    #71 | Reviving Landscapes & Building Community with Landcare

    Today, Gillian and Katja interview Melanie Cooper, a landcare coordinator for the Grenfell district in central west New South Wales, who has worked in natural resource management for over 20 years and farms locally. Melanie explains landscape rehydration as making the most of rainfall by holding more water in the landscape to rejuvenate productivity, rehabilitate creeks and gullies, and reduce erosion. She describes a Mulloon Institute introductory field day delivered through the two-year “Over the Fence” project, which uses farmer-to-farmer conversations, field days, bus trips, training, and visual stories to support climate-smart practice change. The workshop drew on methods linked to Peter Andrews and showcased local farmer Alex McAlpine’s rehydration actions. Melanie shares ways to get involved via mullooninstitute.org, welandcare.com.au, e-newsletters, and Central West Local Land Services, and emphasizes Landcare’s inclusive, responsive community network and role bridging urban and rural communities. Learn More About Landcare: Landcare Australia is a national, independent not-for-profit established in 1989. For over 35 years, it has led community and corporate engagement in environmental conservation and sustainable land management, helping protect Australia’s land, water, soils, plants, animals, and ecosystems. The organisation supports Landcare groups and partners through funding, on-ground project delivery, capacity-building, and knowledge sharing, while also managing large-scale restoration initiatives like the Landcare CarbonSMART program. Working alongside a network of 6,000 groups and more than 100,000 volunteers, Landcare Australia strengthens biodiversity, restores landscapes, and builds resilience in food and farming systems. As climate change and environmental challenges intensify, its focus remains on innovation, partnerships, and empowering the next generation—including stronger engagement with First Nations communities. Links & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 Support Our Partners THANK YOU TO OUR PODCAST SPONSORS! Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/ Book Box - Use code Fabulous15 for a special discount at checkout! Start your next chapter here → https://bookbox.au/ Email us - agsolutelyfab@gmail.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W 00:00 Meet Melanie Cooper 00:41 From Farm to Landcare 02:18 What Is Rehydration 03:20 Over the Fence Project 04:41 Roots in Peter Andrews 06:28 Field Day Takeaways 09:12 How to Get Involved 12:40 Bridging Town and Farm 15:08 Why Landcare Matters 17:37 Final Invitation and Thanks

    29 min

  4. 16 APR

    #70 | Q&A Episode: From Graduation Gowns to Livestock Tags

    In episode 70 of Agsolutely Fabulous, Gillian and Katja do a Q&A and note Gillian’s University of South Australia graduation with a Bachelor of Communications, her mortarboard, and thanks to Sandy (a UniSA staff member) who photographed the ceremony and is suggested as “ag fab of the week.” They discuss Anzac Day long-weekend plans, including family traditions and a working bee to rainproof a leaking farmhouse by fixing guttering. Gillian explains “mules tags” for sheep as part of LPA/wool declarations, tied to patented bare-breech genetics with strict rules and traceability. Katja updates on delaying the delivery of two pink macadamias until spring to avoid frost. They talk about a mail delivery including conference gifts and answer a question on who should influence agriculture’s future, arguing opinions should be weighted by “skin in the game,” and offering guidance on choosing conference speakers/MCs. They also revisit a joke about a Bathurst “crocodile” that was an inflatable pool toy. Links & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 Support Our Partners THANK YOU TO OUR PODCAST SPONSORS! Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/ Book Box - Use code Fabulous15 for a special discount at checkout! Start your next chapter here → https://bookbox.au/ Email us - agsolutelyfab@gmail.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W 02:29 Anzac Weekend Plans 03:57 Rainproofing Farmhouse 05:01 Mules Tag Explained 08:23 Pink Macadamia Update 10:44 Mail Plane Delivery 12:42 Who Gets a Say 16:53 Choosing Conference Speakers 21:21 Crocodile Jokes 23:09 Q and A Wrap Up

    25 min

  5. 9 APR

    #69 | The Year of the Woman Farmer: What it Means for the Modern Rural Woman

    In episode 69 of Agsolutely Fabulous, Gillian and Katja are sharing their updates and chatting about all things women in agriculture. Katja joined a local bee club after getting her own hive and recommends local groups for beekeepers, while Gillian discusses new staff whose hidden skills include fashion design and filmmaking, enabling clothing repairs and new social media content. Gillian recaps attending a South Australian Industry Insights Forum with the National Farmers Federation, including a “robust” panel with Telstra about remote telecommunications changes, decommissioning radio phone systems, power-dependence of new alternatives like VoIP and Starlink, and the life-or-death stakes during fires and floods. They discuss Gillian’s Stock Journal interview on regional healthcare disparities tied to Alex Thomas’s “From Here to Healthcare” campaign. The episode also covers concerns about Victorian land rezoning and taxation impacts on farmers, suggests advocacy via the Victorian Farmers Federation, and a critique of tokenism around the “Year of the Woman Farmer,” emphasizing global context and meaningful change. Gillian notes recent rain at home and shares her frustration that her eldest left to work on a Queensland cattle station before finishing his apprenticeship. Links & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 Support Our Partners THANK YOU TO OUR PODCAST SPONSORS! Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/ Book Box - Use code Fabulous15 for a special discount at checkout! Start your next chapter here → https://bookbox.au/ Email us - agsolutelyfab@gmail.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W 00:45 Beekeeping Club Update02:10 New Staff Arrive04:01 Industry Forum Recap05:09 Telco Changes and Power08:13 Robust Talk on Connectivity11:15 Cheese Lunch and Politics12:51 Courses on Skool17:25 Healthcare Voices in Ag20:48 Victoria Rezoning Backlash23:31 Leave Farmers Alone24:13 How City Folks Can Help26:59 Petitions and Political Pressure28:29 Year of the Woman Farmer35:19 Tokenism Versus Real Change44:39 Ending on a Lighter Note45:25 Family Updates and Farewell

    49 min

  6. 2 APR

    #68 | Landcare's Multifaceted Approach to Community Sustainability

    In this podcast episode, Danielle, the Central West Regional Landcare Coordinator, explains her role supporting Landcare groups from around Campbelltown to Grenfell by helping with projects, funding, governance, and member support. She describes how Landcare has evolved from an 1980s tree-planting volunteer movement into diverse, community-driven work across the Central West, including community nurseries, sustainable grazing, women’s health and wellbeing, youth nature programs, local produce events, ag tech and drones, and on-ground erosion, weeds, pests, and river rehabilitation. Danielle outlines how to find or start a Landcare group via the NSW Landcare Gateway and local coordinators, emphasizes Landcare’s inclusivity and urban–rural connection, and highlights benefits like learning, collaboration, and support networks. She also notes the annual/state Landcare conferences and awards, and encourages biodiversity and joining existing local activities. Learn More About Landcare: Landcare Australia is a national, independent not-for-profit established in 1989. For over 35 years, it has led community and corporate engagement in environmental conservation and sustainable land management, helping protect Australia’s land, water, soils, plants, animals, and ecosystems. The organisation supports Landcare groups and partners through funding, on-ground project delivery, capacity-building, and knowledge sharing, while also managing large-scale restoration initiatives like the Landcare CarbonSMART program. Working alongside a network of 6,000 groups and more than 100,000 volunteers, Landcare Australia strengthens biodiversity, restores landscapes, and builds resilience in food and farming systems. As climate change and environmental challenges intensify, its focus remains on innovation, partnerships, and empowering the next generation—including stronger engagement with First Nations communities. Links & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 Support Our Partners THANK YOU TO OUR PODCAST SPONSORS! Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/ Book Box - Use code Fabulous15 for a special discount at checkout! Start your next chapter here → https://bookbox.au/ Email us - agsolutelyfab@gmail.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W 00:00 Welcome and Landcare Intro 00:43 Danielle’s Role Explained 01:16 What Landcare Does Today 03:16 Real Impacts on Ground 04:55 Find or Start a Group 08:14 Future Topics and Big Picture 09:12 Who Can Join Landcare 11:33 Getting Volunteers and Support 12:39 Why Get Involved 14:32 Landcare Conference and Awards 16:07 First Step for Stewardship 17:33 Wrap Up and Thanks

    32 min

  7. 26 MAR

    #67 Challenges, and Change: Navigating Life and Livestock on the Farm

    In episode 67 of Agsolutely Fabulous, Gillian and Katja catch up on station life and current issues: Gillian’s new chicks have moved to the chicken house as she tries to identify roosters versus hens and avoid integrating bad egg-eating habits; Katja updates on kids’ end-of-term fatigue, activities, and interest in adding music (possibly drums), plus her own marching band and flute background. They discuss a reel about bacon being classified among carcinogens but emphasize dose and seeking professional health advice. The conversation turns serious to workplace harassment in rural/ag settings, the need for leaders to acknowledge it, bystanders to act, and Gillian’s involvement in an NFF-related social media incident being handled internally. They give motorists advice for safely passing cattle on roads during dry conditions. They also cover solar/renewable project decommissioning risks when companies go bankrupt, urging bonds and strong contracts, and finish with ABS income statistics showing regional households earn less while often paying more, plus upcoming events, a new burnout-boundaries course, and newsletter/socials.Thank you for being part of this incredible community. 💕 Support Our Partners THANK YOU TO OUR PODCAST SPONSORS! Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/ Book Box - Use code Fabulous15 for a special discount at checkout! Start your next chapter here → https://bookbox.au/ Email us - agsolutelyfab@gmail.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W 00:31 Chicks And New Hens02:06 Chicken Coop Tips03:20 Kids Activities And Music05:34 Bacon Cancer Scare08:17 Harassment In Ag14:11 Speak Up And Act15:37 Cattle On Roads Safety18:06 Solar Farms Cleanup Risk19:44 Cleanup Liability Loopholes21:15 Short Term Politics21:43 Contract Bonds and Clauses23:49 Mining Rehab Double Standards25:11 Regional Income Reality26:22 Dubbo Drought Ripple Effects28:08 Mining Towns and Fly In Fly Out30:11 Services Cut After Disasters32:27 Ending on Good News33:34 Conferences Courses and Newsletter36:12 Stay Connected and Wrap Up

    39 min

  8. 19 MAR

    #66 Catching Up: Staff Arrivals, Renovation Stories, and Answering Your Questions

    In episode 66 of Agsolutely Fabulous, Katja and Gillian answer listener questions and share station updates: Gillian is deep-cleaning a cottage to house a young UK couple starting as station hands, they’re pregnancy testing with strong results, and she’s preparing to renovate a house after heavy rain revealed major roof and gutter leaks that will require carpet removal to assess water damage. They discuss bringing back “Ag Fab of the Week” or a newsletter subscriber giveaway using leftover HarvestHer Power Conference packs, encouraging listeners to nominate themselves or others and provide addresses. Merch has not launched yet due to time and sourcing goals, but they aim to start with basic t-shirts, caps, and stickers and may run a newsletter giveaway. They note the most downloaded episodes remain episode 1 and the WA sheep live export ban episode, joke about a “crocodile” sighting near Bathurst, and address the reality of tick-bite–triggered red meat allergy, outlining symptoms, prevention, safe tick removal, and risks to pets. They brainstorm ideas for a 100th-episode celebration, possibly in Adelaide, and invite guest suggestions. Thank you for being part of this incredible community. 💕 Support Our Partners Learn more about Little Farmers here: https://littlefarmers.com.au/blogs/news/why-farm-books-matter THANK YOU TO OUR PODCAST SPONSORS! Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/ Book Box - Use code Fabulous15 for a special discount at checkout! Start your next chapter here → https://bookbox.au/ Email us - agsolutelyfab@gmail.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W

    23 min
See All (73)

4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Agriculture Beyond the Headlines Hosted by two powerhouse Australian women in agriculture, Gillian Fennell and Katja Williams. Get ready to go beyond the headlines with honest, entertaining, and informed conversations about what’s really happening in the Australian agriculture and food industry. Each week, Gillian and Katja share their professional farming insights, tackling trending ag topics, rural news, and industry stories that shape the way we grow, produce, and consume food. From paddock to plate, we break down complex issues, bust myths, and spotlight the people and innovations driving modern farming. Whether you’re a farmer, ag enthusiast, or consumer curious about where your food comes from, you’ll laugh, learn, and gain a deeper understanding of the industry that keeps us fed, clothed, and thriving. 🎙️ New episodes weekly — informative, unapologetically real, and always #AgsolutelyFabulous.

Information

  • Creator
    Katja Williams and Gillian Fennel
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ag Fab - Katja Williams and Gillian Fennel 2024
  • Show Website
    Agsolutely Fabulous

You Might Also Like