Salt of the Earth Farm Stories

Grigg Media
  • 4.6 (12)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to "Salt of the Earth - Farm Stories". Host Darren Grigg invites you to step into the world of farmers from diverse backgrounds across Australia. Through intimate interviews, he delves into their farming practices, traditions, and the challenges they face in nurturing the land. From generations-old family farms to innovative sustainable practices, each episode offers a glimpse into the resilience, passion, and dedication of Australian farmers and explores the profound connection between people and the land. Be inspired by the stories of those who sow the seeds of the future.

  1. Ep 112: Clem Furphy

    22 hrs ago

    Ep 112: Clem Furphy

    Send us Fan Mail Some people live one life. Clem Furphy seems to have lived several. Born in 1943, Clem proudly describes himself as a war baby, not a boomer. In this conversation, he reflects on a life packed with adventure, creativity, community, farming and plenty of good stories. From riding his bike to school through Melbourne traffic (no hands), studying civil engineering, and enjoying time at the iconic Prince Alfred Hotel, to travelling Europe with his wife Kate in a VW Kombi, Clem has always embraced life with curiosity and humour. Eventually, he and Kate followed their dream of country and farm life. There, Clem built a mud-brick home with his own hands, immersed himself in the local community, and helped transform everyday locals into actors and touring performers. This is a warm, funny, and thoughtful chat about changing times, country life, creativity, and making the most of every chapter. And be sure to stay right until the end, where Kate treats us to a special tune on the piano. Enjoy this conversation with Clem Furphy.

    56 min
  2. Ep 111: The Big Wheel _ Sam Longmore

    18 June

    Ep 111: The Big Wheel _ Sam Longmore

    Send us Fan Mail Many of you will remember Sam Longmore as the woman who refused to let a life-changing accident define her. After being left paralysed down one side, she rebuilt her life with remarkable grit and determination, going on to break world water-skiing records and receive the prestigious Shine Award.  Now, she's taking on another massive challenge. The Big Wheel was born from Sam's desire to make a real difference for mental health in rural communities — a cause deeply personal to her and one that affects so many people across regional Australia. In an incredible feat of endurance, Sam will wheel herself 441 kilometres from Corowa to Yass, New South Wales, in just eight days. And remember, she'll be doing it using just one arm. In this episode, we catch up with Sam as she prepares for the challenge, hear about the intense training that's included a lap of Mount Panorama, meeting one of her inspirations, Nedd Brockman, and the team helping bring this ambitious fundraiser to life. Sam is the first to say that The Big Wheel is a team effort — and she's absolutely right. But she's still the one pushing that chair, kilometre after kilometre, in the hope of raising awareness and much-needed funds for mental health in rural communities. If you haven't already, make sure you go back and listen to Episode 76 to hear Sam Longmore's extraordinary story. If you'd like to support Sam and this incredible initiative, simply Google "MyCause – The Big Wheel" and consider making a donation. Get ready to be inspired all over again as we catch up with the unstoppable Sam Longmore.

    38 min
  3. Ep 110: Lucy Godbolt

    11 June

    Ep 110: Lucy Godbolt

    Send us Fan Mail Most 13-year-olds are thinking about school, sport, social media, or what’s for dinner. But for Lucy Godbolt, a lot of her spare time is spent thinking about cattle, genetics, temperament, and what makes a great animal stand out in the ring. Growing up in a livestock-focused family, Lucy has learned plenty from her dad, Pete Godbolt, a highly respected stud stock manager with Nutrien Ag Solutions. But she's also forging her own path in the industry. At just 13, Lucy is already making her mark at major events such as the Sydney Royal Easter Show, competing in cattle showing and junior judging competitions, and collecting an impressive list of ribbons and achievements along the way. In this episode, we chat about the excitement and nerves of show day, some memorable mishaps, her agricultural scholarship, and what keeps drawing her back to the cattle industry. We also find out her favourite cattle breed. It's a great conversation with one of the next generation of passionate young people helping shape the future of Australian agriculture.

    21 min
  4. Ep 109: Peter Godbolt _ Part B

    4 June

    Ep 109: Peter Godbolt _ Part B

    Send us Fan Mail Peter Goldbolt. In this episode, we dive into the pressure and adrenaline of sale day — where Pete can be responsible for selling millions of dollars worth of livestock in a single day. As a Stud Stock Manager with Nutrien Ag Solutions, Pete gives a great insight into the modern stud stock world, from changing technology to the relationships that hold the industry together across Australia. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at auctioneering itself — including the difference between being a fast or slow padder, reading a crowd, and the skill involved in keeping a sale moving. There’s plenty of laughs in this one too, along with an honest chat about family life, long days on the road, and the balancing act that comes with working right across the country. Hope you enjoy Part B with Peter Godbolt.

    34 min
  5. Ep 108: Peter Godbolt _ Part A

    28 May

    Ep 108: Peter Godbolt _ Part A

    Send us Fan Mail Peter Godbolt is a Stud Stock Manager with Nutrien Ag Solutions, working with livestock breeders and producers right across Australia. Spending close to 100,000 kilometres a year on the road, he’s constantly travelling between cattle sales, properties, shows and industry events. Growing up around Herefords, Pete says there’s no better place to grow up than on the farm — and his experience stretches across both the commercial and stud stock sectors of the livestock industry. In Part A, we talk auctioneering stories, life on the land, the evolution of cattle genetics, meat quality, temperament, and the people that make the industry what it is. There’s plenty of insight, a few laughs, and some great stories from behind the microphone and behind the rails.

    44 min
  6. Ep 107: The Unbreakable Farmer _ Part B

    21 May

    Ep 107: The Unbreakable Farmer _ Part B

    Send us Fan Mail After disaster hits a community, the damage isn’t always visible. Grief, uncertainty and the fear of what might come next can linger for years — especially in rural Australia, where many people live knowing another drought, fire or flood could be around the corner. In this episode, Warren Davies talks openly about resilience, adverse circumstances, and the importance of building capacity before life gets tough. We also check in on Warren himself, and discuss practical ways people can better support both themselves and those around them. There’s plenty of encouragement in this conversation too — including Warren’s challenge for people to find just one percent of their day to invest in their own wellbeing. This episode is about resilience, hope, community… and the small steps that can make a big difference. If this episode raises anything for you personally, please reach out for support. Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.

    36 min
  7. Ep 106: The Unbreakable Farmer Part 1

    14 May

    Ep 106: The Unbreakable Farmer Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail Warren Davies knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom — and rebuild from it. Known to many as The Unbreakable Farmer, Warren has become one of Australia’s most respected rural mental health speakers, travelling the country sharing hard-earned lessons on resilience, connection, and getting through tough seasons. In this episode of Salt of the Earth, Farm Stories, Warren opens up about the challenges facing rural Australia, the emotional toll disasters can take on rural families, and why building capacity before crisis matters so much. We also talk about the work he’s doing in disaster-hit communities around Australia, the importance of mateship and conversation, and how small steps can make a real difference when life feels overwhelming. This is a grounded and honest conversation. If this episode brings up anything for you, support is available. In Australia, you can contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or visit Lifeline Australia for 24/7 crisis support and counselling.

    44 min
  8. Ep 105: Bush Bird Classifier _ Dr David Watson

    7 May

    Ep 105: Bush Bird Classifier _ Dr David Watson

    Send us Fan Mail What if the birds on your farm could tell you how healthy your landscape really is? In this episode of Salt of the Earth Farm Stories, we sit down with the endlessly curious Dr David Watson — ecologist, innovator, and passionate advocate for woodland birds — to explore a fascinating piece of technology that could change the way farmers understand their environment. Dr Dave and his team have developed the Bush Bird Classifier, a free and easy-to-use tool that automatically identifies bird species from the sounds around your farm. Using smart algorithms and acoustic monitoring, the technology gives landholders real-time insights into biodiversity and ecosystem health — without needing specialist bird knowledge. But this conversation goes far beyond birdsong. We unpack: Why woodland birds are such powerful indicators of landscape healthHow biodiversity data could play a role in future farming income streamsThe connection between healthy ecosystems and productive farmsWhy practical, low-cost technology matters for regional communitiesDave’s genuine passion for helping people reconnect with the natural world around themThis is a conversation about curiosity, innovation, and learning to “listen” to country in a completely new way. Cutting-edge science meets practical farming  The Bush Bird Classifier project was funded by the Federal DCCEEW under their Innovative Biodiversity Monitoring scheme. Vicky Austin and Lance de Vine, two research fellows who are also dedicated to the project.

    35 min
See All (112)

4.6
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Salt of the Earth - Farm Stories". Host Darren Grigg invites you to step into the world of farmers from diverse backgrounds across Australia. Through intimate interviews, he delves into their farming practices, traditions, and the challenges they face in nurturing the land. From generations-old family farms to innovative sustainable practices, each episode offers a glimpse into the resilience, passion, and dedication of Australian farmers and explores the profound connection between people and the land. Be inspired by the stories of those who sow the seeds of the future.

Information

  • Creator
    Grigg Media
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Salt of the Earth Farm Stories
  • Show Website
    Salt of the Earth Farm Stories

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