Salt of the Earth Farm Stories

Grigg Media
  • 4.7 (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 105: Bush Bird Classifier _ Dr David Watson

    3 DAYS AGO

    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
  2. Ep 104: Libby Price _ Part B

    30 APR

    Ep 104: Libby Price _ Part B

    Send us Fan Mail This is Part B with Libby Price, picking up after one of the toughest chapters of her career—reporting on Black Saturday. We dive into a powerful question: how do you cover tragedy and still stay human? From tough interviews and on-air moments to farming life, “horse heaven,” and her pull back to radio, Libby shares the highs, lows, and lessons from behind the mic. There’s insight on rural journalism, politics, and supporting women in ag—plus a deeply personal reflection on losing her mother at just 20. Honest, insightful, and guaranteed to educate, inform, and entertain.

    34 min
  3. Ep 103: Libby Price _ Part A

    23 APR

    Ep 103: Libby Price _ Part A

    Send us Fan Mail Today, we go behind the scenes of radio with one of the most recognisable voices in rural Australia—Libby Price. From her early days in the Adelaide Hills to an outstanding career across radio and television—best known for ABC’s Country Hour and now ACE Radio’s Country Today—Libby’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She’s interviewed Prime Ministers, built a reputation as a tough, no-filter journalist, and even had John Howard approach her—not the other way around. But beyond the big names and headline moments lie the challenges, confronting stories, and the reality of covering some of the toughest issues facing rural Australia. This is Part A of a conversation that will educate, inform, and entertain.

    32 min
  4. Ep 102: Danny Phegan _ Part C

    16 APR

    Ep 102: Danny Phegan _ Part C

    Send us Fan Mail Part C takes things in a different direction, as we dig deeper into the life of Danny Phegan—farmer, entertainer, and one of the most genuine voices around. From the opal fields of Lightning Ridge—mud, water, and brown snakes—we explore a side of life many don’t see. Danny reflects on the constant movement of touring, from northern gigs to the south coast, and how songs can be born anywhere—even scribbled on a napkin mid-flight. There’s plenty of light along the way—cheeky school stories, life on the land, and the excitement of stepping out with something new (including a keytar moment you won’t see coming). But there’s also real depth, as Danny opens up about the heartbreaking loss of a close mate. It’s raw, warm, and seriously country—this is Danny Phegan, Part C.

    29 min
  5. Ep 101: Danny Phegan _ Part B

    9 APR

    Ep 101: Danny Phegan _ Part B

    Send us Fan Mail In Part B, we’re back with Danny Phegan—farmer, singer-songwriter, entertainer, and all-round top bloke. This episode dives into the realities of chasing a living, the highs and lows, and the moments that make it all worthwhile. Danny shares the incredible story behind his album From Where I Stand hitting number one on the ARIA Country Album Charts—a huge achievement—and what it’s like performing in front of thousands. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at his time on The Voice, including Keith Urban spinning his chair and the chaos of backing it up on just an hour’s sleep after a big night. There’s plenty more too—city crowds versus country crowds, songwriting drawn from real life, a powerful fight song with a story you won’t forget, and a potential scoop involving a new release with James Blundell. It’s honest, entertaining, and full of character—just like Danny himself.  Check out Danny's music on your favourite music app.

    43 min
  6. Ep 100: Danny Phegan _ Part 1

    2 APR

    Ep 100: Danny Phegan _ Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 100  What better way to celebrate than with Danny Phegan — farmer, singer/songwriter, entertainer and great family man — sharing a story that’s big, wild and full of heart. Across three episodes, we cover life on the farm near Albury, NSW, the influence of his grandfather, and the unbelievable story of buying his farm at auction. From breaking in horses in America to riding from Darwin to Tassie raising over $500,000 for the Campfires Against Cancer Ride — capped off by a homecoming concert with Lee Kernaghan — Danny’s life is packed with grit, music, and pure country energy. Honest, raw, and entertaining. Pour a cuppa or grab a cold one — this is Danny Phegan.

    51 min
  7. Ep 99: Nutrisoil _ Nakala Maddock

    26 MAR

    Ep 99: Nutrisoil _ Nakala Maddock

    Send us Fan Mail Today we sit down with Nakala Maddock from Nutrisoil to unpack what’s really going on beneath our feet. Nakala breaks down the fundamentals of vermiculture and explains how the worm’s gut acts as a powerful microbial factory—transforming organic matter into biology that drives healthier, more productive soils.  It’s a simple concept with big implications for pasture performance, resilience, and long-term farm sustainability. This is a practical, back-to-basics conversation about building soil from the ground up—working with nature, not against it.  If you’re looking to improve soil function, boost pasture health, or just better understand the biology under your boots, this episode is a great place to start. To find out more about Nutrisoil,  visit nutrisoil.com.au

    52 min
  8. Ep 98: Andrew Kettlewell _ Mintor Beef _ Part B

    19 MAR

    Ep 98: Andrew Kettlewell _ Mintor Beef _ Part B

    Send us Fan Mail In part two of my chat with Andrew Kettlewell, we dig deeper into the people, moments and decisions that helped shape his career in agriculture and business. Andrew reflects on lessons learned along the way — from global companies to grassroots agriculture — and why staying connected to the land and community still matters. It’s a conversation about opportunity, perspective and the long road from Jerilderie to a remarkable career in agriculture.

    27 min
See All (105)

4.7
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
    105
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Salt of the Earth Farm Stories
  • Show Website
    Salt of the Earth Farm Stories

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