Humans of Agriculture Humans of Agriculture

Lucy Collins knew she wanted to be around animals since she was a child. Although she didn't grow up on a farm, she took every chance to be at the dairy across the road from her family home.
Early on she decided that being a Vet, was going to be her calling."I didn't have a clear family farm pathway to follow. So seemed like a natural fit."
Takeaways
Curiosity and determination are key in pursuing a career in agriculture.Mentors and supportive networks play a crucial role in shaping career paths.Practical placements and diverse experiences can provide valuable learning opportunities.Strategic choices in education can open doors to desired career pathways. The feeling of community and being part of a close-knit cohort is an important aspect of studying veterinary science.Transitioning from university to the working world as a veterinarian can be challenging but also rewarding.Continuous learning and pursuing new opportunities are essential for personal and professional growth in the field.The dairy industry offers dynamic career opportunities and is open to innovation and change.Being true to oneself and staying authentic is important when making career decisions in agriculture.Dairy cattle milk production, reproduction and nutrition are what lights Lucy up. She is highly motivated and always seeking the next challenge, so she went on to complete her Masters and then a Nuffield Scholarship in the Dairy Sector. 
Lucy is incredibly intelligent whilst also humble and an excellent communicator. An asset to the Dairy industry, she loves it and wouldn't change it for the world. 

We are back and we are sitting down with LAWD Senior Director, Tim McKinnon to get the latest on Australia's rural real estate market.
A few summarising points:
Beef Australia is more than just Beef - international interest across all of Aussie Ag came to Rockhampton in the first week of May.The market dynamics between family farms and corporate/institutional investors vary by sector and region - who's buying and competing where?Government policies, such as live export bans, can create uncertainty for investor. We discuss the potential question marks that can arise from Government implemented change.Farmland values have experienced significant growth in the past decade, and while there may be a slowdown in the short term, long-term growth is expected.Renewable energy projects and agriculture can coexist, with wind farms providing additional income for landowners

Ashley Severin and his wife Lyndee call Curtin Springs in Australia's Northern Territory home. The family has embraced generational opportunity in diversifying the 1 million acre cattle station to other means. They've successfully established and run a tourism business, support local tours, an on-farm restaurant and have explored value add opportunities for their beef cattle.
This episode is one of our episodes profiling various Nuffield Farming Scholars.
In this chat we cover:
Living and working in a remote location requires resilience and adaptability.Diversification is key to surviving in the beef industry during challenging times.The development of tourism can provide additional income and opportunities for remote communities.Aerial mustering can be an efficient and cost-effective method for managing cattle.Participating in programs like the Nuffield scholarship can provide valuable knowledge and insights.The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the tourism industry, leading to changes in attitudes and behaviors.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and background 
06:42 Early Years at Curtin Springs
13:06 Ashley's Nuffield Scholarship and Travels
23:38 The Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism
Nuffield episode sponsor:A message from this episode sponsor, ANZ Agribusiness:
Farming in Australia is never without opportunity, nor challenge. From season to season, and from day to day, producers manage a myriad of risks and rewards as they produce the vast range of commodities global markets now demand. At ANZ Agribusiness, we’ve been supporting farmers to take opportunities and manage through challenges for over 150 years. We’re a proud and long term partner of Nuffield Australia, supporting its goal of capacity building for producers, their businesses, industry and rural community. Our network of regionally based Agribusiness bankers are ready to support both our existing customers, and any farming business seeking a review of their banking arrangements at any time. Find your local ANZ Agribusiness manager at 

Jane Snell left a world of Fine Dining to pursue a career in Dairy Farming. As part of our Partnership with Dairy Australia, we are learning more about the Dairy industry and we wanted to understand how her journey has shaped her career today.
We cover:
Dairy farming can be a rewarding career that offers variety and challenges.Compassion and being an active team member are important qualities in the dairy industry.The beauty of dairy farming lies in the connection with cows and the satisfaction of producing a quality product.The industry is evolving with the introduction of new technologies.Building a strong team and empowering employees is crucial for the success of a dairy farmIf you want to find out more about a career in dairy, head to dairyjobsmatter.com.au
 Agriculture careers, Careers in Agriculture, Careers, dairy farming, fine dining, passion, compassion, team, challenges, rewards, technology

Courtenay DeHoff, aka the Fancy Lady Cowgirl, is in Australia for the National Cutting Horse Association Futurity event. Thanks to our friends over at The Regional PR Co, we've managed to bring her into The Commons in Sydney to share her story with our Aussie audience.
In this conversation we explore her upbringing as a local Kansas cowgirl, when the opportunity came to explore career pathways she was drawn to the bright lights and opportunity of Television.Her life now has taken her full circle, with a skillset incredibly unique and an outlook that's positive for the Agriculture sector, Courtenay is shaping the narrative that Agriculture is diverse, it is inclusive and no matter who you are or where you're from, you can pursue a career in this incredible sector.
We also talk about:
the courage to embrace her inner cowgirlher mission to welcome others into the cowgirl/cowboy lifestyleThe importance of pursuing your true callingThe influence of pop culture on the perception of agriculture and the challenges and opportunities if the industry embraces it
Chapters:00:00 The Journey of the Fancy Lady Cowgirl: Embracing Authenticity and Identity
08:37 Returning to Agriculture: Values, Work Ethic, and Lifestyle
14:41 The Impact of Storytelling in Agriculture: Shaping Narratives and Impacting Change
20:44 Embracing the Cowgirl Spirit: Identity and Empowerment
25:20 The Importance of Sharing the Story of Agriculture
30:06 Challenges and Opportunities in Agriculture
{{Courtney DeHoff}}, Fancy Lady Cowgirl, agriculture, Kansas, television, mainstream media, storytelling, authenticity, courage, identity, lifestyle, career, values, work ethic, agriculture stories, agriculture, cowgirl spirit, empowerment, storytelling, popular culture, challenges, perception, mental health, opportunities

We were recently given the opportunity to host a conversation at the Norco, PrimeX field days. In 2023 Norco and the National Farmers Federation released a report: The National Farmer Wellbeing Report
When it comes to mental health, farmers in Rural Australia face disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. As part of our work at Humans of Agriculture, we want to use our platform to have conversations that matter and this one is incredibly important.
In this episode, Warren shares his personal experiences; achieving the dream of being a dairy farmer, and subsequently losing it as he faced various natural disasters. With the support of professionals, family and friends, Warren got his life back on track however it wasn't as a farmer. He physically and metaphorically closed that gate and chapter of his life, and his new persona took off - the unbreakable farmer.
Warren Davies is not just any average Farmer. There is more to this farmer than meets the eye. His eventful life has tested his Resilience, Persistence and Determination. All having a massive impact on his young family, relationships and finances. But this has made Warren the Farmer he is today - The Unbreakable Farmer.
If you or someone you know, is requiring support the service can be reached on 1800 936 229
Other helpful services if you are in need of support include:
Lifeline 13 11 14 TIACS 0488 846 988