Humans of Agriculture

HOA Media
  • 5.0 (3)
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  • Updated Weekly

Humans of Agriculture brings you inside the conversations, careers and stories shaping agriculture. Hosted by Oli Le Lievre, the podcast gives listeners access to the people, ideas and experiences you might not otherwise get close to.

  1. SproutAg: Building the Future of Agribusiness Finance with Oscar McLean

    3d ago

    SproutAg: Building the Future of Agribusiness Finance with Oscar McLean

    In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre is joined by SproutAg Senior Agribusiness Manager, Oscar McLean, alongside Humans of Agriculture Talent Specialist, Zoe Burgess, to explore the opportunities available as SproutAg continues its rapid growth across regional Australia. After starting his career in agtech before moving into agricultural banking, Oscar shares the journey that led him to SproutAg and why helping farmers navigate increasingly complex finance decisions has become such a rewarding career. He explains how the business works alongside farming enterprises to provide independent finance, debt advisory and business planning services that help clients achieve their long-term goals. The conversation also provides an inside look at what it's like to work at SproutAg. Oscar explains what an Agribusiness Manager does day-to-day, the type of people who thrive in the business, and why attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than ticking every box on a job description. As SproutAg continues to expand across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and beyond, Oscar shares why now is an exciting time to join the business, the career pathways available, and how ambitious people can grow alongside one of Australia's fastest-growing agribusiness advisory firms. Whether you're already working in agricultural banking, finance or agribusiness, or you're looking for your next career move, this episode offers a genuine insight into the people, culture and opportunities behind SproutAg's continued growth. Key insights from the conversation: Oscar's career journey from Marcus Oldham to banking and into SproutAgWhy independent agribusiness finance and advisory is one of agriculture's fastest-growing sectorsWhat an Agribusiness Manager does day-to-dayThe type of people SproutAg is looking to recruitWhy attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than having every technical skillCareer pathways and progression opportunities as SproutAg continues to expand across AustraliaWhy now is an exciting time to join the business, including its recent acquisition and ambitious growth plansWhat makes Tamworth and regional Australia great places to build a career and lifestyle Interested in learning more? We have a full job description and additional information available on our Careers page: https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/agribusiness-manager-70hq Or connect with Zoe Burgess for a confidential conversation about the opportunities available with SproutAg. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to SproutAg and Recruitment Opportunities02:13 Oscar McLean's Career Journey and Insights05:01 Understanding SproutAg's Business Model07:38 Role of Agribusiness Manager: Responsibilities and Expectations11:26 Growth and Expansion of SproutAg14:26 Career Pathways and Opportunities at SproutAg17:59 Selling Tamworth: A Regional Hub for Agriculture20:56 Encouragement for Potential Candidates

    27 min
  2. How Halter Is Replacing Fences on Aussie Farms with Hamish Irvine

    Jun 22

    How Halter Is Replacing Fences on Aussie Farms with Hamish Irvine

    In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Hamish Irvine, Head of Southern States at Halter Australia, to explore the technology, leadership and mindset driving one of agriculture’s fastest-growing companies. Growing up on a mixed farming operation in western New South Wales, Hamish always imagined a future on the land. But after drought forced a change in direction, his career took him through the meat industry, global supply chains and commercial leadership before landing at Halter, the virtual fencing and livestock management company now transforming grazing systems across Australia and New Zealand. This conversation goes beyond the technology itself. Hamish shares the lessons that shaped his career, what it takes to build high-performing teams, and why feedback, accountability and culture are critical in fast-growing businesses. He also unpacks how Halter is helping farmers rethink labour, pasture management and livestock performance through virtual fencing and real-time animal insights. From career progression and leadership to innovation and the future of livestock farming, this is a conversation about embracing change and creating impact. Key insights from the conversation: How growing up on a family farm and experiencing drought shaped Hamish’s career journeyWhy stepping outside traditional agriculture career pathways can create unexpected opportunitiesThe lessons learned from building a career across meat processing, sales and agribusiness leadershipWhat high-performance culture looks like in practice and why feedback is central to successHow Halter uses virtual fencing and animal insights to transform livestock managementThe three biggest drivers of value for farmers: pasture utilisation, labour efficiency, and animal healthWhy adopting new technology requires trust, clear outcomes and a willingness to changeHow innovation is reshaping the future of livestock farming and creating new opportunities across agricultureThe importance of leadership, ownership and accountability in building successful teamsWhy agriculture needs more people focused on solving industry challenges rather than following traditional career pathsChapters:00:00 Introduction to Halter and Hamish Irvine02:05 Career Path and Early Experiences04:37 The Importance of Diverse Experiences08:37 Reflections on Career Choices10:37 Leadership and Team Building at Halter12:17 Transitioning to Halter: Embracing Change20:13 High-Performance Culture at Halter26:56 The Art of Feedback and Communication30:18 The Birth of Halter: A Journey from Dairy Farming to Tech Innovation34:37 Expanding Horizons: Halter's Growth in Australia37:36 Understanding Farmer Needs: The Halter Approach39:59 Building Trust: Overcoming Skepticism in Agriculture43:45 Transformational Technology: The Future of Farming46:42 Bridging Agriculture and Technology: The Ideal Candidate48:07 The Future of Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges

    54 min
  3. They Said She’d Have to Marry a Farmer… She Became One Instead with Danna Boulton (RIC Partner episode)

    Jun 15

    They Said She’d Have to Marry a Farmer… She Became One Instead with Danna Boulton (RIC Partner episode)

    In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli heads to the windswept coastline of Seaspray in Gippsland to sit down with first-generation farmer Danna Boulton. Growing up just down the road on her family’s dairy farm, Danna always dreamed of farming - but like many young Australians, the pathway to ownership wasn’t straightforward. After building a career as a teacher, making sacrifices, studying the land market for years, and leaning on the right support networks, she found her opportunity. Today, Danna is three years into running her own beef operation on “the island” at the Honeysuckles - a unique coastal property she now calls home. With support from her family, a rural financial counsellor, her bank, and a RIC AgriStarter Loan, she’s been able to take that leap into ownership and build a business from the ground up. This episode explores patience, persistence, and the reality of doing it on your own - while also highlighting the importance of community, financial support, and backing yourself when the opportunity finally comes.  RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans to help farmers establish a first farm business and support with succession arrangements. Key insights from the conversation: Non-linear pathways into farming and first-generation ownershipThe power of patience and studying the market over timeMaking sacrifices to build a deposit and create opportunityThe role of support networks - family, advisors, and communityUsing finance to reduce pressure and enable sustainable growthLearning to ask for help and manage risk on your own Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Farming Life 02:23 Growing Up on a Dairy Farm 05:11 Transitioning from Teaching to Farming 08:09 Navigating Financial Challenges in Farming 10:51 Acquiring Land and Starting a Farm 13:59 Support Systems in Farming 16:37 Challenges of Solo Farming 19:34 Advice for Aspiring Farmers

    26 min
  4. Business Spotlight: Regional Investment Corporation - helping finance Aussie Farmers with John Howard (RIC Partner episode)

    Jun 10

    Business Spotlight: Regional Investment Corporation - helping finance Aussie Farmers with John Howard (RIC Partner episode)

    This business spotlight episode is a practical deep dive into the Regional Investment Corporation, how it works, why it exists, and how it’s helping farmers manage risk and build stronger businesses. CEO John Howard shares his journey across agriculture, food, and finance and breaks down how concessional loans can provide breathing room during tough seasons and create opportunities for long-term growth. This episode explains what RIC does, who it’s for, and how farmers can access loans to improve cash flow, rebuild after hardship, or enter the industry. For anyone in agriculture looking to better manage risk, understand finance options, or plan for the future, this is a practical and highly relevant conversation. RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times. Key insights from the conversation: What the Regional Investment Corporation is (and isn’t)The role of concessional finance in agricultureManaging risk through drought, flood, and volatilityWhy timing and preparation matter when accessing financeThe reality of farm business resilience in Australia Chapters: 00:00 Spotlight on Regional Investment Corporation 01:30 Understanding RIC's Role in Agriculture 03:49 Navigating Hardship and Opportunities 06:57 Demand Trends in Australian Agriculture 10:49 Innovative Loan Products for Farmers 13:03 The RIC Team and Customer Experience 14:53 RIC vs Traditional Banks 15:34 Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers 18:11 Future of Agriculture and Succession Planning 19:34 Success Stories from RIC Customers 23:09 Practical Steps for Engaging with RIC

    29 min
  5. They Turned Drought Survival Into a Smarter Farming Business with Nick & Chris Blunt (RIC Partner episode)

    Jun 8

    They Turned Drought Survival Into a Smarter Farming Business with Nick & Chris Blunt (RIC Partner episode)

    This week, Oli sits down with farmers Chris and Nick Blunt at their family farm near Orange, NSW.  The Blunts know the importance of water, and Chris can use his water divining skills to find it, but he needed the capital in order to support the business survive and ultimately rebound from the drought.  In this episode, Chris Blunt shares how a lifetime on the land has helped him build deep instincts and partnering that with his son Nick’s background in finance - they’re building a thriving future fit business.  The Blunt’s used a low-interest loan through the Regional Investment Corporation, to build water security for their business and help to secure its future direction.  RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times. Key insights from the conversation: Multi-generational farming and succession in practiceDecision-making under pressure (drought context)The role of financial literacy in modern farmingBlending instinct with data and external adviceUsing finance to rebuild and grow Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Family Farming and Legacy 01:43 Chris’s Spiritual Connection to the Land 04:36 The Importance of Safety in Farming 07:05 Navigating Drought and Financial Challenges 12:57 Collaboration Between Generations 17:30 Decision Making During Crisis and Drought 21:20 Utilising a RIC Loan for Growth 25:43 The Benefit of having a career outside Farming  28:24 Water Security and Its Impact 30:12 Future Aspirations and Innovations in Farming

    40 min
  6. Tom & Mick: Livestock Markets, Restocking and Managing Risk with James Tierney

    Jun 5

    Tom & Mick: Livestock Markets, Restocking and Managing Risk with James Tierney

    The Tom & Mick Show is back!! With a timely livestock market update as rain finally arrives across much of eastern Australia and confidence begins returning to the paddock. Tom and Mick are joined once again by Riverina livestock agent James Tierney from Riverina Livestock Agents to unpack what's happening in the cattle and sheep markets, how producers are approaching restocking, and whether the lessons from recent seasons will influence decision-making this time around. From record lamb contracts and surging cattle prices to breeder shortages, restocker demand and the outlook for the next 12–24 months, James provides a practical perspective from the front line of the livestock industry. In this episode: James Tierney and Riverina Livestock Agents Overview of RLA and its role across southern NSW and VictoriaOperating from Wagga Wagga with a livestock footprint extending across eastern AustraliaCurrent seasonal conditions across the Riverina and southern AustraliaWhy many producers are experiencing one of the strongest starts to winter in recent memory Livestock markets gaining momentum Lamb contracts reaching up to $12.80/kgStrong processor demand continuing across both sheep and cattleWhy cattle markets received a major boost following recent rainfallThe significant lift seen in southern saleyards over recent weeks Restocking and rebuilding numbers How traders and breeders are approaching the current marketWhy breeder numbers remain well below historical levelsThe impact of drought-driven livestock liquidation over recent yearsWhere producers are still finding opportunities in the market The cattle outlook Why many cattle haven't disappeared...  they've simply found a new postcodeLarge movements of livestock from northern regions into southern AustraliaThe risks of chasing expensive restocker cattleLessons learned from the cattle market correction of 2023Could we see $2,000 weaner steers again? Sheep markets and supply challenges Why sheep producers may be among the biggest beneficiaries of current conditionsThe impact of reduced breeding ewe numbers across AustraliaStrong mutton prices and ongoing supply constraintsWhy retaining breeding stock is becoming increasingly attractiveJames' outlook for lamb and mutton markets over the next two years Managing risk in a rising market The danger of letting green grass drive decision-makingWhy discipline remains critical during periods of optimismBalancing opportunity with caution as prices strengthenThe importance of understanding seasonal risk in livestock enterprises Feeding systems and future opportunities The growing role of containment feeding and on-farm finishing systemsWhy more producers are retaining stock longer rather than selling into weak marketsThe economics of feeding cattle through market downturnsBuilding flexibility into livestock businesses Key takeaways Rain has rapidly improved confidence and livestock demand across much of eastern AustraliaBreeder numbers remain historically tight, supporting medium-term market fundamentalsSheep supply is likely to remain constrained for several yearsCattle markets remain highly dependent on seasonal conditions and producer confidenceStrong markets create opportunities, but discipline and risk management remain essential This episode is packed with practical market insight for livestock producers, agents, traders and rural businesses navigating changing seasonal conditions. It's a valuable conversation on rebuilding confidence, managing risk and understanding where the next opportunities may emerge across Australia's sheep and cattle sectors.

    22 min
  7. “We started with two cows… and just saved every dollar we could.” with Brodie Game (RIC Partner episode)

    Jun 1

    “We started with two cows… and just saved every dollar we could.” with Brodie Game (RIC Partner episode)

    In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down in the paddock with Brodie Game, who shares how she and her husband Kevin went from milking two cows on a travelling stock reserve to building a high-performing dairy business in the Bega Valley. Along the way, they’ve navigated drought, fire, financial constraints - and the reality of being first-generation farmers without a clear roadmap. This episode explores the decisions, risks, and relationships that shaped their journey - and how access to the right finance help such as the RIC at the right time helped accelerate their growth. RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times. Key insights from the conversation: First-generation farming and non-traditional pathwaysBuilding a business without owning land initiallyThe role of relationships and reputation in agricultureRisk, resilience, and long-term thinkingUsing finance as a strategic tool - not just survival Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Brodie and Kevin's Journey 01:53 The Landscape of Bega Valley 03:18 Early Interests in Agriculture 04:51 The Path to Dairy Farming 06:51 The Love Story and Partnership 07:40 Understanding Share Farming 09:10 Transitioning to Leasing 11:15 The Importance of Networking 12:10 Acquiring Their Own Farm 14:10 The Role of Community Support 15:37 Daily Life on the Farm 17:26 Ownership vs. Leasing in Farming 19:32 The Value of Dairy Farming 20:51 Exploring Ag Tech Innovations 22:19 Investment Decisions in Farming 24:37 Utilising Finance for Growth 27:31 Future Aspirations and Growth 29:09 Vulnerability and Accountability in Farming 31:32 Pride in Their Achievements

    33 min
  8. Pavilion Farms: Inside the Formula 1 of Farming with CEO Nathan Potter

    May 27

    Pavilion Farms: Inside the Formula 1 of Farming with CEO Nathan Potter

    In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Nathan Potter, CEO of Pavilion Farms, to unpack the future of precision agriculture and why Pavilion Farms is now searching for an AgTech Lead to help shape the next chapter of the business. From growing up on chicken farms in Victoria to building a career in management consulting with PwC across Australia and London, Nathan shares the journey that brought him back to the family business and how Pavilion Farms has grown into a large-scale operation focused on innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Nathan explains why he sees poultry farming as “the Formula 1 of agriculture” and how emerging technologies, AI, and real-time monitoring are creating new opportunities to improve animal welfare, farm performance, and operational consistency at scale. The conversation also dives into Pavilion Farms’ newly created AgTech Lead role, the mindset they are looking for in candidates, and why curiosity, systems thinking, and a willingness to solve problems matter more than coming from a traditional farming background. This episode is designed to give candidates and listeners a genuine insight into the business, the people, the opportunity, and Nathan’s vision for the future of agriculture. If you’d like to learn more about Pavilion Farms or the AgTech Lead opportunity, head to https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/agtech-lead-precision--cgk9 The role is live now, and we’d love to hear from anyone interested in the future of agriculture and technology. Key insights from the conversation: How Pavilion Farms grew from a family farm into a large-scale poultry businessWhy Nathan left consulting in London to return to agricultureThe role AI and technology could play in poultry farmingWhy poultry is one of the most data-driven sectors in agricultureWhat the AgTech Lead role will focus on day to dayThe importance of curiosity, innovation, and continuous improvementHow technology can improve consistency, welfare, and efficiency at scaleWhy Nathan believes agriculture offers endless opportunities to solve problemsChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Pavilion Farms and AgTech Lead Role 04:57 Evolution of Pavilion Farms and Industry Changes 10:10 Dynamic Between Nathan and His Father in Business 12:58 Balancing Family and Business Responsibilities 17:14 Precision Agriculture: The Formula 1 of Farming 21:07 Team Structure and Operations at Pavilion Farms 21:45 Future Opportunities and Technological Evolution in Poultry Farming 23:24 Harnessing Technology for Poultry Management 25:01 The Role of Ag Tech Lead 26:28 Fast Tracking Innovation in Poultry 28:15 Understanding the Current Technology Landscape 30:46 Incremental Improvements in Poultry Farming 32:14 Consistency and Efficiency in Production 34:30 The Ideal Candidate for Ag Tech 36:06 Passion for Agriculture and Family Legacy 37:53 Building Relationships and Change Management 38:59 Early Wins and Data-Driven Decisions 41:00 Balancing On-Farm and Desk Work 43:01 The Importance of Location in Poultry Farming 44:08 Recruitment Process and Future Opportunities

    49 min
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About

Humans of Agriculture brings you inside the conversations, careers and stories shaping agriculture. Hosted by Oli Le Lievre, the podcast gives listeners access to the people, ideas and experiences you might not otherwise get close to.

Information

  • Channel
    HOA Media
  • Creator
    Humans of Agriculture
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    376
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Humans of Agriculture 2025
  • Show Website
    Humans of Agriculture

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