Humans of Agriculture

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Humans of Agriculture

We're going behind the scenes to see and understand modern agriculture, because no matter whether you're in it or not, you probably don't know all the pieces to just how incredible, diverse and multi-layered agriculture is. We do this by uncovering the real stories, experiences and voices of modern agriculture.

  1. Bringing in the Bots - We're sitting down with SwarmFarm's Jocie Bate

    6D AGO

    Bringing in the Bots - We're sitting down with SwarmFarm's Jocie Bate

    When I got a chance to head to evokeAg this year, I heard Jocie Bate speaking and thought to myself, we need to get her on the podcast!  I came across an extraordinary character whose ideas may just revolutionise the future of agriculture. "It's amazing how quickly the sector is evolving," says Jocie Bate on her mission to fully automate the paddock with robotics. Jocie Bate and her husband, Andrew, founded SwarmFarm Robotics, a pioneering agtech business transforming how we think about farming systems. From growing up on her families grazing property in rural Queensland to co-founding one of Australia's leading ag robotics startups, Jocie shares her journey through finance, family farming, and the bold leap into agricultural innovation. The conversation explores the dynamic of family partnerships, women in agriculture, bootstrapping a startup, and what the future of farming could look like. Chapter00:00 Exploring Modern Agriculture 03:07 The Journey of Swarm Farm 05:47 Building Strong Partnerships in Agriculture 09:09 Innovations in Farming Technology 12:08 The Evolution of Swarm Farm 14:50 Navigating Funding and Growth 18:06 The Future of Agriculture and Robotics 20:47 Lessons Learned and Personal Growth 23:55 The Role of Technology in Agriculture 26:45 Engaging the Next Generation in Ag Tech Connect with SwarmFarm: Website: swarmfarm.comInstagram: SwarmFarm IGYoutube: SwarmFarmFollow Humans of Agriculture on Instagram & LinkedInSubscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

    32 min
  2. Carbon, Capital and Courage: Hugh Killen on the opportunity in Ag’s Next Chapter

    APR 7

    Carbon, Capital and Courage: Hugh Killen on the opportunity in Ag’s Next Chapter

    “If we don’t get it right, the opportunity will be given to people post the farm gate. And it’ll happen to farmers again.” Hugh Killen's CV is incredibly impressive, he's spent decades working across the globe in finance and markets, before returning home to work in aussie agriculture. In this chat, we explore Hugh's time in finance, his time leading publicly listed iconic Australian Ag companies, and his mission today at the helm of Impact Ag Australia to help Aussie farmers seize the opportunity in natural capital and regenerative ag systems.  What we cover: 00:00 From Farming Roots to Finance 03:12 Navigating the Agricultural Landscape 05:57 The Value Chain of Agriculture 08:53 Resilience in Leadership 11:52 Building a Supportive Team 14:58 Impact Ag Australia: A New Venture 17:48 Defining Regenerative Agriculture 21:27 Understanding Soil Health in Regenerative Agriculture 25:04 The Risks and Rewards of Soil Carbon Projects 27:00 Navigating the Complexities of Carbon Markets 30:00 The Future of Agriculture: Transitioning to Regenerative Practices 39:00 The Role of Policy and Consumer Awareness in Agriculture 40:49 The Importance of Farmer Empowerment and Education Links & Resources: Connect with Hugh Killen on LinkedInFollow Humans of Agriculture on InstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

    47 min
  3. Do young people need more support to find their career in Ag? Let’s ask Tess Cook

    APR 2

    Do young people need more support to find their career in Ag? Let’s ask Tess Cook

    Tess Cook grew up on her families beef property in Queensland.  When she was on stage at evokeAG, she mentioned the challenge and lack of understanding of different career pathways in Ag.  Now this is so interesting because it’s being talked about a lot, but talking isn’t solving much - we want to know more to see what we can do!  Tess recently moved to Matamata, New Zealand, to begin her career as a vet and we can’t wait to follow her career!  00:00 Tess Cook's Journey to Veterinary Medicine 10:08 Challenges in Agricultural Career Pathways 16:58 The Future of Agriculture and Workforce Solutions Resources & Contact: Learn more about the Horizon Scholarship and how it supports young people in agriculture.Stay updated with evokeAG and similar industry events.Follow Humans of Agriculture for more inspiring stories from the industry.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

    20 min
  4. A modern Ag career on the farm and at LAWD with Lauren Roellgen

    MAR 31

    A modern Ag career on the farm and at LAWD with Lauren Roellgen

    We’re sitting down with Lauren Roellgen this week. She wears a few different hats including aa an Associate Director at LAWD, a farmer-in-training on her family farm, and the Chair of the Future Farmers Network. She shares her family’s inspiring journey from Germany to Australia, how they built a successful cotton farming enterprise, and the modern challenges of succession planning, sustainability, and innovation in agriculture. In this episode, you will hear:- Lauren's family journey from Germany to Australia - The Evolution of Tyuna Farming - Her parents becoming Cotton Growers of the Year - Lauren's Career in Agribusiness & the Decision to Return Home - Succession Planning & The Future of Australian Cotton - The Future Farmers Network & Supporting Young People in Ag - Balancing Multiple Roles in Agriculture Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Lauren 03:06 The Family Farm and Its Legacy 05:51 Transitioning Back to Farming 08:48 Career Path and Professional Experience 11:52 The Role of Technology in Modern Agriculture 15:04 The Impact of Succession Planning 18:12 Recognition and Achievements in Cotton Farming 21:07 Sustainability and Innovation in Agriculture23:45 Future Farmers Network and Its Evolution 27:03 Balancing Multiple Roles in Agriculture 30:04 Advice for Future Generations in Agriculture This episode is in paid partnership with Cotton Australia. Humans of Agriculture retains editorial control of the content. 📢 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend, leave a review, and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com!

    39 min
  5. A look back at EvokeAg 2025 with Harriet Mellish

    MAR 26

    A look back at EvokeAg 2025 with Harriet Mellish

    EvokeAg is one of the premier events for agrifood tech and innovation, and this year’s edition in Brisbane took things to a new level. In this episode, Oli catches up with Harriet Mellish, General Manager at AgriFutures Australia, to unpack what went into making EvokeAg 2025 a success, the evolving conversations in the agri-tech space, and how the event itself operates like a startup—iterating and improving each year. In this episode, you will hear about: - EvokeAg as a Startup - What Worked in 2025 - Emerging Themes & Industry Conversations - Engaging the Next Generation - What’s Next for EvokeAg? Chapters:00:00 Post-Event Reflections and Planning Ahead 02:46 Feedback and Innovations from EvokeAg 2025 05:50 Engaging the Next Generation in Agriculture 08:53 The Role of EvokeAG in the Agricultural Ecosystem 12:05 Evolving Conversations in Agriculture 15:04 Looking Ahead: Future Trends and Innovations Follow Humans of Agriculture on Instagram & LinkedInSubscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

    20 min
  6. Aussie Cotton from Farm to Fabric in RB Sellars shirts with Liz Stott and Jim Gall

    MAR 25

    Aussie Cotton from Farm to Fabric in RB Sellars shirts with Liz Stott and Jim Gall

    This episode is part of our partnership with Cotton Australia, we’re joined by  Liz Stott, a cotton grower and the Deputy Chair of Cotton Australia. She brings a plethora of insights into the industry's innovations, sustainability efforts, and leadership development programs that are defining the Australian Cotton industry. Then, I have a yarn with Jim Gall, CEO of RB Sellars, to discuss why the iconic Australian workwear brand is now incorporating Australian grown cotton into its garments and why this shift isn't just important for Australian growers, but a larger picture around a more sustainable future. This episode is in paid partnership with Cotton Australia. Humans of Agriculture retains editorial control of the content. In this episode, you will hear about: - The Evolution of Australian Cotton - Cotton to Market Initiative - Camp Cotton: Why luxury brands are choosing Aussie cotton. - RB Sellars & "Australian Made" - The Power of Storytelling in Agriculture  Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Cotton Industry 02:59 Liz Stott's Journey in Cotton Farming 05:54 Innovations in Cotton Farming Practices 09:02 The Cotton to Market Initiative 12:05 Camp Cotton: Bridging Brands and Farmers 15:06 Jim Gault's Perspective on Australian Cotton 17:54 The Role of RB Sellers in Promoting Cotton 21:06 Sustainability and Best Practices in Cotton Farming 23:53 The Future of Australian Cotton in Workwear 26:58 Storytelling in Agriculture and Brand Representation Follow Humans of Agriculture on Instagram & LinkedInSubscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

    33 min
  7. How Ed Currenti found his career in Food Manufacturing as the General Manager at Prestige Foods

    MAR 18

    How Ed Currenti found his career in Food Manufacturing as the General Manager at Prestige Foods

    I first met Ed Currenti in the sheep yards at Mount Hesse, over more than 15 years we've stayed in touch and followed each others journeys closely. Ed is the General Manager at Prestige Foods, in our chat he shares his journey from a city upbringing to a successful career in agriculture and food production. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the role of education in understanding food sources, and the innovative practices at Prestige Foods. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships within the industry, the challenges of managing teams, and the future opportunities in food production. Ed emphasizes the need for better connections between producers and consumers, and the importance of storytelling in the food industry.I've known Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ed Currenti and His Journey03:03 Early Influences and Passion for Food05:37 Education and Career Path Decisions08:54 The Role of Mentorship in Career Development11:40 Transitioning from University to the Workforce14:37 Experiences in Sales and Business Development17:45 Innovative Ideas and Career Opportunities20:54 Management Style and Learning from Experience25:31 Navigating Challenges During COVID-1926:46 Transforming Company Culture29:01 Understanding Prestige Food Australia30:20 The Rise of Bone Broth31:59 Collaboration with Chef James Viles34:06 Bridging the Gap in the Food Chain35:16 Vision for Growth in Food Manufacturing36:10 Creating Links Between Producers and Consumers38:48 Innovative R&D Strategies39:55 Promoting Career Pathways in Agriculture43:55 Educating the Next Generation on Food Sources

    50 min
  8. Jack O'Connor - 2025 Zanda McDonald Award Winner from Australia

    MAR 14

    Jack O'Connor - 2025 Zanda McDonald Award Winner from Australia

    Joining us from his ute on top of a hill during a busy week of shearing is the 2025 Zanda McDonald Award winner from Australia, Jack O'Connor.  Jacko is the General Manager at his family mixed farming operation, Oxton Park. His career has seen him working on farms in developing countries such as Uganda, in the Head Office for Meat and Livestock Australia and now back home in Harden, NSW. In this chat we cover; The moment he found out he won the award from the shearing shedreflecting on his life-changing experiences in Uganda The pride he has in the family businessThe community of Harden and the role of sport in the local community.Jack also mentions - The Schools for Life project and the Manjeri School Project.

    22 min
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About

We're going behind the scenes to see and understand modern agriculture, because no matter whether you're in it or not, you probably don't know all the pieces to just how incredible, diverse and multi-layered agriculture is. We do this by uncovering the real stories, experiences and voices of modern agriculture.

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  • Channel
    HOA Media
  • Creator
    Humans of Agriculture
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    305
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Humans of Agriculture 2025
  • Show Website
    Humans of Agriculture

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