Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

Angie Asimus
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Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story is hosted by television presenter and journalist, Angie Asimus and is powered by the National Farmers Federation. It's dedicated to connecting our wonderful farmers with health conscious consumers and ethically minded shoppers. Together, we can all learn more about the food we eat and the fibre we wear. This is your exclusive look behind the farm gate. As a country girl herself, Angie knows you'll love what you hear. From the freshest produce, to carbon neutral wool. What about female shearers and farms that give more to the land than they take in the battle against climate change? Is it possible to drought and flood proof your business through diversification so prices don't fluctuate so much at the supermarket? We tackle the most common misconceptions about life on the land and have many laughs along the way with some of the most memorable characters you could ever meet. Partnered with Australian Farmers - https://farmers.org.au/

  1. Oct 24

    S5 Ep 22 - Pace Farm

    Born and raised on a large-scale sheep and cereal farm, as a fourth-generation farmer, perhaps a move into poultry was a little unexpected. But that's where a successful career began and continues almost three decades later. From egg packing – then rising up the ranks to Operations Manager of Pace Farm – one of the largest egg producers in the country. To learn more Bradley Vinecombe joins me now.  Growing up in West Wyalong on a sheep and cereal farm, Bradley developed a deep connection to agriculture and a love for watching things grow. As a fourth-generation farmer, Bradley shares how drought and new opportunities led him into the poultry industry, where he saw a future for himself and his family. Starting out packing eggs at Pace Farm, Bradley worked his way into senior leadership over 26 years, gaining experience across all aspects of the business. Bradley reflects on what drew him to the poultry industry and his passion for mentoring the next generation of farmers. He takes us behind the scenes of a huge operation, overseeing between 21 and 37 farms and up to 4.5 million hens, stretching from Bendigo to Far North Queensland. Bradley shares what's involved in developing multi-million-dollar egg-laying facilities, from construction through to producing the first egg. Having experienced avian influenza (AI) firsthand, Bradley discusses the lessons learned and the importance of biosecurity and preparedness in managing risk. Bradley discusses changing consumer expectations, including the shift towards free-range eggs and growing interest in where our food comes from. He shares what he loves most about agriculture, addresses common misconceptions about animal welfare and reflects on the unexpected challenges of the 2013 avian influenza outbreak. Looking to the future, Bradley hopes to leave a legacy that inspires the next generation to share his passion and love for the land. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.  Links:  Angie Asimus   Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram  Partnered with Australian Farmers   Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram     Pace Farm

  2. Oct 10

    S5 Ep 21 - NFF President

    Life is busy when you're running your own farm, whilst also the president of the National Farmers Federation. Hamish McIntyre and his wife Mary started their own farming business in 1999, working hard to save enough for their first property. Determined to grow and diversify, they've built up to running several properties across Queensland which include irrigated and dryland cropping, feedlots, sheep, cattle, chicken and goats. It's an inspiring self-made story. To learn more Hamish McIntyre of McIntyre Agriculture joins me now. Hamish shares his favourite places across the McIntyre Agriculture properties, including the unique flat-top landscapes of far western Queensland and the diverse wildlife of the coastal properties. He explains how his early career in agronomy shaped an operation built around diverse income streams, including grazing, dryland cropping, irrigation and feedlots. Despite growing up in a farming family, Hamish didn't inherit a family farm and shares how a strong education, saving early and making the most of opportunities helped him and his wife Mary get started. For those trying to enter agriculture today, Hamish explains why he still believes it's possible—with hard work, diverse income streams, a strong financial structure and good people around you. Drawing on his agronomy background, Hamish explains why adding chicken production gave the business access to its own litter for fertiliser, while also creating another reliable income stream. As President of the National Farmers' Federation, Hamish discusses how continuing to farm allows him to bring real-world examples to industry advocacy and why getting involved is so important. Hamish shares what he loves about life on the land and how growing up in agriculture shaped his belief in learning by doing, listening to those who came before him and continually adapting. He discusses the disconnect between consumers and food production and why Australians should better understand the high standards behind the food they eat. After witnessing devastating farming accidents, Hamish reflects on the dangers of agriculture and why workplace health and safety must remain an ongoing priority. Looking to the future, Hamish hopes to continue growing the family business organically and give his sons the opportunity to become the sixth generation of farmers in the family. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.   Links: Angie Asimus  Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers  Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram  National Farmers Federation Connect with Hamish through the NFF   Produced by Pretty Podcasts

  3. Sep 26

    S5 Ep 20 - Sheep Producers Australia

    After working in animal health and bio-security, my guest today earned her place as Chief Executive Officer of Sheep Producers Australia at the age of 31. A role that has seen her travel the country – networking with everyone from farmers, to industry partners and government. She's passionate about shaping the future of the sheep industry in this country and she's optimistic about it. To learn more, Bonnie Skinner joins me now. Bonnie reflects family trips to the country and the impact they had on her early connection to agriculture. With her role taking her across the country, Bonnie shares the part of regional Australia that holds a special place for her. From an early interest in horses and animal science to animal health and biosecurity, Bonnie shares the career path that ultimately led her into the agricultural industry. As CEO of Sheep Producers Australia, Bonnie takes us inside her role and the challenge of balancing immediate industry issues with longer-term priorities. Bonnie discusses the Future Flock Strategy, why the sheep industry is at a turning point and the importance of rebuilding confidence in its future. She shares some of the key challenges currently facing the sheep industry, including export and import issues and public perceptions of agriculture. Looking ahead, Bonnie discusses the next generation coming through the industry and the importance of creating opportunities for them to shape its future. Bonnie shares what she loves most about working in agriculture—the people, the problem-solvers and those driving change across the industry. Becoming CEO of Sheep Producers Australia was one of the most unexpected developments in Bonnie's career. Bonnie reflects on public misconceptions about agriculture and the opportunity the industry has to help change them. Her ultimate dream for the future of the sheep industry is simple: to stop surviving and start thriving. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.  Links:  Angie Asimus   Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram  Partnered with Australian Farmers   Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram     The Future Flock Strategy Sheep Producers Australia

  4. Sep 12

    S5 Ep 19 - Future Focussed

    As we look around the agriculture industry and see all the farmers, agronomists, educators, regional leaders and so many more – there's a good chance, a really great teacher helped ignite that passion and learn the skills to succeed. As an ag-teacher, you can often be the very first person to inspire a future industry leader. To learn more about cultivating agricultural careers, Amanda McClaren, a former Mayor, now from Victoria's Seymour College joins me now. Amanda shares her favourite regional place—her own chicken farm, where she loves experiencing the surrounding wildlife and natural environment. In 2022, Amanda joined the teaching profession and shares what inspired her career shift. Amanda takes us inside Seymour College's 15-acre agricultural campus and the school's growing agriculture program. Passionate about inspiring the next generation, Amanda explains the philosophy behind her mantra, "You can't be what you can't see." She shares some of her students' experiences and how early exposure to agriculture can influence future career paths. Amanda discusses how city schools can connect with agricultural schools to give students greater exposure to the industry. The challenges students face accessing agricultural education early, and Amanda's push for greater opportunities and a dedicated agricultural high school in Victoria. From growing vegetables to creating meal packs, Amanda shares some of the practical agricultural experiences happening at the school. Amanda offers advice for city schools wanting to incorporate meaningful agricultural education into their classrooms. Amanda shares Seymour College's involvement in the National Ag Day campaign and a simple soil-health experiment that can introduce agriculture into any classroom. Amanda shares what she loves most about teaching—seeing students' eyes light up and watching their perceptions of agriculture change. She reflects on common misconceptions students have about agriculture, as well as some of the assumptions she held herself. One of the most unexpected parts of Amanda's journey has been the conversations she's had and the connections she's made along the way. Looking to the future, Amanda hopes the work extends beyond herself and Seymour College, with the ultimate dream of a dedicated agricultural school in Victoria. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.   Links: Angie Asimus  Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers  Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram      Seymour College Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn   Produced by Pretty Podcasts

  5. Aug 29

    S5 Ep 18 - Apple Farmer In Orange

    From broadacre cropping to running a lamb enterprise, and then a sharp turn into owning an apple orchard. Experiences that sharpened skills in leadership, technology and business management for my guest today. Problem solving is one common thread in agriculture no matter what food or fibre you produce. So, to learn more about the fruit business, Iain McLennan who has joined his family in an apple orchard called 'St Albans' in Orange as farm manager joins me now. Iain shares his favourite place on the property, overlooking one of the dams where it feels like you're in the middle of nowhere. Change is on the way as Iain leads a major redevelopment of the orchard, focused on both improvement and expansion. After working as an agronomist and running a lamb enterprise, Iain shares what it has been like making the significant shift into orchard management. He explains what prompted his decision to return to the family orchard. Problem solving was one of the things Iain loved most about agronomy, and he shares how those skills continue to serve him in the orchard. Through his Nuffield Scholarship, Iain explored sustainability best practices and shares some of his observations from Australia and overseas. He discusses Australian Carbon Credit Units and how current restrictions can exclude established orchards despite their potential for significant carbon capture. Iain shares some of the trials underway at St Albans, including cover crops, different mowing techniques, compost and mulching. He shares what he loves most about life on the land. Iain addresses some of the common misconceptions about the apple and orchard industry. One of the most unexpected outcomes of his Nuffield Scholarship was the incredible network of people he gained along the way. Iain's ultimate goal for the future is to spend more time working on the business rather than being caught up in the day-to-day operations. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus  Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers  Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram    Follow @apple_farmer_in_orange on Instagram

  6. Aug 15

    S5 Ep 17 - Chillakerup Farms

    Positioned in a unique part of the world in WA's Frankland River, the outlook on life is a little different. With around 600 mm annual rainfall, there's a lot of optimism on this farm. An 80/20 cropping sheep split has the property expanding rapidly. And at the helm, alongside his brother, is Samuel Beech, who has not long returned from a trip to China on a wool tour with other Australian farmers. To learn more Samuel Beech of Chillakerup Farms joins me now. Samuel shares his favourite place on the farm and why the open space and natural beauty give him room to think and reflect. He explains what makes his part of Western Australia unique and why consistent rainfall gives him plenty of reason to feel optimistic about farming there. With an 80/20 split between cropping and sheep, Samuel explains how available land, efficiency and regularly doing the maths shape that balance. Samuel discusses succession, his father's approach to involving the next generation and the family's appetite for expanding the business. He shares how genetics, stocking rates and rotational grazing are helping improve productivity across the farm. Growing as much grass as possible sounds simple, but Samuel explains how seasonal seeding and closely monitoring feed demands make it work. Samuel explains his late lambing strategy, the role of feedlots and why this system works for their operation. He takes us through the farm's tile drainage system and how it is helping create more consistent, uniform paddocks. Following a recent trip to China with other Australian growers, Samuel shares his observations and key takeaways. Samuel shares what he loves most about life on the land, from working in nature every day to knowing he was always destined to return to the country. He addresses the misconception that farmers don't care for the land and why he believes this perception is beginning to change. One of the most unexpected parts of farming for Samuel has been how much he values the people and staff he works alongside. Looking ahead, Samuel shares his dream of building a healthy, strong and secure farming business for the future. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.   Links: Angie Asimus  Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers  Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram  Follow @chillakerupfarms on Instagram      Produced by Pretty Podcasts

  7. Aug 1

    S5 Ep 16 - Going Bananas

    When you know even from childhood, that you're going to be farmer – it takes a lot of courage to leave the family property. From boarding school to university and even a career as a spacecraft engineer that takes you around the world. My guest knew that despite all that, he would return to life as a banana grower in North Queensland. Mark Nucifora of Fiorito Bananas joins me now. Mark shares his favourite place on the family farm and what makes Innisfail and North Queensland so unique. Even as a boy, Mark knew farming was his path, and he reflects on finally returning to the life he always planned. Before coming home, he built a career as a spacecraft engineer, working in Sydney, Los Angeles and China. Mark explains why family, the future of the farm and a greater sense of purpose ultimately drew him back. He shares how his engineering background has shaped his approach to farming and helped the business adapt to new challenges. Now the third generation on the property, Mark and his wife are continuing the family legacy while raising their own children on the farm. He reflects on watching his father and grandfather transform swamp land into a productive farm through innovation and determination. Mark discusses the challenges of farming in North Queensland, including cyclones and losing an estimated 90 per cent of his crop in 2021. He explains what it takes to supply Australia's major supermarkets and the standards required to consistently produce quality fruit. Mark shares what he loves most about farming—from the challenge of working with nature and producing food for Australian families to the vital role seasonal workers play in helping Australian agriculture thrive.  He addresses common misconceptions about farming and how the actions of a few can shape public perception of the industry. One of the most unexpected parts of farming has been the friendships and strong sense of community he has found. Looking ahead, Mark shares his dream for the future and his philosophy for living a happy and fulfilling life. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus  Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers  Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram        Produced by Pretty Podcasts

  8. Jul 18

    S5 Ep 15 - Caitlin's Classroom

    Having a good teacher can no doubt shape your life. For some, a great teacher can also inspire the student to become the master. Being an educator in a rural setting is a unique experience from multiple placements, community collaboration and site visits. And what's even more wonderful, is there's a chance to really see your students soar. To learn more, Caitlin Crowe is Head of Department Agriculture at St George State High School, and she joins me now.  Caitlin reflects on the many regional communities she has lived and worked in throughout her career, sharing the places that have left a lasting impression and why they hold a special place in her heart. Having always loved working with young people, Caitlin explains what inspired her to pursue a career in teaching and why it continues to be such a rewarding profession. She outlines her current role, overseeing a range of agricultural education initiatives, including school agriculture programs, camps and the Blue Light Shearing Program. Caitlin discusses the impact of initiatives such as the Blue Light Shearing Competition and the AWE Emerging Careers Camps in inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders. Since 2023, these programs have supported more than 285 students, and Caitlin explains how they are helping address workforce shortages and create pathways into the agricultural industry. She shares the career opportunities attracting young people today and explores how technology is shaping the future of agriculture. Caitlin also explains how innovative tools, including iFarm technology, are enhancing agricultural education and engaging students in new ways. As a finalist for the prestigious Zanda McDonald Award, Caitlin reflects on what the recognition meant to her and the opportunities it has created across the trans-Tasman agricultural sector. She shares how her journey as a primary school teacher evolved into leading agricultural education initiatives and the overwhelmingly positive response these programs have received from the community. Caitlin explains that what she loves most about contributing to agriculture is seeing communities, schools and students come together to strengthen the future of the industry. One of the most unexpected moments in her journey was shearing her very first sheep, an experience that sparked opportunities she never imagined. Caitlin addresses the common misconception that teachers only work within the classroom, highlighting the many ways educators can make a lasting impact beyond school grounds. Looking ahead, Caitlin shares her ultimate dream for the future and her hopes for the next generation of Australia's agricultural industry. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.  Links:  Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram  Partnered with Australian Farmers   Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram       Bluelight Shearing Competition   Produced by Pretty Podcasts

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About

Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story is hosted by television presenter and journalist, Angie Asimus and is powered by the National Farmers Federation. It's dedicated to connecting our wonderful farmers with health conscious consumers and ethically minded shoppers. Together, we can all learn more about the food we eat and the fibre we wear. This is your exclusive look behind the farm gate. As a country girl herself, Angie knows you'll love what you hear. From the freshest produce, to carbon neutral wool. What about female shearers and farms that give more to the land than they take in the battle against climate change? Is it possible to drought and flood proof your business through diversification so prices don't fluctuate so much at the supermarket? We tackle the most common misconceptions about life on the land and have many laughs along the way with some of the most memorable characters you could ever meet. Partnered with Australian Farmers - https://farmers.org.au/

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