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FEB 9

The Era that built Australian agriculture is ending. What comes next? Tim Hunt shares his insights.

For decades, Australian agriculture has operated within a set of conditions that quietly shaped its success - stable geopolitics, expanding global trade, predictable markets, and steady productivity gains. That era is ending. In this conversation, Tim Hunt joins Oli Le Lievre to unpack the global forces reshaping food and agriculture right now, from geopolitics and trade fragmentation to climate volatility and rapid technological change. With a career spanning banking, economics, and international agriculture, Tim brings a clear-eyed, global perspective on why these shifts are structural, not cyclical - and what that means for producers, agribusiness leaders, and the wider food system. Recorded just one week out from evokeAG 2026, where Tim and Oli will be part of the MC team alongside Liz Brennan, this episode is about making sense of a changing world - and asking how Australian agriculture adapts, evolves, and leads in what comes next. In This Episode, We Explore Why the conditions that built modern Australian agriculture are no longer guaranteedHow geopolitics, trade, climate, and technology are colliding to reshape food systemsWhy these shifts represent long-term structural change, not short-term cyclesThe role realism plays in building resilient farm businesses and industriesWhy agriculture sits at the centre of global economics, politics, and cultureHow a top-down view of the world complements on-farm decision-makingTechnology as agriculture’s most important tailwind in an increasingly volatile eraWhat real value-adding looks like beyond branding and provenanceWhy adaptation, not protection, has always underpinned Australia’s agricultural successThe role events like evokeAG play in helping the industry respond collectively

Feb 9

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42 min
JAN 26

North Queensland's Robot Cowboys and the Future of Farming with Sam Rogers

At just 19 years old, Sam Rogers is building one of Australia’s most exciting agtech startups. Founder of GrazeMate, Sam is using autonomous drones, robotics, and AI to help farmers and ranchers move cattle, measure pasture, and gain real-time insights straight to their phone. In this episode, Sam shares his journey from growing up on a cattle station in North Queensland to raising capital, relocating to the US, and taking GrazeMate global. This conversation explores innovation in agriculture, resilience, robotics, and what the future of farming could look like when technology meets deep agricultural knowledge. Keywords: agtech, agriculture innovation, autonomous drones, robotics in farming, cattle mustering technology, GrazeMate, EvokeAG, future of agriculture, ag startups, Australian agtech Episode Summary In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Sam Rogers, the 19-year-old founder of GrazeMate, an agtech startup redefining how cattle are managed using autonomous drones and artificial intelligence. Sam shares his remarkable personal story, growing up on a cattle property in North Queensland, competing internationally in robotics as a teenager, surviving a spinal tumour, and climbing peaks in Nepal. These experiences shaped his mindset and ultimately led him to build GrazeMate, a technology that helps farmers muster cattle, estimate liveweight, analyse pasture, and manage grazing with far greater efficiency. The conversation explores Sam’s rapid rise in the agtech world, including global media attention, raising investment, relocating to California, and preparing to take the stage as a Groundbreaker at EvokeAG. Together, Oli and Sam unpack the opportunity agriculture presents for solving some of the world’s biggest challenges, the power of robotics at scale, and why the future of farming depends on aligning innovation with real on-farm needs. This is a powerful story about curiosity, resilience, and the role young innovators can play in shaping the future of agriculture. Chapter Markings 00:00 Why now matters and the idea behind robot cowboys 00:35 Welcome back to Humans of Agriculture and introducing Sam Rogers 03:49 Media attention, Forbes features, and global interest in GrazeMate 05:07 What farmers around the world are really struggling with 06:46 Growing up on a cattle station in North Queensland 08:26 The influence of family, curiosity, and learning by doing 09:43 Early robotics, AI competitions, and environmental motivation 12:09 The origins of GrazeMate and spotting the on-farm opportunity 14:00 Surviving a spinal tumour, Everest Base Camp, and mindset shifts 16:53 Why agriculture is the most important industry in the world 19:39 Technology, incentives, and what society chooses to reward 20:50 Why GrazeMate moved to the US and what is happening on the ground 24:18 Building a world-class team and earning investor trust 27:01 Teaching robots at scale and the future of autonomous systems 29:46 EvokeAG, coming home, and Sam’s message to Australian agriculture 31:39 Final reflections and looking ahead

Jan 26

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33 min
03/10/2025

Bert Harris: Building on The Family Legacy in Pineapple Farming

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with fourth-generation pineapple farmer Bert Harris. From his family's century-long farming legacy in Queensland to the modern-day challenges of growing pineapples, dragon fruit, and pumpkins, Bert shares insights into the evolution of farming, his deep connection to the land, and the future of Australian agriculture. Highlights: – Bert’s family has been growing pineapples for nearly 100 years, adapting to urban expansion and evolving farming techniques.– Labor shortages, unpredictable weather, and shifting market demands shape the realities of farming today.– From hand-harvesting with horses to modern mechanization, Bert reflects on the technological changes in farming.– Growing up between Brisbane, the Torres Strait, and Cairns, Bert shares how his experiences shaped his passion for agriculture.– The importance of making pineapples more approachable and increasing awareness of Australian-grown produce. Resources & Links 🌍 Follow Humans of Agriculture – Website | Instagram📸 Connect with Bert Harris – bertharris Thumbnail photo credit: Eloise Yates - eloise_yates25 Enjoyed the episode? Share it with a friend, leave a review, and let us know what you’d love to hear next at hello@humansofagriculture.com!

03/10/2025

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37 min
08/03/2023

In The Know: Innovations in Lice Treatment with Dr Jane Morrison

Oral lice treatment?! No matter what wool length?! We’re listening… Traditionally, sheep are treated for lice through a backline at the time of shearing. With a new oral treatment product on the market, your host Oli Le Lievre got curious and asked some questions of Dr Jane Morrison: What does it take to get a new product to market?How do farmers benefit from using the new oral lice treatment?How does the oral product work and how long is it effective for?How long are the withholding periods for meat and wool? And of course, we were curious about our guest Jane as well! She’s from the land and her earliest memories are on the farm with her dad. Now a Veterinarian, she has spent the last 18 years with MSD Animal Health Australia. Disclaimer: The information shared is general in nature. We're asking questions of Dr. Jane Morrison. And she's providing her insights from her expertise. Humans of Agriculture doesn't endorse any of her views or the product. This episode is really designed to just be a conversation starter. And if you want to get more information, please reach out to specialists and experts in the space.

08/03/2023

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16 min
JAN 1

A Re-share of our MOST Listened Episode ever - Clancy Mackay

Clancy Mackay’s story is one of the most extraordinary ever shared on Humans of Agriculture and there’s a reason it remains our most downloaded episode of all time. This is a full re release of our most listened to episode ever. In this conversation, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Clancy Mackay to share one of the most extraordinary stories ever told on Humans of Agriculture. From growing up off grid in the Northern Territory with no power or running water, to breaking horses, mustering cattle, riding saddle broncs in the US, flying helicopters across remote Australia, and navigating profound personal loss, Clancy’s journey is raw, confronting, and deeply human. This episode explores resilience beyond the buzzword. It is about grit, grief, purpose, and learning how to keep moving forward when life repeatedly tests you. It is also about respect for animals, people, and place, and why calm leadership and deep understanding matter more than force or ego. Why this episode matters Clancy’s story is not polished or comfortable. It is honest. It reminds us that agriculture is built on people who endure, adapt, and keep showing up. People shaped by hardship, curiosity, and responsibility rather than shortcuts or certainty. This is an episode to sit with. An episode to return to. And an episode worth sharing.

Jan 1

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1h 27m
FEB 2

Millie Moore Quit a Corporate Ag Job to Go Ranching... and It Changed Everything

Millie Moore didn’t leave her job because she was unhappy. She left because she was curious. After four and a half years in a corporate ag role, Millie made a decision that many people talk about but few actually take. She quit, moved to Canada, and went ranching to properly immerse herself in the beef industry and test herself on the ground. That choice led to something bigger. In this episode, Millie shares how ranch life in Alberta opened doors to meat judging, scholarships, and ultimately a fully funded Masters in meat science at the University of Illinois. This conversation explores career risk, confidence, building networks without a farming background, and why agriculture offers far more pathways than most people realise. It also kicks off a year-long series with Millie, where she’ll continue to share what she’s learning across the US, Canada, and Australia. ⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Quitting a corporate job to go ranching02:10 — University, early career, and choosing what not to do03:20 — Why Millie stayed 4.5 years in her first role04:40 — The fear and reality of moving overseas06:30 — First impressions of ranch life in Canada08:45 — Canada vs the US beef industry09:05 — Not coming from a farming background10:30 — “If you want to be in beef, go be in beef”11:40 — How Millie built her network from scratch13:40 — Why agriculture feels hard to break into (and why it isn’t)15:20 — Dealing with rejection and imposter syndrome19:55 — Meat judging and why it shapes so many careers22:10 — The US meat judging circuit explained24:40 — Sponsorship, alumni, and industry support26:20 — Returning to study and why Illinois made sense28:30 — What’s next and a year of conversations ahead

Feb 2

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29 min
05/12/2025

We’re sitting down for a succession planning conversation with a lawyer and accountant at the table

Succession planning is complicated territory for any business, but perhaps more so in farming with families at the core of most operations. It's not just relationships and family legacies that hinge on effective succession planning, it also plays a critical role in building strategic foresight, sustainability and continuity into a business. Succession is delicate stuff, so we thought we'd draw on the experience of accountant Chloe Arthur and lawyer Kirsty Evans to learn what can make the process more positive for farming families. So, pull up a chair and make yourself comfy, to hear their tips on navigating those difficult conversations... and the key parts of the process to 'get right' to foster trust and collaboration throughout the succession journey. Takeaways Open communication, flexibility, and goodwill are the foundations of effective succession planning It's important to understand the differing needs of each generation It's essential to build a team of external professionals to support decision makingSuccession planning is an ongoing process that constantly evolves with family dynamicsFair doesn't necessarily mean equal Delaying the transfer of farm assets is one of the least effective strategies for successionChapters 00:00 Breaking the taboo of succession planning in agriculture 08:53 Balancing optimism and realism 11:56 Generational Shifts: understanding the needs of each generation and family values17:56 Successful succession stories: learning from others' experience 24:07 Navigating difficult conversations: the importance of open communication 30:00 Structuring family farms as businesses 42:06 Preparing for a return to the family farm 52:04 Ongoing discussions: being nimble with your plan and evolving with the family unit 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!

05/12/2025

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56 min
11/17/2025

An update on HOA and Billy Slater & Adrian Capogreco chat all things leadership and people

In today’s episode, I wanted to do something a little different and share an update on where Humans of Agriculture is heading. Over the last six years we’ve told hundreds of stories and met thousands of people, and it’s clear that the beating heart of our work isn’t just the stories themselves, but the people behind them. We’re stepping into a new chapter. One that builds on our storytelling roots, but focuses more deliberately on careers, connection, and helping people see what’s possible for them in agriculture. After that, I sit down with two remarkable leaders. First up is Billy Slater, who shares insights on confidence, preparation, transition, and why the biggest moments require the smallest focus. Then, I chat with Adrian Capogreco, Managing Director of Nutrien Ag Solutions, about leadership, resilience, community, and the future of the industry. Episode Chapters 00:00 — Welcome and Why This Episode Is Different 01:20 — What’s Ahead: Upcoming Conversations and Guests 02:24 — The Honest Update: Where Humans of Agriculture Is Heading 04:49 — How the Project Started and Why It Still Matters 06:55 — The Pivot: From Storytelling to Stories + Careers + Community 08:40 — Introducing HOA Recruitment 09:36 — Oli’s Personal Challenge: The Longest Resume in Agriculture 10:35 - Setting Up Today’s Conversations 11:00: Leadership with Billy Slater 11:46 — Preparing for Transition and Backing Yourself 12:55 — Earning Confidence 13:34 — Overcoming Self-Doubt 14:45 — Handling Big Moments 15:38 — Vulnerability, Courage, and Team Culture 17:00 — Positive Reinforcement and High Standards 18:32 — Oli’s Reflections on Billy’s Lessons 19:30 - Leadership and the Future with Adrian Capogreco 19:41 — Introducing Adrian at the Nutrien Stand 19:56 — Adrian’s Non-Negotiables in Leadership 20:20 — A Non-Negotiable in Life: Balance 20:55 — Advice for First-Time Managers 21:55 — The Quirks and Strengths of Agriculture 22:40 — Mindset When Things Get Tough 23:45 — What’s Next for Nutrien 24:45 — Wrapping Up with Adrian

11/17/2025

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25 min
04/14/2025

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!

04/14/2025

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32 min
07/02/2024

"Owning your own sparkle" Liz Brennan a Community Development Expert: "Just because we produce enough food doesn't mean that people aren't hungry"

Community Developer. Small Business Owner. Avid Netballer. International Agriculturalist. Local community enthusiast. Sometimes a travelling groupie (for certain bands). Liz Brennan is a legend, a very, very interesting person, and someone we've been fortunate to have known over the past few years.Her life experience is so incredibly fascinating having worked across the length and breadth of Australia (with a large part in her beloved home state of Western Australia), she's worked internationally supporting farmers with increasing their productivity, access to markets with a particular focus on empowering women farmers. She's supported start-ups, served on the board of publicly listed companies, championed Women, mentored many [just stopping to draw breath], is an absolute powerhouse and, above all - makes time for a good ol' yarn and has been an incredible friend of HOA! In today's chat we cover: How Liz has sought Home through people and communitiesThe complexity of Food Security and what is required to deliver more equitable outcomes for allPassion + Cursioty can create incredible opportunities for impactful work in agriculture, leadership and community developmentFinding like-minded people and organisations to deliver meaningful and sustained changeSeeking wisdom and support from others (especially those with different perspectives)The beauty, power and incredibleness of local communities

07/02/2024

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54 min

We go 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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HOA Media

Top Shows

The Era that built Australian agriculture is ending. What comes next? Tim Hunt shares his insights.

North Queensland's Robot Cowboys and the Future of Farming with Sam Rogers

Bert Harris: Building on The Family Legacy in Pineapple Farming

In The Know: Innovations in Lice Treatment with Dr Jane Morrison

A Re-share of our MOST Listened Episode ever - Clancy Mackay

Millie Moore Quit a Corporate Ag Job to Go Ranching... and It Changed Everything

We’re sitting down for a succession planning conversation with a lawyer and accountant at the table

An update on HOA and Billy Slater & Adrian Capogreco chat all things leadership and people

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

"Owning your own sparkle" Liz Brennan a Community Development Expert: "Just because we produce enough food doesn't mean that people aren't hungry"

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