Talking Aussie Farming

In this episode of Talking Aussie Farming, we dive deep into the fascinating world of Australian water markets with Lachlan Campbell, Executive Manager of Rivco. Rivco manages approximately $300 million of water assets across the Murray-Darling Basin and is one of Australia's leading providers of water entitlement leasing solutions for farmers and irrigators.Lachlan shares his expertise as a Chartered Accountant and agribusiness professional, taking us through the history and evolution of water entitlements in Australian agriculture, why water markets exist, and the critical role they play in supporting productive farming businesses.We explore the economics behind water markets, the key drivers of water market pricing, and how investors and farmers think about portfolio strategy. We discuss which agricultural sectors are most dependent on secure water access, the debate between owning versus leasing water entitlements, and how changing regulations are shaping the future of the industry.The conversation also examines government water buybacks, the long-term outlook for water markets, and how developments in global agricultural regions—including California's almond industry—could influence Australian water demand and investment trends.And, in true Talking Aussie Farming fashion, we even discover whether Lachlan prefers tap water or sparkling water!Whether you're a farmer, agribusiness professional, investor, or simply curious about one of Australia's most unique and important asset classes, this episode provides valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing water markets today. Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of the asset that underpins Australian agriculture: water. 

In this episode of Talking Aussie Farming, we dive deep with Oli Le Lievre, founder of Humans of Agriculture — one of Australia’s leading storytellers in agriculture, driven by curiosity, connection and a passion for people.Having hosted more than 500 powerful conversations and stories from across the country, Oli shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Sydney to becoming a powerful voice connecting the entire sector through storytelling.We explore the passion behind Humans of Agriculture, the importance of human connection in farming, and Oli’s vision to help shape a better planet by unlocking health, happiness, and prosperity through food and fibre production.Oli also reflects on some of his most memorable interviews, the impact those conversations have had, and why storytelling plays such a critical role in the future of Australian agriculture.Along the way, we chat about:• Oli’s path into agriculture and the curiosity that sparked it• The future of Australian farming and agribusiness• Oli’s favourite country pub• How Humans of Agriculture is evolving into a talent and storytelling platform helping agribusinesses showcase their people, stories, and opportunities — creating something others genuinely want to be part ofA great conversation filled with insight, optimism, and a genuine passion for Aussie agriculture 🌾🎙️

What does the latest Federal Budget really mean for Australian farmers, regional communities and the future of agriculture?In this special Talking Aussie Farming panel episode, we cut through the political spin and unpack the key budget measures impacting Australian agriculture, family farms and rural businesses.Joining us are Bec Lindert, a third-generation farmer, strategic advisor and policy advocate with AgForce Queensland, and Anton Phillips-Chantelois, CFO of DelayPay, Australia’s leading Buy Now, Pay Later provider for farmers.Together, we break down the budget’s winners and losers, explore what changes could mean for farm profitability and succession planning, and discuss why food security and supporting the next generation of farmers should remain national priorities.We also dive into the rationale behind many of agriculture’s unique tax and financial concessions designed to help farmers manage volatile incomes, seasonal risk and significant capital investment requirements.In this episode we discuss:The major Federal Budget announcements affecting agricultureWhat was included — and what was left outFuel, fertiliser and rising input costsInfrastructure investment and regional developmentCapital gains tax, discretionary trusts and negative gearingThe implications of changes to major infrastructure projects, including Inland RailWhy policy advocacy matters for rural AustraliaThe future of food security and attracting the next generation into farmingWhether you’re a farmer, agribusiness professional, investor or simply interested in the future of Australian agriculture, this episode provides a practical, jargon-free guide to understanding the policies shaping our industry.Tune in for a conversation that takes the Federal Budget from Parliament to the paddock. 🌾🎙️

In this episode of Talking Aussie Farming, we sit down with Stephanie Trethewey — founder of Motherland and 2024 Australian of the Year — to unpack an inspiring journey of resilience, reinvention and impact in rural Australia.Steph shares her remarkable path from professional women’s tennis to television journalism, before falling in love with a farmer and embracing life in agriculture and rural Australia. What began as her own experience navigating the challenges and isolation of rural motherhood has since grown into Motherland — Australia’s leading platform and charitable organisation dedicated to supporting, connecting and celebrating rural mums across the country.With more than a million podcast downloads and a powerful online community, Motherland has become a lifeline for women living in regional and remote Australia. We explore Steph’s entrepreneurial journey, the realities of matrescence and mental health in the bush, and why rural mothers are the backbone — and often the overlooked lynchpin — of our farming communities.

In this episode of Talking Aussie Farming, we sit down with Harrison Stewart — a senior investment specialist at Prime Value Asset Management.Did you know around 70% of Australia’s milk production is consumed domestically? Harrison brings that stat to life as we unpack the real economics behind Australia’s dairy industry.From growing up with family farms to now overseeing one of the country’s leading commercial dairy portfolios, Harrison shares the journey behind Prime Dairy — which has expanded rapidly from just 2 farms in 2019 to 12 today, managing over 10,000 milking cows predominantly across Tasmania.We dive deep into why Tasmania has emerged as a standout dairy region, how it compares to mainland operations, and what’s driving its success. Along the way, we explore the broader outlook for Australian dairy — from domestic demand to global opportunities — and what it all means for farmers, investors, and the future of the sector.And yes… we even uncover why Tassie devils might not be telling the full story.

In this episode, we sit down with Dave McKeon from the Adelaide Hills — a farmer at heart and one of the most influential voices in Australian agribusiness. As President and Chair of Agribusiness Australia and Head of Thomas Elder Sustainable Agriculture, Dave brings a rare blend of grassroots perspective and national leadership.We dive into the real-world impact of his work advocating for farmers and regional communities at the government level, unpacking what actually gets done — and what still needs to.Dave also shares his take on the challenges and opportunities shaping Aussie agriculture today, from resilience on the ground to policy at the top.With a career spanning CEO of GrainGrowers, senior roles at the National Farmers’ Federation, and the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Dave offers a candid, inside look at the forces driving the future of farming in Australia.

Crikey! In this episode, we chat with Simone Kain, the award-winning creator of George the Farmer from Penola, South Australia.George the Farmer is an Australian educational platform that teaches and inspires kids about where their food and fibre come from—delivered in a fun, engaging, and entertaining way. What started as a simple idea has grown into a national success story, spanning books, videos, music, TV, and even the Australian school curriculum.And now, George is heading global, recently making his way to the United States.Tune in as Simone shares the story behind the brand, the power of agricultural education, and why connecting the next generation to farming matters more than ever.

Farming in Ukraine during war time. In this episode we are joined by Oleksandr Dmytriyev, Country Leader of Corteva Agriscience direct from Kyiv, Ukraine. We dive deep into the challenges and opportunities that Ukrainian farmers face and make comparisons with Australian farming.

In this episode we are joined by Cassidy Johnston, a first generation cattle rancher from Colorado USA. Cassidy serves in the gap between the ranch and the table, oozes passion for agriculture and is a strong advocate for young farmers who are critical for future food production. We compare many aspects of the beef industry between Australia and the USA, find out her favourite steak and even discuss farmer wants a wife USA!