In this week of Humans of Agriculture we have the pleasure of catching Paul Niven. Paul has come back to Australia after a  long career working within China’s dairy industry. He’s a seasoned agricultural leader with a wealth of experience  agribusiness and international consulting. He paints a picture of how his small roots from growing up on a farm in Central New South Wales eventually lead to working in China’s rapidly evolving dairy industry.

Paul provides unique insights into the challenges and opportunities of farming in China, the cultural adaptations required, and the lessons he brought back to Australia after over a decade abroad. From navigating five-year strategic plans to implementing major operational efficiencies, Paul’s story is one of adaptability, leadership, and lifelong learning.

In this episode you will hear about:

Paul’s Early Years – Growing up on a farm in NSW and the early ambitions that led him into veterinary science and consulting.
The Leap to China – What led Paul to leave Tasmania’s VDL Farms for a senior role in China’s dairy sector.
Operating at Scale – Managing 16,000+ milking cows, modernizing dairy operations, and handling wastewater treatment challenges.
Cultural Adaptation – Moving his family from Tasmania to Beijing and the personal challenges of adjusting to life in China.
Lessons in Leadership – The Chinese approach to efficiency, compliance, and rapid innovation, and how Australian agriculture can learn from it.
Returning to Australia – Why Paul made the decision to come home and what’s next for him in Australian agribusiness.
Advice for Young Professionals – Why agriculture offers global career opportunities, and why young people should "just do it" when it comes to working overseas.

Subscribe and Review: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more listeners passionate about agriculture and the incredible people behind it!

For Liz, it was easy to fall for her now husband with their shared love of nature. It became their dream to purchase their first farm and test out a theory they had in Uni - that agriculture and conservation could live in harmony rather than conflict.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Liz Blair to discuss how agricultural practices can reframe their relationship with the world around them. Liz grew up in Scotland before moving to Australia where she learned the value of sustainable farming. She and her husband have embraced a philosophy of land stewardship, prioritizing biodiversity alongside cattle grazing. Liz discusses the challenges of balancing farm productivity with environmental preservation, the importance of conservation on private land, and the potential of biodiversity markets in rewarding sustainable farming practices.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How Liz and her husband scrounged every penny to buy their farm
• Their philosophy behind integrating biodiversity into commercial farming
• The heartbreaking challenges and incredible rewards of sustainable land management
• Integrating ecosystem thinking in conservation and farm productivity
• The potential of nature repair markets and biodiversity initiatives

Guest Bio:
Liz Blair is a farmer and passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and conservation. With a background in natural resource management, she has worked as a National Parks ranger and with Catchment Management Authorities, helping landholders integrate biodiversity into their farming systems. She and her husband run a farm in northern New South Wales, focusing on balancing production with environmental stewardship. Through their work with Ecosystem Thinking, they support private landholders in managing landscapes to benefit both agriculture and biodiversity.

Subscribe and Review: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more listeners passionate about agriculture and the incredible people behind it!

It’s 35 degrees in this industrial area of Moorabbin on Melbourne’s fringes. 6 Australian butchers are 3 hours into their final preparations before they head to France and we’ve got the privilege of seeing this closed session!

Oli sits down with Luke Leyson and Tom Bouchier, as they prepare to represent Australia at the World Butchers’ Challenge 2025 in Paris. Dubbed the "Olympics of Meat," this high-stakes competition sees teams from around the world showcase their butchery skills, creativity, and teamwork on a global stage.

Luke and Tom share their journeys into butchery, the camaraderie and rivalries in the competition, and their insights into the evolution of the butchery trade. They also discuss the unique challenges of the competition, from crafting intricate displays to keeping their apron spotless—all under the pressure of the ticking clock!

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The Journey to Paris: How Luke and Tom became part of Australia’s six-person team.
•  A Family Trade: Tom’s deep butchery roots and Luke’s unexpected path into the profession.
• The WBC: The energy, the pressure, and the electrifying crowd, with European countries turning the event into a soccer match-like spectacle.
• Rivalries: Australia vs. New Zealand—the friendly but fierce competition that has existed since the event’s origins.
• Industry Insights: How butchery is evolving, the connection between butchers and farmers, and why retail butchery is making a resurgence.

Chapters

00:00 - The Excitement of the World Butchers Challenge

01:50 - Backgrounds of the Butchers

06:06 - The Journey into Butchery

10:01 - The Evolution of Butchery Practices

16:07 - Connection with Farmers and Customers

19:56 - The World Butchers Challenge Explained

28:05 - Navigating Competition Day: The Build-Up

34:25 - Rivalries and Relationships: The Australia-New Zealand Dynamic

38:12 - Selection Process: Building the Australian Butcher Team

42:02 - Pride in Representation: The Significance of Butchery

48:18 - The Future of Butchery: Trends and Aspirations

54:10 - Connecting with Agriculture: The Role of Butchers

Follow the Australian Butchers’ Team:

📲 Instagram & Facebook: @AustralianButcherTeam – Stay updated with their journey to Paris!
👕 Support the team: Check out their merch to help fund their journey at www.theaustralianbutcherteam.au/

🎧 Listen now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

👉 Have a great team mascot idea? Send it in! The Aussie butchers are still searching for the perfect name.

Welcome to part 3 of our mini-series on agricultural financing, partnered with Legacy Livestock.

We wrap up our conversation Richard Brimblecombe, CEO of Legacy Livestock, by exploring the transformative role of livestock financing in modern agriculture and how innovative solutions are empowering Australian farming families.

Richard shares his journey from cattle property life in Queensland to leading Legacy Livestock, a company dedicated to helping progressive producers unlock the full potential of their operations. From personalized financing options to navigating challenges like market volatility and access to capital, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone invested in agriculture's future. His passion for empowering farmers through tailored financial solutions offers practical tips and big-picture perspectives on the industry's future.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Richard shares where his home is, owning an F1 Wagyu operation, and the tools he and his wife use to stay on top of it.
• How evolving tech like the blockchain and data enhance farm management decisions.
• Step-by-step process for accessing financing through Legacy Livestock and the client success stories that turned struggle into success.
•  Richard's advice for young people and the opportunities unfolding for future farmers.

Tune In:
Subscribe to Humans of Agriculture on your favorite podcast app and join us for this eye-opening conversation about the evolving world of agri-finance. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your thoughts on the episode!

Get in Touch with Legacy Livestock:
To learn more about how Legacy Livestock can support your farming aspirations, visit their website at legacylivestock.com.au or call them directly at 1300 965 683. Their team of experts is ready to assist you in unlocking the full potential of your agricultural business.

The three-generation curse. Perhaps you've heard this ominous phrase before. Farming families know the reality all to well that their land and careers are built over generations. So why is it so common to hear stories of how quickly all that hard work can become undone?  And is it possible to avoid this curse?

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, we sit down with Ben Law, a former financial advisor who had enough of the fluff and became "The Financial Bloke" and founder of AgriCoach. Ben shares growing up on a New South Wales cattle farm to build a successful financial advice practice and ultimately stepping away to focus on his passion for empowering farming families.

Now he helps families navigate the complexities of succession planning, protect generational wealth, and avoid the "three-generation curse." Ben reveals his approach to fostering high-performing families and discusses balancing financial strength with strong family relationships.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How Ben’s early experiences on his family farm shaped his career path.
• The pivotal moments that inspired him to leave financial advising and start his own business.
• Insights into the "three pillars" of successful succession: wealth, wisdom, and wellness.
• The role of education, alignment, and planning in preparing families for succession.

About Ben Law: Ben Law is the founder of AgriCoach and the voice behind The Financial Bloke Podcast. With over 20 years of experience as a financial advisor, Ben now focuses on helping farming families build and protect their wealth while fostering strong family dynamics to ensure success across generations.

Subscribe and Review: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more listeners passionate about agriculture and the incredible people behind it!

Chapters

03:36 Ben's Journey from Farm to Finance

05:55 The Evolution of Financial Advice

08:15 Building a Successful Financial Practice

10:35 Health Scares and Life Changes

13:01 The Importance of Self-Reflection

16:19 Navigating Different Life Phases

19:11 Finding Purpose Beyond Financial Advice

22:52 Identifying Market Gaps in Succession Planning

25:34 Defining Your Skill Set and Focus

26:59 The Journey of Action and Capacity Building

30:43 Identifying the Right Fit for Support

32:05 Understanding AgriCoach and Its Mission

34:00 The Succession Triangle: Preparing Generations

36:37 The Three Pillars of High-Performing Families

40:15 The Importance of Wellness in Succession

42:39 Bringing High-Performing Families Together

45:30 Creating Time for Business Evolution

49:46 Balancing Passion and Family Well-Being

James Wagstaff reflects on his 20-year career with The Weekly Times, one of the most consumed print news publications among ag folks. It can feel like print is in flux thanks to the shift to digital platforms and indie social media content creators. However, with a focus on quality over quantity, James shares the big stories that have shaped the agricultural space, his life as a journalist, and the readers who keep coming back for more.

In this episode, Oli sits down with James Wagstaff, the editor of The Weekly Times. They have a chat about James's experience covering big Aussie agriculture stories and discuss highlights from 2024's news scene. There has been some big news this year; Land ownership shake-ups, sustainability pushes, economic uncertainty, supermarket supply chain turmoil, and heartfelt stories of legacy and challenge. Finally, what does a year ahead look like with so many moving parts hitting the newswire?

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• James Wagstaff looks back on his 20-year career with The Weekly Times.
• Hindsight on big Australian news stories such as 'Who owns Australia.'
• How print media is adapting to the digital age.
• Impacts of sustainability initiatives on agricultural families and operations.
• How infrastructure, Donald Trump's election, and trade with China may affect the Australian Agricultural landscape.
• Advice for the next generation interested in agriculture and journalism.

Uncertainty of reaching the finish line is always on the mind of an ultra-marathon runner like Michael Crowley. But by pushing through, you can make the unbelievable possible. Such is the story for Australian agriculture and the long future ahead of it.

In this episode, Oli sits down with Michael Crowley who recently took up the top job with Meat and Livestock Australia. They dive into Michael's history with AG, the time he ran 100 km for mental health, and his dream of passing on a sense of stewardship to the next generation. He's a big-picture guy. As Managing Director, he is privy to talks around tech in Australian farming, trade relationships, and developing sustainable practices for the future.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Michael Crowley discusses his history working in Europe with Meat and Livestock Australia, becoming the CEO of Herefords Australia, before returning to Meat and Livestock Australia.
• Michael shares his passion for running and raising funds for the 'How's Your Mate?' charity in a 100 km marathon.
• Michael discusses the opportunities and challenges facing the future of Australian ag to meet sustainability efforts and the complex trade landscape.
• He provides valuable insight for those operating in the agriculture sector and those just starting.

Picture Credit: Meat and Livestock Australia

Welcome to part 2 of our mini-series, which we partnered with Legacy Livestock to create.

Many unforeseen factors can shake up things on the farm. Drought, disease, or uncertain family farm succession are just a few in the mix. So how can folks and ag take a long-term view to prepare for those moments, or pull themselves out of it through the assistance of financing?

In episode 2, Oli sits down with Richard Brimblecombe, Legacy Livestock's CEO, to explore the role of financing solutions in supporting Australian farmers. Richard shares insights into the agricultural finance landscape, the unique challenges Australian farmers boldly face, and how Legacy Livestock empowers resilience and continuity in farming operations.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Richard shares insights from his career and role as CEO of Legacy Livestock.
• Discussion on navigating issues like drought, disease, and family loss that impact Australian farmers.
• How financing can serve as a lifeline for farmers in difficult times.
• The Legacy Livestock’s approach in supporting farmers for their future goals regardless of circumstance.
• Exploring sustainable strategies and innovations for Australian farming’s future.

Get in Touch with Legacy Livestock:
To learn more about how Legacy Livestock can support your farming aspirations, visit their website at legacylivestock.com.au or call them directly at 1300 965 683. Their team of experts is ready to assist you in unlocking the full potential of your agricultural business.

We're back with a three-part series that we have partnered with Legacy Livestock to bring to life.

Many folks in agriculture have spoken with us about the challenges and rewards of building their dream life. We can empathize with wanting to build a legacy. In this episode Oli shares that dream. He asks how do you bring that dream into reality.

In episode 1 we get to know Richard Brimblecombe, CEO of Legacy Livestock. He shares his journey from growing up on a mixed farming property in Queensland to his career in agricultural finance and ultimately being a co-founder of Legacy Livestock. 

Richard’s passion for agriculture and his insights into the evolving landscape of farm financing are invaluable, especially for those navigating the challenges of starting or growing a farming operation. We dive into his background, career, and the unique perspective he brings to livestock finance.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Richard’s upbringing and lifelong connection to agriculture.
• The challenges and opportunities in Australian farming today.
• Chatting about Oli's hypothetical sheep and wool farm.
• How Legacy Livestock helps producers maximize the potential of their paddocks.
• Practical advice for farmers looking to grow their businesses.

Get in Touch with Legacy Livestock:
To learn more about how Legacy Livestock can support your farming aspirations, visit their website at legacylivestock.com.au or call them directly at 1300 965 683. Their team of experts is ready to assist you in unlocking the full potential of your agricultural business.

We're sitting down with Jo Palmer, co-founder of The Connection Table. After returning to her rural roots in The Rock, New South Wales, following a stint in Singapore, Jo reflects on her journey and her latest endeavour with co-founder Julia Spicer. The Connection Table is a professional network aiming to elevate rural Australians into decision-making roles across government, industry, and community.

Jo shares her insights on the barriers rural Australians face in securing leadership positions and the innovative solutions The Connection Table is offering. From professional development opportunities to fostering networks and advocating for greater rural representation, this initiative is set to transform how rural voices are heard at leadership tables.

Episode Highlights:

• The Connection Table's Purpose: A digital platform designed to centralise and connect rural talent with leadership and decision-making opportunities.
• The Rural Leadership Gap: Despite significant investment in rural leadership development, the transition to actual leadership roles remains limited. The Connection Table aims to bridge this gap.
• Jo’s Reflection on Starting Again: Lessons learned from her first startup, Pointer Remote, and how launching The Connection Table has been a more deliberate and collaborative process.
• Breaking Down Silos: The need for a broader representation of rural Australia beyond agriculture, including mining, environment, and migrant communities.
• Support for Emerging Leaders: Offering training, governance skills, and network-building resources to empower individuals at all stages of their leadership journey.
• Unique Features of The Connection Table: Monthly Lunch with Friends networking sessions, board and panel opportunity feeds, and a focus on underrepresented voices in regional Australia.

Mid this year we were at the Aussie Cotton Conference and it sparked a curiousity into who the big players are, where are they going and what impact is that having for Australian cotton growers.

I grabbed Paul Joules from Rabobank to discuss the current state of the cotton market and farm inputs. Paul shares insights from his experience in global agricultural commodities, particularly focusing on cotton production, demand dynamics, and the impact of global events on prices. The conversation also delves into the volatility of farm inputs, especially fertilisers, and the importance of staying informed as a farmer in a rapidly changing landscape.