In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Hamish Irvine, Head of Southern States at Halter Australia, to explore the technology, leadership and mindset driving one of agriculture’s fastest-growing companies.

Growing up on a mixed farming operation in western New South Wales, Hamish always imagined a future on the land. But after drought forced a change in direction, his career took him through the meat industry, global supply chains and commercial leadership before landing at Halter, the virtual fencing and livestock management company now transforming grazing systems across Australia and New Zealand.

This conversation goes beyond the technology itself. Hamish shares the lessons that shaped his career, what it takes to build high-performing teams, and why feedback, accountability and culture are critical in fast-growing businesses. He also unpacks how Halter is helping farmers rethink labour, pasture management and livestock performance through virtual fencing and real-time animal insights.

From career progression and leadership to innovation and the future of livestock farming, this is a conversation about embracing change and creating impact.

Key insights from the conversation:

• How growing up on a family farm and experiencing drought shaped Hamish’s career journey
• Why stepping outside traditional agriculture career pathways can create unexpected opportunities
• The lessons learned from building a career across meat processing, sales and agribusiness leadership
• What high-performance culture looks like in practice and why feedback is central to success
• How Halter uses virtual fencing and animal insights to transform livestock management
• The three biggest drivers of value for farmers: pasture utilisation, labour efficiency, and animal health
• Why adopting new technology requires trust, clear outcomes and a willingness to change
• How innovation is reshaping the future of livestock farming and creating new opportunities across agriculture
• The importance of leadership, ownership and accountability in building successful teams
• Why agriculture needs more people focused on solving industry challenges rather than following traditional career paths

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Halter and Hamish Irvine
02:05 Career Path and Early Experiences
04:37 The Importance of Diverse Experiences
08:37 Reflections on Career Choices
10:37 Leadership and Team Building at Halter
12:17 Transitioning to Halter: Embracing Change
20:13 High-Performance Culture at Halter
26:56 The Art of Feedback and Communication
30:18 The Birth of Halter: A Journey from Dairy Farming to Tech Innovation
34:37 Expanding Horizons: Halter's Growth in Australia
37:36 Understanding Farmer Needs: The Halter Approach
39:59 Building Trust: Overcoming Skepticism in Agriculture
43:45 Transformational Technology: The Future of Farming
46:42 Bridging Agriculture and Technology: The Ideal Candidate
48:07 The Future of Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges

Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way.

Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming.

With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business.

Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying.

Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli heads to the windswept coastline of Seaspray in Gippsland to sit down with first-generation farmer Danna Boulton.

Growing up just down the road on her family’s dairy farm, Danna always dreamed of farming - but like many young Australians, the pathway to ownership wasn’t straightforward. After building a career as a teacher, making sacrifices, studying the land market for years, and leaning on the right support networks, she found her opportunity.

Today, Danna is three years into running her own beef operation on “the island” at the Honeysuckles - a unique coastal property she now calls home. With support from her family, a rural financial counsellor, her bank, and a RIC AgriStarter Loan, she’s been able to take that leap into ownership and build a business from the ground up.

This episode explores patience, persistence, and the reality of doing it on your own - while also highlighting the importance of community, financial support, and backing yourself when the opportunity finally comes. 

RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans to help farmers establish a first farm business and support with succession arrangements.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Non-linear pathways into farming and first-generation ownership
• The power of patience and studying the market over time
• Making sacrifices to build a deposit and create opportunity
• The role of support networks - family, advisors, and community
• Using finance to reduce pressure and enable sustainable growth
• Learning to ask for help and manage risk on your own

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Farming Life

02:23 Growing Up on a Dairy Farm

05:11 Transitioning from Teaching to Farming

08:09 Navigating Financial Challenges in Farming

10:51 Acquiring Land and Starting a Farm

13:59 Support Systems in Farming

16:37 Challenges of Solo Farming

19:34 Advice for Aspiring Farmers

Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way.

Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming.

With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business.

Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying.

Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

This business spotlight episode is a practical deep dive into the Regional Investment Corporation, how it works, why it exists, and how it’s helping farmers manage risk and build stronger businesses.

CEO John Howard shares his journey across agriculture, food, and finance and breaks down how concessional loans can provide breathing room during tough seasons and create opportunities for long-term growth.

This episode explains what RIC does, who it’s for, and how farmers can access loans to improve cash flow, rebuild after hardship, or enter the industry. For anyone in agriculture looking to better manage risk, understand finance options, or plan for the future, this is a practical and highly relevant conversation.

RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times.

Key insights from the conversation:

• What the Regional Investment Corporation is (and isn’t)
• The role of concessional finance in agriculture
• Managing risk through drought, flood, and volatility
• Why timing and preparation matter when accessing finance
• The reality of farm business resilience in Australia

Chapters:

00:00 Spotlight on Regional Investment Corporation

01:30 Understanding RIC's Role in Agriculture

03:49 Navigating Hardship and Opportunities

06:57 Demand Trends in Australian Agriculture

10:49 Innovative Loan Products for Farmers

13:03 The RIC Team and Customer Experience

14:53 RIC vs Traditional Banks

15:34 Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers

18:11 Future of Agriculture and Succession Planning

19:34 Success Stories from RIC Customers

23:09 Practical Steps for Engaging with RIC

Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way.

Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming.

With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business.

Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying.

Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

This week, Oli sits down with farmers Chris and Nick Blunt at their family farm near Orange, NSW.  The Blunts know the importance of water, and Chris can use his water divining skills to find it, but he needed the capital in order to support the business survive and ultimately rebound from the drought. 

In this episode, Chris Blunt shares how a lifetime on the land has helped him build deep instincts and partnering that with his son Nick’s background in finance - they’re building a thriving future fit business. 

The Blunt’s used a low-interest loan through the Regional Investment Corporation, to build water security for their business and help to secure its future direction. 

RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Multi-generational farming and succession in practice
• Decision-making under pressure (drought context)
• The role of financial literacy in modern farming
• Blending instinct with data and external advice
• Using finance to rebuild and grow

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Family Farming and Legacy

01:43 Chris’s Spiritual Connection to the Land

04:36 The Importance of Safety in Farming

07:05 Navigating Drought and Financial Challenges

12:57 Collaboration Between Generations

17:30 Decision Making During Crisis and Drought

21:20 Utilising a RIC Loan for Growth

25:43 The Benefit of having a career outside Farming 

28:24 Water Security and Its Impact

30:12 Future Aspirations and Innovations in Farming

Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way.

Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming.

With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business.

Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying.

Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

The Tom & Mick Show is back!! With a timely livestock market update as rain finally arrives across much of eastern Australia and confidence begins returning to the paddock.

Tom and Mick are joined once again by Riverina livestock agent James Tierney from Riverina Livestock Agents to unpack what's happening in the cattle and sheep markets, how producers are approaching restocking, and whether the lessons from recent seasons will influence decision-making this time around.

From record lamb contracts and surging cattle prices to breeder shortages, restocker demand and the outlook for the next 12–24 months, James provides a practical perspective from the front line of the livestock industry.

In this episode:

James Tierney and Riverina Livestock Agents

• Overview of RLA and its role across southern NSW and Victoria
• Operating from Wagga Wagga with a livestock footprint extending across eastern Australia
• Current seasonal conditions across the Riverina and southern Australia
• Why many producers are experiencing one of the strongest starts to winter in recent memory

Livestock markets gaining momentum

• Lamb contracts reaching up to $12.80/kg
• Strong processor demand continuing across both sheep and cattle
• Why cattle markets received a major boost following recent rainfall
• The significant lift seen in southern saleyards over recent weeks

Restocking and rebuilding numbers

• How traders and breeders are approaching the current market
• Why breeder numbers remain well below historical levels
• The impact of drought-driven livestock liquidation over recent years
• Where producers are still finding opportunities in the market

The cattle outlook

• Why many cattle haven't disappeared...  they've simply found a new postcode
• Large movements of livestock from northern regions into southern Australia
• The risks of chasing expensive restocker cattle
• Lessons learned from the cattle market correction of 2023
• Could we see $2,000 weaner steers again?

Sheep markets and supply challenges

• Why sheep producers may be among the biggest beneficiaries of current conditions
• The impact of reduced breeding ewe numbers across Australia
• Strong mutton prices and ongoing supply constraints
• Why retaining breeding stock is becoming increasingly attractive
• James' outlook for lamb and mutton markets over the next two years

Managing risk in a rising market

• The danger of letting green grass drive decision-making
• Why discipline remains critical during periods of optimism
• Balancing opportunity with caution as prices strengthen
• The importance of understanding seasonal risk in livestock enterprises

Feeding systems and future opportunities

• The growing role of containment feeding and on-farm finishing systems
• Why more producers are retaining stock longer rather than selling into weak markets
• The economics of feeding cattle through market downturns
• Building flexibility into livestock businesses

Key takeaways

• Rain has rapidly improved confidence and livestock demand across much of eastern Australia
• Breeder numbers remain historically tight, supporting medium-term market fundamentals
• Sheep supply is likely to remain constrained for several years
• Cattle markets remain highly dependent on seasonal conditions and producer confidence
• Strong markets create opportunities, but discipline and risk management remain essential

This episode is packed with practical market insight for livestock producers, agents, traders and rural businesses navigating changing seasonal conditions. It's a valuable conversation on rebuilding confidence, managing risk and understanding where the next opportunities may emerge across Australia's sheep and cattle sectors.

Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way.

Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming.

With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business.

Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying.

Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down in the paddock with Brodie Game, who shares how she and her husband Kevin went from milking two cows on a travelling stock reserve to building a high-performing dairy business in the Bega Valley.

Along the way, they’ve navigated drought, fire, financial constraints - and the reality of being first-generation farmers without a clear roadmap.

This episode explores the decisions, risks, and relationships that shaped their journey - and how access to the right finance help such as the RIC at the right time helped accelerate their growth.

RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times.

Key insights from the conversation:

• First-generation farming and non-traditional pathways
• Building a business without owning land initially
• The role of relationships and reputation in agriculture
• Risk, resilience, and long-term thinking
• Using finance as a strategic tool - not just survival

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Brodie and Kevin's Journey

01:53 The Landscape of Bega Valley

03:18 Early Interests in Agriculture

04:51 The Path to Dairy Farming

06:51 The Love Story and Partnership

07:40 Understanding Share Farming

09:10 Transitioning to Leasing

11:15 The Importance of Networking

12:10 Acquiring Their Own Farm

14:10 The Role of Community Support

15:37 Daily Life on the Farm

17:26 Ownership vs. Leasing in Farming

19:32 The Value of Dairy Farming

20:51 Exploring Ag Tech Innovations

22:19 Investment Decisions in Farming

24:37 Utilising Finance for Growth

27:31 Future Aspirations and Growth

29:09 Vulnerability and Accountability in Farming

31:32 Pride in Their Achievements

Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way.

Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming.

With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business.

Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying.

Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Nathan Potter, CEO of Pavilion Farms, to unpack the future of precision agriculture and why Pavilion Farms is now searching for an AgTech Lead to help shape the next chapter of the business.

From growing up on chicken farms in Victoria to building a career in management consulting with PwC across Australia and London, Nathan shares the journey that brought him back to the family business and how Pavilion Farms has grown into a large-scale operation focused on innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Nathan explains why he sees poultry farming as “the Formula 1 of agriculture” and how emerging technologies, AI, and real-time monitoring are creating new opportunities to improve animal welfare, farm performance, and operational consistency at scale.

The conversation also dives into Pavilion Farms’ newly created AgTech Lead role, the mindset they are looking for in candidates, and why curiosity, systems thinking, and a willingness to solve problems matter more than coming from a traditional farming background.

This episode is designed to give candidates and listeners a genuine insight into the business, the people, the opportunity, and Nathan’s vision for the future of agriculture.

If you’d like to learn more about Pavilion Farms or the AgTech Lead opportunity, head to https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/agtech-lead-precision--cgk9

The role is live now, and we’d love to hear from anyone interested in the future of agriculture and technology.

Key insights from the conversation:

• How Pavilion Farms grew from a family farm into a large-scale poultry business
• Why Nathan left consulting in London to return to agriculture
• The role AI and technology could play in poultry farming
• Why poultry is one of the most data-driven sectors in agriculture
• What the AgTech Lead role will focus on day to day
• The importance of curiosity, innovation, and continuous improvement
• How technology can improve consistency, welfare, and efficiency at scale
• Why Nathan believes agriculture offers endless opportunities to solve problems

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Pavilion Farms and AgTech Lead Role

04:57 Evolution of Pavilion Farms and Industry Changes

10:10 Dynamic Between Nathan and His Father in Business

12:58 Balancing Family and Business Responsibilities

17:14 Precision Agriculture: The Formula 1 of Farming

21:07 Team Structure and Operations at Pavilion Farms

21:45 Future Opportunities and Technological Evolution in Poultry Farming

23:24 Harnessing Technology for Poultry Management

25:01 The Role of Ag Tech Lead

26:28 Fast Tracking Innovation in Poultry

28:15 Understanding the Current Technology Landscape

30:46 Incremental Improvements in Poultry Farming

32:14 Consistency and Efficiency in Production

34:30 The Ideal Candidate for Ag Tech

36:06 Passion for Agriculture and Family Legacy

37:53 Building Relationships and Change Management

38:59 Early Wins and Data-Driven Decisions

41:00 Balancing On-Farm and Desk Work

43:01 The Importance of Location in Poultry Farming

44:08 Recruitment Process and Future Opportunities

Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way.

Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming.

With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business.

Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying.

Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Julie Schofield, Executive Business Unit Leader of Private Business Services at Boyce, to unpack one of the biggest changes coming for employers in more than 30 years: Payday Super.

From 1 July 2026, businesses will be required to pay superannuation at the same time employees are paid, rather than monthly or quarterly. While it may sound like a simple administrative change, Julie explains why this shift will have major implications for cash flow, payroll systems, onboarding, and business operations across regional Australia.

Julie shares her own journey from growing up in Boorowa to building a career with Boyce, one of Australia’s largest rural accounting firms, and reflects on the importance of mentorship, leadership, and supporting regional businesses through change.

This conversation is practical, timely, and designed to help business owners, managers, and employers understand what Payday Super means and how to prepare before the legislation comes into effect.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Payday super legislation coming in July 2026
• Impact on business cash flow and compliance
• Practical tips for businesses to prepare for new super payment rules

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Episode and Main Topic

01:07 Guest Introduction: Julie Schofield from Boyce

02:16 Julie’s Background and Career Path

04:00 Overview of Boyce and Its Regional Presence

06:12 Leadership Approach and Mentorship

08:17 Client Portfolio and Travel Routine

10:11 What is Payday Super and Why Now

11:48 Impacts of Payday Super on Employees and Employers

12:52 Practical Tips for Businesses to Prepare

13:55 Changes in Behaviour and Cash Flow Management

15:39 Data Verification and Compliance Measures

16:30 Penalties for Non-Compliance and Enforcement

17:02 Handling Super Payments for Different Pay Periods

18:03 Questions from the Audience and Surprising Insights

19:18 Tools and Software for Compliance

20:16 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way.

Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming.

With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business.

Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying.

Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre shares a very different kind of conversation, part late-night reflection, part Instagram live announcement, as he opens up about a major shift happening at Humans of Agriculture.

Parlty recorded at 2am and continued via an Instagram Live, this episode captures a raw and honest moment behind the scenes at Humans of Agriculture. Oli takes listeners through the evolution of the business over the past seven years, the challenges of building a sustainable model through storytelling alone, and the decision to step fully into recruitment.

It’s a conversation about growth, discomfort, and backing a new direction, not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary.

This episode is about taking action, building something sustainable, and redefining how agriculture attracts its next generation of talent.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Evolution of Humans of Agriculture into a recruitment platform
• The importance of storytelling and community in agriculture
• Strategies for attracting and showcasing talent in ag
• The role of video content and social media in recruitment
• Future vision for Humans of Agriculture and industry impact

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Oli's Wake-Up Call

00:29 The Business Evolution at Humans of Agriculture

01:26 Building a Stronger Foundation with New Team Members

02:19 Humans of Agriculture as a Recruitment Business

03:42 Sharing the Exciting New Chapter

04:12 The Sector's Opportunities and Challenges

05:08 The Next Evolution in Agriculture Storytelling

06:07 Why Recruitment Is the Future for Humans of Ag

07:35 The Power of Content and Community in Recruitment

09:01 Why Now Is the Right Time for Recruitment Focus

09:57 Using Video Content to Promote Jobs and Culture

11:25 The Impact of Authentic Content on Talent Attraction

13:21 Backing the Recruitment Strategy

14:16 Vision for the Next 10 Years in Agriculture

15:15 The Importance of Sharing Opportunities and Stories

16:13 Conclusion: Staying Committed to the Journey

Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way.

Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming.

With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business.

Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying.

Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Blair Davies, Assistant Commercial Manager at Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino Company), for a conversation that spans five decades in the wool industry.

Blair’s story is one of deep industry knowledge, long-term commitment, and an enduring passion for natural fibre. From working in wool stores as a student to spending 23 years with the same company, he’s witnessed firsthand the evolution of wool, from manual classing to data-driven testing, and from local markets to global brand partnerships.

Recorded in the Christchurch wool stores, this episode explores how the industry has changed, what still matters when assessing a fleece, and why, despite disruption and competition from synthetics, wool continues to hold a powerful place in the future of textiles.

This conversation is about experience, perspective, and a lifelong belief in the value of wool.

Key insights from the conversation:

• Blair Davies’ 50-year journey in the wool industry
• What’s changed (and what hasn’t) in wool classing and fibre assessment
• The evolution from visual appraisal to data-driven testing
• Why natural fibres like wool are regaining consumer attention
• The role of growers and ownership in shaping the industry
• How Zentera is evolving into a global brand beyond New Zealand
• Why relationships with growers remain at the heart of the business
• Skills and pathways for young people entering the wool industry

Chapters:

00:00 Intro & Blair’s Journey

02:10 Early Days & Industry Evolution

05:54 Working with Growers

06:54 How to Assess a Fleece

08:29 Skills for the Next Generation

09:23 The Shift to Zentera & Future Vision

Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way.

Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming.

With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business.

Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying.

Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.

(Image: Supplied)

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Sarah McDonald, Head of Sustainable Impact at Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino) to unpack the reality behind sustainable wool.

Sarah sits at the intersection of growers and global brands, her role is to translate what’s happening on farm into credible, measurable data that brands can trust and consumers can believe. From regenerative frameworks and biodiversity metrics to digital traceability and global legislation, this conversation explores how wool is being repositioned in a rapidly evolving sustainability landscape.

Sarah unpacks the tensions between profitability and expectations, the challenge of comparing natural and synthetic fibres, and why clear communication across the value chain is more important than ever.

This is a deep look into the systems, science and strategy shaping the future of wool.

Key insights from the conversation

• Why wool sits at the centre of a complex global system connecting growers brands and sustainability expectations across continents
• What ZQ and ZQ+ actually measure on farm from biodiversity and soil health to credible market ready data
• The balancing act between farmers and brands navigating productivity and rising sustainability demands
• Why sustainability is really about risk driven by banks insurers and legislation more than consumers
• The challenge of measuring impact in agriculture with seasonality and long timelines versus short term expectations
• How technology is transforming traceability by tracking wool from farm to garment using digital systems
• Natural versus synthetic fibres and why emissions accounting can disadvantage wool

Chapters:

00:00 Intro & episode overview
02:15 Sarah’s role & measuring on-farm sustainability
03:13 What Zentera (NZ Merino) does
04:18 Bridging farmers and global brands
05:07 Farm reality vs global expectations
07:21 Sustainability timelines: short vs long term
08:15 How sustainability is measured on farm
09:35 Global pressure, risk & regulation
12:16 Differences across NZ, AUS & South Africa
13:53 The challenge of data collection
15:17 Food vs fashion sustainability gap
17:42 Tech, traceability & supply chains
20:48 Natural vs synthetic fibres debate
23:25 Careers in sustainability & Sarah’s journey
29:51 Animal welfare, mulesing & industry pressure
36:43 Outro & closing remarks

Running a farm business comes with its challenges; from seasonal conditions to rising costs and cash flow uncertainty, there can be many unknowns along the way.

Regional Investment Corporation, simply known as RIC, is the Australian Government’s agri-lending specialist, providing low interest loans to help eligible farm businesses navigate challenges. Whether that’s starting out, planning for succession, or managing through tough conditions like drought and natural disasters, RIC helps viable farmers to keep farming.

With concessional interest rates, RIC loans can provide valuable breathing space, helping farmers manage cash flow while they get through tough times or to build their business.

Every situation is different, so it’s important to understand what support may be available and what’s involved before applying.

Visit ric.gov.au to learn more, explore your options, and check your eligibility.