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 guaranteed
• How geopolitics, trade, climate, and technology are colliding to reshape food systems
• Why these shifts represent long-term structural change, not short-term cycles
• The role realism plays in building resilient farm businesses and industries
• Why agriculture sits at the centre of global economics, politics, and culture
• How a top-down view of the world complements on-farm decision-making
• Technology as agriculture’s most important tailwind in an increasingly volatile era
• What real value-adding looks like beyond branding and provenance
• Why adaptation, not protection, has always underpinned Australia’s agricultural success
• The role events like evokeAG play in helping the industry respond collectively

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

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 ranching
02:10 — University, early career, and choosing what not to do
03:20 — Why Millie stayed 4.5 years in her first role
04:40 — The fear and reality of moving overseas
06:30 — First impressions of ranch life in Canada
08:45 — Canada vs the US beef industry
09:05 — Not coming from a farming background
10:30 — “If you want to be in beef, go be in beef”
11:40 — How Millie built her network from scratch
13:40 — Why agriculture feels hard to break into (and why it isn’t)
15:20 — Dealing with rejection and imposter syndrome
19:55 — Meat judging and why it shapes so many careers
22:10 — The US meat judging circuit explained
24:40 — Sponsorship, alumni, and industry support
26:20 — Returning to study and why Illinois made sense
28:30 — What’s next and a year of conversations ahead

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

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

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

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.

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

I loved the day we had with the team at Rohde's and the way we crafted this into an amazing video and our last #ThisIsAussieAg video in audio format did pretty well -  you can check it out on our YouTube in full!

Watch it on YouTube here - link to our video

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

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

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

Bridgitte Brooks is rewriting the story of Australian wool - and of rural women. 

The fifth-generation sheep farmer has launched a wool athleisure brand from her farm in Yuna, Western Australia in a bid to connect modern consumers with a natural fibre that she feels is undercelebrated. 

From baby blankets to wool athleisure wear, Bridgitte is stitching together sustainability, style, and heritage—with a deep belief that rural communities can thrive when families are supported and fibre stories are told well.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bridgitte and Her Journey
02:58 Life in Rural Australia and Its Challenges
05:41 The Birth of a Fashion Business
08:13 Navigating the Fashion Industry
10:36 Sustainability and the Future of Fashion
13:17 The Importance of Succession Planning
16:09 Family Dynamics in Farming
18:59 Advice for Future Generations
21:30 Reflections and Future Aspirations
24:11 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Learn more about Homestead Road and how Bridgitte is rewriting a new story for Australian wool.

Find more stories from us on our Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.

ALSO - Come to our event in either Brisbane or Melbourne!

You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.
 
If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

In this episode, Oli sits down with Australia’s Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Julie Collins — live from the National Farmers’ Federation Conference on the Gold Coast.

From her Tasmanian roots to leading one of the nation’s most important portfolios, Julie shares how her background shaped her approach to agriculture, sustainability, and community. She reflects on the government’s new Ag and Land Sector Plan, the role of programs like free TAFE and Ag Connections in building the workforce, and how storytelling can strengthen both our domestic pride and global reputation.

Julie also talks candidly about being out on farms, meeting producers, and why she believes Australian agriculture is the most productive and sustainable in the world. Looking ahead, she shares her optimism for how the industry can leverage the 2032 Olympics to showcase our regions, food, and people to the world.

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

Passionfruit farmer Mitchell East is flipping the script on food waste, giving unsellable fruit a second chance. 

Mitchell returned to his family farm in Manjimup WA on a mission to find a tasty use for surplus, speedily perishable fruit like passionfruit and cherries.

The horticulture industry is always looking for new ways of squeezing value from seconds produce, with many tonnes of fruit and vegetables that can't be sold or stored going to waste every day.

And there's no shortage of produce in the Southern Forests food hub around Manjimup, which punches well above its weight to grow a massive volume and variety of fresh produce for domestic and international markets.

Liv sat down with this fruit-farmer-turned-manufacturer to hear how Mitchell is utilising otherwise wasted fruit to not only boost profit margins but to re-connect consumers with the growers of their food.

Chapters
00:00 Mitchell's Farming Journey and Background
02:48 The Unique Food Hub of Manjimup
05:37 Value Adding Passion Fruit: Challenges and Opportunities
08:57 Creating Products from Waste: A Sustainable Approach
11:45 Collaboration With Other Growers
14:33 Innovative Products and Market Adaptation
17:46 The Story Behind Yuzu and Other Unique Produce

Learn more about Willarra Gold and how Mitchell and Jen are collaborating with other local fruit growers to get more from the delicious produce they grow.

You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.
 
If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

This month Tom and Mick catch up with New England livestock agent Mat Larkings about what he’s seeing on the ground—from post-drought price shifts to clients swapping breeding for trading. 

They dive into the growing interest in coastal markets, the cautious optimism among producers, and why quality stock still rules.

It’s a great listen for anyone keen to understand the real dynamics behind the numbers.

Takeaways

• The cattle market is experiencing fluctuations post-drought.
• Clients are transitioning from breeding to trading operations.
• Quality cattle are essential in the current market.
• The coastal market presents new opportunities for livestock.
• Caution prevails among clients regarding market investments.
• Rural property market is lagging behind livestock market trends.

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Matt Larkins: A Livestock Agent's Journey
05:23 Market Insights: Cattle and Sheep Dynamics
08:21 Navigating the Livestock Business: Challenges and Opportunities
11:33 The Coastal Market: Expanding Horizons
14:34 Future Trends: Cattle Market Predictions
17:18 Cautious Optimism: Client Perspectives on Market Fluctuations
20:19 Rural Property Market: A Parallel Journey
23:04 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Dads

You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.
 
If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

A decade ago, if Ben 'Wundy' Wundersitz spotted a mate's ute parked on the main drag in town he'd assume they were at the pub sinking a pint.

These days, there's more chance of Wundy finding his mates working out at the gym across the road from the pub in his local town of Maitland in South Australia, which has fully embraced the Fat Farmers movement.

Fat Farmers began 13 years ago when Wundy and a couple of his middle-aged farming mates looked in the mirror to see years of self-neglect - too much time sitting in tractors and eating fast food on the run. They decided to do something about it. 

From their very first gym session together they've created a grassroots movement that’s inspiring rural communities across Australia to get moving, improve well being and save lives.

They've just launched the Fat Farmers Health Hub, a mobile medical screening truck which Wundy hopes will do the field day circuit across the country providing simple health checks for blokes.

Wundy chats with Oli about breaking down barriers to fitness participation and health care in the bush.

Chapters

00:00 Harvest Challenges and Adapting to Dry Seasons in Agriculture
05:47 Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth
08:09 The Birth of Fat Farmers
10:58 Building a Supportive Community
13:57 Health Initiatives and the Launch of Fat Farmers Health Hub
16:23 Encouraging Health Checks in Rural Communities
19:12 Future Aspirations and Community Involvement

Find out more about Fat Farmers and ways you can support this impactful initiative.

You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.
 
If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com