Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

S5 Ep 12 - Land in Safe Hands

The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. So we've chosen someone whose passion for agriculture started at a very young age on her family's grazing property in Queensland. She's turned that passion into a career with a focus on exceptional land management. To further her skills in the area, she's currently completing her PhD. To learn more about her varied agricultural career and her passion for horse-riding, Ang Hammond joins me now. Ang reflects on growing up on a grazing property and shares some of her favourite places and memories from a life deeply connected to the land. Agriculture was always part of Ang's world, and she speaks about the strong sense of community within the industry and the lifelong relationships she has built along the way. She shares fond memories of life in Lightning Ridge, including the unique multicultural community that made such a lasting impression and continues to draw her back. Determined to forge an independent career in agriculture, Ang spent five years riding racehorses before completing her studies and discovering her true passion within the industry. Ang discusses how inheritance was traditionally passed through the male line and reflects on how she challenged those expectations and carved out her own path. She explores the important connection between land stewardship and mainstream agriculture, and why both must work hand in hand for the future of farming. Working with Landcare Australia, Ang describes the role as feeling like "coming home" and explains why the work is so personally meaningful. Ang shares her involvement in industry research projects funded by the Federal Government and the key learnings she has taken from that work. She discusses the changes currently being implemented across the agricultural sector and the positive impact they are having on farming landscapes and sustainability. On a personal note, Ang reveals plans for an upcoming horse-riding adventure through Argentina with her husband. For Ang, the best part of life on the land has always been the people and the communities that make the industry so special. One of the most unexpected changes she has witnessed throughout her career has been the growing number of young women entering the agricultural industry. Ang addresses common misconceptions about women in agriculture and shares the changes she believes are still needed across the sector. Looking ahead, Ang shares her ultimate dream for the future and her hopes for the next generation in agriculture. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram Landcare Australia Facebook @landcareaustralia Instagram @landcareaustralia X @ LandcareAust LinkedIn @LandcareAustralia Connect with Angela Hammond on LinkedIn Produced by Pretty Podcasts

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S5 Ep 11 - Peppergreen Farm

3w ago00:27:57Tap to summarize

Close to the centre of Bendigo in Victoria, is a little oasis. On the historic 5-acre site, a true social enterprise. A little farm with a big heart, offering jobs to around 70 people with disabilities and all the proceeds go straight back to the upkeep of the farm. And with Bendigo being voted a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, there is suddenly a lot of interest in the fabulous produce being grown locally. To learn more, Daniel Robinson, Manager of Peppergreen Farm joins me now. Daniel shares why one of his favourite places on the property is overlooking the natural wetlands and taking in the view across the farm — a site that holds incredible significance. Daniel shares the rich history of Peppergreen Farm, with the site holding deep cultural significance from the traditional custodians, the Dja Dja Wurrung, through to its Chinese gold rush heritage, including a historic brick kiln hidden beneath the property. More than just a farm, Peppergreen supports the wider community through meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while combining food production, hospitality, catering services, NDIS meal support, and grounds maintenance services across the Bendigo region. He shares why the workforce at Peppergreen Farm is so unique, with around 70 staff members, 70% of whom are people living with disabilities. Education is also a core value of the organisation, and Daniel discusses the important role learning and development play across the farm. The site itself has a rich history, including an impressive historical Chinese kiln that remains part of the property today. Peppergreen Farm does much more than simply grow produce, and Daniel explains the many other facets of the social enterprise. As a supplier to many local restaurants, Daniel reflects on Bendigo becoming a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and why it's such an exciting place to be. He shares what day-to-day life on the farm looks like and how staff support, teach and learn from one another. Daniel explains what he loves most about working in agriculture and being part of a model with such a strong social purpose. He reflects on the most unexpected moments and surprises throughout his journey so far. Daniel addresses common misconceptions surrounding workers with disabilities and the work being done at Peppergreen Farm. Looking to the future, Daniel shares his ultimate vision and dream for what lies ahead. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram Peppergreen Farm Connect with @peppergreenfarmau on Instagram Produced by Pretty Podcasts

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S5 Ep 10 - The Travelling Farmer

May 900:24:52Tap to summarize

Farming is often as much about looking after your own patch of land - as it is learning from others. Weather extremes and changing seasons can make grazing cattle year-round incredibly difficult. In his quest for answers former Nuffield Scholar Stuart Tait has travelled to New Zealand, Europe, the UK, North and South America to learn about filling the pasture-based feed gap to boost beef profits. He's also offered up his farm as the site of a first of its kind pilot plant to turn straw into fertiliser. When he's not travelling world, he's managing his family farm in the NSW Central Tablelands. Stuart Tait joins me now. Stuart calls his family farm in Mandurama home, with his favourite spot being along the Belubula River. In 2017, Stuart was awarded a Nuffield Australia Scholarship, which saw him travel to 14 countries over 18 months to explore global farming practices. He has developed a strong interest in addressing the pasture-based feed gap during the winter months and explains what this means for producers. Stuart discusses the challenges of climate variability and the importance of being able to fatten and finish beef across a full 12-month cycle. He shares his experience designing a forage-based system using a variety of pasture species, including key learnings from New Zealand and the cost of producing a kilogram of dry matter. Stuart explores ways to make feed go further, including alternative options to traditional hay and silage, and maximising available resources. While there's no simple solution to improving grazing profitability, Stuart outlines innovative approaches to managing feed shortages in colder, drier months, such as stockpiling pasture, self-feeding silage, and bale grazing. With four generations living on the family farm, Stuart reflects on how his role has evolved over time and the lessons he's learned along the way. He shares what he loves most about life on the land, particularly the changing seasons throughout the year. Stuart opens up about some of the challenges he has faced throughout his farming journey. He addresses common misconceptions around using straw as fertiliser and discusses plans to establish a pilot plant in the coming years. Looking ahead, Stuart shares his vision for the future and what lies ahead for him and his two sons. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram Nuffield Scholars Produced by Pretty Podcasts

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S5 Ep 9 - Roseville Park Merinos

Apr 2500:34:49Tap to summarize

You have to go back a long way to find the beginnings of this family farm. The year 1880 to be exact when a Mr Charles Coddington dreamt of creating the finest sheep stud in Australia, travelling down-under from England. Now the 5th generation is running with his vision and winning awards along the way. The current custodians are Mathew Coddington and his wife Cherie. Together they are still breeding top Merino sheep throughout NSW, south of Dubbo. Matthew joins me now. Roseville Park has a long history of breeding sheep across multiple properties, with Cherie loving time with the goats and Matthew enjoying the outdoors and family time. The Coddington family legacy began in 1880 when Matthew's ancestor moved to Australia to establish a Merino sheep stud. As fifth-generation producers, Matthew and Cherie are passionate about integrating modern technology, genomics and science into the business. Their award-winning success, including major industry accolades, is driven by a strong sense of open-mindedness. They take a strategic approach to farming by thinking outside the box, utilising creek flats and grazing land alongside a planned feedlot and even shearing twice a year. Matthew shares how succession planning is an ongoing and important conversation within the family business. What they love most about life on the land is being part of a multigenerational farming legacy. A common misconception they see is the growing disconnection between people and agriculture. One of the unexpected aspects of their journey highlights how the industry continues to evolve in ways they hadn't anticipated. Their vision for the future of Roseville Park Merinos is to continue building on their legacy while adapting to modern advancements in agriculture. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram Roseville Park Merinos Produced by Pretty Podcasts

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S5 Ep 8 - Storybook Alpacas

Apr 1100:22:09Tap to summarize

They're the quirky creatures with super soft fleece, members of the camel family and often unfairly criticised for spitting. Alpacas occupy a unique corner of the agriculture industry and, one central west New South Wales farm boasts the state's largest herd. These animals have won the heart of the next generation, with young farmer Rubey Williams working on the family property and she is already turning heads as an industry leader. To learn more, Rubey Williams of Storybook Alpacas joins me now. Rubey's favourite place is the old shearing shed on their Mittagong property, which holds both personal memories and historical significance as one of the first alpaca sites in Australia. She also values a specialised area on their newer Central West property designed for reproductive technologies, representing future opportunities for the business. As a second-generation alpaca farmer, Rubey has grown up in the industry and purchased her first show-quality alpaca at just 13 years old. Although she initially began studying pre-med, COVID led her back to the farm where she rediscovered her passion for agriculture. Rubey made the decision to leave university and instead invest in the family alpaca business, while continuing her studies in agribusiness. Alpacas are part of the camelid family and are primarily bred for their fleece, which is soft, fine and suitable for those who are sensitive to wool. Rubey's main interest lies in the fibre market, working with other growers to market and sell alpaca fleece both domestically and internationally. Rubey's involvement with the Royal Agricultural Society has broadened her perspective and allowed her to connect with other sectors across agriculture globally. She is the youngest qualified alpaca judge in Australia. What Rubey loves most about life on the land is the resilience it builds and the strength of rural communities. A common misconception is that alpacas spit all the time, when in reality it is simply a defence mechanism used when they feel threatened or annoyed. One of the most unexpected outcomes in her journey was how COVID changed her career path and led her back to agriculture. Rubey's ultimate dream is to continue growing the family business, expand into new agricultural areas and build on the opportunities in the Central West. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram Storybook Alpacas Produced by Pretty Podcasts

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S5 Ep 7 - Dairy Grand Champion

Mar 2800:25:05Tap to summarize

Full cream, light, skim, homogenised, unhomogenised – milk takes many forms. But right now, a moment for the lactose free variety. Riverina Fresh's Lactose Free Milk has been crowned the best dairy product at the Australian Grand Dairy Awards. It is the dairy industry's highest honour. To learn more about what it takes to be the grand champion and some interesting observations about the impact of weight loss drugs on the future of the dairy industry, Executive Chairman of Riverina Fresh Craig Shapiro joins me now. Craig celebrates Riverina Fresh winning Grand Champion Dairy Product for its lactose-free milk, explaining that adding lactase is a simple and natural process that makes it easier to digest. Despite being lactose-free, the milk retains exceptional aroma, texture and body, and Craig notes it is one of the best milks for coffee. Riverina Fresh is proudly based in Wagga Wagga with deep country roots, and its farmer-supplied, domestically focused model allows for strong quality control. With over 100 years in business, Craig shares that lactose-free milk became important as part of bridging the gap between city consumers and understanding where their food comes from. The award highlights a true Australian success story, with the product being 100% Australian to qualify. Beyond taste, Craig emphasises that strong values like sustainability, ethics and animal welfare are central, with care extending from the farmers through to the final product. He also discusses the emerging impact of weight loss drugs on food systems and the interesting flow-on effects within the dairy industry. What Craig loves most about contributing to agriculture is that the more he learns, the more invested he becomes in sustainability and agrifood technology. One of the most unexpected experiences has been travelling to America and seeing how deeply social media connects to the sale of produce. Craig believes a common misconception isn't misunderstanding his role specifically, but rather a broader lack of awareness about where food comes from across agriculture. His ultimate dream for the future is a sustainable dairy industry where farmers are paid fairly and appropriately. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram Riverina Fresh Produced by Pretty Podcasts

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S5 Ep 6 - Food Fabulous Food

Mar 1400:16:10Tap to summarize

Food Glorious Food is a song made famous the first time in Oliver Twist. Now, not a boy called Oliver, but girl called Olivia has created her own version of the classic, Food Fabulous Food. The young farmer behind the music is Olivia Akers, who produced that song from her family's dairy farm in Northern Victoria. And she joins me now. Olivia's favourite place on her family farm is spending time with her pony. Olivia shares the inspiration behind her song Food Fabulous Food, which celebrates agriculture and life on the land. At just 12 years old, Olivia's creativity and initiative make her achievements even more impressive. She entered the song and video into several competitions, where it placed in the top four in the state for the Ag Day competition and was also included in a school film festival. The video was very well received, with teachers and peers eager to watch and share it. Olivia explains that many of the ideas for the song and video were inspired by the roles and experiences she has on the farm. Her passion for acting and music ultimately inspired her to create the video project. Many people who have watched the video say they learned a lot about life on the land through her project. What Olivia loves most about growing up on the land is being outdoors, being as loud as she likes and spending time with all the animals on the farm. Olivia shares a story about a spider that highlights the disconnect that can sometimes exist between city and country living. She also explains how she used AI tools to help produce the video and create the music, including backing tracks and beats. Olivia describes her experience working in a recording studio and how much she enjoyed the process. She is currently auditioning remotely and actively pursuing her dream of becoming a singer and actor. Olivia shares her bright hopes and ambitions for the future. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram See the full Learning Arts Festival Clip Here: Student Film Festival 2025: Junior Years (3–6) winners and finalists | Arts Learning Festival Produced by Pretty Podcasts

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S5 Ep 5 - George the Farmer

Feb 2800:23:29Tap to summarize

What happens when your farm-obsessed son just can't find that one special book or toy to match his passion for all things rural? Well if you're a graphic and web designer – you just make your own. George the Farmer was created in 2014. Since then, there is an interactive story app, storybooks music, paddock to plate videos and touring performances. This little character is a powerhouse from regional South Australia. Simone Kain is the woman behind the popular brand, and she joins me now. Simone shares that her son was the inspiration behind George the Farmer, having always wanted to be out on the farm with his dad, and reflects on her favourite places on the farm, where she grew up. Her early career in graphic and web design helped kick-start George the Farmer, allowing Simone to create much of the content herself, from apps and online resources to songs and books. George the Farmer has grown into a fun yet educational tool that encourages children to learn about life on the land while inspiring future careers in agriculture and educating adults along the way. Because food and fibre affect everyone, both in the city and the country, Simone loves that George the Farmer is reaching audiences across Australia and around the world. Receiving multiple awards, it highlighted a major gap in agricultural understanding, and she is proud to have industry support and to see the content making a real impact. Simone now works on George the Farmer full-time, with 14 picture story books, five board books and eight early learner readers, all self-published and 100 per cent owned by her. Despite its global reach, George the Farmer remains owned and operated by Simone from regional South Australia. Simone shares that what she loves most about life on the land is the lifestyle and connection it brings. A common misconception she challenges is that agriculture isn't innovative and that women don't play significant roles within the industry. The most unexpected outcome was the rapid uptake of George the Farmer and its inclusion in both Australian and US school curriculums. Simone's dream for the future is that when children think of agriculture, they immediately think of George the Farmer. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram George the Farmer Produced by Pretty Podcasts

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S5 Ep 4 - Lonesome Duck Estate

Feb 1400:25:01Tap to summarize

Big things happen with a commitment to a series of small changes. That philosophy is working wonders on a Northern Territory farm in Katherine. From half a dozen cattle to more than 350. Throw in vegetables, fresh cut flowers and eggs – it's easy to see why. The property is managed from a holistic, entire landscape perspective. It's work that has caught the eye of industry leaders with Jeremy Trembath of Lonesome Duck Estate being named among the finalists for Young Grower of the Year. To learn more, Jeremy joins me to discuss; Jeremy's favourite place on the farm is always shifting, depending on where the cattle are at any given time. While the property has multiple facets, cattle are currently the primary focus, alongside significant recent expansion. Having stepped into the property over a decade ago, Jeremy reflects on how he truly made it his own from around 2019 onward. Jeremy takes a holistic, whole-landscape approach, and although regenerative farming is often discussed, he has achieved meaningful change in a relatively short time. The changes include no tillage, minimal chemicals and no kill systems, guided by the belief that overgrazing is not a symptom of stock numbers but of time. Jeremy explains that reaching this outcome came through trial and error, noting that "for me, the fun is in that." Soil underpins everything, with Jeremy stating that "soil is crucial to the human race's success," and that caring for land has far-reaching effects on the planet. Opening local markets for selling produce matters to Jeremy because food security is often overlooked, and he believes food should never be something we worry about. Health is deeply important to Jeremy, driven by observation, research and an appreciation for diversity. Jeremy describes how vegetables, chickens and cattle function together as an interconnected and balanced system. What Jeremy loves most about working on the land is the depth of connection it brings. He also shares unexpected ways his perspective has shifted over time. A common misconception about his work is summed up in his view that "when we're more afraid of a green growing plant than the chemical we use to remove it, we've lost the plot." Jeremy's ultimate dream is to continue building a resilient and regenerative future for Lonesome Duck Estate. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram Produced by Pretty Podcasts

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S5 Ep 3 - Stories from a Cattle Station

Jan 3100:25:49Tap to summarize

Being the support manager of a million-hectare cattle station in the Northern Territory keeps her busy enough but my guest today has been handpicked for the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program run by the National Farmer's Federation. The program helps support female leaders who are driven to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for the industry. To learn more, Anna Cochrane of Consolidated Pastoral Company joins me now. Anna's favourite place on the station is less about a specific location and more about the feeling of privilege that comes with living there and appreciating the environment around her. She manages Newcastle Waters Station, working in station support alongside the team and being someone people feel comfortable coming to talk to. Before moving to the Northern Territory, she began studying law but quickly felt drawn to agriculture and was fortunate to build a working partnership with her husband. While the roles were daunting at times, she learned the importance of being adaptable and kind to herself and others. Anna is passionate about regional and rural development and is motivated by continuous improvement, loving the challenge and the opportunities this lifestyle has provided. Being selected for the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program allows her to learn, add value, network, and advocate for herself and others. She is already working to create positive change by encouraging women to put their hands up for leadership roles and addressing the factors that inhibit them from doing so. Championing diversity matters to her because placing yourself in new situations with new people leads to growth and deeper understanding. What she loves most about working on the land is that despite being 400 kilometres from the nearest store, she has never felt isolated. A common misconception about what she does is that distance equates to isolation. Her dream for the future is to continue along a path of continuous improvement. We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram Produced by Pretty Podcasts

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Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

All episodes

S5 Ep 12 - Land in Safe Hands

S5 Ep 11 - Peppergreen Farm

S5 Ep 10 - The Travelling Farmer

S5 Ep 9 - Roseville Park Merinos

S5 Ep 8 - Storybook Alpacas

S5 Ep 7 - Dairy Grand Champion

S5 Ep 6 - Food Fabulous Food

S5 Ep 5 - George the Farmer

S5 Ep 4 - Lonesome Duck Estate

S5 Ep 3 - Stories from a Cattle Station