Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

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S2 Ep 17 - The Roast

Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

04/29/23 • 25 min

It’s a little cup of joy for so many of us. Coffee is often part of a daily ritual and an excuse to gather with friends and family. Did you know coffee farmers are growing beans right here in Australia? It’s thanks to some pioneers who set up the industry – including my guest today. The Zentvelds are second generation coffee farmers in Byron Bay and were the first commercial sized coffee farmers in NSW. Partner of Zentveld’s Australian Coffee and President of the Australian Coffee Growers Association, Rebecca Zentveld is today’s guest and we discuss:

The countryside in northern NSW is spectacular in the morning and Rebecca’s favourite moment of the day.
She shares the back story of husband John’s family, who really kick-started the local coffee industry back in 1987.
The rich volcanic soil in the hills behind Byron Bay which, along with the cool conditions, produce a naturally sweet coffee.
Australia is free of domestic pests or diseases that impact production of coffee.
Rebecca was one of the first in Australia to set up a coffee roastery in 1993 – which is still doing well 30 years later.
The focus on presenting Australian coffee at its very best.
Rebecca’s appreciation for coffee started when she was living in Melbourne in her early years which, is where she met husband John.
Why she made the shift from an urban setting to living, and loving, life on the land.
The work still to be done in promoting Australian-origin coffee to the world as the industry has been recognised by AgriFutures Australia as an ‘emerging industry’.
Rebecca wants more people to grow coffee – she says ‘We can’t offer our coffee to everyone – there is such room for growth, and I want to see others grow in Australia.’
Mother-in-law June, who is now 80 years old, planted a 50-acre natural rainforest on their border which, is now an attraction. They no longer have a fence – the rainforest and creek create that natural divider.
What does Rebecca love most about the land? Compost!
Her favourite aspects of country living.
The most unexpected thing to happen to Rebecca.
Common misconceptions about her work.
Rebecca’s ultimate dream 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:

Zentveld’s Australian Coffee

Follow @zentveldscoffee on Instagram

S1 Ep 27 - From Farm to Footy

Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

06/11/22 • 24 min

Some people are talented and brave enough to be trailblazers in one industry, but my guest today is breaking down barriers in two male-dominated arenas – footy and farming. She is a star recruit in the AFLW for Greater Western Sydney. Then, when she’s not training or playing, she’s working full-time on the family farm at Holbrook in southern NSW. It means, she lives 6 months in the city and 6 months in the country, whilst studying agriculture in between. At 21 years old age, she is dedicated to both pursuits but is sure the country will play a starring role in her future. Alyce Parker is today’s guest discussing:

Alyce’s favourite place on the family farm.
The contrast between her two lives – one as a farmer, one as an ALFW player.
Alyce works alongside her family on the farm and shares how this upbringing shaped who she is today.
The lessons she learnt through the professional sports arena.
Playing 7 different sports at the same time and how these opportunities were supported in a regional area.
The life of a farmer, the different roles and how she divides her time between these two passions.
She is currently studying a Batchelor of Agricultural Business Management and shares her post-footy dreams.
The challenges of being not only a young farmer but a female in the industry – both in Agriculture and Sports.
What she loves most about life on the land.
The most special and heart-warming experiences Alyce has experienced on the farm.
The most common misconception about farming.
Alyce’s dream 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:

Follow @australianfarmers On Instagram

Follow @alyce_parker3 on Instagram

S1 Ep 14 - Biodynamic Lamb

Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

03/12/22 • 28 min

It’s not often you see a queue down the street that leads to a butcher shop but it was that very sight at a store in Canberra that grabbed Vince Heffernan’s attention. That shop sold biodynamic meat and the 6th generation farmer had to know more. He armed himself with a degree in Ecological Agriculture and set out to learn how to manage the entire landscape without chemicals. The result is Moorlands Biodynamic Lamb based in Dalton in the Southern Tablelands of NSW. Today we discuss:

Vince’s favourite place on the farm.
Driving past a butcher shop with a line out the door, pushed Vince to start a Biodynamic farming approach.
Biodynamics – what it means and why it is important.
Vince’s father was a ‘high input farmer’ and the differences between then, and how the farm runs now.
What ecological agriculture means.
Vince’s studies in ecological agriculture and his constant thirst for knowledge.
Healthy landscapes lead to healthy sheep and the diverse range of pasture for the sheep.
Texel sheep originating from the Netherlands, and the appeal of this breed of sheep.
The direct and short supply chain with Feather and Bone, from episode 11 (listen here).
The stress-free stock handling technique and how it works.
Vince seeks to understand and incorporate, indigenous knowledge into his farming.
His favourite thing about life on the land is witnessing the biodiversity grow.
The community he has created from his direct-to-consumer model.
The most common misconception about what he does.
The ultimate dream for the future for Moorlands Biodynamic Lamb.

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:

Follow @australianfarmers On Instagram

Moorlands Biodynamic Lamb

S4 Ep 6 - Banking on Farming

Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

03/15/25 • 31 min

As a fifth-generation grain grower from north-east Victoria, James Russell has a lot of hands-on experience. Despite that, furthering his formal education has helped him take his farm and career to the next level. He’s recently finished a dual degree in agribusiness and farm management and also ventured into the corporate banking sector. As the worlds of farming and banking collide, James has plenty of insights. He uses his skills to advocate for other growers and to expand his own operation to include fascinating elements of seed production like seed cleaning . To learn more about his unconventional career path, James Russell from Lilliput Ag, joins us to discuss:

James’ favourite place on the farm is the only hilltop on the property.
His family has been in the business for a long time and he shares a little about his childhood growing up on the land.
James’ dedication to the sector was recently recognised when he graduated from the Australian Grain Leaders Program.
He completed dual degrees in Agribusiness and Farm Production, with the support of his family.
How his education has helped him today, and the backing he needed to question the way things are done on the farm.
James’ advocacy work for GrainGrowers, as well as being a member of the National Farmers Federation.
The concept of seed cleaning, and how things have changed in the business over generations.
How seed cleaning became an expansion of the original operation.
Succession planning and the role James’ grandfather played in this area.
James’ family farm is truly a mixed farming business.
Their family shearing shed is close to town, meaning they have dealt with activists, and James’ response to these challenges.
What James loves most about the land and this way of life.
The biggest misconception about where our food and fibre come from.
James’ ultimate dream 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:

Connect with James on LinkedIn

Connect with James on Instagram

GrainGrowers

National Farmers Federation

S4 Ep 1 - The Food Scientist

Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

01/04/25 • 43 min

We learn pretty early on in life that good food promotes health. But what’s not so simple is how many of those nutrients we actually absorb, or what impact does the way something is farmed have on the quality of the produce. Nicknamed, The Simple Scientist, my guest today has a bit of a superpower and that is being able to breakdown complex research to help consumers make better choices. And farmers are among her favourite people! Dr Anneline Padayachee joins me now to discuss:

Anneline shares her favorite food fact.
Dr. Anneline explains that nutrition starts on the farm and elaborates on its significance.
She is often called "The Simple Scientist" for her ability to clearly explain complex concepts.
Nutrient delivery is a crucial topic, and Anneline highlights how even a healthy diet can be affected by absorption issues.
She discusses recent food trends that concern her, including the "Nova" concept.
Anneline addresses the impact of food production systems on consumers and clears up common misunderstandings about the role of farmers in this process.
She acknowledges positive trends, such as the growing interest in understanding where food comes from.
Dr. Anneline shares her best advice on improving nutritional intake.
The emotional aspect of food is emphasized, recognizing its role in cultural celebrations and the importance of the pleasure of eating.
She expresses her love for being a food scientist, a field that unites people across diverse locations and backgrounds.
Misunderstandings between food and nutrition are highlighted, along with the challenges of navigating an overload of information and applying it to individual digestive needs.
Dr. Anneline concludes with her ultimate dream 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:

Connect with @dranneline on Instagram

Dr Anneline Padayachee

S3 Ep 21 - Ricca Terra Wines

Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

10/12/24 • 25 min

Buying a dead cherry patch in South Australia’s Riverland and converting it into a vineyard, may not sound like the best career move. However, for my guest today bold decisions like that have dominated his winemaking journey. The first-generation farmer has been making wine for two decades now. Ricca Terra Wines (meaning ‘rich earth’ in Italian) has found the key to success with carefully selected grape varieties, innovative low alcohol options and in a surprise, even to himself, cask wine. To learn more Ashley Ratcliff of Ricca Terra joins me now to discuss:

Ashely’s favourite place in the Riverland of South Australia.
The great story of how Ashley came to live there and the condition of his land when he purchased it.
The beginnings of the property and the decision Ashley is most proud of.
Demonstrating innovation in his ability to adapt depending on the global climate.
Ashley has more than 50 grape varieties, including Portuguese grapes and shares why he has taken this approach in the vineyard.
Riverland in South Australia is hot and dry, and by taking the weather into consideration, Ashley has proven that this region can be used for vineyards.
Consumer tastes are so important and, the huge market for lower alcohol options.
Ashley shares his surprising business choice to launch cask wines and, some of the challenges.
Ashley has the accolades to back up his success - in 2019 he was awarded a five-star rating in the 2020 James Halliday Wine Companion and again in 2021. He was also listed in the Top 10 upcoming wineries in Australia.
Ashley is an advocate for the industry and is co-chair of the Riverland Wine Association.
With China imposing tariffs during COVID and more recently an oversupply, Ashley shares the ‘yellow balloon’ he is focusing on right now.
What Ashely loves most about life on the land.
The most common misconception about the wine industry.
The unexpected aspects of working in this area.
Ashely’s ultimate dream 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:

Ricca Terra Wines

S3 Ep 19 - FarmHer Hands

Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

09/14/24 • 24 min

As two sisters working on neighbouring properties in outback Queensland, they’ve spent long, hot days in blistering sun, battled climate extremes and felt the effects of the harshest conditions. You could say, it’s all part of the job. But something that shouldn’t be part of a day’s work – is skin cancer. From a frightening first-hand experience with melanoma, comes a delightful balance between practicality and fashion. FarmHER Hands launched in December 2023. The line of stylish UPF50+ gloves are now finding their way to farms across the nation. The founders of the business, Shona Larkin and Angie Nisbit join me now to discuss:

Living on neighbouring properties near Hughendon in North West Queensland and their favorite place on the farm.
Working with their hands is a vital when on the land and, the point for Angie that the condition of her skin was noticeable to others.
The dangers of the Australian sun and the damage caused by UV rays.
Shona shares her experience of a health scare after returning to the farm.
The experience of losing a friend to melanoma and how this planted a seed that we all needed to look after our skin more carefully.
The start of ‘FarmHer Hands’. https://farmherhands.com/
The feedback from the gloves and how they come up with their designs.
A lot more women are taking on careers in ag and, the women purchasing these items.
The beginnings of starting a business and managing the growth and scale of this business being run from outback Queensland.
What Angie and Shona are most proud of since launching.
The most unexpected thing to happen along the way.
The challenge of starting a business from a rural location.
The ultimate dream for FarmHer Hands.

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:

FarmHer Hands

Links: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram The Berry Dairy Produced by Pretty Podcasts

S3 Ep 24 - The Berry Dairy

Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

11/23/24 • 25 min

Pastures are already pretty green in New Zealand, but this newly married couple wanted to find something extra special. They landed on Gippsland in Victoria where dairy farming became their main source of income, but they value added, bringing in a pick your own strawberry patch, on-farm café, petting zoo and playground. If it all sounds very family friendly, it’s because Nicole and Brendan Saunders know a thing or two about kids, having four of their own. Nicole from The Berry Dairy joins me to discuss:

Moving from New Zealand to have a better life here in Australia.
Nicole shares her favourite place on her farm.
In 2018, Nicole and Brendan were newly married and she shares why they decided to move to Australia.
Brendan grew up on a dairy farm and Nicole is also a generational dairy farmer.
Diversifying into agritourism and the beginnings of ‘The Berry Dairy’.
The range of people they see coming through and what to expect on a family-friendly day out.
As well as strawberry picking, customers can have a meal at their on-farm café where 90% of the produce is locally sourced.
This model has earned them some impressive awards and, the response they have received.
The highs and lows of the last 12 months and Nicole’s openness when it comes to the struggles.
Strawberries, although generally seasonal have been growing almost all year round.
What Nicole loves most about life on the land.
A common misconception about farmers.
The most unexpected thing to happen since starting.
Nicole's ultimate dream for the future of The Berry Dairy.

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.

S2 Ep 30 - Bush Honey

Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

09/23/23 • 26 min

Life sounds pretty sweet in WA’s pristine Kimberley when you’re producing beautiful raw bush honey. Given the region has no industry or other pollutants, the bees thrive among the Saltwater Paperbarks, Grevilleas and Melaleuca. This Indigenous owned family business has just been awarded a grant as part of the Coles Nurture Fund. And they have some exciting ideas about how to spend it. To learn more, David Appleby of Walaja Raw Bush Honey joins me now to discuss:

David’s favourite place on the farm is being surrounded by Melaleuca Trees.
David is a retired commercial pearl diver and shares the correlation between the two careers.
He currently keeps 400 bee colonies and has only been in the industry 10 years.
The mentors David has relied on.
The challenges, and advantages of the West Kimberly environment for bee keeping.
This beautiful region has no pollutants and David shares the uniqueness it brings to the honey.
How David and his wife, Diane, started Walaja Raw Bush Honey – an Indigenous Family owned and produced business.
The indigenous practices they use to manage the land and bees.
Sharing knowledge and pioneering a new way in the industry.
David won the Coles Nurture Fund grant and his plans for this money.
The advancements David has made to medicinal-grade premium Melaleuca Honey which comes from the ‘Medicine Tree’
The similar mindset between bee keeping and pearl diving and, what David loves most about working with bees.
The biggest challenges and learnings from bee keeping.
The most unexpected thing to happen since starting to keep bees.
The most common misconception of bee-keeping.
David’s ultimate dream 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:

Walaja Raw Bush Honey