S2 Ep 17 - The Roast

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:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Zentveld’s Australian Coffee

Follow @zentveldscoffee on Instagram

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

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:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Zentveld’s Australian Coffee

Follow @zentveldscoffee on Instagram

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Previous Episode

S2 Ep 16 - Whirly Bird

Those living on the land are no strangers to working in the most spectacular of locations. However, few can say their office offers a birds-eye view of landscapes like the breathtaking Pilbara or the desolate plains of the Nullarbor. My guest today is a helicopter mustering pilot who has turned those remarkable vistas into a successful photography business called Whirlybird Photography. The man behind the lens, Jack Poplawski joins me now to discuss:

Some of the magnificent places Jack has flown over and his favourite location.
How the beautiful Australian landscape changes with the seasons.
Jack grew up on a farm and shares how he ended up as a helicopter pilot.
For the past 6 years, Jack has worked from his helicopter mustering stock and describes an average day.
Learning to read the land and knowing where to lead the stock, without putting strain on them.
Seeing the spectacular landscape, Jack combined his passion for photography and started ‘Whirlybird Photography’.
Some of the most impactful images he has taken and, why he started in the first place.
The all-encompassing nature of the work – but Jack wouldn’t have it any other way.
The community of people he has met along the way is what Jack loves most about working in this field.
Common misconceptions about being a helicopter pilot.
The future for Jack and his helicopter.

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

Whirlybird Photography

Follow @whirlybird.photography on Instagram

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Next Episode

S2 Ep 18 - Regenerative Farming

If we had to crown a vegetable king in Australia – today’s guest would be a contender. He grows cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and kale, all the while producing cows, sheep and chickens for pasture-raised eggs. It’s little wonder he’s been recognised in the 2022 Farmer of the Year Awards for Excellence in Diversification. The success of his operation is closely linked to his passion for soil biology and regenerative farming on his family property at Manjimup in Western Australia called Three Ryans. To learn more Jake Ryan joins us as we discuss:

Jake’s favourite place on the family farm.
The family farm has always had such a broad scope growing numerous vegetables and producing cows, sheep and chickens for eggs.
Jake’s training and the moment he realised he could make a difference on the farm.
Dream big, start small and scale quickly – that has been Jake’s approach to this entire project.
Diversification is something we hear of often on the land and Jake has come to balance the business while combatting environmental factors.
Jake is passionate about Regenerative Farming and explains how it all works. Being the first to use the strip tillage process in Western Australia and, its advantages.
Soil biology and health have quickly become a priority in running the farm and the practices Jake uses to adjust his soil.
Jake Ryan won the Excellence in Diversity Award in the Farmer of the Year and, what this meant to him and his family.
The beginnings of the family farm and the influence of Jake’s father and late grandfather.
For generations, the Ryans have been regenerating the land, even unintentionally.
The aspects of life on the land Jake loves most.
The most unexpected thing to happen to Jake while on the land.
Common misconceptions about regenerative farming.
Jake’s ultimate dream for the future of the farm.