Forget the ideology. Australian farmers don't need to believe in climate change to care about one thing: their bottom line. This week on AgWatchers, Matt and Andrew explore how practical farmers are cutting costs and creating new income streams through energy solutions and why skepticism is actually the smart approach.

Karin Stark, who organizes Australia's agricultural renewables conference, discusses real farmers doing real things on their land. Solar panels reducing diesel bills. Biodigesters turning waste into power. Variable rate fertilizer applications cutting chemical costs. These aren't about saving the planet they're about keeping more money in the farm's pocket.

The reality is messier than the marketing. Karin breaks down why some renewable projects fail, how regulatory approval can take years, and what separates farmers actually making money from those chasing buzzwords. She also explores why innovators often come from outside agriculture and what that means for traditional farming families.

Whether you're curious about diversifying income or just cutting costs, this conversation cuts through the green noise and gets down to what actually works on Australian farms.

Listen to the full episode to hear what farmers are really doing and what's actually worth your time and money. You can find out about the conference on the link below: https://renewablesinagconference.com.au

Veteran economist Saul Eslake joins Matt and Andrew to unpack tariffs, free trade and the increasingly difficult position Australia occupies between the United States and China.

They discuss why tariffs are ultimately paid by consumers, whether Australia can still trust its major trading partners, the need to diversify agricultural export markets and what weaker Chinese growth could mean for beef, wool, wine and other premium products.

Closer to home, Saul shares his views on inflation, interest rates, productivity, housing and tax reform. Plus black pudding, haggis, questionable compliments and one particularly memorable toilet analogy.

Episode Three is thrilled to announce we'll be hosting the inaugural Australian Agricultural Awards, a groundbreaking national celebration of ag excellence in partnership with the National Farmers Federation (NFF), Nutrien, and Westpac.

In this episode, we sit down with Scott McCullough, General Manager of Commercial at ACM Agri, to explore this prestigious new event that's set to transform how we recognize and celebrate the brightest minds driving agriculture forward.

We'll be taking the stage as MCs across all five state award events (Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane) leading into the National Awards in Canberra on November 19. This is a truly exciting opportunity to shine a light on the next generation of ag leaders and innovators.

Featuring five key categories (Next Gen, Women in Agriculture, Sustainability, Well-being, and Innovation), these awards are supported by industry powerhouses including Nutrien and Westpac, who are championing categories alongside the NFF. The inaugural winner across all categories will drive away in a brand new Toyota Tundra, making this the most valuable agricultural award platform Australia has ever seen.

Join us as we dive into what makes these awards different, why trust matters in agriculture, and how you can nominate your industry heroes. Nominations close at the end of August, so don't miss your chance to be part of ag's biggest celebration.

Ready to celebrate excellence? Tune in now. https://episode3.net/agwatchers