Born and raised on the family farm, my guest today has chosen to make a life back where it all started in Wee Waa NSW. After studying and a corporate career, turns out there was no place like home after all. From cattle, to corn, to cotton, he's passionate about sustainability and biodiversity, interests that earned him the Nuffield Scholarship in 2017 and more recently, he became the Chair of the Lower Namoi Cotton Growers Association. To learn more, Daniel Kahl of Merced Farming, joins me now.

• Daniel shares his favourite place on the family farm, reflecting on what makes it so special after growing up there and now helping lead the business.
• Although he left the farm to study Commerce and work as a cotton merchant, Daniel explains how agriculture was always his passion and how those experiences shaped his career.
• As Business Manager of Merced Farming, Daniel discusses his role overseeing the day-to-day operations and the strategic direction of the family enterprise.
• With a diverse food and fibre operation, Daniel takes us through the business, which includes around 300 Angus cattle, along with corn, wheat, beans and cotton as the primary crop.
• He explains the farm's irrigation system and the transition to groundwater irrigation, highlighting the role water management plays in the business.
• Daniel shares how Merced Farming is embracing sustainability through initiatives including annual carbon audits, biodiversity projects and continual environmental improvements.
• Awarded a Nuffield Scholarship in 2017, Daniel reflects on the knowledge, global experiences and lifelong networks the scholarship has provided, and why those connections remain so valuable today.
• He shares what he loves most about life on the land—the constant mental stimulation of farming, balanced by the slower moments that make the lifestyle so rewarding.
• Daniel addresses some of the most common misconceptions surrounding agriculture, particularly Australia's cotton industry.
• One of the biggest surprises in Daniel's career has been discovering the many different products and industries his cotton ultimately becomes part of.
• Looking ahead, Daniel shares his vision for the future of the business and the legacy he hopes to leave for the next generation.

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

Merced Farming

Follow @mercedfarming on Instagram

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Having a good teacher can no doubt shape your life. For some, a great teacher can also inspire the student to become the master. Being an educator in a rural setting is a unique experience from multiple placements, community collaboration and site visits. And what's even more wonderful, is there's a chance to really see your students soar. To learn more, Caitlin Crowe is Head of Department Agriculture at St George State High School, and she joins me now.

• Caitlin reflects on the many regional communities she has lived and worked in throughout her career, sharing the places that have left a lasting impression and why they hold a special place in her heart.
• Having always loved working with young people, Caitlin explains what inspired her to pursue a career in teaching and why it continues to be such a rewarding profession.
• She outlines her current role, overseeing a range of agricultural education initiatives, including school agriculture programs, camps and the Blue Light Shearing Program.
• Caitlin discusses the impact of initiatives such as the Blue Light Shearing Competition and the AWE Emerging Careers Camps in inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders.
• Since 2023, these programs have supported more than 285 students, and Caitlin explains how they are helping address workforce shortages and create pathways into the agricultural industry.
• She shares the career opportunities attracting young people today and explores how technology is shaping the future of agriculture.
• Caitlin also explains how innovative tools, including iFarm technology, are enhancing agricultural education and engaging students in new ways.
• As a finalist for the prestigious Zanda McDonald Award, Caitlin reflects on what the recognition meant to her and the opportunities it has created across the trans-Tasman agricultural sector.
• She shares how her journey as a primary school teacher evolved into leading agricultural education initiatives and the overwhelmingly positive response these programs have received from the community.
• Caitlin explains that what she loves most about contributing to agriculture is seeing communities, schools and students come together to strengthen the future of the industry.
• One of the most unexpected moments in her journey was shearing her very first sheep, an experience that sparked opportunities she never imagined.
• Caitlin addresses the common misconception that teachers only work within the classroom, highlighting the many ways educators can make a lasting impact beyond school grounds.
• Looking ahead, Caitlin shares her ultimate dream for the future and her hopes for the next generation of Australia's agricultural industry.

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

Bluelight Shearing Competition

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When you know even from childhood, that you're going to be farmer – it takes a lot of courage to leave the family property. From boarding school to university and even a career as a spacecraft engineer that takes you around the world. My guest knew that despite all that, he would return to life as a banana grower in North Queensland. Mark Nucifora of Fiorito Bananas joins me now.

• Mark shares his favourite place on the family farm and what makes Innisfail and North Queensland so unique.
• Even as a boy, Mark knew farming was his path, and he reflects on finally returning to the life he always planned.
• Before coming home, he built a career as a spacecraft engineer, working in Sydney, Los Angeles and China.
• Mark explains why family, the future of the farm and a greater sense of purpose ultimately drew him back.
• He shares how his engineering background has shaped his approach to farming and helped the business adapt to new challenges.
• Now the third generation on the property, Mark and his wife are continuing the family legacy while raising their own children on the farm.
• He reflects on watching his father and grandfather transform swamp land into a productive farm through innovation and determination.
• Mark discusses the challenges of farming in North Queensland, including cyclones and losing an estimated 90 per cent of his crop in 2021.
• He explains what it takes to supply Australia's major supermarkets and the standards required to consistently produce quality fruit.
• Mark shares what he loves most about farming—from the challenge of working with nature and producing food for Australian families to the vital role seasonal workers play in helping Australian agriculture thrive.
• He addresses common misconceptions about farming and how the actions of a few can shape public perception of the industry.
• One of the most unexpected parts of farming has been the friendships and strong sense of community he has found.
• Looking ahead, Mark shares his dream for the future and his philosophy for living a happy and fulfilling life.

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