Life is busy when you're running your own farm, whilst also the president of the National Farmers Federation. Hamish McIntyre and his wife Mary started their own farming business in 1999, working hard to save enough for their first property. Determined to grow and diversify, they've built up to running several properties across Queensland which include irrigated and dryland cropping, feedlots, sheep, cattle, chicken and goats. It's an inspiring self-made story. To learn more Hamish McIntyre of McIntyre Agriculture joins me now.

• Hamish shares his favourite places across the McIntyre Agriculture properties, including the unique flat-top landscapes of far western Queensland and the diverse wildlife of the coastal properties.
• He explains how his early career in agronomy shaped an operation built around diverse income streams, including grazing, dryland cropping, irrigation and feedlots.
• Despite growing up in a farming family, Hamish didn't inherit a family farm and shares how a strong education, saving early and making the most of opportunities helped him and his wife Mary get started.
• For those trying to enter agriculture today, Hamish explains why he still believes it's possible—with hard work, diverse income streams, a strong financial structure and good people around you.
• Drawing on his agronomy background, Hamish explains why adding chicken production gave the business access to its own litter for fertiliser, while also creating another reliable income stream.
• As President of the National Farmers' Federation, Hamish discusses how continuing to farm allows him to bring real-world examples to industry advocacy and why getting involved is so important.
• Hamish shares what he loves about life on the land and how growing up in agriculture shaped his belief in learning by doing, listening to those who came before him and continually adapting.
• He discusses the disconnect between consumers and food production and why Australians should better understand the high standards behind the food they eat.
• After witnessing devastating farming accidents, Hamish reflects on the dangers of agriculture and why workplace health and safety must remain an ongoing priority.
• Looking to the future, Hamish hopes to continue growing the family business organically and give his sons the opportunity to become the sixth generation of farmers in the family.

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.

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Angie Asimus

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National Farmers Federation

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After working in animal health and bio-security, my guest today earned her place as Chief Executive Officer of Sheep Producers Australia at the age of 31. A role that has seen her travel the country – networking with everyone from farmers, to industry partners and government. She's passionate about shaping the future of the sheep industry in this country and she's optimistic about it. To learn more, Bonnie Skinner joins me now.

• Bonnie reflects family trips to the country and the impact they had on her early connection to agriculture.
• With her role taking her across the country, Bonnie shares the part of regional Australia that holds a special place for her.
• From an early interest in horses and animal science to animal health and biosecurity, Bonnie shares the career path that ultimately led her into the agricultural industry.
• As CEO of Sheep Producers Australia, Bonnie takes us inside her role and the challenge of balancing immediate industry issues with longer-term priorities.
• Bonnie discusses the Future Flock Strategy, why the sheep industry is at a turning point and the importance of rebuilding confidence in its future.
• She shares some of the key challenges currently facing the sheep industry, including export and import issues and public perceptions of agriculture.
• Looking ahead, Bonnie discusses the next generation coming through the industry and the importance of creating opportunities for them to shape its future.
• Bonnie shares what she loves most about working in agriculture—the people, the problem-solvers and those driving change across the industry.
• Becoming CEO of Sheep Producers Australia was one of the most unexpected developments in Bonnie's career.
• Bonnie reflects on public misconceptions about agriculture and the opportunity the industry has to help change them.
• Her ultimate dream for the future of the sheep industry is simple: to stop surviving and start thriving.

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.

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Angie Asimus

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The Future Flock Strategy

Sheep Producers Australia

As we look around the agriculture industry and see all the farmers, agronomists, educators, regional leaders and so many more – there's a good chance, a really great teacher helped ignite that passion and learn the skills to succeed. As an ag-teacher, you can often be the very first person to inspire a future industry leader. To learn more about cultivating agricultural careers, Amanda McClaren, a former Mayor, now from Victoria's Seymour College joins me now.

• Amanda shares her favourite regional place—her own chicken farm, where she loves experiencing the surrounding wildlife and natural environment.
• In 2022, Amanda joined the teaching profession and shares what inspired her career shift.
• Amanda takes us inside Seymour College's 15-acre agricultural campus and the school's growing agriculture program.
• Passionate about inspiring the next generation, Amanda explains the philosophy behind her mantra, "You can't be what you can't see."
• She shares some of her students' experiences and how early exposure to agriculture can influence future career paths.
• Amanda discusses how city schools can connect with agricultural schools to give students greater exposure to the industry.
• The challenges students face accessing agricultural education early, and Amanda's push for greater opportunities and a dedicated agricultural high school in Victoria. From growing vegetables to creating meal packs, Amanda shares some of the practical agricultural experiences happening at the school.
• Amanda offers advice for city schools wanting to incorporate meaningful agricultural education into their classrooms.
• Amanda shares Seymour College's involvement in the National Ag Day campaign and a simple soil-health experiment that can introduce agriculture into any classroom. Amanda shares what she loves most about teaching—seeing students' eyes light up and watching their perceptions of agriculture change.
• She reflects on common misconceptions students have about agriculture, as well as some of the assumptions she held herself.
• One of the most unexpected parts of Amanda's journey has been the conversations she's had and the connections she's made along the way.
• Looking to the future, Amanda hopes the work extends beyond herself and Seymour College, with the ultimate dream of a dedicated agricultural school in Victoria.

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

Seymour College

Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn

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From broadacre cropping to running a lamb enterprise, and then a sharp turn into owning an apple orchard. Experiences that sharpened skills in leadership, technology and business management for my guest today. Problem solving is one common thread in agriculture no matter what food or fibre you produce. So, to learn more about the fruit business, Iain McLennan who has joined his family in an apple orchard called 'St Albans' in Orange as farm manager joins me now.

• Iain shares his favourite place on the property, overlooking one of the dams where it feels like you're in the middle of nowhere.
• Change is on the way as Iain leads a major redevelopment of the orchard, focused on both improvement and expansion.
• After working as an agronomist and running a lamb enterprise, Iain shares what it has been like making the significant shift into orchard management.
• He explains what prompted his decision to return to the family orchard.
• Problem solving was one of the things Iain loved most about agronomy, and he shares how those skills continue to serve him in the orchard.
• Through his Nuffield Scholarship, Iain explored sustainability best practices and shares some of his observations from Australia and overseas.
• He discusses Australian Carbon Credit Units and how current restrictions can exclude established orchards despite their potential for significant carbon capture.
• Iain shares some of the trials underway at St Albans, including cover crops, different mowing techniques, compost and mulching.
• He shares what he loves most about life on the land.
• Iain addresses some of the common misconceptions about the apple and orchard industry.
• One of the most unexpected outcomes of his Nuffield Scholarship was the incredible network of people he gained along the way.
• Iain's ultimate goal for the future is to spend more time working on the business rather than being caught up in the day-to-day operations.

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.

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Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

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Follow @apple_farmer_in_orange on Instagram

Positioned in a unique part of the world in WA's Frankland River, the outlook on life is a little different. With around 600 mm annual rainfall, there's a lot of optimism on this farm. An 80/20 cropping sheep split has the property expanding rapidly. And at the helm, alongside his brother, is Samuel Beech, who has not long returned from a trip to China on a wool tour with other Australian farmers. To learn more Samuel Beech of Chillakerup Farms joins me now.

• Samuel shares his favourite place on the farm and why the open space and natural beauty give him room to think and reflect.

• He explains what makes his part of Western Australia unique and why consistent rainfall gives him plenty of reason to feel optimistic about farming there.

• With an 80/20 split between cropping and sheep, Samuel explains how available land, efficiency and regularly doing the maths shape that balance.

• Samuel discusses succession, his father's approach to involving the next generation and the family's appetite for expanding the business.

• He shares how genetics, stocking rates and rotational grazing are helping improve productivity across the farm.

• Growing as much grass as possible sounds simple, but Samuel explains how seasonal seeding and closely monitoring feed demands make it work.

• Samuel explains his late lambing strategy, the role of feedlots and why this system works for their operation.

• He takes us through the farm's tile drainage system and how it is helping create more consistent, uniform paddocks.

• Following a recent trip to China with other Australian growers, Samuel shares his observations and key takeaways.

• Samuel shares what he loves most about life on the land, from working in nature every day to knowing he was always destined to return to the country.

• He addresses the misconception that farmers don't care for the land and why he believes this perception is beginning to change.

• One of the most unexpected parts of farming for Samuel has been how much he values the people and staff he works alongside.

• Looking ahead, Samuel shares his dream of building a healthy, strong and secure farming business 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

Follow @chillakerupfarms on Instagram

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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

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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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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

Produced by Pretty Podcasts