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.

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Angie Asimus

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Merced Farming

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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.

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Angie Asimus

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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

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Partnered with Australian Farmers

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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

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Follow @chillakerupfarms on Instagram

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A childhood on the family farm in Central West NSW is where a fearless agribusiness woman was born. Whether her clients are looking for storytelling strategy, or systems – Brooke Watts is helping rural organisations and communities to realise their dreams. Whether it be on the speaking circuit, running workshops or youth programs, she is passionate about enriching the future of agriculture. To learn more, founder of Business with Brooke, Brooke Watts joins me now.

• Brooke shares some of her favourite places in country Australia, from her family farm to the many regional communities she has visited throughout her career, and explains why wide-open spaces will always hold a special place in her heart.
• Growing up on a farm shaped Brooke in ways she didn't fully appreciate at the time, and she reflects on the journey that ultimately led her back to the land.
• Brooke explains how she launched Business with Brooke and the work she does through workshops, consulting, and capacity-building programs designed to support regional businesses.
• She shares the story behind her brand, including the courage it took to step into a full-time business role and pursue a career helping others bring their ideas to life.
• Having worked with a diverse range of rural communities, Brooke discusses the lessons she has learned and the common thread that makes regional Australia so special — its people.
• Brooke highlights the many opportunities available to the next generation considering a career in agriculture and regional industries, and the importance of helping young people understand the pathways open to them.
• She shares what she loves most about contributing to the agricultural sector and supporting the growth of regional communities.
• Brooke addresses common misconceptions about regional careers, including the belief that agriculture is an industry you must be born into, and explains why there is so much room for innovation and new ideas.
• She reflects on some of the most unexpected moments and successes since launching Business with Brooke.
• Looking ahead, Brooke shares her ultimate dream for the future and the impact she hopes to continue making across regional Australia.

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

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Partnered with Australian Farmers

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Connect with Brooke on Instagram

Business with Brooke

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The United Nations has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. So we've chosen someone whose passion for agriculture started at a very young age on her family's grazing property in Queensland. She's turned that passion into a career with a focus on exceptional land management. To further her skills in the area, she's currently completing her PhD. To learn more about her varied agricultural career and her passion for horse-riding, Ang Hammond joins me now.

• Ang reflects on growing up on a grazing property and shares some of her favourite places and memories from a life deeply connected to the land.
• Agriculture was always part of Ang's world, and she speaks about the strong sense of community within the industry and the lifelong relationships she has built along the way.
• She shares fond memories of life in Lightning Ridge, including the unique multicultural community that made such a lasting impression and continues to draw her back.
• Determined to forge an independent career in agriculture, Ang spent five years riding racehorses before completing her studies and discovering her true passion within the industry.
• Ang discusses how inheritance was traditionally passed through the male line and reflects on how she challenged those expectations and carved out her own path.
• She explores the important connection between land stewardship and mainstream agriculture, and why both must work hand in hand for the future of farming.
• Working with Landcare Australia, Ang describes the role as feeling like "coming home" and explains why the work is so personally meaningful.
• Ang shares her involvement in industry research projects funded by the Federal Government and the key learnings she has taken from that work.
• She discusses the changes currently being implemented across the agricultural sector and the positive impact they are having on farming landscapes and sustainability.
• On a personal note, Ang reveals plans for an upcoming horse-riding adventure through Argentina with her husband.
• For Ang, the best part of life on the land has always been the people and the communities that make the industry so special.
• One of the most unexpected changes she has witnessed throughout her career has been the growing number of young women entering the agricultural industry.
• Ang addresses common misconceptions about women in agriculture and shares the changes she believes are still needed across the sector.
• Looking ahead, Ang shares her ultimate dream for the future and her hopes for the next generation in agriculture.

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

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Landcare Australia

Facebook @landcareaustralia

Instagram @landcareaustralia

X @ LandcareAust

LinkedIn @LandcareAustralia

Connect with Angela Hammond on LinkedIn

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Close to the centre of Bendigo in Victoria, is a little oasis. On the historic 5-acre site, a true social enterprise. A little farm with a big heart, offering jobs to around 70 people with disabilities and all the proceeds go straight back to the upkeep of the farm. And with Bendigo being voted a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, there is suddenly a lot of interest in the fabulous produce being grown locally. To learn more, Daniel Robinson, Manager of Peppergreen Farm joins me now.

• Daniel shares why one of his favourite places on the property is overlooking the natural wetlands and taking in the view across the farm — a site that holds incredible significance.
• Daniel shares the rich history of Peppergreen Farm, with the site holding deep cultural significance from the traditional custodians, the Dja Dja Wurrung, through to its Chinese gold rush heritage, including a historic brick kiln hidden beneath the property.
• More than just a farm, Peppergreen supports the wider community through meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while combining food production, hospitality, catering services, NDIS meal support, and grounds maintenance services across the Bendigo region.
• He shares why the workforce at Peppergreen Farm is so unique, with around 70 staff members, 70% of whom are people living with disabilities.
• Education is also a core value of the organisation, and Daniel discusses the important role learning and development play across the farm.
• The site itself has a rich history, including an impressive historical Chinese kiln that remains part of the property today.
• Peppergreen Farm does much more than simply grow produce, and Daniel explains the many other facets of the social enterprise.
• As a supplier to many local restaurants, Daniel reflects on Bendigo becoming a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and why it's such an exciting place to be.
• He shares what day-to-day life on the farm looks like and how staff support, teach and learn from one another.
• Daniel explains what he loves most about working in agriculture and being part of a model with such a strong social purpose.
• He reflects on the most unexpected moments and surprises throughout his journey so far.
• Daniel addresses common misconceptions surrounding workers with disabilities and the work being done at Peppergreen Farm.
• Looking to the future, Daniel shares his ultimate vision and dream for what lies ahead.

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

Peppergreen Farm

Connect with @peppergreenfarmau on Instagram

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Farming is often as much about looking after your own patch of land - as it is learning from others. Weather extremes and changing seasons can make grazing cattle year-round incredibly difficult.

In his quest for answers former Nuffield Scholar Stuart Tait has travelled to New Zealand, Europe, the UK, North and South America to learn about filling the pasture-based feed gap to boost beef profits. He's also offered up his farm as the site of a first of its kind pilot plant to turn straw into fertiliser. When he's not travelling world, he's managing his family farm in the NSW Central Tablelands. Stuart Tait joins me now.

• Stuart calls his family farm in Mandurama home, with his favourite spot being along the Belubula River.
• In 2017, Stuart was awarded a Nuffield Australia Scholarship, which saw him travel to 14 countries over 18 months to explore global farming practices.
• He has developed a strong interest in addressing the pasture-based feed gap during the winter months and explains what this means for producers.
• Stuart discusses the challenges of climate variability and the importance of being able to fatten and finish beef across a full 12-month cycle.
• He shares his experience designing a forage-based system using a variety of pasture species, including key learnings from New Zealand and the cost of producing a kilogram of dry matter.
• Stuart explores ways to make feed go further, including alternative options to traditional hay and silage, and maximising available resources.
• While there's no simple solution to improving grazing profitability, Stuart outlines innovative approaches to managing feed shortages in colder, drier months, such as stockpiling pasture, self-feeding silage, and bale grazing.
• With four generations living on the family farm, Stuart reflects on how his role has evolved over time and the lessons he's learned along the way.
• He shares what he loves most about life on the land, particularly the changing seasons throughout the year.
• Stuart opens up about some of the challenges he has faced throughout his farming journey.
• He addresses common misconceptions around using straw as fertiliser and discusses plans to establish a pilot plant in the coming years.
• Looking ahead, Stuart shares his vision for the future and what lies ahead for him and his two sons.

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

Nuffield Scholars

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