Advertise on podcast: Generation Ag

Austin Smith, Agronomist, Owner & Director FB: SMS RURAL brings hands-on agricultural expertise to his role at SMS Rural Services in Horsham. Hailing from a sheep and cattle farm in Dartmoor before relocating to Kapunda in the mid-north of South Australia. From an early age, Austin has always had a passion for agriculture, which has only grown stronger over the years. Beginning with a traineeship in agriculture, he diligently climbed the ranks, eventually obtaining an agronomy diploma from Longerenong. Austin's diverse experience includes hay export, farm supplies, and animal merchandise. Now, based in Horsham, he lends his expertise to a range of broad-acre farming properties while serving as one of the owners and directors of SMS Rural. An advocate for technological advancement in agriculture, Austin is committed to leveraging innovation to drive sustainability and profitability for growers. He remains deeply engaged in ongoing learning and immersion within the industry, constantly evolving to meet its ever-changing demands. Don't forget to send us an email if you know of a story that we should tell at [email protected] *Become a Patreon Partner* - https://patreon.com/generationag Find us here: Instagram: @generation.ag Twitter: @generation_ag Website: www.generationag.com.au

Renee Spencer (aka IG: @brownhatttt) is a fifth generation beef producer from Central Queensland. Renee and her family are passionate about implementing regenerative agriculture practices in their brahman business. With a belief in the power of education, Renee started a Tiktok page, sharing her life on the farm, which has gone on to amass a following of over 450,000 people. She's popular for her real and down to earth demeanour, and her honest insights mixed with some comedy for good measure. Don't forget to send us an email if you know of a story that we should tell at [email protected] *Become a Patreon Partner* - https://patreon.com/generationag Find us here: Instagram: @generation.ag Twitter: @generation_ag Website: www.generationag.com.au

Alice Armitage (IG: Pandaemonium)is Pandaemonium’s founder. A serial entrepreneur with a background working in the venture capital space. Having worked and studied in metropolitan Australia and abroad, Alice has now returned to her home town in Northern NSW. Spending more of her time focusing on supporting grassroots initiatives and innovation happening in regional Australia. Alice is a firm believer that life outside major metropolitan cities holds the key to solving many of the crucial challenges we face today. Don't forget to send us an email if you know of a story that we should tell at [email protected] *Become a Patreon Partner* - https://patreon.com/generationag Find us here: Instagram: @generation.ag Twitter: @generation_ag Website: www.generationag.com.au

Jason Banks is the Co - CEO at TIACS (IG: @tiacs). TIACS provides free mental health counselling to tradies, truckies, rural, blue collar workers and their loved ones right around Australia. TIACS has a mission to start conversations surrounding mental health among Australia’s blue-collar workers while removing the physical and financial barriers associated with seeking mental health support. With 30 years of Retail Leadership experience with two of Australia’s biggest retailers in Coles and Bunnings Jason has a wealth of knowledge in managing large teams. Jason is no stranger to the blue-collar industry with 16 years working for Bunnings as the State Manager for Qld and as the National Safety & Wellness Manager. Jason understands how important mental health can impact those around us. Jason jumped onboard with the TIACS team to give back his experience and knowledge to a non-for-profit organisation that is making a real impact on everyday Australians. Don't forget to send us an email if you know of a story that we should tell at [email protected] *Become a Patreon Partner* - https://patreon.com/generationag Find us here: Instagram: @generation.ag Twitter: @generation_ag Website: www.generationag.com.au

Fraser Kessling, Founder & Director at iinputs.com, combines a mechanical engineering degree with a passion for ag innovation. Shifting from his engineering role at BHP, Fraser's entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of iinputs.com. This innovative tender marketplace bridges the gap between farmers and suppliers nationally, simplifying the tendering procurement process for farming inputs.  Fraser envisions a revolution in ag purchasing, delivering a cost-effective solution. iinputs.com aims to disrupt industry inefficiencies, aiming for significant savings of up to 10% on farming inputs. Fraser's commitment to transparency and efficiency positions iinputs.com as the go-to platform for inputs procurement, fostering value for both farmers and suppliers. Don't forget to send us an email if you know of a story that we should tell at [email protected] *Become a Patreon Partner* - https://patreon.com/generationag Find us here: Instagram: @generation.ag Twitter: @generation_ag Website: www.generationag.com.au

Veronica Terry (L: @Veronica Terry) is a qualified economic developer, holding a Bachelor of Business and a Graduate Diploma, with a financial background. Her role as Program Manager for Regional Development involves identifying and enhancing economic strengths and opportunities within the Cradle Coast region. This includes creating opportunities to build on and cross-pollinate local expertise in key sectors, such as agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Veronica works with Cradle Coast Authority Member councils to contribute to regional economic development through strategic initiatives and partnerships. Veronica and her husband, Rob, run a dynamic farming business that focuses on vegetable and grain production. Over the years, other farming activities have included winter dairy cow agistment for local dairy farmers, contract grain harvesting, spray contracting, contract potato planting, and contract potato harvesting. A past Grain Growers Grain Leaders program graduate, Veronica is also incredibly passionate about creating pathways for young people to access capital in order to start their own farm business. Don't forget to send us an email if you know of a story that we should tell at [email protected] *Become a Patreon Partner* - https://patreon.com/generationag Find us here: Instagram: @generation.ag Twitter: @generation_ag Website: www.generationag.com.au

Alison Hamilton (IG: @alisonhamiltoncoach), a fourth-generation farmer, business founder, and CEO, as well as an industry board director, wife, and mother of two, embraces each of these roles with passion. Referring to them as the 'hats that she wears,' Alison has spent her entire career in agriculture, with experience in corporate and government sectors and over 12 years in her own business. Alison finds the agriculture sector particularly exciting. Her enthusiasm is fueled by the prospect of enhancing effectiveness and efficiency in farm businesses through Organising, Systemising, and Capitalising. She thrives on bringing like-minded individuals together to foster growth and transformation, deriving inspiration from witnessing the positive impacts and life changes that effective organisation can bring to individuals, families, and businesses. Alison invites others to join her on this inspiring journey, eager to connect and share experiences. Don't forget to send us an email if you know of a story that we should tell at [email protected] *Become a Patreon Partner* - https://patreon.com/generationag Find us here: Instagram: @generation.ag Twitter: @generation_ag Website: www.generationag.com.au

Annalee Godwin, (F: Black Label Brangus) began her agricultural journey in her family’s Central Queensland's commercial livestock operation. Graduating from Rockhampton Grammar School in 2017, she boldly launched her own Brangus stud soon after at the age of 18, showcasing her early entrepreneurial spirit. Annalee's passion for the industry earned her a sponsored trip to the Houston Livestock Show by Brangus Australia in 2019, expanding her knowledge and network. Notably, she clinched the prestigious Burnham Youth Award in the same year, which recognised her positive contribution as a young person towards the breed.  Annalee sought out opportunities to learn more about stud breeding, which lead her to spending three years working for NCC Brahmans. Now, as of 2023, Annalee has spent the year cutting her teeth in the north, challenging herself in a stock camp travelling around the NT. Don't forget to send us an email if you know of a story that we should tell at [email protected] *Become a Patreon Partner* - https://patreon.com/generationag Find us here: Instagram: @generation.ag Twitter: @generation_ag Website: www.generationag.com.au

Sam McGrath (IG: @sam.mcgrath05) resides on a mixed farming operation on the Darling Downs in Queensland. The McGrath family has been actively farming in Cecil Plains for six generations since 1920, and Sam currently represents the sixth generation. Engaged in a diverse range of agricultural activities, the farm cultivates wheat, barley, sorghum, and mungbeans, alongside a livestock enterprise that includes cattle and sheep. Having recently graduated from Toowoomba Grammar School, where Sam spent six years, he developed a strong interest in both sports and academics. During this time, a newfound passion for drones and videography emerged in late 2021. This fascination was sparked by the viral trend of farming content on TikTok, and Sam has been captivated by it ever since. Don't forget to send us an email if you know of a story that we should tell at [email protected] *Become a Patreon Partner* - https://patreon.com/generationag Find us here: Instagram: @generation.ag Twitter: @generation_ag Website: www.generationag.com.au

Claudia Benn (L: @Claudia Benn) splits her time between consulting in the areas of broadacre cropping and grazing management for FARM Agronomy, and her family’s organic, grass-fed beef breeding operation. Claudia is passionate about improving economic, ecological and social outcomes by farming in alignment with natural processes and tackling environmental challenges through addressing root causes. She places a strong importance on encouraging diversity and biological relationships between soil, microbes, plants, animals and people. Claudia has recently been awarded a Nuffield Scholarship where she plans to explore this further.  Don't forget to send us an email if you know of a story that we should tell at [email protected] *Become a Patreon Partner* - https://patreon.com/generationag Find us here: Instagram: @generation.ag Twitter: @generation_ag Website: www.generationag.com.au

Tam Michalek (L: @Tam-michalek) grew up in South Australia in Naracoorte and attended Lucindale Area School which specialised in Agriculture, before moving to Western Australia to follow a career in Livestock. Tam is now based in Gidgegannup, WA. Where she works with her husband and manages their Black Angus and Speckle Park cattle, as well as hay contracting and livestock truck carting business. Tam is also Australia’s youngest live export licensee holder with Chloe Grant together they run T&T Rural Contracting exporting cattle to the middle east. Don't forget to send us an email if you know of a story that we should tell at [email protected] *Become a Patreon Partner* - https://patreon.com/generationag Find us here: Instagram: @generation.ag Twitter: @generation_ag Website: www.generationag.com.au

Meg Tate (nee McCosker) (L: Meg McCosker) hails from Emerald, QLD, where her roots are firmly embedded in the world of crop production and livestock management. After high school, she studied a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, with a specialisation in Crop Science and Agribusiness from CQ University. Prior to her most recent role as an Agriculture Workforce Officer, Meg served as an Agronomist, lending her expertise to the agricultural landscape of the Central Highlands region. In her capacity as an Agriculture Workforce Officer, Meg demonstrated her commitment to agricultural education and training. During her time at CHRRUP, Meg played a pivotal role in the conceptualisation and implementation of the LEADAg pilot program in 2022 and its expansion in 2023. Meg's journey has now taken her south to Goondiwindi, where she continues her contribution to the agricultural sector. Alongside her husband, she is poised to make further strides in this dynamic industry. Don't forget to send us an email if you know of a story that we should tell at [email protected] *Become a Patreon Partner* - https://patreon.com/generationag Find us here: Instagram: @generation.ag Twitter: @generation_ag Website: www.generationag.com.au