Advertise on podcast: Humans of Agriculture

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Elle Moyle, a Zanda McDonald Award finalist, veterinarian and farmer with Pathfinder Angus in Western Victoria. Elle reflects on her path from working as a district vet, including international biosecurity work, to returning to the family farming business and building her own agricultural interests. A big part of the conversation is Elle’s experience with the Zanda McDonald Award. While she made the final three but didn’t win, the experience helped build her confidence, expand her network and create relationships that continue to shape her career. Elle also shares what she has learnt about building genuine professional relationships, the value of putting yourself forward for opportunities, and what is happening at Pathfinder Angus as the family business continues to grow. In this episode: Elle’s move from veterinary work to full-time farmingHer experience as a Zanda McDonald Award finalistWhy you don’t have to win to get enormous value from the awardBuilding confidence, networks and long-term professional relationshipsThe growth of Pathfinder Angus and Elle’s role in the family businessWhy Elle encourages others to put themselves forwardApplications for the Zanda McDonald Award are open from 1 October to 31 October 2026. Chapters 00:00 Elle Moyle’s journey and the Zanda McDonald Award02:11 From veterinary work to full-time farming04:00 Veterinary and biosecurity work05:21 Why Elle applied for the Zanda McDonald Award06:15 Lessons from being a finalist07:34 Building a lasting network10:04 Learning from industry leaders11:12 The growth of Pathfinder Angus12:23 Why more young agricultural professionals should apply13:45 What’s ahead for Pathfinder Angus

Welcome to the Tom & Mick Show! This week, Tom & Mick sit down with Anna Speer, whose career has taken her from teaching and AgTech to leadership roles with AuctionsPlus, Australian Agricultural Company, Woolworths and now Stone Axe. Anna shares what she’s learnt about building strong teams, making commercial decisions and creating long-term value, while unpacking how Stone Axe is building a vertically integrated Wagyu business from conception through to consumption. In this episode: Anna’s unconventional career through agriculture and AgTechWhat private equity brings to an agricultural businessHow vertical integration can reduce exposure to market volatilityUsing 10-year herd modelling to make better decisions todayManaging rising feed, fuel and labour costsWhy building your own brand isn’t always the best strategyWagyu genetics, premium markets and future growthBuilding teams and adapting your leadership to different peopleChapters 00:00 Introduction and catching up with Anna Speer03:01 Anna’s career through agriculture and AgTech07:49 From Woolworths to Stone Axe12:39 Private equity and commercial decision-making19:29 Wagyu genetics and growing Stone Axe26:14 Managing market cycles and supply chains31:20 Herd modelling and planning 10 years ahead36:00 Consumer trends and Wagyu’s premium market40:04 Managing rising input costs44:40 Branding, Angus and supply chain partnerships50:17 Leadership and building better teams

What happens when you step outside your own patch and spend time learning from some of the best operators in agriculture? 2026 Australian Zanda McDonald Award winner Bryce Neyland joins Oli after completing his mentoring trips across New Zealand and Australia. Bryce shares what he learned about risk, resilience, investment and leadership, and why seeing how other businesses operate has challenged the way he thinks about his own career and family farming business. Importantly, Bryce didn’t win the first time he applied. He reflects on what changed between applications, the value of getting clear on where you want to go, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is put your hand up and have another crack. In this episode: What Bryce learned travelling through Australian and New Zealand agricultureWhy New Zealand challenged his thinking about productivity and getting more from what you haveWhat resilient Australian farming businesses do differentlyHow leading businesses think about investment, risk and long-term decision-makingWhy Bryce is now thinking differently about planning for tough seasons on the family farmLearning to expect pressure rather than being surprised by itWhy getting outside your own "sandbox" matters for personal and professional growthWhat changed between Bryce's first unsuccessful Zanda application and ultimately winning the AwardWhy the alumni network may be one of the Award's greatest opportunitiesBryce's advice for anyone considering putting their hand up Applications for the Zanda McDonald Award are open from 1 October to 31 October 2026. If you’re involved in agriculture, want to keep learning and are curious about where you could take your career, Bryce’s advice is pretty simple: get your application in and have a crack. Chapters00:00 Catching up with Bryce02:15 Life as the 2026 Zanda McDonald Award winner03:11 The Australian and New Zealand mentoring trips05:20 What New Zealand agriculture taught Bryce06:32 Productivity versus resilience08:04 How great businesses think about investment and risk10:34 Bringing the lessons back to the family farm11:30 Leadership, negotiation and personal development13:27 Learning to expect pressure14:39 What successful dryland farming businesses taught Bryce17:00 Why apply for the Zanda McDonald Award?19:01 Bryce didn't get through the first time20:18 "I only know what I know"22:04 What changed between Bryce's two applications23:31 Bryce's advice to future applicants

Fourth-generation beef producer Stafford Ives-Heres is building Shanford Park on Tasmania's north-west coast with one eye firmly on the generations still to come. From starting with 10 cattle and working cray boats to fund his growth, to succession, leasing land and questioning whether owning more country always makes commercial sense, Stafford shares how he's thinking about building a family business that's valuable enough to be taken on, not simply sold. We chat about: Growing up at Shanford Park and being the last of four kids to become interested in farmingStarting with 10 cattle as a teenagerWorking cray boats along Tasmania's remote west coastUsing off-farm income to build livestock ownershipWhy the family moved from dairy into beefThe beginnings of Tasmanian Seaweed FertilisersSeparating family businesses to make succession workGrowing livestock numbers through ownership, leasing and share farmingWhy Stafford questions the need to own every hectareBuilding equity and optionality for the next generationCreating pathways into agriculture without owning landWhy professional development and strong networks matterChapters 00:00 The realities of regional connectivity05:09 Meet Stafford Ives-Heres06:17 Farming on Tasmania's north-west coast10:21 Starting with 10 cattle12:15 Leaving farming for the cray industry16:24 Lessons from working at sea18:01 From dairy farming to seaweed fertiliser23:40 Separating businesses and navigating succession25:36 Growing the beef business28:29 Having children and thinking generations ahead31:04 Playing the long game with land and scale32:22 Professional development, equity and what's next36:18 Leasing land and creating pathways into agriculture39:05 Rabobank's Executive Development Program

Jack and Lisa Beattie didn’t set out to build a strawberry propagation business. After leaving Jack’s family dairy operation and trying several different ventures, an unexpected opportunity at Ouse in Tasmania changed their direction. Today, JCLM Farming produces around 10% of Australia’s strawberry nursery plants. Jack and Lisa share the decisions, setbacks and lessons behind that growth, and their ambition to become the provider of choice for Australian strawberry growers. In this episode: Leaving the family farm and starting againWhy their early businesses were important stepping stonesThe unexpected move from dairy into strawberry propagationThe moment they decided to back one business rather than keep diversifyingWhy Ouse is uniquely suited to growing strawberry nursery plantsGrowing JCLM to around 10% of the Australian marketFinding and bringing new strawberry genetics into AustraliaHow six plants can become millions through propagationDigitising the customer journey from ordering through to deliveryBuilding a team around Jack and Lisa’s different strengthsTheir goal to double JCLM’s share of the Australian marketChapters 00:00 Introduction and JCLM Farming today02:20 Jack’s farming roots and moving from the UK to Tasmania05:09 Leaving the family dairy business07:25 The difficult first decade on their own09:06 Their first businesses and lessons from things that didn’t work12:12 Lisa’s perspective on money, growth and building the business16:11 How strawberries unexpectedly entered the picture18:55 The two phone calls that changed their direction22:43 Building JCLM into 10% of Australia’s strawberry plant market24:44 Creating value for customers and aligning the team26:29 Jack and Lisa’s different strengths as leaders28:45 Global genetics and the story of six Eclipse plants32:34 Building a digital-first strawberry nursery37:47 The ambition to double JCLM’s Australian market share39:14 What are the chances your strawberries started at JCLM?40:41 The strawberry needle scare, COVID and labour challenges

Michael Spencer has spent more than 30 years across livestock agency, corporate agriculture, cattle processing and pastoral operations, including roles with Elders, AACo and Bindaree Beef before helping build Adcock Partners. In this episode of The Tom & Mick Show, Michael joins Tom and Mick to unpack what good livestock agency actually looks like, why Adcock Partners deliberately operates under the radar, and what he is seeing across cattle markets from northern Australia through to the eastern states. They discuss:  Michael’s unconventional path through Elders, AACo, Bindaree Beef and into Adcock Partners  Why relationships and people remain the foundation of a strong agency business  Building a business around agility rather than corporate complexity  Why Adcock Partners has deliberately stayed relatively quiet and selective  How livestock agency has changed over the past 30 years  What good service looks like when clients span enormous distances  Seasonal conditions across Queensland and the Northern Territory  Why producer confidence can move cattle prices quickly  The relationship between live export and domestic cattle markets  Why live export remains critical to northern Australia and Indonesia  What Michael expects from cattle markets heading through spring and into 2027 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Michael Spencer and Adcock Partners05:24 Michael’s path from Melbourne to livestock agency12:41 From Elders and AACo to Bindaree18:05 Building Adcock Partners and the business philosophy23:34 What good livestock agency service looks like29:48 Seasonal conditions across northern Australia35:12 The cattle market and influence of the farmer40:36 Live export, Indonesia and changing cattle markets46:18 What happens next for the cattle market50:20 The Charbray question and wrapping up

Gerard Hines and Chris Duff have spent nearly four decades working alongside each other, building one of Australia's most respected independent agribusinesses from a single rural store into a national business.  What does it take to build an agribusiness from a handful of people into a national business, without losing the culture, relationships and local connection that made it successful in the first place? Gerard Hines and Chris Duff are the co-founders of Delta Agribusiness. Their working relationship stretches back almost 40 years, from a small rural business near Young, NSW, through the creation of Delta Agribusiness in 2006 and more than 20 acquisitions, before Delta ultimately became part of Elders. This is a conversation about much more than growth. Gerard and Chris unpack the decisions, people and principles underneath it, from backing themselves during drought, putting their own money on the line and using employee ownership to create alignment, to learning why balance sheet strength, local relationships and great people matter when building a business for the long term. Key insights from the conversation: How Gerard and Chris built a partnership spanning nearly 40 years through trust, respect and shared valuesWhy bringing independent agronomy into agricultural retail fundamentally changed their business modelThe role mentors and early equity opportunities played in shaping Delta's inclusive ownership philosophyWhat IAMA, Wesfarmers and AWB taught them about leadership, governance, systems and financial disciplineWhy Delta was founded during the middle of a severe drought and how backing themselves changed everythingThe importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet so opportunities can be seized during difficult seasonsHow focusing on people, culture and local relationships drove more than 20 successful acquisitions across AustraliaWhy equity ownership became one of Delta's greatest tools for attracting, retaining and aligning great peopleHow staying connected to customers and the frontline has remained critical, even as the business has grown nationallyThe lessons learned from succession planning, bringing in private equity, and ultimately partnering with Elders to secure Delta's next chapterChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Gerard Hines and Chris Duff's Journey 01:52 Early Days of Agriculture and Agronomy 04:00 Founding of Delta Agribusiness and Initial Challenges 08:05 The Impact of Industry Changes and Mergers 11:57 Lessons Learned from Industry Challenges 15:57 Growth Strategies and Private Equity Involvement 20:08 Building Company Culture and Leadership 25:02 Managing Growth, Succession, and Industry Dynamics 31:47 The Decision to Start Delta and Early Risks 36:04 Timing and Market Conditions During Launch 40:03 Resilience During Droughts and Market Cycles 45:07 The Role of Relationships and Trust in Business 49:48 Strategic Acquisitions and Private Equity Partnerships 54:58 Adapting to Industry and Market Changes 59:55 Leadership, Culture, and the Future of Delta Podcast Keywords Delta Agribusiness, Gerard Hines, Chris Duff, Australian agribusiness, agronomy Australia, agricultural leadership, agribusiness entrepreneurship, rural business, agriculture careers, agricultural retail, private agronomy, Australian farming, business growth, mergers and acquisitions, employee ownership, business culture, drought resilience, leadership development, succession planning, Elders, regional business, entrepreneurship in agriculture

Action Steel Sales Coordinator Role - Find here. We sit down with Lennie Grace to learn more about Action Steel and the current opportunities available in his sales team.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Action Steel and family business01:27 How Action Steel started02:01 Growing up in the family business03:33 Why Action Steel chose agriculture04:53 The importance of focus06:21 Building a network for growth08:18 Team, culture and specialist skills10:03 The Sales Coordinator opportunity12:43 Understanding the role and customer experience18:26 Transparency, incentives and the future of Action Steel

Building a premium beef brand isn't just about producing exceptional cattle. It's about understanding markets, embracing data, building the right team, and having the patience to make decisions years before the product reaches a customer's plate. In this episode, Harry Kemp shares the story behind King River, the family-owned Wagyu business that has grown from a bold partnership between two Queensland families into a premium beef brand supplying customers across more than 35 countries. Harry reflects on growing up in a family grazing business, leaving school early to return to the land, and how his approach to learning has evolved alongside the rapid transformation of Australian agriculture. What began as a traditional cattle operation has become a data-driven business where genetics, consumer demand, and long-term thinking shape every decision. Together, Oli and Harry explore the realities of building a premium export brand, why consistency matters more than chasing perfection, and how strong relationships have underpinned King River's remarkable growth over the past five years. From genetics and data to leadership, teamwork, and customer relationships, this conversation offers a fascinating insight into what it takes to build a modern beef business that delivers quality from paddock to plate. Key insights from the conversation: Harry's journey from the family cattle property to co-founding King RiverWhy two family businesses joined forces to build a premium Wagyu brandThe challenges of building a business with a four-year production cycleHow genetics, data, and consumer demand are transforming beef productionWhy consistency matters more than producing the highest marbling scoresBuilding a business that now supplies premium Wagyu to more than 35 countriesLessons on rapid business growth, leadership, and putting people in the right rolesThe importance of relationships, accountability, and shared values in successful partnershipsWhy producing great food is ultimately about bringing people together, regardless of language or cultureChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Harry Kemp and King River Beef02:20 The significance of the Ekka week and industry events04:00 Harry's background and early life in farming07:32 Changes in beef farming over 21 years10:07 The formation of King River Beef in 201911:30 Utilising Wagyu to optimise feedlot infrastructure14:05 Transition from selling cattle to branding and marketing16:22 Meeting the Rich family and forming the partnership19:45 Managing rapid growth and team restructuring24:55 Impact of genetics and breeding on marbling29:38 The importance of data and technology in decision-making34:22 Building a global customer base and maintaining quality44:01 The future vision for King River Beef45:20 Harry's perspective on being a food producer46:47 The universal language of good food and beef47:22 Closing remarks and next steps for the business

In the second of a two-part panel series with the Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, Oli Le Lievre sits down with St George producers Jake Moon of Moonrocks and cotton grower Craig Saunders to explore how innovation is being used to solve real problems within two very different farming businesses. Jake shares how Moonrocks identified labour and weed management as a growing constraint before adopting an AI-powered green-on-green sprayer, while Craig reflects on how the pursuit of growing more cotton with less water led him to rethink irrigation and develop automation for bankless systems. This conversation is not about promoting a particular product. It is about what happens before and after a technology is adopted: identifying a problem, researching potential solutions, working through the economics and building the people, systems and processes needed to make it work. Jake and Craig discuss the importance of measuring performance, understanding return on investment and being willing to challenge the way things have always been done. They also share the limitations, frustrations and unanswered questions that remain, from integrating data across a business to deciding which investment should come next. From robotics and irrigation automation to labour, software, profitability and long-term planning, this is a practical conversation about using innovation to build more productive, adaptable and drought-resilient farming businesses. The Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is supported by funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Learn more at www.unisq.edu.au/sqnnswhub. Key insights from the conversation: Why Jake and Craig began looking for new ways to solve labour, water and productivity challenges.How Craig’s pursuit of “more profit per drop” led to the automation of bankless irrigation.How robotics is helping Moonrocks reduce manual weeding, lower herbicide use and improve crop performance.Why measuring water use, labour, inputs and yield is essential when assessing new technology.The importance of matching innovation with a clearly defined business problem.Why successful adoption depends on people, processes and simple, reliable systems - not just the technology itself.How farmers can assess return on investment without chasing every new product or efficiency.The role of data, software and connected systems in improving decision-making.The value of learning from other farmers, industries and international businesses.The practical challenges of adopting technology, including cost, integration, support and uncertainty.Why profitability is central to long-term sustainability and drought resilience.How innovation can shift farm roles away from repetitive manual work and toward higher-skilled decision-making. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Craig Saunders' farm and innovation focus01:50 Historical context of farming equipment and evolution03:52 The rapid pace of agricultural change and innovation06:53 Craig Saunders' farm history and diversification10:06 Water management challenges and technological solutions15:01 Adopting bankless irrigation and automation20:06 Jake Moon's farm history and crop diversification24:57 Use of AI-powered sprayers and weed management30:11 The impact of technology on crop health and yields34:48 Decision-making processes and data leverage in farming40:00 The role of grants, strategic planning, and future opportunities45:11 Lessons learned from travel and industry networks50:10 The importance of continuous evolution and innovation in agriculture55:04 Future prospects: local manufacturing, AI, and robotics57:52 Final thoughts on the future of agriculture and technology

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Josh Tepper, CEO, and Michael Webb, COO and co-founders of Ornata Technologies, to explore how they're transforming farm operations through autonomous machinery and why now is an exciting time to join their growing team. Following their appearance at evokeAG, Josh and Michael share how Ornata has evolved from launching its first commercial customers to building strong momentum across Victoria. They discuss their unique approach to autonomy, where experienced remote operators work alongside autonomous machinery to deliver the benefits of automation without adding complexity for farmers or requiring them to replace the equipment they already own. The conversation also provides an inside look at the newly created Area Sales Manager role across Victoria and Southern New South Wales. Josh and Michael explain why this is much more than a sales position. It is an opportunity to build trusted relationships with farmers, understand their operations, demonstrate the technology in the field, and help producers solve one of agriculture's biggest challenges, finding skilled labour. Whether you're passionate about agriculture, technology or helping farmers adopt new innovations, this episode offers a genuine insight into life inside one of Australia's most exciting agtech startups. Josh and Michael explain what success looks like, why trust sits at the centre of every customer relationship, and how joining Ornata today offers the chance to grow alongside a business shaping the future of Australian agriculture. To learn more about Ornata Technologies and the Area Sales Manager opportunity, visit the Humans of Agriculture careers page. The role is live now, and we'd love to hear from people who are ready to help bring the next generation of autonomous farming technology to Australian agriculture. Key insights from the conversation: How Ornata has progressed from its first commercial deployments to a growing customer base.Why Ornata's remote operations platform makes autonomous farming practical for today's producers.How the business helps farmers address labour shortages while using the machinery they already own.Why building trust with farmers is the foundation of every customer relationship.What the Area Sales Manager role looks like day to day.Why understanding farming systems matters more than having deep technical knowledge.How customer referrals are driving growth across regional farming communities.What it is like working in a fast-growing Australian agtech startup.Why joining early creates opportunities to grow with the business.What success looks like after the first 12 months in the role.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Ornata Technologies and the new role02:34 Six months of progress and milestones05:31 The importance of local customer relationships12:00 Why Victoria and New South Wales are key markets15:10 What success looks like in the territory manager role22:45 Customer profiles and farm types26:54 Onboarding and what to expect in the role36:51 The future of autonomous farming technology

In the first of a two-part panel series with the Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, Oli brings together Alex Archer from Webster Grain & Grazing at Lundavra and Ewen Beaton, Aminya Pastoral Pty Ltd, Manager at Kioma, west of Goondiwindi, to explore how two producers have approached the adoption of virtual fencing within their own grazing businesses. While each operation uses a different virtual fencing platform, this conversation is not about comparing technology. It is about the decision-making process behind adopting innovation, identifying opportunities within a farming business and understanding how new tools can support more productive, resilient grazing systems. Alex shares how virtual fencing has unlocked more than 160 hectares of previously underutilised country within a predominantly cropping enterprise, while Ewen reflects on how the technology is changing the way his team thinks about pasture utilisation, forage management and livestock movement. Together, they discuss the practical realities of implementation, the importance of good systems and the lessons they've learned along the way. From business decisions and grazing management to resilience and continuous improvement, this is a conversation about using innovation to solve real problems on farm. The Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is supported by funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund. Learn more at www.unisq.edu.au/sqnnswhub. Key insights from the conversation: Why both businesses started looking for new grazing solutions and what drove their investment decisions.How virtual fencing is helping improve pasture utilisation and unlock previously underutilised country.The importance of matching technology adoption with business goals and economic outcomes.What successful implementation looks like beyond the technology itself.The role of management systems, people and processes in making innovation work.How virtual fencing is changing the way producers think about grazing intensity, livestock movement and pasture management.The practical challenges, limitations and lessons learned during adoption.Why curiosity, continuous learning and asking questions are essential when adopting new technology.How innovation can help farming businesses become more productive, adaptable and drought resilient. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Virtual Fencing and Guests 02:02 Why Virtual Fencing is a Game Changer 03:05 Alex Archer's Farm and Grazing Innovation 05:01 Ewan Beaton's Experience with Halter 05:48 Adoption Timeline and Decision Factors 09:04 Economic Drivers and Farm Benefits 11:55 Training Cattle and Managing Boundaries 16:03 Animal Behaviour and Welfare Insights 19:58 Seasonal Grazing and Pasture Management 28:05 Challenges, Connectivity, and Lessons Learned 32:08 Future Potential and Next Steps in AgTech

Third-generation cattle producer Tom Lahey always knew he wanted to return home to the family farm near Goondiwindi. But after working across Western Australia and travelling through the United States to visit some of the world's leading regenerative ranches, he came back with a different perspective on what the future of Australian grazing could look like. Rather than chasing quick wins, Tom has focused on building a more resilient business by improving soil health, measuring grazing performance and making better decisions with data. Over the past five years, AgriWebb has become a central part of that journey, helping the family move from relying on notebooks and memory to having real-time information that supports day-to-day management and long-term planning. In this episode, Tom shares how travel reshaped his thinking, why healthy soil and healthy people go hand in hand, and how technology is helping his family make more confident decisions while creating a stronger future for the next generation. Key insights from the conversation: Growing up on a family cattle property near GoondiwindiHow travelling through the US changed his approach to grazing and soil healthBringing new ideas back into a multi-generational family businessWhy AgriWebb became the foundation for better decision-makingUsing grazing data to navigate dry seasons with confidenceHow technology supports carbon projects and tells the story behind farming practicesThe importance of measuring progress instead of relying on memoryWhy the future of farming will rely on connected technology and better dataBuilding a legacy focused on healthy soils, healthy businesses and healthy people Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Tom Lahey and his farm journey 00:28 Tom's background and family farm in Wyaga 02:08 Growing up on the family farm and passion for farming 04:56 Adopting a progressive mindset in agriculture 06:53 Experience in Western Australia and genetic improvements 07:35 Trip to the US and insights into regenerative ranching 09:42 Soil health, environment, and profitability 11:30 Implementing grazing techniques post-US trip 13:20 Using AgriWebb for farm management and decision making 17:52 Integrating data and technology in farm operations 20:26 Evolution of farm management tools over five years 22:38 Future plans for technology and farm legacy

John Fargher grew up on a sheep and cattle station in South Australia's Flinders Ranges, where innovation wasn't a buzzword. It was a necessity. From School of the Air and life on a remote station to practising law in London, John's path looked a long way from building one of agriculture's most recognised technology companies. But a conversation in a London pub changed everything. Together with fellow co-founders Kevin Baum and Justin Webb, John left his legal career behind to tackle one of agriculture's biggest challenges: helping livestock producers move beyond paper records and make better decisions using data. More than a decade later, AgriWebb supports producers across Australia, the UK, North America, South America and beyond, helping digitise livestock businesses while connecting farmers more closely with supply chains and the future of food production. In this episode, John reflects on the journey from startup garage to global ag-tech business, the realities of building a company in one of the world's least digitised industries, and why earning farmers' trust has always mattered more than building software. The conversation also explores AgriWebb's recent acquisition by URUS, the future of livestock data, and why John believes agriculture still has enormous untapped opportunities for innovation. Key insights from the conversation: Growing up on a remote station in the Flinders RangesLeaving a legal career in London to co-found AgriWebbWhy agriculture was still running on paper when AgriWebb beganBuilding a startup before ag tech was an established industryThe lessons from growing a global software businessExpanding into the UK, North America and BrazilWhy digitising agriculture remains one of the industry's biggest opportunitiesThe role of trust, partnerships and culture in scaling a businessHow AI, data and genetics could shape the future of livestock productionWhat's next for AgriWebb following its acquisition by URUS Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to AgriWebb and its origins 00:33 John Farger's background and childhood in the Flinders Ranges 01:01 The early days of AgriWebb and its mission 02:24 Recent milestones and the URUS acquisition 06:40 John’s childhood and the influence of farming life 09:39 The start of the AgriWebb story in London 12:00 The founding of AgriWebb in Melbourne 13:40 The state of Australian agtech a decade ago 16:08 The initial problem in livestock digitization 20:51 Pivot from hardware to software focus 23:41 Technological evolution and early challenges 27:55 Business model evolution and market education 30:49 Competitive landscape and category creation 33:11 International expansion and market entry strategies 37:26 Building a global business with a unified culture 41:24 Company culture and employee engagement 45:46 Lessons from market fluctuations and industry challenges 49:00 Managing noise and trends in ag tech 51:46 Future opportunities in agriculture and advice for entrepreneurs 55:33 Vision for the next decade and impact goals 58:57 Connecting farm data to global supply chains 01:03:50 The role of sustainability and corporate responsibility 01:06:01 Reflections on the journey and future outlook

This business spotlight explores how RLF AgTech is turning decades of agricultural research into practical products that help farmers improve productivity and profitability. Chairman Ben Barlow shares his journey from building and exiting New Edge Microbials to leading RLF AgTech, explaining why commercialisation is often the missing link between great science and widespread adoption. He discusses what attracted him to the business, how RLF has built on more than 20 years of research and field trials, and why the future of Australian agriculture depends on making innovation practical at the farm gate. This episode explains how RLF AgTech's approach to plant nutrition, biologicals and local manufacturing is helping strengthen farm businesses while positioning Australian innovation for global growth. For anyone interested in ag tech, agricultural productivity or the future of farming, this is a practical and insightful conversation. RLF AgTech is an Australian agricultural technology company developing plant nutrition and biological solutions that improve crop performance. The business combines decades of research, extensive field trials and local manufacturing to deliver products that integrate into existing farming systems while supporting more productive and resilient agriculture. Key insights from the conversation: How RLF AgTech is commercialising decades of agricultural researchWhy adoption depends on trust, education and on-farm resultsThe role of local manufacturing in strengthening Australian agricultureWhy improving farm profitability is the foundation for future ag tech adoptionBen's outlook on the future of Australian agriculture and agricultural innovation Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Ben Barlow's background01:34 Ben's journey since last conversation02:30 Focus on plant, animal, and soil health03:57 Deep science and commercial potential of biologicals05:55 Involvement with RLF AgTech07:52 Opportunities in biologicals and crop yields10:54 Australian agriculture's adoption challenges14:13 Market opportunities and niche products17:06 Global markets and export potential20:02 Local manufacturing and supply chain resilience23:11 Future of agritech and investment challenges26:08 Leadership, risk, and strategic growth30:00 Opportunities and pathways for Australian agriculture32:50 Skills for the next generation of farmers33:56 Closing remarks and key takeaways