Boots Off Log On!™

Join us for a conversation with Jodie Redcliffe, scholar and CEO of Nuffield International Farming Scholars, about what global agriculture can teach Australian farmers about leadership and decision-making. Jodie shares insights from her travels across international farming systems, highlighting the differences in how businesses are structured, how decisions are made, and how leaders are developed. We explore the role Nuffield plays in building capability across the industry, the common patterns she observed across countries, and how farmers can take those lessons and apply them back home. A practical look at how perspective, curiosity, and better leadership can strengthen farm businesses for the long term.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us for a conversation with Cameron Weeks from Planfarm, as we explore what happens when global disruption hits close to home in Australian agriculture. Cameron shares how events beyond our control, from geopolitical tensions to supply chain shocks, are influencing the cost and availability of key inputs such as diesel, fertiliser, and freight. Explore how these pressures are showing up in farm businesses, the common challenges producers are facing, and why reacting late can often be more costly than acting early. A closer look at how farm businesses can better prepare for uncertainty, from stress-testing budgets to identifying risks early and making clearer, more proactive decisions. Resources: www.lifeline.org.au 24/7 crisis support: 13 11 14 www.tiacs.org TIACS is a professional mental health counselling service for tradies, truckies, farmers and blue collar workers. If you or your loved ones need a yarn or support, contact TIACS by calling or texting 0488 846 988 Mon-Fri 8am-10pm AEST. https://farmerhealth.org.au/   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.  

Join us for a conversation with Dr Mike Stephens, agricultural consultant, educator, and founder of Meridian Agriculture, a business that has spent more than four decades helping Australian farming families navigate some of their toughest decisions. Across a lifetime working alongside farm businesses, Mike has seen firsthand how the biggest challenges rarely come down to production or technology, but to people, communication, and the decisions families make together. Mike unpacks the patterns he sees across family enterprises, from succession tensions and leadership transitions to the growing need for clearer governance structures in modern farm businesses. As farms become larger and more complex, the role of advisers is shifting too, moving beyond technical expertise toward facilitation, strategy, and helping families work through difficult conversations. We explore how farming businesses can strengthen their long-term resilience through clearer roles, practical governance frameworks, better communication, and a shared vision for where the business is heading.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

In this episode, we chat with John Hill, co-founder of Land Watch Australia, about a problem more prevalent than ever across regional Australia: farm theft. John shares how two brothers looking for an excuse to go pig hunting ended up building one of the country’s leading rural security companies. From early camera installs on mates’ properties to rugged, plug-and-play stations powered by solar and connected via long-range wireless links and Starlink, he explains how technology is reshaping theft prevention in some of the most remote parts of the country. Join us as we unpack the real-world steps farmers can take to protect their properties, strengthen biosecurity and animal-welfare monitoring, and build practical security systems that work out in the paddock.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Robert Godfree, Senior Research Scientist and author of Drought Country, about what history can teach us about Australia’s harshest dry spells and how they continue to shape farming and life on the driest inhabited continent on Earth. Bob shares how his background in forest ecology and a childhood spent on a northern New South Wales farm led him to explore the long arc of drought in Australia, from the settlement drought of the 1790s to the Federation drought and beyond. He explains why cultural memory around drought fades every generation, how lessons are forgotten and relearned, and what this means for farmers preparing for the future. We also dig into how early settlers and Aboriginal knowledge intersected (and were often lost), how drought shaped Australia’s economy, expansion, and mythos, and why the next frontier of resilience may come from farmers who understand both the lessons of the past and the climate models of the future.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us for a conversation with Kim Tyrer, CEO and winemaker at Galafrey Wines in Mount Barker, one of Western Australia’s pioneering family-owned wineries. At just 25, Kim took the reins of the business following her father’s sudden passing. What began as a crash course in survival evolved into a 20-year journey of learning, leadership, and building a resilient vineyard renowned for its dry-grown vines and award-winning Riesling. Kim shares how she turned early chaos into clarity, why trusting herself became her greatest business lesson, and what it really takes to run a vineyard in regional Western Australia. We unpack the realities behind the romance of wine, from managing people and relationships to balancing creativity, business pressure, and family life. Kim shares what it takes to build something lasting on the land, and why trusting your own judgment is often the most important decision you’ll make. Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us for a conversation with Dennis Voznesenski, Australian agricultural economist and author of War and Wheat, his bestselling book on navigating markets during global conflict. “History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” – Mark Twain Dennis unpacks the major forces driving today’s grain and cattle markets, from war-driven supply disruption to tighter credit conditions, rising freight costs, and the long-term shift in global consumption led by global giants like China, India and Russia. We review the signals that both Australian and global growers should be watching now: demand trends, geopolitical alignment, and the freight and currency dynamics that quietly determine your farm-gate price. Please note: “War and Wheat: Navigating markets during global conflict” was written solely by the author in a personal capacity and does not represent the views or positions of any organisation.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

In this episode of sit down to chat with Bianca Tarrant, co-founder of Our Cow, an Australian direct-to-consumer meat company that is reshaping how Australians buy meat and how farmers get paid. What began with one steer sold on Facebook during the drought has become a $30 million enterprise supporting more than 100 farms and 50,000 customers. Bianca takes us through her journey from FIFO work in mining to building one of Australia’s fastest-growing ag start-ups, sharing lessons on scaling, cash-flow juggling, and staying true to the values of fairness, sustainability, and transparency. We explore the power of asking questions, the experience of being a woman leading in ag, and how Our Cow proves that doing right by farmers and customers can also make strong business sense.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us for a conversation with Mic Fels, an Esperance grain grower, engineer, former federal candidate, and owner of the business i-paddock. Frustrated by policy, compliance, and political drift, Mic moved from the paddock into politics. Mic reflects on what he’s seen firsthand as a medium-sized business owner: rising regulatory pressure, shrinking opportunities, and the growing challenges for small businesses and farms that are quietly closing their doors. He also breaks down how carbon accounting rules are affecting agriculture, penalising farmers even as they deliver the bulk of Australia’s emissions reductions. We dive into the BOOT test, the hidden cost of compliance, and what it truly takes to keep a farm business running.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us for a conversation with Paul McKenzie, consultant, grower, and one of the clearest voices calling for reform in Australia’s grains RD&E system. After presenting at UWA’s Industry Forum on the future of RD&E investment, Paul unpacks why more than a billion dollars in farmer-funded levies is sitting idle, how governance has drifted away from growers, and what a transition to a farmer-owned model could unlock for productivity and paddock-level impact. We dive into how a three-year levy moratorium could free up hundreds of millions for reinvestment on farm, the cost of short-term research contracts, and why restructuring the system could bring world-class science, long-term thinking, and genuine accountability back into grains research. A sharp, honest look at who pays, who decides, and what’s at stake for the next generation of Australian farming.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Skamp, co-founder of AgSKAN, the app helping farmers track machinery, manage mixed fleets, and improve paddock-level logistics without being locked into a single brand. What started as an idea in a tractor cab has evolved into a growing ag-tech company, giving growers across Australia real-time, bird’s-eye visibility of all their machines. Join us as we unpack how AgSKAN evolved from a GPS tracking experiment into a practical efficiency tool. Ryan explains why the future of ag-tech isn’t about collecting more data, but about seeing it more clearly, and how his team is making that possible.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Millett, co-founder of InvertiGro and the engineering mind behind some of the world’s most adaptable vertical farming systems. After setting out to build his own indoor farm, Paul quickly realised the tech didn’t exist, so he built it. What started as a farm project in Singapore is now a modular, scalable solution helping people grow food anywhere from a Perth backyard to the Saudi desert. “Indoor farming isn’t here to replace traditional ag, it’s here to fill the gaps.” Join us as we unpack how vertical farming fits into food deserts, mining towns, and megacities. We talk supply chains, food security, and how this tech could help farmers de-risk their operations, smooth out seasonal pressures, and even grow better seedlings.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

In this episode of the Boots Off Log On! Podcast, we continue our two-part special series recorded live at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days in Western Australia. We sit down with three leading voices from some of Australia’s biggest banks, each sharing insights on how farmers can strengthen their businesses and navigate the evolving financial landscape. David Kennedy, Commonwealth Bank David shares his experience leading agribusiness banking in WA. He discusses the value of early engagement with your bank, how resilience and strong business habits set successful operators apart, and why leveraging data is critical for farm businesses looking to thrive in challenging times. Sabin Ivey, ANZ Sabin brings ANZ’s global perspective on agricultural markets and trade. He explains how international connections and market trends affect Australian farmers, why medium to large family businesses are thriving in a global context, and how insights from global trade, data, and emerging generations are shaping the future of the sector. Rod Baker, Bendigo Bank Rod provides key takeaways from Bendigo Bank’s latest Agri Commodity Update, covering wheat, canola, beef, barley, and wool. He explains how global events, including China’s return to GM canola, and record beef exports, are impacting Australian farmers. Rod also highlights Bendigo Bank’s community bank model and what sets their approach apart from others. This episode is packed with practical advice and market insights to help farm businesses manage risk, build resilience, and plan for the future. Don’t forget to check out part one of the series if you haven’t already. Guests David Kennedy General Manager, Commonwealth Bank Sabin Ivey State Director Agribusiness (SA/WA/NT), ANZ Rod Baker Agricultural Analyst, Bendigo Bank     Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

In this episode of Boots Off Log On!, we kick off a two-part special series recorded live at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days in Western Australia. We’re joined by three experts from across the agricultural sector, each sharing insights and practical takeaways for farm businesses. Ben Sudlow, CSBP Fertilisers Ben takes us through the twists and turns of the global fertiliser market and what it means for growers. He explains how farmers can navigate price volatility, manage risk, and lock in margins to protect their bottom line. Ben also shares practical tips on planning ahead, understanding market forces, and making smarter purchasing decisions in a fast-changing agricultural landscape. Greg James, Rural West Greg draws on 30 years of experience in banking and over a decade as a rural financial counsellor to provide practical guidance for farm businesses. He shares insights on building financial resilience, managing cash flow effectively, and implementing strong business habits that help farms thrive in challenging times. Greg also explores the importance of open communication between family members and business partners, and how transparency and planning can safeguard both relationships and the business itself. Danielle Green, Dowerin Machinery Field Days ‍Danielle, General Manager of the Dowerin Machinery Field Days, walks us through the event’s journey from its grassroots beginnings in the 1960s to becoming one of Australia’s premier agricultural events. She explains how the event has adapted to changes in farming while keeping its community heart and delivering real value for growers and exhibitors alike. This episode is packed with insights on navigating global markets, building strong farm business practices, and understanding the role of community events in agriculture. Part two of this special series will be released soon, continuing the conversation with more industry leaders. Guests Ben Sudlow Sales Strategy and Reliability Manager, CSBP Fertilisers Greg James Small Business & Rural Financial Counsellor, Rural West Danielle Green General Manager, Dowerin Machinery Field Days   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

In this episode, we chat with Keith Drage, co-founder of Silvalis and Dutjahn Sandalwood Oils, who left a career in London’s financial markets to grow one of WA’s most unique native commodities, sandalwood. Keith shares how plantation sandalwood is making a strong comeback, thanks to long-term thinking, partnerships with traditional owners, and a business model grounded in land ownership and zero debt. He explains how sandalwood thrives on poorer, sandier soils, often the less productive parts of the farm, and how it can slot neatly into a mixed farming operation alongside cropping and even sheep. We also dig into the challenges of growing a long-term crop in a changing climate, the value of blending wild and plantation wood, and why traceability and premium markets are driving demand for this uniquely West Australian product.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us for a conversation with Tim Ford, founder of Feed Central and now at the helm of LocalAg, two national platforms transforming how hay, grain, and agricultural supplies are bought and sold across Australia. Tim shares how frustration with outdated systems led to the creation of Feed Central, now the country’s largest independent fodder marketplace, and how that same vision is driving LocalAg, a national online trading platform for everything from seed to machinery. We explore how trust is built through quality standards, what makes a successful transaction in agriculture, and why technology only works when it’s backed by people who truly understand the paddock. Tim also discusses the challenges of scaling trust in a digital world, the importance of grading and traceability, and how both Feed Central and LocalAg are helping producers and buyers get a better deal without losing the human connection.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us for a conversation with Tom Rooney, the founder of Waterfind and one of the key players in shaping Australia’s modern water trading system. Tom shares how a small citrus block and a university fee turned into a lifelong career navigating the rules, reforms, and realities of water rights. From early brokerage days to building a national water exchange, he’s seen firsthand how much water has changed in value, in complexity, and in how it’s managed. Tom opens up about the early challenges, the rapid rise in water values, and why proper water planning is no longer optional but essential. We break down the layers of Australian water policies, market structures, and why water behaves nothing like land. Tom explains why Australia’s system is so unique (and often misunderstood), what growers need to know to avoid costly mistakes, and how to stay ahead in a landscape of buybacks, allocations, and climate pressure. Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us for a conversation with Belinda Lay, a mixed enterprise farmer from Esperance and the mind behind the 'Fitbit for sheep' project. Pioneering on-animal sensors to mapping paddock behaviour through layers of soil, crop and GPS data, Belinda’s curiosity has led her to trial, and sometimes fail, with cutting-edge agritech, all in the name of smarter, more resilient farming. Belinda shares how she navigated a jungle of devices, subscriptions, and signal towers to figure out what’s actually useful on the farm. We chat about the cost of chasing innovation, the eight-pillar framework Belinda uses to assess agritech, and what we can learn from her experience. We dive into what it means to automate observation, make confident decisions with data, and future-proofing your business through flexibility. Want more insights like this? See Belinda live at Future Ag Expo in Melbourne! Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us for a conversation with Andrew and Jocie Bate, the farmer-founders behind SwarmFarm Robotics, an Australian agtech company revolutionising the way we farm. Their lightweight autonomous robots, which are already working across millions of acres, are helping growers do more with less: less chemical use, less soil compaction, and less time spent in a tractor cab. Together, Andrew and Jocie share the story of building SwarmFarm from scratch, how robotics is bringing back old farming practices with a modern twist, and why autonomy is not about replacing people but empowering them. We dive into the evolving identity of the modern farmer, the return on investment robots are already delivering on-farm, and how this technology is unlocking new roles, new efficiencies, and a more diverse future for agriculture.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us as we sit down with Luke Chaplain, founder of SkyKelpie, Nuffield Scholar, and drone mustering pioneer, to unpack how off-the-shelf tech is transforming the way we manage livestock in Australia. With roots on a family property in northwest Queensland and a background in stockmanship, Luke brings a practical, ground-up perspective to one of ag’s most exciting frontiers. Since launching SkyKelpie, he’s worked with producers across the country to integrate drone technology into their day-to-day operations, all without losing the art of good stock handling. We explore the economics of replacing a helicopter with a drone and the role of drones as tools for stockmanship. We also talk about how gamified training is helping a new generation of workers learn to handle livestock with skill and care. Plus, Luke opens up about his filmmaking side hustle and how one of his first scripts involves a bank heist and a family secret.   Disclaimer The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.