Beyond the Farm Gate

Kay and her husband Dave along with their children Georga and Harry are the fifth generation on their farm in Kerry and they’ve taken some seriously bold steps in the past few years — from cutting down their herd, leaving their milk processor, to building their own, on-farm, micro-creamery and opening their farm to become one of South East Queensland’s most loved Agritourism experiences.In this episode Kay will discuss the realities of succession planning, the emotional and practical shifts that come with reinventing a multi-generational farm and the beautiful story of the next generation — especially Kay’s son, Harry — as he builds his own business on the farm and continues on the family legacy. Resources and links: Tommerup's Dairy - Website Tommerup's Dairy Farm - Facebook Tommerup's Dairy Farm on Instagram Kay Tommerup | LinkedIn Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au. Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bianca Tarrant is the co-founder and CEO of Our Cow, an online paddock-to-plate meat business connecting Australian farmers directly with consumers. Built alongside her partner Dave, Our Cow emerged from firsthand experience with drought, bushfires and the volatility of traditional cattle markets. In this episode, Bianca shares how a simple idea to sell meat from their own farm grew into a national subscription business supporting more than 150 farmers in just over half a decade. She talks through the realities of building a values-driven business, the challenges and rewards of scaling, and what the Our Cow model looks like today. The conversation also explores what direct-to-consumer food systems mean for farmers, customers and the future of Australian agriculture. Resources and links: Our Cow Website Our Cow on Instagram Our Cow on Facebook Bianca Tarrant on LinkedIn   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathy Gabriel is a Farmer and Photographer from New South Wales. When Kathy is not working on her farm, her love of adventure leads her to travel to the most unique and hidden places across the earth. In this episode, Kathy describes her love of horses, her preference for the arts of maths and sciences, and how it has led her to where she is today. She recounts various emotional, physical, and mental hurdles to her journey and how she bounced back and conquered the Mongol Derby. Finally, she discusses her travels to Mongolia, meeting secluded tribes, and the things she learned from the experience.   Resources and links: Kathy Gabriel Photography Website Kathy Gabriel on Instagram Kathy Gabriel on Facebook   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this end-of-year special episode, Helen and Matt turn the microphones on themselves to reflect on their very first year behind the mic.  They look back on the highlights, the hiccups, and the unexpected moments that shaped the show. You’ll hear Helen and Matt talk a bit about their roles at Bendigo Bank, what made this year such a memorable ride, and what they have planned for the year to come.   Resources and links: Bendigo Bank Website Matt Gill on LinkedIn Helen Connick on LinkedIn   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Priscilla Evans-Gittany is the Owner of Vet and Ag Tools. Priscilla runs Vet & Ag Tools, a business helping vets and agricultural professionals work smarter, not harder. In this episode, Priscilla explains how Vet & Ag Tools got started. She breaks down what they offer and what she hopes to provide for the ag industry. She walks us through the benefits and uses of their custom-made pulleys. Lastly, Priscilla gives some life advice regarding the use of technology in the ag industry.   Resources and links: Vet & Ag Tools Website Vet & Ag Tools on Facebook Priscilla Evans-Gittany on Instagram   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Rose is a Principal Consultant at Performance Viticulture. Performance Viticulture makes it its mission to provide credible and quality business management for vineyards of all shapes and sizes. In this episode, Ben recounts his history in both rural and urban living conditions, his experience in Mexico and Spain, and how it all funnelled into who he is today, a man of 3 overlapping, but distinct professions. He talks pest control in viticulture and the solutions he’s exploring for his own property. Finally, he shares his thoughts on the wine industry and how the pandemic has affected the public view on alcohol drinking.   Resources and links: Performance Viticulture Website Ben Rose on LinkedIn   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dallas Davidson is the founder of DMD Marketing and a member of the Board of Destination Scenic Rim. Growing up on a sheep dairy farm in Queensland herself, she now helps farmers and producers share their day to day with the broader audience through their integration of marketing with farm life. In this episode, Dallas shares her path towards where she is now and how she ended up loving lending farmers a creative hand. Dallas explains DMD marketing and how they help producers present their stories and businesses. She talks about the role Destination Scenic Rim plays in promoting agritourism in the area. Finally, she touches on the struggle of keeping farms within the family and how farmers should be having the hard conversations with the next generation.   Resources and links: DMD Marketing Website  Destination Scenic Rim Website Dallas Davidson on Linkedin   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kay Tommerup is a Dairy Farmer and the President of Agritourism Queensland. Agritourism Queensland is a not-for-profit peak agricultural body representing farmers who are embracing agritourism to diversify their businesses.   In this episode, Kay runs through the history of Agritourism Queensland, how they support producers, and some practical steps for farmers who are curious about opening their gates. She also shares her thoughts on agritourism developments, policy changes, and opportunities for farmers across Queensland.   Resources and links: Agritourism Queensland website Agritourism Queensland on LinkedIn Kay Tommerup on LinkedIn   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dusty Pascoe is a Farmer and Nuffield Scholar whose passion for ag education has taken him all over the world from his farm in North Central Victoria. In this episode, Dusty shares how to apply for a Nuffield scholarship and what international study through the organisation has taught him. He discusses his experience in farming, including the benefits of grazing crops in varying climates, the impacts of international subsidies on agricultural innovation, and his strategies for decision-making and long-term planning on his farm.   Resources and links: Nuffield Australia website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is the final part of our two-part chat with Sophia Croker. In the last episode, Phia explained the life of the average bee and the extraordinary life of a mobile beekeeper. In this episode, Phia discusses how treating varroa mites can impact the honey and beeswax, how supporting local beekeepers helps you to avoid potentially counterfeit honey in supermarkets, and why you should stay away from almond honey.   Resources and links: The Bee Drover website Phia’s Bees on Facebook Phia’s Bees on Instagram   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophia Croker, or Phia as she’s better known, is a Beekeeper and the Founder of the Bee Drover. Phia is a fourth-generation beekeeper with mobile colonies that she droves all over rural New South Wales.  In this episode, Phia explains what everyone should know about bees, the role of bees in horticultural production, and what it’s like to make a living moving bees around the bush. This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Phia.   Resources and links: The Bee Drover website Phia’s Bees on Facebook Phia’s Bees on Instagram   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Nash is a Farmer at Coonabarabran with her husband, Co-founder of FOALS, and the woman behind First Time Farmer. Katie has built a following online by documenting her journey from city girl to full-time farmer and bridging the gap between city and country by sharing candid insights into farm life. In this episode, Katie opens up about how it felt to move from Darwin to Coonabarabran to farm during the midst of a drought. She shares how those experiences led to the creation of First Time Farmer, how she navigated becoming a farming influencer following the unexpectedly massive online response to her content, and how she hopes FOALS can amplify the voices of rural Australians to shine a spotlight on critical issues faced by farming communities around Australia.   Resources and links: First Time Farmer website FOALS on Instagram Katie Nash on Instagram Katie Nash on Facebook   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Johnstone is the Owner of Mostyn Highland Fold. Mostyn Highland Fold is a boutique Highland cow breeding operation outside Toowoomba and also offers visitors a unique farm experience. In this episode, Lisa explains why she chose the iconic Highland cow breed for her farm and the challenges and rewards of working with this breed. She also discusses why she opened Mostyn Highland Fold up to visitors, what experiences are available to guests, and how connecting with animals has led many guests to reconnect with themselves.   Resources and links: Mostyn Highland Fold website Mostyn Highland Fold on Instagram Mostyn Highland Fold on Facebook   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penelope Swales is the Owner of Piggery Road Permaculture. Piggery Road Permaculture grows healthy, chemical-free produce for sale and offers workshops and courses in permaculture to the wider Gippsland region. In this episode, Penelope shares her remarkable journey to micro-farming. She shares her insights into micro-farming and permaculture, as well as the challenges she faced when first starting, and how selling her produce directly at markets has led to stronger connections with her customers and community.   Resources and links: Piggery Road Permaculture on Facebook No-Till Growers website Penelope Swales website Totally Gourdgeous on Bandcamp Alistair Hulett ‘Songs for Social Justice Award’ website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is the final part of our two-part chat with Jenny Jenner. In the last episode, Jenny shared the origin of the Kalbar Sunflower Festival and how it has grown into a massive annual charity event. In this episode, Jenny opens up about the legacy of her late husband, Russell, and the experience of documenting his fight with cancer in the documentary, Growing Happiness. She shares the story of how Russell came to be known as the Sunflower Man and why the Kalbar Sunflower Festival is dedicated to spreading joy and raising money for cancer and palliative care initiatives. You can stream Growing Happiness on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV now.   Resources and links: Kalbar Sunflowers website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenny Jenner is the Owner of Kalbar Sunflowers and the Founder of the Kalbar Sunflower Festival. The Kalbar Sunflower Festival is an annual celebration of sunflowers and joy in Queensland’s Scenic Rim and doubles as a major fundraising event. In this episode, Jenny shares why she and her husband, Russell, made the switch from farming lucerne to growing sunflowers. She outlines the Instagrammable origins of the Kalbar Sunflower Festival and how it has grown into an event that raised over $160,000 for cancer care and palliative care in 2025. This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Jenny.   Resources and links: Kalbar Sunflowers website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Murray is the Founder and COO of Josh’s Rainbow Eggs. Josh’s Rainbow Eggs is an environmentally sustainable, family-owned, free-range egg farm supplying grocery stores across Victoria. In this episode, Josh reveals the surprising origins of Josh's Rainbow Eggs and how the business has grown since he started it when he was just 9 years old. He shares insights into the day-to-day operations of egg farming and how he and his team are addressing challenges in the egg industry including avian influenza. Josh gets candid about growth and explains how Josh's Rainbow Eggs has continued to expand with zero marketing in the last two years.   Resources and links: Josh’s Rainbow Eggs website Josh Murray on LinkedIn   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Weidemann is a Farmer in the Wimmera and former Chair of Grain Producers Australia (GPA), where he currently serves as a Board Member and R&D Spokesperson. GPA represents Australia's broadacre, grain, pulse and oilseed producers at the national level to promote a strong, innovative, profitable, and sustainable grains industry that is competitive on a global scale. In this episode, Andrew shares what he has learnt from twenty years in ag leadership and advocacy, the vital work of Grain Producers Australia and the Birchip Cropping Group, and how he got involved with founding the first Community Bank with Bendigo Bank.   Resources and links: Grain Producers Australia website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tash Johnston is the Founder of Farm Angels. Farm Angels, formerly Drought Angels, provides financial assistance, food hampers, care packs, and mental well-being support to struggling primary producers and their families across Australia. In this episode, Tash discusses the mission of Farm Angels to help farmers in hardship and the devastating story that prompted her to found the organisation. She shares the challenges they’ve faced over the years, the wins they’ve achieved (including the Flanno for a Farmer campaign), and why the personal touch is integral to the organisation. Tash also opens up about a time in her own life when she and her family, like many of the people helped by Farm Angels, needed some help.   Mental health support: This episode contains discussions of suicide and mental health. In the event of an emergency, dial 000.  For other mental health support, please visit your local hospital emergency department or contact the following support services: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636   Resources and links: Farm Angels website Flanno for a Farmer website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zarly Steffensen and Devon Hansen are the husband and wife duo behind Whipbird Cafe near Kingaroy. Whipbird Cafe is a farm-to-table restaurant serving unique, seasonal menus that use produce grown on their farm and a dedicated nose-to-tail philosophy. In this episode, Zarly and Devon share how they incorporate meat and produce grown on their farm into the restaurant and how a commitment to using whole animals has reduced food waste and led to more creative menus. They also discuss how they support the local community, the challenges in maintaining staff as a small business in a rural area, and why they still describe themselves as lucky. Resources and links: Whipbird Cafe on Facebook   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.