Beyond the Farm Gate

In today’s episode, I speak to Vanessa Bell — wool producer, designer, entrepreneur and passionate advocate for women and the future of Australian wool. We chat about Vanessa’s journey from the International runway to the sheep paddocks and on to becoming a fashion designer, the incredible versatility of wool, the importance of telling the story of Australian wool to a new generation and why women have such an important role to play in the future of agriculture. From fleece to fashion, farming to advocacy, Vanessa brings a fresh perspective on what’s possible when you’re willing to think differently, surround yourself with the right people and ultimately back yourself. Prepare to be inspired! Resources and links: Vanessa Bell - LinkedIn Fashion to Farmer Podcast - Hosted by Vanessa Bell Fashion to Farmer - Instagram Vanessa Bell - Luxury Merino Knitwear - 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 [email protected]. 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.

Sam Fryer is the host of A Place to Call Home, a podcast that celebrates the people and places that make regional Australia so special. He's also the founder of the Next Gen Ag Forum, bringing together producers, innovators and industry leaders to inspire and empower the next generation of Australian agriculture. This year's Next Gen Ag Forum will be held 20–21 August 2026 at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville, Queensland, with the theme "From Paddock to Port – The Conversation That Connects It All." The forum will explore everything from succession planning and regenerative agriculture to supply chains, finance and export opportunities, all while fostering the connections that will shape the future of our industry. Check the links below for more info. In this episode, Sam and I talk about the power of storytelling, the importance of creating a sense of belonging through A Place to Call Home - and why investing in young people and meaningful conversations is essential for the future of agriculture. Resources and links: Next Gen Ag Forum website A Place to Call Home Podcast website A place to call home - Facebook A place to call Home - 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 [email protected]. 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 today's episode, I'm speaking to Nikki Lyons, one of Australia's most accomplished sheep shearers, whose remarkable career has seen her achieve record-breaking milestones while balancing the demands of motherhood and life on the land. Nikki has built a reputation for determination, resilience and an unwavering passion for the Australian wool industry. In this episode, Nikki talks about her journey into shearing, what it takes to perform at an elite level in one of Australia's toughest professions and how she has navigated the challenges of raising a family alongside a demanding career. We also dive into the future of the wool industry, the challenges facing Australian producers, the importance of skilled shearers, and why wool continues to play such an important role in agriculture. I am super excited to meet Nikki in person in July as Nikki will also be joining me on stage to chat about all things Wool at the upcoming Australian Sheep and Wool show as I MC the " Women of Wool" Lunch. Resources and links: Wool.com Article on Nikki Nikki Lyons Instagram Australian Sheep and Wool Show 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 [email protected]. 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.

My guest in this episode is Amelia Baker — a young Australian rodeo rider taking on one of the toughest sports out there and helping carve out space for women in an arena that’s long been dominated by men. From life on the land to the intensity of competition, Amelia shares how she first found rodeo, what keeps pulling her back into the chute, and what she learned competing overseas in the United States — where rodeo isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life. We also dive into the realities women face in the sport, the physical and mental toughness it demands, and why the future of women’s rodeo is only just getting started. And since recording this conversation, I’ve actually had the privilege of seeing Amelia in action myself at the Ingham Rodeo, where she rode brilliantly, took out first place in the Women's Ranch Bronc Riding and walked away with the buckle.  Since then, she’s also gone on to be crowned the 2026 WRBC Australian Champion and World Finalist — an incredible achievement and a true reflection of the dedication and grit she brings to the sport. Resources and links: Amelia Baker - Ladies Bronc Rider | Dysart QLD | Facebook womens ranch bronc champs Instagram https://www.womensranchbronc.com/ 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 [email protected]. 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 episode I’m joined by Kelly Skewes, Industry Liaison Officer at Boonah State High School where we dive into the AG Futures program and how it’s giving young people real pathways into agriculture — not just through textbooks, but through hands-on experience, industry connections, and a whole lot of heart. From their “Coffee N Cows” mornings to powerful student success stories, this episode is all about what happens when education meets opportunity in rural Australia. What really stood out to me was not every student comes from a farming background… but many leave with a future in agriculture. If you’ve ever wondered what the next generation of farmers, producers and ag leaders looks like — this episode is for you! Resources and links: Boonah State High School - Website Paddock to Place - Facebook Kelly Skewes - Industry Liaison Officer - Boonah State High School07 5460 6111 / 0425 567 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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.