Boots Off Log On!™

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.

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan MacPhee, a former financial services executive turned agri-entrepreneur, to talk about how a passion for farming and a problem worth solving led to the creation of Invest In Farming Co-operative. Nathan walks us through the disconnect between consumers and producers, the huge barriers to getting into farming, and the rollercoaster risk that comes with growing food. His answer? A digital platform that lets everyday people invest in real agricultural assets such as cattle, canola, oysters, and pineapples. For farmers, it means access to capital without more debt. Instead of going to the bank or waiting for the next harvest cheque, they can presell a portion of their produce and get paid upfront before the season even starts. We unpack how this model works, how it empowers farmers without loading them up with more debt, and how it’s fostering emotional and financial connections between urban investors and rural producers.   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 Wendy Sawyer, the powerhouse behind the financial management of one of Dalwallinu’s most successful farm businesses. Wendy has spent the last 15 years running the books—though as you'll hear, it's about far more than “just doing the books.” Wendy shares her journey of adapting to farm life, stepping into a leadership role, and helping grow a multi-generational farming business through discipline, communication, and an unwavering respect for people. "You're managing people, you're managing money, you're a nurse, you're a driver, a chauffeur, you're a hotelier... you're not just doing the books." We dive into what financial discipline looks like on a large-scale operation, how risk is managed through close budgeting, and why running the office is just as vital as running the paddock. Wendy reflects on succession planning, staff management, and what it really means to be trusted with the money. Plus, the importance of stepping back, knowing your limits—and why sometimes, the best thing you can do for your farm is to take a holiday.   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. Richard Eckard, Professor of Carbon Farming at the University of Melbourne and National Program Leader at the Carbon Research Centre for Net Zero Agriculture. Richard is the mind behind Australia’s first carbon accounting tools, which is now the recognised standard in Australia for measuring on-farm carbon. Accredited globally, Richard was named one of the world’s top 1,000 climate scientists by Reuters in 2021. He’s also a trusted advisor to governments across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Europe, as well as global organisations like the UN FAO and the International Livestock Research Institute. "The way I think of carbon farming is: how can we become more efficient at capturing photosynthesis and turning it into a product we can send out to the market?" Our conversation dives into what carbon accounting actually means in a farming context, why it's becoming critical for every farm business, and how good production farming is synonymous with low carbon farming. Richard unpacks some of the more common misunderstandings in the carbon farming space.   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 Matt Dalgleish, agricultural market analyst, co-host of the AgWatchers Podcast, and founder of Episode 3, to explore the key forces shaping today’s commodity landscape. With a background in financial markets spanning equities, metals, and foreign exchange, Matt brings a sharp, data-driven lens to the world of ag. Since transitioning into agricultural market analysis in 2015, he’s become one of the most trusted voices in the field, regularly quoted in the press for his independent take on global trends. In this episode, we explore everything from geopolitical shocks and supply chain friction to market volatility and risk management. Matt shares insights on how shifting consumer trends are influencing the beef and lamb markets, and what grain growers need to watch as global trade tensions rise. This conversation is all about making sense of the chaos and navigating uncertainty with clarity and confidence. 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 Ben Farmer, a lucerne grower and chair of the Executive Committee for Lucerne Australia, to unpack the complexities of the lucerne industry and the impact of S&W Seeds Australia entering voluntary administration. We explore how this collapse has affected growers in Keith, South Australia—a region that produces 85% of Australia’s lucerne seed—and the ripple effects on the broader industry. Ben breaks down the specialised nature of lucerne farming, the unique relationships between growers, plant breeders, seed buyers, and global markets, and why the failure of S&W Seeds has had such a massive financial impact. This conversation is packed with insights into the double-edged sword of plant variety rights, market power, risk management, and resilience—plus the lessons growers are learning as they navigate this crisis.   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 Catherine “Mazz” Marriott to explore her incredible agricultural journey, from her Nuffield Scholarship experiences to the real-world impacts of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies on Australian farmers. We dive into global perspectives on agriculture, the critical role of practical ESG strategies, and why farmers must have a seat at the decision-making table when it is time to make policies. The conversation covers everything from food security and market access to how farmers adapt to consumer demands and environmental pressures. We talk about cultural shifts in agriculture, bust common myths about farming's role in society, and share thoughts on maintaining work-life balance while building strong community connections.   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 James Williamson from Orijin Plus to dive into the rapidly evolving world of food and fibre traceability. As consumer expectations for transparency continue to rise, we explore why trust in the agricultural supply chain has never been more critical. James takes us through the origins of Orijin Plus and how it’s tackling real challenges in the market, bridging the gap between producers and consumers. We also unpack the growing influence of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, the impact of legislative changes, and the complexities of implementing traceability from paddock to plate. With new regulations on the horizon, we discuss what agricultural producers need to know to stay ahead and adapt to these shifts. Beyond the business side, James shares personal insights into their journey in agriculture, offering a firsthand look at the industry’s transformation and the resilience required to navigate these changes.   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 delve into the inspiring career and insightful conversations with Tim Hunt, a distinguished agribusiness advisor whose journey spans more than 25 years of analysing international markets, food trends, and supply chains. From his early roles as a senior analyst to serving as General Manager at RaboResearch Australia and New Zealand, and later as the Global Dairy Strategist for Rabobank, Tim has built a reputation as a trusted advisor in the food and agribusiness sector. Today, through his work at Tim Hunt Consulting and GO.FARM, Tim continues to shape strategies for processors, branded food companies, primary producers, and agrifood investors alike. In this episode, we discuss the dynamic intersection of technology and agriculture. We discuss evolving consumer trends, the critical importance of sustainability, and the complex impact of geopolitics on global agriculture. Tim shares stories from his extensive career, highlighting how incremental innovations and strategic collaborations have transformed supply chains and adapted businesses to change. As the discussion unfolds, Tim emphasises the importance of understanding and adapting to market demands. His experiences offer a compelling blend of practical insight and visionary thinking, inspiring listeners who are passionate about agriculture and keen to learn from a seasoned expert.   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 delve into the inspiring career of Kevin Bell, a seasoned farm consultant and rural veterinary surgeon who has dedicated his life to making a meaningful impact in agriculture. From his early days in veterinary practice to his current work in WA’s Kimberley region, Kevin’s journey reflects a passion for animal science, research, and innovative thinking. In this episode, Kevin takes us through his fascinating career path, starting with his work in Melbourne’s veterinary clinics, moving to South Korea to assist villages with livestock management, and back to Kojonup, WA, where he helped transform sheep management practices. Today, Kevin works with pastoralists in the Kimberley, driving advancements in beef productivity. Kevin highlights the importance of curiosity, passion, and lifelong learning while offering advice for those looking to carve out a career in agriculture. If you're passionate about farming and want a glimpse into the mindset of a seasoned advisor, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.   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 replay, we speak to Chris Tonkin about all things grain marketing. Chris grew up on the family farm at Coomberdale in the wheatbelt of Western Australia. He’s been immersed in the grains industry since 1995 and has held numerous roles in research, extension, sales, marketing, and consultancy. With a deep knowledge and passion for the grains industry and a solid reputation for working for farmers, Tonks founded Ten Tigers in 2004 as a dedicated grain marketing advisory business. We unpack the complexity of the global grain trade and how this can affect the prices you receive, how to put together a good grain marketing strategy, why you should account for basis in your cash flow budget, the important interaction between your cash flow budgeting, tax strategy and how changing global conditions and government foreign policy can directly affect your price. Chris talks about removing emotion from your grain marketing strategy and how to use it to underpin your short-term cost of production and long-term debt.   We also cover some important do's and don'ts of grain marketing and why the whole family must be part of the grain marketing strategy. If you are a grain grower or in the grains industry, this conversation is for you. Hope you enjoy it.   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, our joint CEO, David Egerton-Warburton, sits down in the guest chair for a change with Ben Law from the AgriCoach podcast and dives into why bookkeeping is your greatest ally. David shares his journey from farming in Western Australia to the early days of Agrimaster. Our chats go into why many producers tend to avoid their bookkeeping and only do it for tax purposes. We dive into how and why they need to change their mindset. We also get into demystifying the difference between budgets and financial models and reveal what top producers do differently to manage their businesses effectively. Plus, David outlines the key habits every producer should adopt to succeed. The difference between those who succeed and those who do not lies in their habits, not aspirations. Join us as we break down how you can elevate your agricultural business and build strong financial habits today!   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.