Humans of Agriculture

(Image: Supplied) In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Sarah McDonald, Head of Sustainable Impact at Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino) to unpack the reality behind sustainable wool. Sarah sits at the intersection of growers and global brands, her role is to translate what’s happening on farm into credible, measurable data that brands can trust and consumers can believe. From regenerative frameworks and biodiversity metrics to digital traceability and global legislation, this conversation explores how wool is being repositioned in a rapidly evolving sustainability landscape. Sarah unpacks the tensions between profitability and expectations, the challenge of comparing natural and synthetic fibres, and why clear communication across the value chain is more important than ever. This is a deep look into the systems, science and strategy shaping the future of wool. Key insights from the conversation Chapters: 00:00 Intro & episode overview 02:15 Sarah’s role & measuring on-farm sustainability 03:13 What Zentera (NZ Merino) does 04:18 Bridging farmers and global brands 05:07 Farm reality vs global expectations 07:21 Sustainability timelines: short vs long term 08:15 How sustainability is measured on farm 09:35 Global pressure, risk & regulation 12:16 Differences across NZ, AUS & South Africa 13:53 The challenge of data collection 15:17 Food vs fashion sustainability gap 17:42 Tech, traceability & supply chains 20:48 Natural vs synthetic fibres debate 23:25 Careers in sustainability & Sarah’s journey 29:51 Animal welfare, mulesing & industry pressure 36:43 Outro & closing remarks

The Tom & Mick show continues with a practical conversation on livestock trading, grazing systems, business resilience and long-term decision making. Tom and Mick are joined by Nigel Kerin, CEO of Kerin Ag, to unpack how his business approaches livestock trading, forward contracts, pasture management, Wagyu, and the systems that drive profitability through both dry and strong seasons. From the role of grass budgets and forward pricing to lessons from drought, inflation and on-farm technology, Nigel shares a grounded look at what it takes to build a resilient livestock business. In this episode: Nigel’s background and Kerin Ag How the trading business works grass budgetssell price firstWhy relationships matter The 2020 lamb trade Should every livestock producer trade? absolutely notTechnology and grazing systems OptiWeighWhy Kerin Ag moved into Wagyu Inflation and on-farm economics 7.8% annually post-COVIDKey business lessons This episode is full of practical insight for livestock producers, graziers, advisors, seedstock operators and ag businesses thinking about risk, trading, pasture utilisation and long-term business performance. It’s a valuable conversation on how to build guardrails, use data well, and make better decisions through changing seasons and volatile conditions.

Charlie Blomfield isn’t just building a farm business, he’s building a voice that agriculture can’t afford to ignore. In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Charlie Blomfield at Boridgeree, just outside Canowindra in Central West NSW. Farmer, business owner, marketer and one of the most talked-about voices in Australian agriculture right now, Charlie shares what’s driving him, how he’s built GreatHAY, and why he’s chosen to step so publicly into conversations around ag, media and advocacy. From growing up in a tough era for agriculture, to working across Northern Australia and the Middle East, to building a modern mixed farming and hay business from the ground up, Charlie’s story is shaped by curiosity, conviction and a willingness to back himself. But this conversation goes beyond the farm gate. It explores the role agriculture must play in telling its story better, why traditional industry communication is falling behind, and how humour, clarity and honesty are helping Charlie connect with audiences far beyond agriculture. This episode is about leadership, relevance, building teams, making hard decisions under pressure, and why the future of agriculture depends on more people being willing to speak in ways the rest of the country can actually understand. Key insights from the conversation Chapters: 00:02 Introduction and why this conversation matters 02:03 Who Charlie is and what drives him 05:13 Growing up in ag and forging his own path 06:21 Global experiences and gaining perspective 10:30 Starting in business and backing himself early 12:00 Moving into farming and building Boridgeree 14:16 Water strategy and evolving the farm business 17:35 Building GreatHAY and the power of simplicity 20:27 Social media, storytelling and cutting through 22:57 Building teams, culture and leadership 27:47 Coaching, performance and managing priorities 34:31 Stepping into media and why ag comms is broken 40:10 Using influence to drive change in agriculture 46:28 Momentum, opportunity and staying relevant 53:18 Decision-making, perspective and what matters most 01:00:05 Advice for the next generation and future of ag

This is a special Humans of Agriculture “radio-style” episode recorded at CommBank’s Cultivate event in the Hunter Valley — bringing together voices from across the agricultural supply chain. Across four mini-conversations, we unpack the key forces shaping modern agriculture: This episode captures the energy of the room — where farmers, advisors, innovators, and financiers are all working toward a stronger, more resilient industry. 👥 Featured Guests Roddy Brown (CommBank)Bill Mitchell (Optiweigh)Glenn Calder (Viridian Financial Group)Tash Greenwood (CommBank)🔑 Key Themes Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and context from CommBank Cultivate 02:10 Roddy Brown on why Cultivate exists and next generation focus 07:20 Innovation in agriculture and the role of technology 08:10 Bill Mitchell on building Optiweigh from a farm problem 12:30 Lessons in ag tech adoption and customer-driven insights 16:30 Why succession remains agriculture’s biggest challenge 17:40 Glenn Calder on structuring farm businesses and managing risk 20:40 Practical steps to start succession and investment conversations 23:00 Empowering teams and building scalable businesses 25:50 Tash Greenwood on supply chains and market confidence 28:00 Global demand, volatility, and optimism in agriculture 30:40 Reflections on community, collaboration, and the future of ag 32:30 Final takeaways from CommBank Cultivate

What if agriculture’s biggest opportunity isn’t on farm, but in the classroom? In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Scott Graham, Head of Agriculture at Barker College in Sydney. From a a student base that’s almost entirely from the city, Scott has built the largest Year 12 agriculture cohort in Australia, completely reshaping how young people see the industry. Scott isn't focused on just one school, he is also completing a PhD focused on engaging metropolitan students in agriculture, and what he’s learned challenges how the entire industry thinks about talent, careers and perception. This conversation dives into what’s holding agriculture back from attracting the next generation and what needs to change if we’re serious about building the workforce of the future. Key insights from the conversation Charles Sturt Uni Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and why this conversation matters 02:17 Scott’s journey and influence as an educator 04:15 Reimagining agriculture for urban students 08:39 Purpose, passion and careers in agriculture 10:54 Transforming Barker’s agriculture program 13:54 Changing perceptions and building credibility 17:56 The role of industry in showcasing careers 21:28 Off-farm opportunities and the future workforce 24:44 What today’s students are interested in 27:44 The rise of agribusiness and agtech pathways 32:29 Scott’s PhD and understanding student engagement 36:31 Barriers to scaling agriculture in urban schools 39:30 Rethinking how agriculture is introduced to students 42:17 “Plate to paddock” and making ag relatable 46:55 Key findings from Scott’s research 50:29 Why narrative matters for the future of ag 52:34 What keeps Scott motivated

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, we sit down with Jack Ternouth, Head of Commercial Operations at Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino Company), for a conversation that captures what’s possible when curiosity, grit, and opportunity collide in agriculture. Jack didn’t grow up on a farm, but through sheer determination and a willingness to learn, he’s built a career from the ground up in one of the most complex and globally connected parts of the ag industry. From classing wool and working alongside growers to now leading commercial conversations with global brands, his journey is a powerful example of what’s possible in ag today. On this episode, we explore what it takes to build a career in agriculture without a traditional background, the critical role of mentorship, and why value creation - not scale - is the future for countries like Australia and New Zealand. Jack also shares how Zentera is helping create more certainty for growers in a volatile market through traceability, long-term contracts, and global brand partnerships. This episode is about ambition, learning on the go, and the next generation shaping agriculture’s future. Key insights from the conversation: Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Why This Conversation Matters 01:48 Jack’s Background: From Zimbabwe to New Zealand 04:10 Starting at NZ Merino & Learning the Wool Industry 06:30 Moving Into Commercial & Global Brand Relationships 08:05 Advice for Young People Entering Agriculture 09:40 Learning the Industry Without a Farming Background 11:30 Storytelling vs Data in Modern Agriculture 12:45 Zentera’s Growth & Global Strategy 14:40 Certifications, Traceability & Market Access 16:20 Supporting Growers & Moving Away from Mulesing 18:10 Volatility, Contracts & Creating Certainty 20:15 The Future of Wool & Global Demand 22:10 Long-Term Vision for the Industry 24:10 Opportunities for the Next Generation in Ag 25:45 Wrap Up Atlas Grazing: This episode is brought to you by Atlas Grazing. If you run livestock, you know the results come from countless small decisions made in the paddock. Season after season. Experience and instinct guide those calls, and nothing replaces that. There's a new tool called Atlas Grazing worth taking a look at. Developed from more than a decade of working alongside graziers and supporting real farm businesses, it brings your livestock records, paddocks and rainfall together in one place. The right tools don't replace what you already know. They give you the clarity to act sooner, with more confidence. See what's happening across your operation at a glance, adapt as conditions change, and keep work moving wherever the day takes you. Atlas Grazing. Clear records. Confident livestock decisions. Start your free 30-day trial at AtlasAg.com/grazing

(Image: Supplied) In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli and Mick Corcoran sit down with Angus Street, CEO of Zentera (formerly New Zealand Merino), for a full-circle conversation on leadership, legacy, and the future of wool. From growing up on a farm in northern NSW to navigating job loss during the GFC, launching startups in China, and leading major ag businesses, Angus shares an honest reflection on a career shaped by curiosity, risk, and relationships. Now at the helm of Zentera, Angus unpacks the company’s evolution from a grower-led wool collective into a global, purpose-driven brand focused on traceability, sustainability, and premium markets. He explains why the wool industry must fight for relevance in a synthetic-dominated world, and how consumer trends in Europe, China, and the US are creating new opportunities. The conversation dives deep into leadership, what it takes to step into an existing culture as CEO, why “discovery before diagnosis” matters, and the importance of putting people at the centre of transformation. This episode is equal parts strategy, storytelling, and self-reflection - grounded in agriculture but globally relevant. Key insights from the conversation Chapters: 00:00 Intro & Why This Conversation Matters 02:10 Meet Angus Street 03:50 Early Career, China & AuctionsPlus Journey 08:00 From NZ Merino to Zenterra: The Rebrand 11:30 What Zenterra Does & Global Brand Partnerships 14:40 Moving to NZ & Leading an Existing Team 18:05 First 90 Days as CEO: Curiosity Over Action 21:00 Culture, Change & Leadership Lessons 26:40 Global Wool Demand & Market Trends 30:45 Premiums, Growers & Industry Challenges 33:40 The Future of Wool: Niche or Opportunity? 35:20 Dream Job, Family & Life on the Land 38:40 Wrap Up Atlas Grazing: This episode is brought to you by Atlas Grazing. If you run livestock, you know the results come from countless small decisions made in the paddock. Season after season. Experience and instinct guide those calls, and nothing replaces that. There's a new tool called Atlas Grazing worth taking a look at. Developed from more than a decade of working alongside graziers and supporting real farm businesses, it brings your livestock records, paddocks and rainfall together in one place. The right tools don't replace what you already know. They give you the clarity to act sooner, with more confidence. See what's happening across your operation at a glance, adapt as conditions change, and keep work moving wherever the day takes you. Atlas Grazing. Clear records. Confident livestock decisions. Start your free 30-day trial at AtlasAg.com/grazing

What happens when you put nature first in a cattle business? In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Carly Baker-Burnham from Bonnie Doone Beef in Queensland’s North Burnett. Together with her husband Grant, Carly has helped reshape their grazing operation by focusing on landscape health, intensive rotational grazing and long-term stewardship. That shift eventually led them to take part in one of Australia’s early soil carbon projects, resulting in one of the country’s largest issuances of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). But beyond the headlines, Carly shares what actually matters: improving soil, increasing biodiversity and building a business that works with nature. This conversation explores the realities behind soil carbon, the importance of measurement and scientific rigor, and why observation of the land remains one of a farmer’s most powerful tools. Key insights from the conversation nature-first approachsoil carbon projectsscepticism around carbon claimsremoving carbon from the atmosphere through healthy soils Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and life at Bonnie Doone 03:58 Family history and finding their path in agriculture 08:19 Succession, family business and hard decisions 13:22 Moving from reactive farming to strategic business thinking 16:13 Practical grazing changes and adopting a nature-first approach 21:26 Inside Bonnie Doone’s soil carbon project 29:02 Carbon claims, scepticism, and scientific rigour 33:08 Involving the next generation in environmental stewardship 35:05 Where farmers can start with soil carbon thinking 37:57 What Carly is most proud of today

As fuel pressure builds across parts of regional Australia, we wanted to step into the conversation in a way that is clear, factual and useful. Not to add to panic, but to help our audience understand what is actually happening, what it means for agriculture, and what bigger questions this moment is exposing around resilience, preparedness and national priorities. And when it comes to conversations like this, Andrew Henderson is one of our go-to voices. Andrew is the founder and principal of AgSecure and has built his career working across biosecurity, national resilience and the vulnerabilities that sit inside the systems agriculture depends on. He brings a rare combination of strategic insight, practical understanding and calm analysis, which is exactly what a topic like this needs. In this episode, Andrew helps unpack the current fuel challenge facing Australian agriculture and Australia more broadly. He explains how the fuel system works, why regional areas are feeling the pressure first, what the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act means, and why this is about much more than a temporary supply scare. This is a conversation about fuel, but it is also a conversation about resilience, leadership and the reality of operating in a world that is becoming less stable, less predictable and more exposed to disruption. In this episode, we cover: Rabobank Community Fund! Applications for the 2026 Rabobank Community Fund close on 15 March. If you’re part of a local group, community initiative, or organisation looking to make an impact, this could be the opportunity to bring your idea to life. Learn more and apply via rabobank.com.au.

A short sharp and quick chat with the 2026 Zanda McDonald Award Winners. 2026 Winners: Karn Dhaliwal (NZ):Bryce Neyland (AU):Bryce Neyland, 35, from Gol Gol in New South Wales, is a civil engineer for Select Harvests, leading projects across their almond orchards and processing facility. Combining a farming background with strong engineering and project management expertise, he manages large scale, transformative rural developments. Karn Dhaliwal, 32, from Te Hoe in Waikato, is the founder and owner of Ohinewai Harvest Ltd and Dhaliwal Ag Ltd. He has built a diverse horticultural and cropping business and is recognised for his entrepreneurial approach to growing, leadership within the vegetable industry and commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation in horticulture. Zanda McDonald Award Chairman Shane McManaway said both winners demonstrated outstanding leadership and a strong vision for the future of the primary industries. Rabobank Community Fund! Applications for the 2026 Rabobank Community Fund close on 15 March. If you’re part of a local group, community initiative, or organisation looking to make an impact, this could be the opportunity to bring your idea to life. Learn more and apply via rabobank.com.au.

Johno Mackay grew up remote in the Northern Territory, shaped by hard work, risk-taking parents, and a deep love for the bush. In this conversation, Johno shares the path from School of the Air and station life to building a contract mustering and fencing business in Northern Australia, before an accident in his team pushed him into an entirely new chapter: ag tech. What followed was the creation of JobSafe Pro, a practical safety and compliance platform designed to help agricultural businesses simplify paperwork, think more clearly about risk, and build stronger safety systems without adding more complexity. This episode is about far more than an app. It is about backing yourself young, learning to lead, finding opportunity in tough moments, and recognising that agriculture today can open more doors than ever before. Johno also shares his belief in the value of the North, the importance of mentors, and why the people who get ahead are often the ones willing to work hard, show initiative, and keep having a crack. It is a grounded and forward-looking conversation about agriculture, ambition, safety, and building something meaningful from the bush. In this episode we cover JobSafe ProFarmers2FoundersAgForceElders Rabobank Community Fund! Applications for the 2026 Rabobank Community Fund close on 15 March. If you’re part of a local group, community initiative, or organisation looking to make an impact, this could be the opportunity to bring your idea to life. Learn more and apply via rabobank.com.au.

Australian agriculture runs on more than crops, livestock, and markets. It runs on people and communities. In this episode, Skye Ward shares the story behind the Rabobank Community Fund, a program designed to invest directly into grassroots initiatives across rural and regional Australia. Since launching in 2021, the fund has invested over $4 million into projects that strengthen leadership, improve wellbeing, and support the resilience of rural communities. Skye also shares her personal story of growing up in the Monaro region, the experience of moving towns and building community as an adult, and why belonging remains one of the most powerful drivers of strong rural places. From succession workshops and financial literacy programs to melanoma skin-check trucks and simple community events that bring people together, the fund supports practical initiatives that make a real difference on the ground This conversation highlights why investing in people and community capability is just as important as investing in farms and businesses. In this episode we explore strong communities underpin successful agricultural regionsRabobank Community Fundgrassroots funding creates real impact on the groundleadership development and wellbeing programsFind out more & apply now!! Applications for the 2026 Rabobank Community Fund close on 15 March. If you’re part of a local group, community initiative, or organisation looking to make an impact, this could be the opportunity to bring your idea to life. Learn more and apply via rabobank.com.au. Rabobank Community Fund! Applications for the 2026 Rabobank Community Fund close on 15 March. If you’re part of a local group, community initiative, or organisation looking to make an impact, this could be the opportunity to bring your idea to life. Learn more and apply via rabobank.com.au.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, we dive deep into the innovative world of AMPS Agribusiness. Join us as we sit down with Tony Lockrey, a seasoned agronomist and leader who has dedicated decades to the fields of Northern New South Wales. Tony takes us "under the hood" of AMPS's unique, grower-led model that fast-tracks agricultural research from institutions directly into the paddock. We explore how AMPS has built a seamless ecosystem connecting research, agronomy, and commercial supply. Tony shares the fascinating story of Lancer wheat, a variety that became a regional powerhouse thanks to intensive, localised trials. Beyond the science, we discuss the evolving role of an agronomist, the importance of nurturing the next generation through a "job-first" education model, and the unparalleled value of a business owned and driven by the growers themselves. Chapter Markings [0:00][1:15][3:45][5:10][7:20][9:05][12:30][14:15][17:00][19:40][22:15][25:30][28:10][31:00][34:15][37:00][39:30]

Season 4 of Monthly Markets opens with a strong pulse check across livestock, wool, property and grain. Tom and Mick begin with: Then they’re joined by Tommy Taylor from Clear Grain Exchange for a deep dive into the grain landscape. In this episode: How Clear Grain Exchange works 2025–26 Harvest Review Global Market Pressures On-Farm Storage Trends China & Canola Feedlots & Domestic Demand Tommy’s Advice This episode is essential listening for growers, traders, feedlot operators, advisors and agribusiness professionals planning for the year ahead.

For decades, Australian agriculture has operated within a set of conditions that quietly shaped its success - stable geopolitics, expanding global trade, predictable markets, and steady productivity gains. That era is ending. In this conversation, Tim Hunt joins Oli Le Lievre to unpack the global forces reshaping food and agriculture right now, from geopolitics and trade fragmentation to climate volatility and rapid technological change. With a career spanning banking, economics, and international agriculture, Tim brings a clear-eyed, global perspective on why these shifts are structural, not cyclical - and what that means for producers, agribusiness leaders, and the wider food system. Recorded just one week out from evokeAG 2026, where Tim and Oli will be part of the MC team alongside Liz Brennan, this episode is about making sense of a changing world - and asking how Australian agriculture adapts, evolves, and leads in what comes next. In This Episode, We Explore EvokeAG 2026: I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

Millie Moore didn’t leave her job because she was unhappy. She left because she was curious. After four and a half years in a corporate ag role, Millie made a decision that many people talk about but few actually take. She quit, moved to Canada, and went ranching to properly immerse herself in the beef industry and test herself on the ground. That choice led to something bigger. In this episode, Millie shares how ranch life in Alberta opened doors to meat judging, scholarships, and ultimately a fully funded Masters in meat science at the University of Illinois. This conversation explores career risk, confidence, building networks without a farming background, and why agriculture offers far more pathways than most people realise. It also kicks off a year-long series with Millie, where she’ll continue to share what she’s learning across the US, Canada, and Australia. ⏱️ EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Quitting a corporate job to go ranching 02:10 — University, early career, and choosing what not to do 03:20 — Why Millie stayed 4.5 years in her first role 04:40 — The fear and reality of moving overseas 06:30 — First impressions of ranch life in Canada 08:45 — Canada vs the US beef industry 09:05 — Not coming from a farming background 10:30 — “If you want to be in beef, go be in beef” 11:40 — How Millie built her network from scratch 13:40 — Why agriculture feels hard to break into (and why it isn’t) 15:20 — Dealing with rejection and imposter syndrome 19:55 — Meat judging and why it shapes so many careers 22:10 — The US meat judging circuit explained 24:40 — Sponsorship, alumni, and industry support 26:20 — Returning to study and why Illinois made sense 28:30 — What’s next and a year of conversations ahead EvokeAG 2026: I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

At just 19 years old, Sam Rogers is building one of Australia’s most exciting agtech startups. Founder of GrazeMate, Sam is using autonomous drones, robotics, and AI to help farmers and ranchers move cattle, measure pasture, and gain real-time insights straight to their phone. In this episode, Sam shares his journey from growing up on a cattle station in North Queensland to raising capital, relocating to the US, and taking GrazeMate global. This conversation explores innovation in agriculture, resilience, robotics, and what the future of farming could look like when technology meets deep agricultural knowledge. Keywords: agtech, agriculture innovation, autonomous drones, robotics in farming, cattle mustering technology, GrazeMate, EvokeAG, future of agriculture, ag startups, Australian agtech Episode Summary In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Sam Rogers, the 19-year-old founder of GrazeMate, an agtech startup redefining how cattle are managed using autonomous drones and artificial intelligence. Sam shares his remarkable personal story, growing up on a cattle property in North Queensland, competing internationally in robotics as a teenager, surviving a spinal tumour, and climbing peaks in Nepal. These experiences shaped his mindset and ultimately led him to build GrazeMate, a technology that helps farmers muster cattle, estimate liveweight, analyse pasture, and manage grazing with far greater efficiency. The conversation explores Sam’s rapid rise in the agtech world, including global media attention, raising investment, relocating to California, and preparing to take the stage as a Groundbreaker at EvokeAG. Together, Oli and Sam unpack the opportunity agriculture presents for solving some of the world’s biggest challenges, the power of robotics at scale, and why the future of farming depends on aligning innovation with real on-farm needs. This is a powerful story about curiosity, resilience, and the role young innovators can play in shaping the future of agriculture. Chapter Markings 00:00 Why now matters and the idea behind robot cowboys 00:35 Welcome back to Humans of Agriculture and introducing Sam Rogers 03:49 Media attention, Forbes features, and global interest in GrazeMate 05:07 What farmers around the world are really struggling with 06:46 Growing up on a cattle station in North Queensland 08:26 The influence of family, curiosity, and learning by doing 09:43 Early robotics, AI competitions, and environmental motivation 12:09 The origins of GrazeMate and spotting the on-farm opportunity 14:00 Surviving a spinal tumour, Everest Base Camp, and mindset shifts 16:53 Why agriculture is the most important industry in the world 19:39 Technology, incentives, and what society chooses to reward 20:50 Why GrazeMate moved to the US and what is happening on the ground 24:18 Building a world-class team and earning investor trust 27:01 Teaching robots at scale and the future of autonomous systems 29:46 EvokeAG, coming home, and Sam’s message to Australian agriculture 31:39 Final reflections and looking ahead EvokeAG 2026: I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

Clancy Mackay’s story is one of the most extraordinary ever shared on Humans of Agriculture and there’s a reason it remains our most downloaded episode of all time. This is a full re release of our most listened to episode ever. In this conversation, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Clancy Mackay to share one of the most extraordinary stories ever told on Humans of Agriculture. From growing up off grid in the Northern Territory with no power or running water, to breaking horses, mustering cattle, riding saddle broncs in the US, flying helicopters across remote Australia, and navigating profound personal loss, Clancy’s journey is raw, confronting, and deeply human. This episode explores resilience beyond the buzzword. It is about grit, grief, purpose, and learning how to keep moving forward when life repeatedly tests you. It is also about respect for animals, people, and place, and why calm leadership and deep understanding matter more than force or ego. Why this episode matters Clancy’s story is not polished or comfortable. It is honest. It reminds us that agriculture is built on people who endure, adapt, and keep showing up. People shaped by hardship, curiosity, and responsibility rather than shortcuts or certainty. This is an episode to sit with. An episode to return to. And an episode worth sharing. EvokeAG 2026: I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

I loved the day we had with the team at Rohde's and the way we crafted this into an amazing video and our last #ThisIsAussieAg video in audio format did pretty well - you can check it out on our YouTube in full! Watch it on YouTube here - link to our video EvokeAG 2026: I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

Get your tickets to our Brisbane event now: https://humansofagriculture.com/hoa-events/p/hoa-live-brisbane-26th-november-2025 or here: In today’s episode, I wanted to do something a little different and share an update on where Humans of Agriculture is heading. Over the last six years we’ve told hundreds of stories and met thousands of people, and it’s clear that the beating heart of our work isn’t just the stories themselves, but the people behind them. We’re stepping into a new chapter. One that builds on our storytelling roots, but focuses more deliberately on careers, connection, and helping people see what’s possible for them in agriculture. After that, I sit down with two remarkable leaders. First up is Billy Slater, who shares insights on confidence, preparation, transition, and why the biggest moments require the smallest focus. Then, I chat with Adrian Capogreco, Managing Director of Nutrien Ag Solutions, about leadership, resilience, community, and the future of the industry. Episode Chapters 00:00 — Welcome and Why This Episode Is Different 01:20 — What’s Ahead: Upcoming Conversations and Guests 02:24 — The Honest Update: Where Humans of Agriculture Is Heading 04:49 — How the Project Started and Why It Still Matters 06:55 — The Pivot: From Storytelling to Stories + Careers + Community 08:40 — Introducing HOA Recruitment 09:36 — Oli’s Personal Challenge: The Longest Resume in Agriculture 10:35 - Setting Up Today’s Conversations 11:00: Leadership with Billy Slater 11:46 — Preparing for Transition and Backing Yourself 12:55 — Earning Confidence 13:34 — Overcoming Self-Doubt 14:45 — Handling Big Moments 15:38 — Vulnerability, Courage, and Team Culture 17:00 — Positive Reinforcement and High Standards 18:32 — Oli’s Reflections on Billy’s Lessons 19:30 - Leadership and the Future with Adrian Capogreco 19:41 — Introducing Adrian at the Nutrien Stand 19:56 — Adrian’s Non-Negotiables in Leadership 20:20 — A Non-Negotiable in Life: Balance 20:55 — Advice for First-Time Managers 21:55 — The Quirks and Strengths of Agriculture 22:40 — Mindset When Things Get Tough 23:45 — What’s Next for Nutrien 24:45 — Wrapping Up with Adrian