Seeds for Success: Recent Episodes

Central West Local Land Services

Seeds for Success is a show where we have a good yarn about ag life with producers who are having a go. On the show, you'll hear from farmers in New South Wales who are out there battling the elements, making tough calls and getting the job done. You'll get a laugh out of some of their stories, and also pick-up some know-how along the way. Produced by Central West Local Land Services.

Could virtual fencing transform the way you manage grazing, cattle and pasture?

In this episode, Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell speaks with Andrew Dowd about livestock trading, pasture management and the practical benefits of virtual fencing technology. Andrew runs a young cattle trading enterprise across family-owned and leased properties, using a combination of grazing management, data and technology to improve productivity and profitability.

Andrew shares how moving from dairy heifers into cattle trading gave him greater control over his business, how he makes buying and selling decisions based on market opportunities and feed availability, and why long-term pasture improvement is central to his operation. He also explains how virtual fencing, rotational grazing and farm data are helping him increase carrying capacity, improve pasture utilisation and prepare for future carbon farming opportunities.

You'll also hear how Andrew uses technology to support decision-making, why he's embracing early adoption of virtual fencing, and the practical lessons he's learned from implementing new systems across multiple properties.

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a fifth-generation farmer from Cowra, Jo Treasure works alongside her family managing prime lambs, Black Angus cattle, grazing crops and perennial pastures, while continually looking for ways to improve profitability and long-term sustainability. In this episode, she shares how she is running a mixed farming enterprise, making strategic business decisions, and encouraging more young people to pursue careers in agriculture.

Jo shares how an unexpected gap year led to a lifelong career in agriculture, why she's focused on improving financial literacy and business performance on the family farm, and the practical decisions behind their livestock, pasture, and cropping systems. She also explains how direct marketing, feedlots, improved genetics and pasture management are helping build a more resilient farming business.

You'll hear about Jo's passion for agricultural education, the school lamb program she's expanded across multiple schools, and why giving young people hands-on farming experiences could help shape the future of Australian agriculture.

Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell sat down with Jo to bring you this conversation.

Resources and links:

Jo Treasure on Instagram

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you build a farming business that stays profitable through both the good seasons and the tough ones?

In this episode, Rob Watt shares how his mixed farming operation balances livestock, cropping and long-term decision-making to manage risk and improve resilience. Drawing on years of experience and farm benchmarking data, Rob explains his approach to stocking rates, enterprise diversity, confinement feeding and maintaining profitability without relying on exceptional seasons.

Rob also discusses the value of self-replacing livestock systems, pasture management, wool production, and why having more options across your farm can help you make better decisions when conditions change.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach sat down with Rob for this practical and insightful conversation.

Resources and links:

Rob Watt on LinkedIn

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fifth-generation mixed farmer David Langfield has spent a lifetime balancing cropping, livestock and pasture management on his family's Cowra property. In this episode, he shares how lucerne underpins his farming system, why long-term soil management matters, and how on-farm grain storage has improved grain quality, marketing flexibility and business resilience.

David also talks about his passion for telling the stories of Australian agriculture through his podcast, Ages of Farming. He reflects on the changing media landscape, the importance of showcasing the next generation of farmers, and why sharing real stories from the paddock is one of the best ways to promote Aussie agriculture.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with David to bring you this chat.

Resources and links:

Ages of Farming Podcast on Instagram
Ages of Farming Podcast on Spotify

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do large-scale farming businesses balance productivity, sustainability and profitability while staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry?

In this episode, Sarah Jacobson from Lawson Grains shares how research, data and technology are shaping the future of farming across New South Wales and WA. Sarah explains how Lawson Grains approaches R&D, variable rate technology, soil health and sustainable farming practices. She also dives into soil carbon projects, the importance of accurate farm data, and how the business is using innovation to improve long-term productivity and resilience across diverse farming systems.

Sarah shares practical insights into evaluating new technology, managing risk with trial work, and why continuous learning is critical in modern agriculture.

Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell sat down with Sarah to bring you this chat.

Resources and links:

Sarah Jacobson on LinkedIn

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you make the right decisions when the season turns against you and the pressure is on?

In this episode, Chris Kilby shares how he’s managing a dry and challenging season near Trundle, offering practical insights into decision-making, risk management, and keeping a farming business moving forward when conditions are tough.

Chris explains how they’ve adapted their cropping plans after missing key rainfall windows, shifted focus to feeding and protecting their core breeding ewes, and made early decisions to reduce stock numbers. He walks through the realities of confinement feeding, water security challenges, and the significant effort involved in establishing reliable infrastructure under pressure. You’ll also hear about the mental side of farming through dry conditions, the importance of community and connection, and why continuous learning and surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with Chris to bring you this chat.

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you making the right decisions when it comes to expanding your farm business or managing risk in a new environment?

In this episode, Chris Kilby speaks about building a mixed farming enterprise near Trundle, sharing his journey of starting again, consolidating land, and improving efficiency across his operation. Alongside his wife Sarah and their three daughters, Chris runs a self-replacing Merino flock and cropping program, while continuing to refine their system after moving from the Goulburn region.

Chris shares the realities of purchasing and piecing together multiple blocks of land, the challenges of succession planning, and the steep learning curve of farming in a new district during drought conditions. He explains how infrastructure investments, pasture renovation, and strategic decision-making have shaped their business, along with the importance of relationships, flexibility in purchasing strategies, and long-term planning. You’ll also hear insights into managing worm resistance, testing before making decisions, and why knowing your numbers and your land is key to building a sustainable and profitable farming operation.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with Chris to bring you this chat.

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you matching your livestock trading decisions to your feed base or the market?

In this episode, Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell speaks with Courtney Tourle about livestock trading, decision-making, and building a profitable enterprise while balancing work, family and farming. Courtney and her husband Tom run a livestock trading business on a leased property, while Courtney also works as an Animal Production Advisor at Nutrien Ag Solutions, giving her a unique perspective across many different farming operations and seasons.

Courtney shares how they got their start leasing country after the drought, the steep learning curve of financial literacy and trading livestock, and the lessons they learned from both profitable seasons and difficult market downturns. She explains how they match livestock classes to available feed and the importance of making proactive decisions rather than waiting too long.

You’ll also hear about how the best farmers manage seasonal variability, make confident decisions using the best information available at the time, and focus on controlling what they can control.

Resources and links:

Courtney Tourle on LinkedIn

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are mixed farming systems the key to more resilient and productive farms?

In this episode, Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach sits down with Lawrence Balcomb from Golden Glen near Toogong to talk about mixed farming, pasture management and how cropping and livestock can work together in a practical farming system. Lawrence shares how his operation combines prime lamb production with grazing crops and pasture renovation, using rotations that include oats, canola, wheat and lupins to improve pastures and manage weeds and chemicals.

You’ll hear practical insights on managing lucerne-based pastures, dealing with soil acidity and dryland salinity, integrating tropical grasses, and how crop rotations can be used as a tool to reset and improve pasture productivity. Lawrence also talks about succession planning in family farming, labour challenges, and the role Landcare plays in helping farmers access support, knowledge and community networks.

This episode is a great listen for mixed farmers, livestock producers, and anyone interested in improving pasture systems, integrating cropping and grazing, and building a resilient farming operation for the long term.

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is your grazing strategy working for your land or are you working for your grazing?

In this episode, Local Land Services senior Natural Resource Officer Jasmine Wells sits down with Emily Mosely, Grazing Solutions Advisor with Atlas Carbon and MaiaGrazing. Emily explains how a people- and data-first approach to grazing management transformed her family’s semi-arid rangeland operation. Drawing on both her personal experience and professional role, she shares why proactive monitoring, digital tools, and strategic rest and recovery are game changers for sustainable livestock and pasture management.

You’ll hear practical insights on multi-species grazing, leveraging technology to track livestock and pasture performance, increasing carrying capacity while regenerating ground cover, and fostering a feedback loop that improves decisions across your enterprise. Emily also discusses how implementing practice changes early and experimenting with regenerative techniques can create measurable, long-term results.

This episode is a must-listen for graziers, land managers, and anyone interested in optimizing productivity while caring for the land.

Resources and links:

Emily Mosely on LinkedIn
Atlas Grazing (formerly MaiaGrazing)

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is your family serving the farm… or is the farm serving your family?

In this episode, Tim Bartimote sits down with James Hamilton, a central New South Wales farmer who also works nationally in agricultural succession planning. Drawing on lived experience and more than a decade advising families, James explains why succession isn’t about dividing assets; it’s about aligning needs. He outlines his people-first approach, how he structures conversations to move families from “I” to “we,” and why everyone must see their opportunity for a transition to succeed.

You’ll hear practical insights on introducing the next generation early, managing debt responsibly, handling off-farm siblings fairly, and why succession rarely works when it’s left too late.

This is an essential listen for producers who want to extend productivity across generations while keeping the family unit intact.

Resources and links:

James Hamilton on LinkedIn
Cultivate Advisory

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a producer decides not just to grow the product but to own the entire supply chain?

In this episode, Local Land Services Cropping Ag Advisor Tim Bartimote sits down with Andy and Ben Sippel to unpack how a vertically integrated lamb business was built from paddock to plate. Starting with farmers’ markets and evolving into a streamlined event-based model, they share why simplicity, consistency, and market alignment have been central to success.

You’ll hear why limiting customer choice became a strength, how ensuring “everything has a home before it leaves the paddock” protects profitability, and what it really takes to bootstrap and scale a food business.

This is a practical conversation for producers interested in value-adding, controlling their market pathway, and building resilient agricultural businesses beyond the farm gate.

Resources and links:

Saltbush Lamb
MLA Managing Your Feedbase
Ben Sippel on LinkedIn
Andy Sippel on LinkedIn

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if one native plant could fundamentally change how your grazing system performs, even through drought?

In this episode, Local Land Services Cropping Ag Advisor, Tim Bartimote, sits down with Andy and Ben Sippel from Saltbush Plains to unpack decades of hands-on experience using old man saltbush as a backbone species in grazing systems. From transforming degraded cropping country into resilient perennial pasture, to maintaining high stocking rates independent of rainfall, they share why deep-rooted native shrubs are one of Australia’s most underutilised agricultural assets.

You’ll hear how saltbush supports livestock performance with year-round green feed, high protein levels, and exceptional water-use efficiency, plus how smart grazing management turns ecological strength into economic strength.

This is a practical, grounded conversation for producers interested in building resilient pastures, reducing inputs, and working with Australia’s landscapes, not against them.

Resources and links:

Saltbush Lamb
MLA Managing Your Feedbase
Ben Sippel on LinkedIn
Andy Sippel on LinkedIn

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the final episode of our 4-part series, The Lime Light, where we shine a light on lime and dig into building pasture performance on acidic soils.

Liam Mowbray runs a cattle operation near Gloucester in partnership with his wife Alissa and his parents. Since moving to the area four years ago, the family has focused on lifting production by increasing the carrying capacity across their properties.

In this episode, Liam talks about making soil pH a foundational part of their production approach and the flow-on effects this has had on soil and pasture performance. You’ll also hear Liam discuss managing steeper country where cultivation isn’t an option, and the strategies used to address soil acidity in these areas.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with Liam, away from the heat of the day, to bring you this chat.

Resources and links:

NSW - Pastures on acid soils
Liam Mowbray on LinkedIn

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to episode 3 of our 4 part summer series, The Lime Light, where we shine a light on lime and dig into building pasture performance on acidic soils.

Stuart Tait farms alongside his family at Mandurama in the NSW Central Tablelands with other properties at Lyndhurst and Canowindra. Tait Agriculture is focused on cattle and a cropping program including wheat, canola and Faba beans. Stuart has a range of pastures with phalaris, fescue, lucerne and clovers being the main components.

In this episode, Stuart talks about how they have shifted focus to increased cropping since the purchase of their Canowindra and Lyndhurst properties. You’ll hear Stuart explain soil testing and managing his soil pH is their main strategy for doing this. Stuart also shares his investigation into purchasing a Horsch Tiger cultivator and how he justifies a whopping 7 tonnes of lime per hectare.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach sat down with Stuart on a rather momentous day as the Tait family celebrated a major family milestone.

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to part 2 of our Summer series of Seeds for Success - The Lime Light series. We’re shining a light on lime and digging into acidic soils to optimise pastures as we chat with farmers who have been part of the High Performance Pasture Mixes for Acidic Soils, a project co-funded by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Meat and Livestock Australia Donor Company.

Angus Knight runs Fairview, a mixed farming operation south of Junee, where he manages a prime lamb enterprise alongside cereals, canola, and lupins.

In this episode, Angus talks through the productivity push he’s made since returning to the farm in 2018 coming from his studies, including how identifying acidic soils as a limiting factor reshaped his management decisions. He discusses tackling an acid throttle at depth, the resulting lift in carrying capacity, and the flow-on benefits to crop performance. Finally, Angus digs into the practical realities of making these changes, from timing and logistics to the day-to-day adjustments that drive long-term gains on mixed farms.

Resources and links:

Holbrook Landcare Network – Soil Testing Process

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our Summer series of Seeds for Success - The Lime Light series. Join us as we shine a light on lime and dig into acidic soils to optimise pastures. Over the coming four episodes, we'll be chatting with farmers who have been part of the High Performance Pasture Mixes for Acidic Soils, a project co-funded by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Meat and Livestock Australia Donor Company.

Our first guest is Dr Richard Hayes. As well as being involved in the family farm between Crookwell and Goulburn, Richard is a research agronomist with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. In this episode, Richard tells us how his background in the family farm gives him insight into the kind of messages that resonate with farmers. Richard also explains his latest project and the key messages for farmers managing acid soils which include new pH targets and incremental soil sampling.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach sat down with Richard to learn more about the curiously nicknamed HIPPO project.

Resources and links:

NSW Department of Primary Industries - Pastures on acid soils

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dean Hague is a Farmer on Tara Station, near Mount Hope. Alongside his wife, Jayde, and their kids, Dean has been continuing a century-old legacy of cattle raising and farming.

In this episode, Dean explains the composition of his 98 thousand acre property: the merinos and dorpers, mixed farming, stud cattle, and cereal cropping. He discusses the exclusion fence project, the results so far in keeping his resources safe, the current status, and the small struggles he faces as a local leader. Finally, he breaks down the animals in the farm, the studs and their history, working with dogs, and a comparison between goat and sheep.

Resources and links:

Rockingham Santas Website
Rockingham Santas on Facebook

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Tognetti is a farmer in Myee, near Grenfell. His farm consists mostly of wheat, canola, and faba cropping operations alongside a few sheep across a 26 hundred acre area.

In this episode, Paul walks us through his farm and the numbers that go in and out of his operation. He expresses his passion for precision agriculture, the math behind it all, and the technology that lets it all happen. Paul discusses variable rate applications throughout the farm, gauging his paddocks, and making the most out of them. Finally, Paul reflects on how helpful technology has been for Australian agriculture, saving producers such as himself from all the manual labor of notebooks, pencils, and calculators.

This episode of the Seeds for Success podcast is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.

Resources and links:

Farming Forecaster network

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Tognetti is a farmer in Myee, near Grenfell. His farm consists mostly of wheat, canola, and faba cropping operations alongside a few sheep across a 26 hundred acre area.

In this episode, Paul talks to us about his farm, its size, and its makeup. He explains the operations in depth, from their continuous cropping system, preparation and benchmarking of soil, and herbicide rotations. Finally, Paul shares what he’s learned from paddock and cropping operations across his decades of experience.

This episode of the Seeds for Success podcast is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.

Resources and links:

Farming Forecaster network

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Francis is a Farmer in ‘Gobothery’, southwest of Forbes. Alongside his brother and their families, Chris has been taking on grain farming, fodder growing, and short-horn cattle, following 3 generations of family history.

In this episode, Chris discusses the landscape his extensive operation sits on and some key motivations for their dedication. He explains the farm’s livestock decisions, irrigation choices, fodder production, and his stance on the rise of corporate input in the farming industry.

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katja Williams is a Farmer at Polldale, a shorthorn cattle stud north of Dubbo, alongside her husband, Ned. In addition to working on the stud, Katja also runs around as a mother, podcaster, and rural women’s advocate online as The Ultimate Farm Wife.

In this episode, Katja discusses the challenges of joining a farming family, even if you’re from a farming background yourself. She shares her experiences with assumed knowledge, balancing work and motherhood, and figuring out how to find a place in someone else’s family in someone else’s business.

Local Land Services Cropping Officer, Tim Bartimote, sat down with Katja at her busy kitchen table for this fascinating chat.

Resources and links:

The Ultimate Farm Wife website
The Ultimate Farm Wife podcast
The Ultimate Farm Wife on Instagram
The Rural Mum on Facebook
Katja Williams on LinkedIn

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nic Baker is a Farmer and Contractor, and he runs a 3,600-acre cropping, cattle, and contracting operation with his wife and parents just outside Coonabarabran.

In this episode, Nic discusses how his farm’s breeding operation shifted from Angus to Wagyu and how dual-purpose cropping helps to fill the winter feed gap for his breeding stock while also improving his cash flow. He also outlines his journey from purely haymaking to incorporating silage into their fodder program and how they were able to reduce the cost of upgrading by utilising as much existing machinery as possible.

Local Land Services Cropping Officer, Tim Bartimote, caught up with Nic for this chat on his property overlooking the Warrumbungles on a beautiful sunny day.

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
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Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitch Rubie and his father run the 1,400 mixed farming operation that forms the basis of Lachlan Merinos. Mitch describes it as a grass-growing business, with the Rubies growing irrigated fodder crops, grazing canola, cereals, and lucerne-based pastures alongside their Merino seed stock.

In this episode, Mitch explains how they select the best Merinos for breeding, the importance of good breeding values and genetics, and how better benchmarking has led to better genetic decisions in their seed stock.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, sat down for this chat with Mitch at his kitchen table overlooking the Lachlan River.

This episode of the Seeds for Success podcast is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.

Resources and links:

Lachlan Merinos website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Flynn is the Principal Solicitor at Land Law Co and also owns and runs his family’s farm, ‘Strathallyn’, north of Mudgee. ‘Strathallyn’ is a 50/50 fine wool and cattle operation that is in the process of transitioning to a straight cattle trading operation.

In this episode, Tim discusses the importance of succession planning, how his legal background helped him navigate his family's succession process fairly, and the lessons he has learned through these experiences. He also discusses the challenges of an off-farm business and a working farm, the role of agritourism, and the rise of renewable energy companies pitching "alternative income streams" to farmers, with the reminder to any farmers considering a renewables proposal to seek professional advice before signing anything.

Local Land Services Senior Ag Advisor, Lauren Roberts, caught up with Tim at his office in Mudgee for this chat.

Resources and links:

Land Law Co website
Young Farmer Business Program website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ian Manwaring and his family run a mixed farming operation alongside his brother Doug and his family across 65,000 acres at Malleevale near Condobolin. In addition to a successful cropping enterprise, Ian and his wife have a goat breeding operation, crossbreeding rangelands and imported U.S. bloodlines.

In this episode, Ian explains the origins of their goat breeding business and how they’ve bred the Contender goat line to produce animals tough enough for the environment but with good muscling and meat.

Local Land Services Senior Natural Resource Officer, Jasmine Wells, caught up with Ian at home in Malleevale.

Resources and links:

Contender Meat Goats on Facebook

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen and Melanie Cooper run a self-replacing merino operation and winter crop on their 4,200-hectare property at Caragabal, west of Grenfell.

In this episode, Stephen and Melanie discuss the strip and disc seeding system they use on their farm. They get candid about how drought and rising input costs influenced their decision to adopt the strip and disc method, and the benefits they’ve already seen in soil health and ground cover. Melanie also shares her love of working with Weddin Landcare to bring farmers together to learn from each other.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, settled in for this chat with Stephen and Melanie on-farm after some much appreciated rain.

Resources and links:

Weddin Landcare website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim Kiss owns and operates Grassland Poultry alongside her husband Brian, just outside Wellington. Grassland Poultry is a free-range chicken farm where they breed, hatch, raise, and process the chickens completely on-farm.

In this episode, Kim explains why she and Brian chose to pivot from cattle to chickens, how their free-range chicken farm runs a little differently than most, and why the Sommerlad breed is perfect for Australian conditions.

Local Land Service Mixed Farming Advisor, Claudia Hinrichsen, sat down with Kim for a cup of tea and a chat about chooks.

Resources and links:

Grassland Poultry website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Camilla Herbig is a Farmer alongside her husband on their property at Collie, a Rural Mental Health Advocate with RAMHP, and the mind behind Tractor Snacks, which provides recipe inspiration for the busy farm and household.

In this episode, Camilla describes advocates for greater support services for farmers and rural areas. She also shares the inspiration for Tractor Snacks and how more nutritious food in the field helps to reduce farmer fatigue and on-farm accidents with a tasty treat.

Local Land Services Team Leader, Neroli Brennan, caught up with Camilla in the Dubbo LLS office for this chat.

Mental health support:

If this episode has raised any concerns or feelings for you, please reach out to:

Lifeline on 13 11 14
The Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511

Resources and links:

Norco National Farmer Wellbeing Report
‘Let’s Talk About Rural Adversity’ factsheet from RAMHP
RAMHP website
Tractor Snacks website
Tractor Snacks on Instagram

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Harris is the owner of Beau River Beef, a cattle breeding operation utilising agistment properties across NSW from Griffith to Orange. Laura also works for Local Land Services as part of the Invasive Species team.

In this episode, Laura discusses the humble origins of her Santa Gertrudis x Angus crossbred herd and how she uses agistment for her breeding operation until she can purchase her own property. She explains why she thinks agistment is an underutilised resource, how to find it, how to value it, and how to plan for droughts when you don’t have your own land.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, caught up with Laura in the Forbes LLS Office for this chat.

Resources and links:

Beau River Beef on Facebook

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is part two of our two-part chat with Annie Scott. In the last episode, Annie discussed how she and her team use extensive data collection to consistently improve their Angus livestock.

In this episode, Annie shares her personal journey as an Angus breeder, starting as a Youth Ambassador in the 1990s and culminating in hosting the recent World Angus Forum, where she was given an industry award for over 20 years of dedication to the Angus breed. She also dives into how to bridge the city-country divide and the importance of mentoring the younger generation.

This episode of Seeds For Success is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate Smart Agriculture Program.

Resources and links:

Karoo Angus website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Annie Scott is an Angus Breeder and Advocate at ‘Karoo’, a 2,300-hectare farm and Angus stud between Bathurst and Lithgow, which Annie took over from her parents in 2008, with a later partnership with her father in 2018.

In this episode, Annie explains how extensive data collection combined with an improvement philosophy has allowed Karoo Angus to produce high-quality animals. She also discusses the importance of pasture management and why shifting their calving period to later in the season has contributed to their success.

Local Land Service Senior Ag Advisor, Lauren Costin, sat down with Annie at ‘Karoo’ for this far-reaching chat.

This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Annie.

This episode of Seeds For Success is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate Smart Agriculture Program.

Resources and links:

Karoo Angus website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Wal White is the Feedlot Manager at ‘The Mount’, a mixed farming operation west of Forbes on the west slope of the Corridgery Range. Wal keeps himself busy managing 840ha of cropping, another 800ha of grazing country, and a 4,000-cattle feedlot at its heart.

In this episode, Wal opens up about the backgrounding process used at ‘The Mount’ for cattle entering the feedlot, what a normal day managing 4,000 head of cattle looks like, and discusses the improvements made at 'The Mount' while he's been there and why improving infrastructure is a priority for him.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, caught up with Wal after a farm visit ahead of an upcoming Lachlan PROGRAZE group workshop.

This episode of Seeds For Success is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate Smart Agriculture Program.

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Terry Worthington is a Farmer at ‘Four Corners’, a 7,000-acre livestock operation near Condoblin. Terry’s business is split between trade and agistment of cattle and bare breach Merino sheep, and breeding composite cattle.

In this episode, Terry opens up about how his approach to farming has become simpler over time and has reduced stress for himself and his livestock. He also discusses how his appreciation for the differences between his property and his neighbours has helped him improve the health of the soil, native pastures, and shrub systems, and how a shift in his thinking and a desire to move away from ploughing and cropping has led to the establishment of previously unseen pastures.

Local Land Services Senior Natural Resource Officer, Jasmine Wells, caught up with Terry on a beautiful day at ‘Four Corners’.

This episode of Seeds For Success is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate Smart Agriculture Program.

Resources and links:

Condobolin and Districts Landcare

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Col Clapham is a beef and sheep producer in the Ilford area of NSW. Col runs three properties with his wife and uncle across 5700 acres, using the variable elevation as part of their pest management strategies to protect their 1600 breeding ewes, 200 cows, and 400 steers.

In this episode, Col discusses the challenges of managing soil that ranges from sandy to rich basalt to achieve his production goals, how he tackles managing native and improved pastures in the cooler, elevated country of his properties, and how he’s implemented technology to allow him to monitor his animals and make better decisions about when to sell.

Local Land Services Senior Ag Advisor, Lauren Costin, caught up with Col on a rainy day in his woolshed.

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
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Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

This episode is part two of our two-part chat with Isabele and Pete Roberts. In the last episode, Isabele and Pete opened up about their family’s Poll Dorset stud operation and the importance of good breeding.

In this episode, Isabele and Pete highlight the importance of multispecies grazing crops for their farm and the research they have recently undertaken with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, continues his chat with Isabele and Pete at their home in Cudal.

Resources and links:

Mixed species annual fodder crops research from NSW DPI
Isabele and Pete feature story from NSW DPI
Ridgehaven Poll Dorsets website
Ridgehaven Poll Dorsets on Facebook

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Isabele and Pete Roberts are the husband and wife duo behind Ridgehaven Poll Dorset stud in Cudal. With three properties across Cudal and Forbes, Isabele and Pete work with their family to produce high-quality sheep.

In this episode, Isabele and Pete explain how they run their complex business, the importance of breeding rams with good eating qualities, how they achieve fast-growing lambs that meet market specifications, and the truth for producers looking for the “silver bullet” in their sheep enterprises.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, sat down with Isabele and Pete for this far-reaching chat.

This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Isabele and Pete.

Resources and links:

Ridgehaven Poll Dorsets website
Ridgehaven Poll Dorsets on Facebook

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Grace Hadley is the Business Manager at Burrawang West, an 11,000-acre mixed farming operation owned by AAM Investment Group between Condobolin and Parkes. Grace spends her days mostly focused on the Burrawang Dorper and White Dorper Stud programs.

In this episode, Grace explains the strategies used at Burrawang to train Dorpers with quiet temperaments, how focusing on breeding rams chosen for conformation and fertility results in lambs of a mid-maturity growth type, and how an eight-month joining schedule makes a lot more work for the stud.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, made his way to Condobolin for this chat with Grace.

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Kate Nixon is a Horticulturalist and Environmental Consultant who founded Macrocarpa Landscapes in 2024. Kate advocates for using endemic Australian plant species to create healthy, beautiful landscapes to improve farms and gardens in rural Australia.

In this episode, Kate discusses how to choose the best endemic species for the farm, how they can be used tactically to reduce fire risk and manage flood areas, and how to build a gorgeous garden from native Australian plants that promote more biodiversity.

Local Land Services Senior Natural Resource Officer, Jasmine Wells, caught up with Kate after a great workshop at the Forbes Visitors Centre showcasing her native garden design.

Resources and links:

Macrocarpa Landscapes website
Macrocarpa Landscapes on Instagram
Sustainable Farms website
PlantNET website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Sam Johnston is a Farmer who works alongside his dad to manage their family properties near Forbes. The Johnston's primary focus is on trade lambs and lucerne hay production however, they have recently moved into breeding composite meat sheep too.

In this episode, Sam discusses how high-performance pastures of perennial grasses, lucerne, clover, and chicory helped his farm to trade over 3,000 lambs on approximately 150 hectares of river country. He also explains how their hay production sometimes conflicts with lamb production and the effect it can have on cash flow.

Resources and links:

Johnston Rural Group website
Top Fodder silage workshop by Central West LLS

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Jacob Stein is a Farmer and Winemaker at Robert Stein Winery in Mudgee. For three generations, Jacob’s family has farmed their 600-acre property and expanded their operation to include a vineyard, winery, restaurant, and mixed farming enterprise.

In this episode, Jacob shares how regenerative farming techniques boosted soil carbon levels from 1% to 8%, discusses their paddock-to-plate approach, and reveals how innovative farming methods like natural sunscreen on grape vines have contributed to multiple prestigious wine awards.

Resources and links:

Robert Stein Winery website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

This episode is part two of our two-part chat with Jon Wright. In the last episode, Jon shared his journey to create the highly regarded Blue-E line of cattle and how it became the most feed-efficient herd in the world.

In this episode, Jon dives into the importance of EBVs and how farms can use this information to develop more effective beef production systems. He also discusses how his collaboration with ag tech developers and researchers from the University of Sydney will aid farmers in reducing on-farm emissions.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Officer, Claudia Hinrichsen, continues her chat with Jon on the farm “Coota Park".

Resources and links:

“Coota Park” website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Jon Wright runs a 700-head cattle and breeding operation at his property, "Coota Park", on the edge of the Lachlan Valley. Jon developed a high-efficiency composite cattle line, Blue-E, almost 30 years ago using a Shorthorn Angus cross and refining the line over time.

In this episode, Jon walks through his beef and cattle journey and how working on a research station in his early career influences how he operates his farm. He digs into how he developed the Blue-E line and how monitoring individual animal feed intake and production efficiency has led to his line being considered the most feed-efficient herd in the world.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Officer, Claudia Hinrichsen, caught up with Jon at “Coota Park" to learn more about his Blue-E cattle.

This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Jon.

Resources and links:

“Coota Park” website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Richard and Bernie Sharpe are the husband and wife team behind “Winton Park”, a SheepMaster stud they run on their farm, “Coraki”, along the banks of the Bogan River northwest of Parkes. In addition to the stud, they also have a commercial shedding sheep flock with a bit of cropping to complement their sheep enterprise.

In this episode, Richard and Bernie discuss how SheepMasters are different from other breeds of sheep and their benefits for different farming setups. As newcomers to the Parkes region, they also share their experience buying rural property in various areas and their advice for anyone looking to buy.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, chatted with Richard and Bernie at the Forbes office.

Resources and links:

Winton Park Sheepmasters website
Winton Park Sheepmasters on SBA website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Sam Mason is a Farmer at “Spicers Run”, a 4,500-hectare mixed-farming operation near Wellington. Sam, his brother Joe, and their families use a 10-year cropping rotation schedule to help them make the most of their land.

In this episode, Sam shares how his cropping rotation works and the benefits of dual-purpose cropping for providing high-quality winter feed for livestock while leaving plenty to harvest at the end of the season. He also shares how his intense production strategy helps to offset rising input costs.

Local Land Services Cropping Ag Advisor, Tim Bartimote, sat down with Sam out the back of the LLS ag shed among the dual-purpose hay samples.

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Paul Jameson runs a livestock operation on his farm, “Pine Knoll Park”, near Geurie and is also the NSW Livestock Stud Manager for Elders. Using his experience with Elders, Paul has turned his property from a blank canvas into a thriving farm.

In this episode, Paul discusses how he improved the infrastructure of his farm and why he established permanent pastures. He explains why he joined the LLS Farming Forecaster network and how real-time data helps his business. He also shares his advice as a livestock specialist for producers bringing home new animals in the post-sale season.

Local Land Services Cropping Ag Advisor, Tim Bartimote, sat down with Paul early one morning to chat in the Dubbo LLS office.

Resources and links:

Farming Forecaster tool on LLS website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Joe Fleming is a fifth-generation Farmer with his family on their 10,000-hectare mixed farming operation, “Ulah”, near Walgett. Wheat and chickpeas are the primary crops at "Ulah" with some opportunistic irrigated cotton, cattle trading, and agistment when seasonal conditions allow it.

Joe is also the Founder and Director of Evolve Engineering, which designs and manufactures innovative farming technology such as “crimpers” to allow farmers to manage weeds without disturbing the soil.

In this episode, Joe tells the tale of creating the Bladerunner, a chevron blade barrel attachment designed for weed management and explains the benefits for pastures and cropping country. He also opens up about his family’s succession journey and reflects on how fortunate he is to be in a position where inheriting a farm is possible.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach sat down with Joe to ask what he thinks about the future of agriculture.

Resources and links:

Evolve Engineering website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Emily Sinderberry is a Farmer and a Rural Bookkeeper at EJS Business Services in Condobolin. Emily is a trained accountant who specialises in helping farmers and small business owners take control of their finances, streamline their bookwork, and reach their financial goals.

In this episode, Emily shares helpful tips for anyone looking to get on top of their books but emphasises the importance of a personalised approach to financial management. She explains why business owners need a holistic approach to their finances and how good bookwork can get you out of the office and back on the farm.

Resources and links:

EJS Business Services website
Emily Sinderberry on LinkedIn

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

This episode is part two of our two-part chat with Anthony Shepherd. In the last episode, Anthony shared the lessons he’s learnt from his years as a farmer and sheep consultant and how changing his farming processes brought his weaning rates above 130%.

In this episode, Anthony explains how he uses technology to improve his farming operation. He discusses how Smart Shepherd helps him spot multiple-bearing ewes that aren’t raising both twins and how he identifies underperforming ewes in the pursuit of a more productive flock.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach spoke with Anthony in his shearing shed to determine the difference between loving and admiring merinos.

Resources and links:

Sheepmatters website
SmartShepherd website
Sheep and Goat Individual Electronic Identification information from NSW DPI

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Anthony Shepherd is a Sheep Producer on his commercial merino enterprise, “Jaffa”, near Cootamundra. In addition to running his farm, he’s also worked as a consultant in the sheep industry for many years.

In this episode, Anthony shares the knowledge he’s gained as a farmer and consultant and how that knowledge has allowed him to change his processes to bring his weaning rates above 130%. He also explains the usefulness of indexes and shares his tips for shearing every six months and the longer-term benefits for business.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach spoke with Anthony in his shearing shed on a cold Cootamundra day.

This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Anthony.

Resources and links:

Sheepmatters website
SmartShepherd website
Sheep and Goat Individual Electronic Identification information from NSW DPI

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Jill and Neil O’Grady are the husband and wife team behind “RedGround” near Oberon. “RedGround” is a fully functioning 60-acre commercial truffle orchard and tourist destination offering visitors the chance to participate in truffle hunts.

In this episode, Jill and Neil walk through the basics of truffle farming and reveal that out of 250 varieties of truffles, there are only 4 worth eating. They also open up about the hard lessons they learnt when diversifying into hospitality and agri-tourism.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach dropped in on Jill and Neil in Bathurst for this chat.

Resources and links:

RedGround Australia website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Rhett Robinson is a Farmer at “Orana” between Gulgong and Dunedoo. Together, Rhett and his father produce SAM sheep and cattle using a native pasture base on their 500-acre property. Rhett has also been a longtime part of the Local Land Services team as a Senior Biosecurity Officer specialising in pest animal management.

In this episode, Rhett shares the pest animal management tips and tricks he has learnt throughout his 22-year career with LLS and on the farm with his family. He highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and discusses effective strategies for controlling pests like rabbits, pigs, dogs, and foxes.

Resources and links:

Vertebrate pest animals information from NSW DPI

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

This episode is part two of our two-part chat with Hamish Wald. In the last episode, Hamish discussed how fortunate he feels to be part of the sheep farming community and how his family decided to move away from exclusive wool farming and diversify with dual-purpose Dohnes Merinos, cattle, and cropping.

In this episode, Hamish dives into the effects of innovations such as genomics and fertility tracking for sheep farmers and discusses the importance of community, biosecurity, and flexibility in farming. He also shares how both of his children are preparing for a life in ag and how their plans were interrupted by COVID-19.

Local Land Services Senior Natural Resource Officer, Jasmine Wells sat down with Hamish for this far-reaching chat.

Resources and links:

Tullinga Dorper Studs website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Hamish Wald is a Farmer and Stud Owner at ‘Tullinga Dorper Studs’ outside Condobolin. For generations, Hamish’s family have farmed their property and he continues their work with his wife Penny, their two children, a studmaster, and a couple of handy backpackers.

In this episode, Hamish shares the story of multi-generational farming and how their business has changed. He explains why they changed from exclusively farming wool to dual-purpose Dohne Merinos. He also opens up about adding diversity to their farming operation by incorporating cropping and beef cattle to mitigate risk.

Local Land Services Senior Natural Resource Officer, Jasmine Wells sat down with Hamish for this far-reaching chat.

This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Hamish.

Resources and links:

Tullinga Dorper Studs website

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Craig Whiteley is a Farmer on his family’s 700-acre farm, "The Oaks", outside Geary. For almost a hundred years, the Whiteley family have raised sheep and experimented with crops including cherries, potatoes, and lucerne.

In this episode, Craig shares how his family's long history in ag allowed them to try different crops in response to market demand. He emphasises the importance of balancing market opportunities with simplicity in farming. He discusses lessons he learnt from various crops and the challenges he overcame growing everything from potatoes to cherries and even lucerne for hay and silage.

Local Land Services cropping advisor, Tim Bartimote, caught up with Craig for this chat while sitting on the lounge at “The Oaks”.

Resources and links:

Silage and hay information from NSW DPI
‘Factors affecting the quality & quantity of forage harvested for silage’ report from NSW DPI
‘A deeper understanding of higher yields in irrigated crops’ report from GRDC

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

It feels like just yesterday we sat down with our first farmer to talk about dryland cropping, sheep, and feedlotting but here we are 100 episodes later!

In this extra special episode, Neroli sat down with Rohan, Tim, and Jas to reflect on what they learnt by making 100 episodes of Seeds for Success. They share the grains of wisdom that have stuck with them, the behind-the-scenes moments that didn't make it into the episodes, and everything that has made this journey so special.

Thank you so much to all the farmers who shared their stories with us and thank YOU for listening!

We can't wait for what we'll have learnt by episode 200 of Seeds for Success!

Nominate a Mate:

If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Beck and Brad Hurley own and operate 22,000 acres on their properties, “Eremeran” and “Kalabra”, a hundred kilometres outside Condobolin. Their farm has changed a lot over the years, and they currently run a mixed cattle and sheep operation with miniature donkeys for herd protection.

In this episode, Beck and Brad expand on how their operation has changed from their early days running the farm, how exclusion fencing has benefited their business, and why they love having miniature donkeys as part of their farming operation. Brad also opens up about how his side project, Good Going Out Cutlery, keeps him busy and transforms old kitchen essentials into beautiful jewellery for family and friends.

Local Land Services Senior Natural Resource Officer, Jasmine Wells caught up for a chat with Beck and Brad at their home with some delicious baked goodies.

Resources and links:

Good Going Out Cutlery on Instagram

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

John Murdoch is a Farmer and rural mental health advocate from Bombala. John runs a mixed farming operation with his wife and father focused on merinos, first cross ewes, Angus cattle, and fodder cropping. He is also an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and support for farmers.

In this episode, John provides insight into farming in the Monaro and explains one of the major projects he managed in his previous role as a Board Member and Chairperson for the Monaro Farming Systems group. He also digs into the Farming Forecaster network and how pasture prediction tools influenced his farming practices.

John also shares his mental health battles resulting from the pressures of farming and disasters and how to support farmers better.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, reached out to John for this chat following your suggestions through our ‘Nominate a Mate’ campaign.

Contact Rohan Leach at Central West Local Land Services at 0417 021 795 or rohan.leach@lls.nsw.gov.au to find out more about the Farming Forecaster network.

Mental health support:

If this episode has raised any concerns or feelings for you, please reach out to:

Lifeline on 13 11 14
The Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511

Resources and links:

Monaro Farming Systems website
GrassGro on CSIRO website
Farming Forecaster website
Lifeline website
Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) website

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

JB and Alison Tancred are the husband and wife duo behind ‘The Maze’ near Gulargambone and G.R.A.S.S. Merinos at Armatree. G.R.A.S.S. Merinos is a cooperative stud breeding program, and ‘The Maze’ is an 8,000-acre farming operation with 5,000 acres dedicated to a cropping program based on wheat, barley, and pulse crops with a commercial merino flock.

In this episode, JB and Alison talk about the cooperative nature of G.R.A.S.S. Merinos, the challenges in meeting breeding objectives, and the importance of micron testing and fleece weighing in their breeding and commercial Merino operations. They also discuss some challenges facing Australian ag and how to get a new generation excited about farming.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, caught up with JB and Alison in their home at ‘The Maze’.

Resources and links:

G.R.A.S.S. Merinos website
AWI Visual Sheep Scores (VSS) booklet for producers

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

This episode is part two of our two-part chat with Harry Pye. In the last episode, Harry discussed the ag labour shortage and how his family has turned to robotics and automation for their mixed farming operation near Walgett.

In this episode, Harry sheds some light on his sheep enterprise and how labour shortages influenced their decision to switch from Merinos to Dorpers. He also discusses drought preparedness, confinement lots, feedlots, and how grain storage and drying silos have revolutionised their operation.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, sat down with his mate Harry for all the details.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Harry Pye is the Owner of Gingie Pastoral near Walgett. Harry's 26,000-hectare property is split between arable cropping country and grazing for Dorper ewes and wagyu cattle. Due to the skilled labour shortage, Harry and his family have embraced automation and robotics in their operation.

In this episode, Harry explains how SwarmFarm has changed his cropping operation and the impact he believes driverless tractors will have.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, caught up with Harry for all the details.

This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Harry. Join us for the next episode, where Harry discusses his sheep enterprise and why he chose to switch from merinos to Dorpers.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Stan Noonan is a Crop Protection Specialist and Farmer at ‘Retford Park’, a small property along the Macquarie River near Dubbo. With the help of his family, Stan focuses on buying calves and growing them out with introduced pastures and grazing crops.

In this episode, Stan explains how he achieves high growth rates by focusing on quality feed for his livestock to reach their weight targets quickly. He also breaks down how he extends the life of feed from a good season by using baled silage, the challenges involved, and the lessons he’s learnt along the way. He also dives into how he works with growers as a Crop Protection Specialist to improve their spray application and weed control on the property.

Resources and links:

NSW DPI - Silage and hay information
GRDC - GrowNotes - Spray application manual
GRDC - Spray application tips and tactics

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Sherrie Whitty, alongside her husband Luke, runs Mount Pleasant Limousins, a robust herd of 100 stud cows on a sprawling 2,000-acre property near the Jemalong Range, near Forbes. Their commitment to quality and animal welfare shines through in their operation, which stands as a beacon of excellence in the industry.

In this episode, Sherrie emphasises the significance of selecting for temperament and docility in her cattle. She also explores the benefits of crossbreeding with limousin bulls. The conversation also covers Sherrie’s effective pasture management techniques, particularly her strategic approach to weed control, which plays a crucial role in optimising feed and maintaining healthy pastures.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach caught up with Sherrie to hear all about it in person.

Resources and links:

MLA - Guidelines for selecting the breeding system
Mount Pleasant Limousins
Mount Pleasant Limousins on Facebook

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Peter Grant and his wife Samantha own and operate “Nerreman”, a 530-hectare property on the Lachlan River, west of Forbes. They run a mixed farming enterprise, which includes irrigation, crops, and cattle.

In this episode, Peter shares his passion for growing different crops, especially his favourite one, sweetcorn. He also reveals how he has improved his water use efficiency and how he is dealing with the fall armyworm threat in his corn fields. You’ll also learn how Peter has adopted the use of drones on his farm to cope with the labour, skills, and time challenges.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach joined Peter for this conversation during a break from the sweetcorn harvest.

Resources and links:

Fall armyworm - GRDC

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Kylie Matthews and her husband Adrian own “Kooyong”, just off the highway between Forbes and West Wyalong. Kylie manages their cattle and chicken meat operation and keeps the wheels turning while Adrian works full-time away from the farm.

In this episode, Kylie explains how they built up their farming operation to incorporate cattle and chickens, and how their massive 3-kilometre vegetation corridor project has impacted the farm. She also opens up about their new agritourism venture: The Silo House, which has been both challenging but also rewarding.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Trent Frazer is a Producer on his family farm “Warree”, southwest of Stuart Town. Trent and his family run a predominantly sheep and cattle operation with a little bit of cropping.

In this episode, Trent lets the cat out of the bag about his passion for wool and the challenges and rewards of being part of this staple industry. He reflects on how producers can use local trials to give themselves the information needed to make good decisions. Finally, he opens up about struggling to manage St John's wort on the property and how they're approaching it now.

Local Land Services Cropping Officer, Tim Bartimote, caught up with Trent to chat at his farm, "Warree".

Resources and links:

NSW DPI’s fact sheet for St John’s wort
NSW DPI’s best practice management guide for St John’s wort

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Summer’s not quite over yet and we’re revisiting more farmers who’ve lived through drought and the lessons they’ve learnt along the way.

In this episode, these farmers will explain how you can “minimise your geographic risk” to your herds by spreading them across properties, how tagging can be used to identify your highest performing breeding stock, and one option for keeping your stock fed during a drought.

Seeds for Success will be back to our regularly scheduled programming in Feb 2024.

Full episode links:

Tess Herbert episode
Georgia White episode
Trent Johnstone episode

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

With another hot, dry summer on the cards for Australia, we’re continuing to look back at our early episodes to glean the best knowledge from farmers who lived through the last drought.

In this episode, these farmers will emphasise the importance of flexibility on the farm and adapting their business practices during a drought. They’ll also share the vital lessons they learned from the mistakes they made along the way.

Seeds for Success will be back to our regularly scheduled programming in Feb 2024.

Full episode links:

Gabriel Passmore episode
Tallah Looten episode
Jack Brennan episode

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

We’re doing something a little bit different this summer!

With another hot, dry outlook for Australia in 2024, we’re revisiting some of our early podcast episodes to hear how farmers fared through the last drought.

In this episode, these farmers are opening up about how they managed their properties through the drought and the lessons they learned along the way. From destocking, alternative herd management, and modifications to feeding and housing, to the importance of mental health and focusing on family. One couple will even share their surprising response when the drought broke.

Seeds for Success will be back to our regularly scheduled programming in Feb 2024.

Full episode links:

James Morse episode
Kieran McHugh episode
Elliot Shannon episode
Jarrod and Emma Amery episode
Andrew and Meegan Young episode

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Nicole Samodol is the owner of Rowlee Wines near Orange. Rowlee Wines is a boutique winery with a huge variety of wines made using grapes from their vineyard and locally sourced additional grapes.

In this episode, Nicole shares how “smoke taint” from bushfires in 2018 led to the diversification and restructuring of her family’s vineyard. She explains how a strong business plan was vital for achieving their goals which included the addition of on-site wine production, a cellar, and an agritourism strategy. She also spoke about what makes a good wine and how to pick one for yourself.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach caught up with Nicole at the Rowlee Wines cellars.

Nominate a Mate:

If you would like to nominate a mate or yourself, send your suggestion to rohan.leach@lls.nsw.gov.au as well as the guest location and a bit of background info on their farming business.

Resources and links:

Rowlee Wines website
Nicole Samadol on LinkedIn

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Tony Horan is a Farmer at “Briar Rose” just west of Bedgerabong. Tony operates a cattle enterprise along with cereal cropping for hay and silage production.

In this episode. Tony explains how the Travelling Stock Reserves near his property reduce grazing pressures on his farm and how they’ve helped him out through both floods and drought. Tony will also share the number one thing a cattle farmer needs in their life: at least one pet cow.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach sat down with Tony at “Briar Rose” for this chat.

Resources and links:

NSW Travelling Stock Reserves

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Scott Vincent is a Farmer at “Wirragai” just outside Narromine in NSW. Scott and his family run a mixed farming operation of beef cattle along with both irrigated and broadacre cropping.

In this episode, Scott digs into soil health, how he uses chaff lining to improve weed control, and how his management has changed in the last few seasons. He also walks through how a flexible production system allows him to make the most of new and exciting opportunities.

Local Land Services Cropping Officer, Tim Bartimote, caught up with Scott outside on the verandah at “Wirrigai” to have this chat.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Will Lambell is a Farmer at “Weenya” and a Board Member of Tooraweenah Prime Lamb Marketing Co-Op. Will and his family run a mixed farming operation with cropping, shorthorn cattle, and over 2,000 head of self-replacing merino sheep. He is particularly focused on the livestock side of the business and sits on the board of the local marketing cooperative.

In this episode, Will explains how “strength in numbers” is beneficial to farmers participating in a co-op. He also opens up about how he tries to practise what he preaches to only send prime, high-quality animals to sale.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach caught up to chat with Will at his property overlooking the picturesque Warrumbungle Range.

Resources and links:

Tooraweenah Prime Lamb Marketing Co-Op website
Tooraweenah Prime Lamb Marketing Co-Op Facebook

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Nathan and Kieran Simpson are Farmers at “Binginbar Farms” at Gollan, 50km east of Dubbo. Together the brothers run a cropping and grazing enterprise that has been in the family for 155 years. Kieran is in charge of the livestock enterprise and Nathan is in charge of the cropping side of the business.

In this episode, Nathan and Kieran explore how their business has changed since the drought. Kieran shares his experiences with sheep feed lotting, before sharing the story of a highly successful joining in confinement lots. Nathan explains their cropping rotation, and breaks the complexity of perennial pastures. Plus, you’ll hear Nathan’s experience with soil amelioration and variable nutrition.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach sat down with the Simpson brothers for this chat.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Rodney Guest, along with his wife Leonie, owns and manages "Thornburn" near Rankin Springs. This year, the pair celebrate the milestone of 100 years of family farm ownership.

In this episode, Rodney shares how he's been enjoying the recent good seasons, and how the introduction of technology such as WEED-IT has been a game changer in their cropping operation. Rod also explains how over the last 40 years, he's been involved in the fight to conserve the threatened malleefowl by hatching his own chicks and releasing them into an exclusion zone.

Local Land Service Senior Natural Resource Management officer, Jasmine Wells sat down with Rodney at home on "Thornburn" to bring you this chat.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Ed Blackburn is the Manager of “Wongaboori Station”, a 23,000-acre farm near Mendooran. He's also heavily involved with his family's nearby operation, “Gowenbrae”. As a former commercial agronomist, Ed has relished the opportunity to oversee the livestock production and cropping enterprises on "Wongaboori Station".

In this episode, Ed explores the world of dual-purpose cropping and explains the process of producing a quality dual-purpose crop. He shares how important timeliness is in management, especially when considering grazing. Ed also shares the big benefits of dual-purpose crops, and how their flexibility and adaptability have worked for him.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach sat down with Ed at "Gowanbrae" over a cuppa and a delicious slice of orange cake, to bring you this chat.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Ambrose Doolan and his wife Lisa run a commercial Angus cattle enterprise and a small stud bull operation, alongside some fodder cropping, on their property “Toorawandi” near Coonabarabran. On top of his family farming endeavours, Ambrose is also the proud Mayor of Warrumbungle Shire.

In this episode, Ambrose explains the pros and cons of family farming in the Central West, and shares how the failure of conventional farming in his environment 20 years ago led him to adopt minimum tillage, and to become the first Australian importer of Seed Hawk Air Drills. He also shares the story of how he became involved with his community and local council, even now acting as the Mayor.

Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach sat down with Ambrose over a cuppa in this chat at "Toorawandi".

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Nathan Border is an Agronomist and Broadacre cropper, who farms alongside his family on their property "Oriel", just outside of Parkes near Goonumbla. In the last 15 years, the family has shifted from a mixed-farming system to a cropping-only enterprise, following the mindset of doing "As much as you can, as quickly as you can."

In this episode, Nathan shares how the family has shifted to a cropping-only operation, and explains how it enabled the adoption of practices like chaff decking and summer cropping, to help maintain a proactive business. He also breaks down the changes that have allowed the business to improve production and overcome new challenges.

Local Land Services Cropping Officer, Tim Bartimote, caught up with Nathan on the back veranda at "Oriel" for this chat.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Jack and Julie Gordon are the owners of Quartz Aussie White sheep stud, which they run on their 150 ha property just east of Forbes. On the farm, they oversee a flock of 250 self-replacing stud ewes, sourced directly from Tattykeel genetics. Alongside selling rams throughout NSW, they cultivate grazing cereals to supplement their perennial grazing system. Recently, they both completed the Central West LLS PROGRAZE course, which served as a helpful refresher on grazing management.

In this episode, Jack and Julie explain the intensity of their sheep breeding enterprise, despite their rather small land area. They share how they invest in high-quality genetics, and actively track individual performance using eID and BreedELITE. They also explain how they have consciously selected Aussie Whites for their simplicity of management, and how it's allowed them to pursue off-farm careers whilst running the profitable stud.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach sat down with Jack and Julie at their Quartz Aussie White stud just outside Forbes.

Resources and links:

Register for PROGRAZE
Quartz Australian White website
Quartz Australian White Stud on Facebook
Australian White Sheep Breeders Association website

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Greg Wynn, or Wynny as he's known to his mates, is a Cropping Manager at AAM Investments where he oversees Sunshine Farms aggregation in Corinella, near Forbes. He also runs his own mixed farming business, "Stratford", along with his wife, on a soldier settler block just south of Condobolin.

In this episode, Greg shares how he's been able to approach business at "Stratford" with a clean slate, following the flooding on the Lachlan River last year. He explains how he's used flood lines and mapping to assign land use based on soil type and capability, and breaks down the interesting strategies he's put in place to reduce machinery overheads and attract farming contractors.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach sat down with Wynny at home at "Stratford" to bring you this chat.

This episode is part two of our two-part chat with Greg. Check out our last episode, where Greg shares what a day in his life is like in the world of corporate ag.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Greg Wynn, or Wynny as he's known to his mates, is a Cropping Manager at AAM Investments where he oversees Sunshine Farms aggregation in Corinella, near Forbes.

In this episode, Greg shares his experiences in the world of corporate agriculture, and how his background has given him the valuable experience he needs to make big decisions on the farm. He also explains the importance of cost-benefit analysis, before breaking down the difference a good budget can make.

Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach travelled to Corinella on a rainy June morning to bring you this chat with Greg.

This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Greg. Join us for the next episode, where Greg shares the story of his personal mixed farming business.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Warren "Chaddy" Chad is a local Condobolin character, builder, and bird enthusiast. From a young age, Chaddy has taken a keen interest in native wildlife, and is especially passionate about the incredible variety of birds that live across the Central West.

In this episode, Chaddy shares how his love of birds has led to him working with farmers, landcare groups, and government agencies including Local Land Services, to conduct important bird surveys across the region. He'll explain how he's grown to appreciate the benefits of birds on farms, and break down the role that local farmers have in the protection of our native birds.

Local Land Services, Senior Natural Resource Officer, Jasmine Wells caught up for a chat with Chaddy while undertaking a recent bird survey.

Resources and links:

Warren "Chaddy" Chad on Instagram
Malleefowl Matter - Local Land Services Website
BirdLife Australia Website

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Bill Ferguson is a fourth-generation producer who runs Dunedin Pastoral, a company based in Trangie that owns and manages "Horrigen Park" and "Warrawee". Both farms primarily produce dryland crops and irrigated cotton, with Bill working in his overtime to automate his farming practices wherever he can.

In this episode, Bill explains the exciting opportunities he sees for new advancements in technology for agriculture, and how this has recently become reality on his farms with the trialling of modified machinery that automatically sprays paddocks. Bill also shares his ultimate goal of improving efficiency on farm, and what he's doing to find the perfect balance between valuable farm labour, and new-age automation.

Local Land Services Cropping Advisor Tim Bartimote sat down with Bill over a cuppa to see what the future of farming might look like.

Resources and links:

Automation: opportunities for adoption in agriculture - GRDC

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Original publish date: Tue 06 Dec 2022.

Paul Sinderberry, along with his wife and daughter, farm at "Carawatha", 50km north of Condobolin. Alongside a traditional mixed farm with wheat, canola and pulse cropping, they also run commercial and stud Angus cattle herds.

In today's episode, Paul explains how their stud cattle operation, "Moogenilla Angus", led to their investigation and trailing of hard-seeded legumes in their pasture system. He shares how the low-bloating nature of hard-seeded legumes like biserrula and serradella was enticing to Paul, after losing expensive stud animals on bloating legume pasture, like lucerne and clover. Finally, Paul shares some useful tips for anyone considering growing hard-seeded legumes on their own farm.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, joined Paul on the lounge at Carawatha over a cuppa and a toasted sandwich to bring you this great chat.

Resources and links:

Central West Farming Systems on Facebook
Producer Demonstration Site info

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Katrina Swift is a Director and Agronomist for her family's farming operation, "Kebby and Watson", which runs farms at Nelungaloo and Tichborne, near Parkes. Katrina and her family run a dryland farming operation, with a variety of crop types, including regional staples like wheat and canola, and summer crops like mung beans and sorghum.

In this episode, Katrina explains why crop diversity helps mitigate risk on the farm, but keeps the operation busy all year round. She also shares how this system has helped reduce casual labour and maximise productivity with their machinery and permanent state. Katrina also shares her tips for growing summer crops in the Central West and notes that their profitability isn't without its challenges.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach caught up with Katrina for a chat around the kitchen table at “Parkes Plains”.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Mel Kiel, along with her husband David, runs a grass-fed cattle trading business on their property "Mione", near Yeoval. As David works as a mobile mechanic across NSW, Mel has taken the lead on farm, and has worked hard to build their cattle business whilst regenerating their soils, pastures, and general biodiversity.

In this episode, Mel explains how various training courses have led to their business success, and why she is such a big believer in building knowledge and continuous planning. She also shares the tools she uses to make timely decisions in her business, before sharing how and why she trades cattle with profit in mind before even making the purchase.

Central West Local Land Services Senior Natural Resource Officer, Jasmine Wells, caught up with Mel fresh out of the paddock for this chat at home on "Mione".

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Emmanuel Azzopardi is an irrigated hay and vegetable farmer who runs "Durmore" near Forbes, along with his wife Catherine and son Benjamin. Emmanuel is a third-generation farmer, with his family's farming origins starting with his grandparents and parents near Blacktown and Richmond, continuing through to his first major operation in Cowra in 2002, and now to his current property near Forbes.

In this episode, Emmanuel dives into his experiences with planning farm infrastructure projects, starting from scratch, and managing labour shortages and market factors. He also discusses how industry changes have required him to adjust his enterprise mix from horticulture dominated to a more broadacre farming focus in recent years. Plus, Emmanuel shares his passion for watermelon farming and explains the waiting game involved in growing this unique crop.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach sat down with Emmanuel on a windy day at “Durmore” for this chat about veggie farming.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Bill Castleden is a harvest contractor based in Warren in Central West New South Wales. Bill discovered his passion for contract harvesting while working on farms in the area, and with the help of some useful connections, he started his own contracting business in 2017.

In this episode, Bill gives us an inside look at what it takes to run a successful harvest contracting business. He also dives into the intricacies of machinery setup, attracting and retaining quality workers, and managing the day-to-day operations of a harvesting business. Plus, Bill shares his experiences working and travelling from the top of Queensland to the bottom of Victoria, and what he learnt along the way.

Local Land Services Cropping Advisor, Tim Bartimote caught up with Bill near Warren, in a couple of armchairs, at his home on "Drungalear".

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Emma Bowman is an Advisor and Technician of sheep artificial reproduction at Genstock. Emma is passionate about the sheep industry, having grown up on Uardry Merino Stud near Hay, where her father was the manager for almost 20 years. This instilled a passion for ag in Emma and in particular, sheep genetics, which led to her working in the industry and specialising in sheep reproduction.

In this episode, Emma explains the process of artificial insemination (AI), and how farmers in the Central West are increasingly turning to artificial breeding services to fine-tune their livestock reproduction. She'll also break down the pros and cons of artificial reproduction, and share how farmers can maximise their genetic gain and accelerate production in their livestock system.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Officer, Rohan Leach, sat down with his good mate Emma for this chat, one relaxed Sunday afternoon in Dubbo.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Jacob Knight is a 3rd generation farmer at "Boxwood", a 2,200-ha property near Mendooran, that he runs with his family.

In this episode, Jacob explains how his family have spent the last few decades slowly improving their business through self-evaluation, in an attempt to determine the best mix of enterprises. He also explains their decisions to increase their focus on dual-purpose cropping and establishing temperate pastures to maximise production in their prime lambs.

Local Land Services Cropping advisor Tim Bartimote sat down with Jacob for a cuppa and this chat at Boxwood.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Ian McCutcheon is the owner of "Berida", a mixed-farming operation located just west of Gilgandra. "Berida" boasts one of the largest and oldest woolsheds in the district, having been built in 1899, which has become a hotspot for agritourism opportunities.

In this episode, Ian discusses the challenges of running a cattle, sheep, and grain operation simultaneously. He also shares his insights on the importance of surrounding yourself with good advisors and how it helps with critical decision-making. Finally, Ian shares his experience with agritourism and how it has helped connect the local community with the farming history of Gilgandra.

Cropping advisor Tim Bartimote caught up with Ian for this chat one sunny afternoon around the kitchen table.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Ian Clifton, better known as Harry, runs a commercial Angus cattle herd with his family, on their 12,000-acre property "Keronga", near Coonabarabran. Harry specialises in using Wagyu bulls over his Angus females, to create a crossbred or F1 steer, destined for the Japanese market.

In this episode, Harry explains how his pastures, like slender leaf serradella, have helped his less productive soil types to pull their weight. He also breaks down the Wagyu market across seasons, thanks to his eight years of experience in the enterprise. Finally, Harry discusses the importance of relationships in his business, and what this means in the Japanese Wagyu market.

Central West Local Land Services Mixed Farming Officer, Rohan Leach, sat down with Harry for this chat, after a morning out in the paddock collecting some slender leaf serradella seed.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Jenny Bradley, alongside her son Jack and her husband Craig, farm at "New Armatree", just outside of Armatree in the Central West. The family operates a winter-based cropping program, although Jenny is the first to admit that her heart is with livestock, as they also run a successful commercial merino enterprise.

In this episode, Jenny and Jack will share how they've spent the recent years focusing on building their Border Leicester seed stock enterprise. Jenny discusses how an innovation grant through the Local Land Services was the catalyst behind enhancing the recording of their performance data for individual animals, and how breeding objectives that shape the style of an animal are possible through the use of electronic tags. Plus, Jack will explain how the integration of new technologies not only reduces the labour component on farm, but also helps eliminate human error, and better analyse performance data.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, sat down with Jenny and Jack at home on New Armatree to learn more about the importance of performance-tested and measured animals for the future of our red meat industry.

This episode is part two of a two-part conversation with Jenny and Jack. Check out our last episode for part one, where we hear how the family continues the conversation about succession planning, and how data-driven decision-making is leading them to success.

Special thanks:

This episode is supported by Central West Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Jenny and Jack Bradley are a mother and son who farm "New Armatree", their property just outside of Armatree in the Central West. The family operates a successful commercial merino enterprise, joining to Border Leicesters, alongside running a winter-based cropping program.

In this episode, Jenny shares her family's history of farming at "New Armatree", which spans over 70 years and across three generations. She'll explain how succession is a process they've worked on for a long time, that's all made possible through good communication and a shared vision. They'll also explain how managing pasture, on-farm biosecurity, and data-driven decision-making have been the keys to their success.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, sat down with Jenny and Jack on an unusually cold November morning to learn more about the successful business they are building at New Armatree.

This episode is part one of a two-part conversation with Jenny and Jack. Join us in the next episode where we continue our conversation about the importance of eID and new technologies to boost individual animal performance data, and how this is the key driver for production gains both on the farm, and in the growing future of our red meat industry.

Special thanks:

This episode is supported by Central West Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Tony Single is a 4th generation farmer who works alongside his family to run “Narratigah”, their family property, located southeast of Coonamble. They primarily run a winter and summer cropping program to maximise the productivity of stored soil moisture.

In today's episode, Tony explains why every decision on their farm is influenced by the goal to make every drop count. He also breaks down the potential risks in their farming system, including herbicide resistance, and how the family's venture into the ag-tech space is helping them identify weed populations, and maximise efficiency.

Local Land Services Cropping advisor Tim Bartimote caught up with Tony for this chat on a strangely clear-skyed afternoon around the kitchen table at “Narritagah”.

Resources and links:

Single Agriculture Website

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Gabby Neal is a fashion designer and entrepreneur, who was born into a wool-growing family in Condobolin. She eventually moved to Sydney to attend high school, where she stayed to study fashion before moving to New York to advance her career. In 2017, she returned home to the farm in the middle of a drought and was inspired to create INTACT — a fashion label focused on ethically and sustainably sourced products that celebrate the versatility of wool.

In this episode, Gabby explains how helping her family feed sheep during the recent drought inspired her to create change for her family, and the wool industry as a whole, beyond the farm gates. She shares her realisation of the wool-shaped gap in the market, as a sustainable response to fast fashion. Finally, Gabby breaks down the outdated perceptions of wool and explains how she's showcasing the fibre in a whole new light.

Resources and links:

INTACT Website
INTACT Instagram

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Paul Sinderberry, along with his wife and daughter, farm at "Carawatha", 50km north of Condobolin. Alongside a traditional mixed farm with wheat, canola and pulse cropping, they also run commercial and stud Angus cattle herds.

In today's episode, Paul explains how their stud cattle operation, "Moogenilla Angus", led to their investigation and trailing of hard-seeded legumes in their pasture system. He shares how the low-bloating nature of hard-seeded legumes like biserrula and serradella was enticing to Paul, after losing expensive stud animals on bloating legume pasture, like lucerne and clover. Finally, Paul shares some useful tips for anyone considering growing hard-seeded legumes on their own farm.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, joined Paul on the lounge at Carawatha over a cuppa and a toasted sandwich to bring you this great chat.

Resources and links:

Central West Farming Systems on Facebook
Producer Demonstration Site info

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

David Watt owns and manages a 5,600 ha mixed farming business, where he runs close to 1000 merino ewes. He also handles winter cropping and an intensive lamb feedlot near Trundle, in Central West NSW.

In today's episode, David shares all the important details about developing a sheep feedlot, including what needs to be considered before starting a feedlotting business, and the major changes he has made to his design over time. David also explains the rather particular traits he looks for in his lambs, before reminding us all about the importance of biosecurity on farms.

Local Land Services Senior Natural Resource Officer, Jasmine Wells managed to squeeze in this chat with David on one of his recent trips into town for supplies.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Robbie Peters and his family run "Burrawang" at Yarrabandai, northwest of Forbes. Robbie runs a mixed-farming operation, where he trades sheep and cattle, alongside crop farming on a short rotation coming out of pasture.

In today's episode, Robbie shares how he got his start in ag through cattle trading, and how he ended up cropping in a shared-farming arrangement. He also explains how an overdraft account allowed him to expand his operation, and eventually even purchase his own farm.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, sat down for a cuppa and a yarn with Robbie at "Burrawang" Homestead.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Original publish date: Tue 02 Feb 2021.

Fiona Aveyard and her husband Bill run Outback Lamb, a vertically-integrated farming business focusing on single-origin pasture-fed lamb. It's part of their commercial sheep and cropping operation, 'Westpoint', near Tullamore.

Determined to secure the future for their four children, Bill and Fiona came up with a creative approach to growing their business. And in this episode, you'll hear how this plan, combined with a gradual embrace of social media, has allowed them to extend the reach of their 'paddock to plate' story.

Resources and links:

Provenance Storytelling for Success

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Ben Egan is a sixth-generation farmer, who farms on his family property "Kiameron", alongside his wife, three kids, father and mother. Ben is deeply passionate about ensuring the longevity of his farming business and continuing to hand the property down to the next generation in a better condition than it was found.

In this episode, Ben explains how to organise succession planning for your farm, and what it means to run an 'infinite farm'. He also shares his experience in cotton farming, and how water access and seasons have such a big impact on decision-making.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Maurie Street and his family run "Huanita", east of Dubbo, near Wongarbon. They focus on dryland winter cropping, whilst Maurie works full-time as the GEO of GOA, the Grains Orana Alliance. GOA is a grower-driven research and development organisation based in the Central West, which runs via funding from the Grain Research and Development Corporation.

In this episode, Maurie shares what he believes the significant challenges will be for the industry going forward. He touches on the difficulties of maintaining nitrogen levels and managing the price of nitrogen in this market. Maurie also shares some practical ways to increase nitrogen efficiency in your soil and what to be aware of to ensure you're getting the most out of your nitrogen.

Local Land Services cropping advisor, Tim Bartimote caught up with Maurie by the fire on a very wet, rainy morning at "Huanita".

This episode is part two of our conversation with Maurie. Check out our last episode for part one, where Maurie explains why he places such importance on nitrogen in his soil.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Maurie Street and his family run "Huanita", a dryland winter cropping farm east of Dubbo. Maurie also works as the CEO of Grains Orana Alliance, a Central West-based research and development organisation, which is driven by growers, and funded through Grain Research and Development Corporation investments.

In this episode, Maurie explains why his focus is on cropping at "Huanita", and why nitrogen is so important in his production system. He also details his involvement with the Grains Orana Alliance, or GOA, and shares the work they do with producers in the Central West to find solutions to local cropping problems.

Local Land Services cropping advisor, Tim Bartimote, caught up with Maurie by the fire on a very wet, rainy morning at "Huanita".

This episode is part one of our two-part conversation with Maurie. Keep an eye out for the next episode, where Maurie shares his tips on how to maximise nitrogen efficiency.

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Emma Ayliffe, along with her partner Craig, runs "Gleesons", a 1700-acre farm near Lake Cargelligo, alongside running a successful agronomy business, Summit Ag Consulting. Above all, Emma is passionate about helping farmers stay connected through supportive and constructive peer-based networks.

In today's episode, Emma explains how she started in agriculture and shares her lessons about cropping in low-rainfall zones. She also breaks down "Yacker", an app designed to help farmers connect to industry experts and foster knowledge sharing and growth throughout the ag industry.

Local Land Services cropping officer Tim Bartimote battled his way around flood waters to catch up with Emma for this chat.

Resources and links:

Yacker App
AgCAREERSTART Gap Year Program
Protein Mapping Resource
Grid Soil Sampling Resource

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Scott Hickman and his wife run a grazing operation on their 770ha property near Canowindra. They run cattle and sheep with a passion for ecological health principles and holistic management techniques, including time-controlled, planned grazing methods.

In today's episode, Scott details the effects of prolonged dry years on their operation and how this prompted them to find ways to minimise input, financial strain, and stress. He also shares how the adoption of holistic management principles has led to success on the farm. Additionally, Scott discusses his role as a Grazing Officer for Mic-Lachlan Landcare and his passion for group support and mentorship.

Local Land Services Senior Natural Resource Officer Jasmine Wells caught up with Scott over a cuppa on the farm at Oakleigh.

Resources and links:

Growing the Grazing Revolution | Mid Lachlan Landcare
Prograze - profitable, sustainable grazing

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Andrew Charlton and his family run a mixed-farming operation at "Cedar Park", their home property at Ballimore. They currently run around 4000 merino ewes and 1000 cattle, along with dual-purpose cropping and grazing.

In today's episode, Andrew shares his newfound interest in goats and how he balances his new Kalahari Red Goat stud alongside his sheep and cattle trading. He also explains how smart livestock trading helped expand his business and how essential quality pastures are in pushing livestock productivity.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming officer Rohan Leach sat down with Andrew at home at "Cedar Park" for a chat overlooking his newest drop of Kalahari Reds.

Resources and links:

David Grieg | The right rams: Twinning at the Merino game

Connect:

Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on Twitter
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Luke Dunn and his family run "Oak Hills", a mixed farming operation near Mandagery, 30km east of Parkes in the Central West. They focus on wool and sheep-meat production and are passionate about creating a consistent product.

In today's episode, Luke talks through the process of fleece weighting at shearing time, a process they undertake to help them produce a consistent product and help drive decision-making around their wool enterprise. Luke also shares how he's minimising their farming business's risk with diversified sheep enterprises, including merinos, crossbred lambs, and wool-growing wethers.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Officer Rohan Leach met Luke in the shearing shed for this chat amongst the sheep.

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Broden Holland runs a mixed farming operation between Grenfell and Young, alongside his extended family. Like so many others this season, Koolpari Enterprises has been dealing with the price of inputs against potential yields, leading to some clever decision-making on-farm.

In today's episode, Broden shares some of the challenges he's expecting during the 2022 cropping season and how basing paddock decisions on grain protein maps rather than yield mapping has been a game-changer for their business. Broden also shares the ag technology used on his farm and how this early adoption has helped increase yields and uniformity in their crops.

Local Land Services cropping officer Time Bartimote caught up with Broden in the machinery shed between a couple of loads of spray rig for this chat.

Special thanks:

This episode is supported by Central West Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

David Greig runs a mixed farming operation near Tottenham, where he works alongside his wife Melissa and their two children. David is passionate about the Merino industry and has spent the last ten years choosing rams with above-average sheep breeding values for fat, muscle, good growth rates, and other desirable traits such as breech cover and breech wrinkle.

In this episode, David explains how he's seen their lambing percentages double through the selection of superior rams with desired traits. You'll also hear David's journey and connection to ag, as well as his plans for the future. Plus, an insight into why he's comfortable with less commonly preferred traits, such as smaller-framed ewes.

Local Land Services Senior Natural Resource Officer, Jasmine Wells, caught up with David in between jobs on the farm at Tottenham for a cuppa and this chat.

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.

Tess Herbert, along with her husband Andrew and their family, runs a 6,000 head cattle feedlot on their property “Gundamain” at Eugowra, along the Lachlan River. Tess is a passionate advocate for the red-meat industry, and currently holds several leadership positions within the industry where she is working on developing innovative approaches to the issues facing Australian agriculture.

In today's episode, Tess shares how important goal-setting has been in turning their small-scale family farming business into one of the largest employers for the region. You'll hear Tess talk about the challenges of feedlotting during the drought and floods, and give her perspective on some of the issues facing Australian Agriculture. Plus, Tess shares some handy marketing tips for forward contracts and working out your livestock buy price.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Officer Rohan Leach squeezed in this chat with Tess ahead of the next truckload of stock being delivered into the feedlot.

Resources and links: Big Tech Big Ideas Conference

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ros Patton is a Senior Project Officer for the Suicide Prevention Project and the owner and a manager of a mixed-operation farm. Ros works full-time with her husband and their two sons, managing sheep, cattle, and crops, on their farm near Condobolin and spends her spare time volunteering within her community.

In this episode, Ros shares her passion for destigmatising mental health in rural communities, hoping that mental illness will once be as easy to talk about and seek help for as any other medical issue. Plus, you’ll hear Ros discuss the first steps involved in seeking help for yourself or someone else.

Local Land Services Natural Resource Management Officer Jasmine Wells caught up with Ros in between her cattle mustering adventures for this insightful and important conversation.

Mental health support: Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 Call Western Plains Regional Development on 02 6895 3301

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two years working on 'Seeds for Success', Cal Thompson is hanging up the microphone and moving on from Local Land Services to pursue his own farming and consulting business. Before he left, we had a chance to sit Cal down on the other side of the table and interview him about his life in the cattle industry, and the lessons he's learnt in podcasting.

In this episode, we learn about how Cal approaches running his cattle breeding and trading business, with plenty of talk about everyone's favourite topic: tropical grasses. Cal discusses the challenges of maintaining a balance between advising and farming, and shares the unique perspective his role has provided him. Plus, you'll hear Cal reflect on the last two years of working on 'Seeds for Success', and what this opportunity has meant for him.

So thanks, Cal. We can't thank you enough for your great stories, and everything you've brought to 'Seeds of Success'.

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ned Williams and his father Kim are based just north of Dubbo on their third generation property, “Polldale”. Together, Ned, Kim and their families run a shorthorn cattle stud with a pasture system, focused on tropical pastures and lucerne irrigated using local effluent.

In this episode, Kim talks about the challenges they have faced while introducing tropical pastures and improved grazing management to build the health of their poorer soils. And, as Ned explains, it has taken a generational effort to transform their land into a more productive and sustainable place for his own children and their future generations.

Local Land Services Cropping Officer, Tim Bartimote, had a good look around the farm with Ned and Kim before sitting down at the house for this chat.

Resources and links: Establishing tropical pastures Grazing management systems Improve water infiltration with groundcover

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Freebairn runs a busy agricultural consultancy business — Robert Freebairn Agriculture — while also running his own farm with his wife Sue at Coonabarabran. Bob has a wealth of knowledge on managing light soils, tropical grasses, and dual-purpose cereals — and has been credited with transforming agriculture in the Central West of NSW, particularly around Coonabarabran.

In this episode, Bob shares some valuable lessons from his long career, including his work with the Department of Ag, and how he’s worked with farmers to help them make productive changes on-farm. He also shares his vision for the future of agriculture and how he believes there’s an untapped commercial potential in native grasses.

Local Land Service Mixed Farming Officer Callen Thompson sat down with Bob as he shared his 55 years of experience and his hopes for the future of agriculture.

Special thanks:

This episode is supported by Central West Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Resources and links: Link to Central West LLS Dual Purpose Crop trials Central West LLS Tropical Grass demonstrations

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winsome Mumford runs her family properties "Mogriguy" and "Parkmead", just north of Dubbo, where she's busy rebuilding her Hereford Simmental cross cattle herd after the recent drought.

In this episode, Winsome shares her background in training and the corporate world, and how she continues to draw on her off-farm income to help achieve her goals on-farm. With soil and water management at the forefront of her decision making, Winsome has connected with many levels of government and industry to achieve a number of erosion control projects to help enhance the health of her farm and for the community downstream.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Officer Rohan Leach sat down with Winsome to talk about her foray back into agriculture.

Resources and links: Mogriguy Healthy Farm Dams with Central West LLS Field Day

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Leigo and his wife Danielle own and run properties at Condobolin and Wanaaring in western NSW, while working full-time off-farm as well. The challenge of 550 km between properties and off-farm work means they need to be able to plan, prioritise and make decisions well in advance to keep things running smoothly.

In this episode, James shares the journey he and his wife Danielle went on from set stocking to a rotational grazing system. He explains how their focus is on looking after their palatable perennial plant species, using feed budgets as their trigger for decisions within their cattle, Dorper sheep and goat production business. And we also cover how they're now incorporating carbon farming into the mix.

Local Land Services Natural Resource Management Officer Jasmine Wells waded through the water during the recent floods to bring you this interview with James.

Resources and links: The Glove Box Guide to Tactical Grazing Management for the semi-arid woodlands Prograze - profitable, sustainable grazing

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penny Henley — along with her husband Phil, daughter Nicole, and son-in-law Dan — run Emu Logic, near Tooraweenah in Central West NSW. This 1,200 acre livestock property runs cattle, sheep, goats and emus!

Penny is an active member of her local Landcare group and is passionate about protecting native wildlife and controlling pest animals. In this episode, Penny discusses the importance of working as a group to control pest species, as well as her experience in controlling pigs, foxes and cats and her passion for agriculture and the natural environment.

Local Land Services Mixed Farm Advisor Callen Thompson, caught up with Penny at Emu Logic … and was fortunate enough to try some emu jerky while he was there!

Resources and links: Emu Logic Pig trapping tips and tricks

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trent Johnstone runs a livestock trading enterprise along with his shorthorn bull breeding business at Forbes and Lyndhurst. To facilitate his trading business, Trent has become a bit of an expert at doing the numbers on leasing country and agisting livestock as well.

In this episode, Trent shares some of his key principles for trading livestock as well as some of his memorable wins and losses in the trading game, as well as how he manages livestock on as many as 13 different properties across the state in an effort to mitigate against drought.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach met up with Trent on top of Memorial Hill in Parkes, after Trent ran into a spot of some trouble in the morning with a B-Double full of stock.

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situ

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Wooldridge (or Wooly as he is better known) has spent the last 24 years helping to improve soil health across New South Wales. A Salinity Technical Specialist by day, he also runs his own farm business with his wife Margie at Canowindra.

In this episode, Wooly shares the importance of reading our landscape, including learning to manage the water balance on farm, to knowing the key early indicators that can help identify if salt is an issue in our farming system. He also discusses what actions producers can take to better prevent and manage salt-affected areas.

Local Land Services Natural Resource Management Officer Jasmine Wells caught up with Wooly out in the field on one of his recent visits to a new salt outbreak site.

Resources and links: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Land-and-soil/salinity-indicator-plants.pdf https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/eSpade2Webapp

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Volkofsky manages a 2,200 ha cropping program across four farms in the Bearbung Valley, east of Gilgandra. With livestock absent from each property for at least a generation, Daniel shares with us some of the challenges he's experienced and the knowledge he's gained from continuous cropping in one of the region's coldest climates.

Daniel believes getting on top of weeds in this farming system is an important key for success, and in this episode, he shares his methodology. He also discusses why he’s a keen supporter of the local crop competition, and why he’s an advocate of farmers learning from each other to get the best out of their land.

Local Land Services Cropping Officer Tim Bartimote sat down with Daniel overlooking his winter crops, for this great yarn.

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sally and Mark Dent run a mixed farming business on the historic Cobbora Station, a 1150ha property with breeding, trade cattle and cropping just west of Dunedoo.

Mark and Sally epitomise the true community spirit and are now promoting other local businesses and local produce focussing on sustainable production, healthy landscapes and strong communities. In this episode, Mark and Sal share how the recent drought led them to diversify their business and secure additional income by incorporating agritourism.

Mark and Sally sat down with Local Land Services mixed farming advisor, Callen Thompson over biscuits and a cuppa to share their experience integrating agritourism into their farming business.

Special thanks:

This episode is supported by Central West Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Resources and links: Mark and Sally participated in an agritourism webinar hosted by LLS and DPI. There are some photos and videos of their farm, the recording can be found here: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/services/fbrp Farm Business Resilience Program

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Mortimer is a self-confessed “Sheep Geek” who uses technology in some interesting ways. Mark farms alongside his father, brother and their family near Albert in Central West NSW, in their stud sheep operation and business, Centre Plus Merinos.

Mark is a problem solver at heart, and in this episode he shares some of the hard lessons he has learnt through his use of technology with livestock. He also uses his experience to give some tips to innovators out there on what farmers really need from their technology.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach managed to squeeze this interview in with Mark just before he headed into a busy harvest period.

Resources and links: The Big Tech Big Ideas conference and field day

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mick Doolan, with his wife Pip, own and manage "Walla Walla" — a 1,300 hectare mixed farm between Gulargambone and Coonamble. Mick and Pip manage the property themselves, focussing on breeding and fattening cattle, with the recent addition of cropping to add value to the livestock enterprise.

In this episode, Mick discusses some important factors around the first 10 years of owning a farm. He also reflects on the value of good business advice and how joining a benchmarking group has challenged his ideas and helped him develop a new approach to decision making on the farm (especially on how to make good decisions during the harder seasons).

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Callen Thompson caught up with Mick while he was taking a rain-induced break from sorghum planting.

Resources and links: Farm Business Resilience Program

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Rosser and his family own and run 3,500 acres at “Galwary”, near Eugowra, as part of a larger family business that also incorporates rangeland grazing properties at Wanaaring in Far West NSW. Mike currently runs 6,000 sheep, aiming to turn off 8,000 to 9,000 lambs per year.

In this episode, Mike explains how a need to finish their lambs faster and increase their landholding led them to intensify their enterprise and implement an accelerated joining program. And as you’ll hear, Mike doesn’t mind pushing the envelope and making clever business decisions when it comes to getting more lambs on the ground.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Officer Rohan Leach sat down with Mike between one of his recent trips out to the Wannaring block.

Resources and links: The Big Tech Big Ideas conference and field day

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin "Tex" Kilby and his family-run "Inglewood", a conglomeration of five properties nestled within what is regarded as the 'Golden Triangle' north of Gilgandra. The Kilby's run a true mixed farming enterprise with a cereal, legume and canola rotation alongside permanent pastures for beef cattle and fat lamb production.

In this episode, "Tex" lets us in on his keys to success including being open to new ideas and approaches, supporting locally based research and conserving soil moisture at all costs. It is this approach that has been instrumental in helping him build his business resilience and manage through the variability of our seasons.

Local Land Services Cropping Officer Tim Bartimote sat down with "Tex" for a cuppa and this yarn at the homestead on "Inglewood".

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Logan Tighe owns and runs LJT Harvesting, a professional kangaroo harvesting business based in Coonabarabran. Logan is an avid listener to the Seeds for Success podcast and is keen to educate more people about the kangaroo industry.

In this episode, Logan talks about the industry, including what is involved in harvesting kangaroos and what the meat is used for. You'll also hear how Logan aims to build a trusted relationship that provides a valuable service through helping farmers reduce grazing pressure and control invasive pest species.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Callen Thompson sat down for this chat with Logan just before he headed out to work for the night.

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Creswell runs a family property “Dungary”, just outside of Dubbo, with his father Steve and partner Isa. As well as running 2,500 White Dorpers and the successful White Dorper stud, “Annalara”, Jack also has a passion for advocacy in the agricultural sector.

In this episode, Jack shares how his desire to build the profile for agriculture has led him to a side-project, “Farms Advice’. As Jack explains, this is a platform that has unlocked a whole new world of communication, connection and avenues to create meaningful discussion and genuine understanding of the ever-changing agricultural industry.

Resources and links: Farms Advice podcast Grain Farm Jobs | Western Australia Home Help harvest NSW

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The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To celebrate the one year anniversary of the launch of Seeds for Success, three new dynamic and interesting characters are being welcomed onto the team.

In this episode, we introduce our new Seeds for Success team members and ask them to share a little of their background with our listeners. You’ll also hear why they are so passionate about working alongside our farmers to build a secure and successful future for agriculture and natural resources in our region.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Officer Callen Thompson gathered together Jasmine Wells, Tim Bartimote and Rohan Leach for this fun, introductory chat.

Get in touch: Callen Thompson via email or Twitter Jasmine Wells via email Tim Bartimote via email or Twitter Rohan Leach via email or Twitter

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria Thompson is an agricultural consultant based in Coonabarabran and just happens to also be the wife of Callen Thompson, our Mixed Farming Officer and podcaster.

As luck would have it, COVID restrictions had Callen looking within his own lockdown zone for the next Seeds for Success interview and as you’ll hear, Maria is a woman of many talents with an inspiring tale to tell.

In this episode, Maria describes the path that led to creating her own agricultural consultancy and how the opportunities she was offered during her early career have been instrumental in setting her professional purpose to build greater opportunities for young agricultural professionals within the industry.

Resources and links: Rising Champions | Cattle Council of Australia Building careers in the meat industry | Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging Association (ICMJ)

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Original publish date: 27 Oct 2020.

Today, we're taking you back down memory lane. Remember Jarrod and Emma Amery, the super positive duo who own and lease more than 6,500 acres around Forbes in Central West NSW, while keeping up with their six lively kids?

Well, earlier this year Jarrod and Emma were rewarded for all their hard work when they were named as finalists in the Cropping Farmer of the Year Award. To celebrate their success, we decided to revisit our chat with Jarrod and Emma from last year.

In this episode, you'll hear how Jarrod went from being a local shearer to securing his dream farm. But as Jarrod and Emma describe, this journey wasn't always without its challenges. It's taken a lot of hard work, a can-do attitude, and most importantly, some well-timed decisions.

Local Land Services District Vet Jill Kelly sat down with Jarrod and Emma for this chat during a brief break in one of their busy working days.

Resources and links: Check for foot problems in sheep Footrot in Sheep and Goats Animal biosecurity

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darrell Jordison, along with his wife Kylie, own "Barnagrotty". Together, they farm 4,000 acres and run 400 cows at Gulargambone.

Unusually, Darrell and Kylie didn't grow up rural. In this episode, Darrell shares Kylie and his journey from growing up in suburban Sydney to running their own farm and getting the chance to travel the world along the way.

You'll also hear how a rare illness has given Darrell a new outlook on life. And how his story goes to show that working hard, learning from others and being willing to try new things can lead to success.

Central West Local Land Services Mixed Farm Advisor Callen Thompson sat down with Darrell at home on "Barnagrotty" as he shared his story.

Resources and links: Young Farmer Business Program

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norton Crane runs 200 cows and 500 sheep over 1,400 hectares, just south of Coonabarabran, in partnership with his wife Judi. Norton is well known as a capable cattleman, previously managing Hartley Grazing Company, a beef cattle business covering over 10,000 hectares with farms at New Mollyan and Hartley.

In this episode, Norton discusses how creep feeding calves has enabled him to meet his target markets irrespective of the season while taking pressure off his breeders.

Norton spoke to Mixed Farm Advisor Callen Thompson over a cup of tea and some delicious pumpkin soup at the kitchen table at "Bannockburn".

Resources and links: Creep feeding beef calves

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The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David and Suellen Taylor join us for an emotional episode about rebuilding after losing their home in a devastating fire.

The Taylors run merino sheep and grow dual-purpose oats across 1,600 ha on their property Myola, just out of Trundle, NSW.

In this episode, David and Suellen share how important their community was after they lost their home. They share the story of their long journey to recovery and how building their new family home has helped them to reflect on the importance of their local community. David and Suellen also discuss their new appreciation for the value of matching both your natural and personal environments in one harmonious system.

Local Land Service Mixed Farm Advisor, Callen Thompson, sat down for this emotional chat in one of the sunniest spots within the Taylor's incredible new home.

Resources and links: The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP)

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David and Suellen Taylor run merino sheep and grow dual-purpose oats across 1,600 ha on their property Myola, just out of Trundle, NSW.

David describes the environment they live and work in as highly variable. And in this episode, you’ll hear him explain how this variability has shaped the natural environment, creating a unique native grassland system and influencing the production decisions he makes at Myola.

You’ll also hear about David's personal journey to better understand the ecosystem in which he farms. He explains how long term observations, undertaking his Masters and PhD studies and ongoing local research have helped to form a new appreciation and respect for the diversity and resilience of the grasslands on the Central West Plains.

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is part two of our series featuring Jim Larkin, owner and manager of "Clarefield". "Clarefield" is a self-replacing cattle property with some hay and grain production, east of Binnaway, NSW.

In this episode, Jim discusses how the simple process of applying for funding through the Biodiversity on Farms project enabled him to reach his goals for improved management and habitat protection on "Clarefield".

You'll also hear how Jim is heavily involved in fostering the next generation of farmers through the Binnaway Junior Judges program, a program that encourages school students to pursue a career in agriculture.

Jim spoke to Callen Thompson over a cup of tea at the Kitchen table of "Yeulba", Jim’s house block.

Special thanks:

This episode is supported by Central West Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Resources and links: Blue heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule) Blue Heliotrope: A weed to watch out for Young Judges Day Binnaway Show Society LLS incentive programs proving a win-win for farmers John Atkin remembered for his farming feats Australia Day Awards 2021

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Larkin owns and manages "Clarefield", a 1,000-hectare property east of Binnaway, where he runs a self-replacing cattle herd with some hay and grain production. John Atkin, the previous owner, was passionate about developing "Clarefield" with the use of lime, fertiliser and tropical grasses.

In this episode, we hear how Jim shares John’s passion and has continued to improve the land he manages by managing pests and weeds, improving pastures and managing his natural assets to maintain biodiversity.

Jim spoke to Callen Thompson over a cup of tea at the kitchen table of "Yeulba", Jim’s house block.

Special thanks:

This episode is supported by Central West Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Resources and links: Blue heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule) Blue Heliotrope: A weed to watch out for Young Judges Day Binnaway Show Society LLS incentive programs proving a win-win for farmers John Atkin remembered for his farming feats Australia Day Awards 2021

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrea Fletcher (or Andy as she's known to the locals) is a Senior Biosecurity Weeds Officer with Castlereagh Macquarie County Council, based out of Coonabarabran. Andy is passionate about weed control, and no matter how big the weed problem is, she will have a go at getting on top of it.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Andy has had great success with weeds that everyone thought couldn’t be beaten. You’ll also hear how Andy’s developed her own beetle nursery to help bolster the bio-control opportunities within her region, and how her hard work and ongoing tenacity has seen her recognised with a State award for her contribution to the management and control of Hudson Pear in NSW.

Resources and links: NSW Weed Control Handbook NSW WeedWise Castlereagh Macquarie County Council | Noxious Weeds Control Boosting baby beetle numbers for blue heliotrope biocontrol

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Bowman, along with his family, run a mixed farming operation on their property “Gundy” near Tooraweenah.

In this episode, Tim talks about his Shorthorn cattle enterprise and how he approaches the important decision of selecting bulls, as well as how he’s incorporating artificial insemination into their breeding program to speed up the genetic process and have heifers calve over a nice tight window.

Local Lands Services District Vet Jill Kelly caught up with Tim in the back yards after a bull sale. And as you'll hear, Jill learnt that there's a bit more to it than turning up on sale day with your bidder card in hand!

Resources and links: Checking your bull is ready for joining Bull health Buy the right bulls Tooraweenah brothers use AI to lift their Shorthorn herd

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the second part of our conversation with Andrew (Fadge) McFadyen. In part one, Fadge shared his personal journey as a young agronomist, the importance of mentoring and the role he can play as an industry leader.

In this episode, Fadge shares his vision for the future of the agricultural industry, and how he believes harnessing the combined power of grower-driven research is key to tackling agriculture's emerging challenges, including herbicide resistance and climate change.

Local Land Service Mixed Farm Advisor, Callen Thompson brings you this extended chat with Fadge from the veranda of “Wilga Park”.

Resources and links: Grain Orana Alliance Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) North West Local Land Services - Tropical pastures webinar recording What I wish I knew: Agros to share experiences with ‘next gen’

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew McFadyen (or “Fadge”), is a farmer and agricultural consultant based at Lake Cargelligo who has recently come back to the family sheep and cropping farm.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Fadge's passion for the future of agriculture has lead him into leadership roles within his community and throughout the cropping industry, and how he’s using the lessons learnt from both agronomy and corporate agriculture to make sure his farming business fits the goals and aspirations of his family.

Fadge sat down for a long yarn with Local Land Service Mixed Farm Advisor, Callen Thompson, on the veranda of “Wilga Park”.

Resources and links: Grain Orana Alliance Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) North West Local Land Services - Tropical pastures webinar recording What I wish I knew: Agros to share experiences with ‘next gen’

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we catch-up again with Georgia White at her family farm “Talbragar”, near Coolah.

In our last episode, Georgia was preparing to launch herself headfirst into the challenging task of managing her ewe flock through to lambing. And now, six months later, she shares what worked (and what didn’t!), as well as a sneak peek at what’s next for this promising young farmer.

Resources and links: Sue Hatcher's paper on lamb survival Lambs Alive training program

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia White moved back to her family farm “Talbragar” near Coolah, to help her family manage drought, however, the drought broke not long after her arrival.

Choosing to stay on anyway, Georgia instead turned to tackling the mammoth task of managing their ewe flock through lambing, and in this episode, she shares her strategies for managing singles, twins and triplets throughout a great season.

Resources and links: Sue Hatcher's paper on lamb survival Lambs Alive training program

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mick Wettenhall operates a bustling family farm, Weemabah, alongside his wife Kirsty and father-in-law George. It's situated near Trangie. Their diverse mixed-farming business encompasses both summer and winter cropping alongside holistically managed grazing of sheep and cattle.

In this episode, we hear about Mick's many passions, from breeding great cattle and building resilient pasture systems, to harnessing the power of healthy soils and fungi in an attempt to holistically boost soil carbon storage within his soils.

Resources and links: SoilCQuest

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Brennan manages "Merrimba", a 20,000-hectare sheep and cropping property between Warren and Quambone.

At the time of recording, in January 2020, the drought still hadn't broken. And in this episode, you'll hear Jack's thoughts on how they've managed the livestock throughout, as well as how experiencing drought has shaped his and his team's outlook on farming.

Resources and links: Australia Day Address 2020 by Grace Brennan Early weaning – importance of getting nutrition right Livestock, vegetation and dry times: Decisions to be made

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fiona Aveyard and her husband Bill run Outback Lamb, a vertically-integrated farming business focusing on single-origin pasture-fed lamb. It's part of their commercial sheep and cropping operation, 'Westpoint', near Tullamore.

Determined to secure the future for their four children, Bill and Fiona came up with a creative approach to growing their business. And in this episode, you'll hear how this plan, combined with a gradual embrace of social media, has allowed them to extend the reach of their 'paddock to plate' story.

Resources and links: Provenance Storytelling for Success

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason and Kylie Catts run Futurity Shorthorns, a seed stock supplier with properties at Kenebri, north of Baradine and Coonamble. Together, they grow and store grain and silage to fill feed gaps, ensuring that they can maintain their herd and produce quality genetics for their clients.

Jason and Kylie are passionate about agriculture, particularly sharing information and knowledge through their rural community. And in this episode, you'll hear how they prioritise genetic traits that ensure their cattle are fit for all stages in the supply chain, from the producer through to the consumer.

Resources and links: Silage and hay Silage webinar series

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabriel Passmore truly has the best of both worlds. He spends his weekdays in Sydney, working in the corporate world and surfing at Bondi. And on weekends, Gabriel eagerly heads west to work on his family's cattle properties around Forbes and Condobolin.

Gabriel has a modern take on how to run the family farm, and it's not always easy convincing his father (with fifty years of experience) to go along with them. In this episode, you'll hear how they've had to compromise to look after their stock and battle through the drought.

Resources and links: Drought handbook Drought recovery guide Drought and Supplementary Feed Calculator Dry times smoko video

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bomber Moxham has been around a long time ... so he needs little introduction. Coy about how he initially came to be known as 'Bomber', he's been on the farm at "Mullengudgery" for 89 years, and he's seen a lot of change in agriculture over that time.

In this episode, Bomber shares some hilarious stories from his past, he talks about what he loves about merinos, and he divulges the characteristics that he believes make Mullengudgery sheep the best merinos in the world. In fact, Bomber is so passionate about merino sheep that his car proudly dons the number plate MERINO.

Resources and links: Pimelea poisoning Pimelea deaths Understanding Pimelea poisoning of cattle

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tallah Looten runs the livestock side of a family cropping and livestock operation at "The Camp", just east of Coonamble. Tallah is truly an inspiring "Lady on the land".

In this episode, you'll hear how Tallah has overcome immense adversity (including drought, family illness and fertility challenges) and yet continues to farm with a bright, positive attitude. You’ll also hear how Tal's passion for agriculture and thirst for knowledge has steered their family business down the path of flexibility and resilience to meet whatever challenge is thrown at them next.

Resources and links: Tal Looten (@ladyontheland) on Instagram Sheep vaccines: Which to use when?

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew and Meegan Young (along with their son Joseph and Andrew’s parents) run "Napier", a mixed farming enterprise at Purlewaugh. They rotate wheat, canola and lucerne; a system that requires lower inputs and has the added benefit of increased beef production.

In this episode, you'll learn how Andrew and Meegan had to make some tough decisions during the drought. Meegan talks about how much she loves her cows. And we also discuss how Andrew and Meegan's kids helped make the decision to destock that little bit easier.

Special thanks: Photography for this episode is by Jessica Rose Photography

Resources and links: Weaning beef calves Managing drought

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pete Rothwell is the cropping manager of "Bramble", a mixed-farming operation just north of Mendooran. They grow winter and summer crops over a thousand hectares, and run sheep and a few cows on the remaining six hundred hectares.

In this episode, we hear how Pete, never one to accept the status quo, is always asking 'why'. As a result, he’s pushing the envelope in terms of crop type, yield and profitability — focusing on understanding his soil moisture and using this to drive decision making on his farm and in the wider community.

Special thanks: This episode is supported by Central West Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Resources and links: Soil Water App Soil moisture probes put to the test Budgeting crop nitrogen supply better estimation better decisions The Adapt Project Mendooran grower Pete Rothwell explains how data driven decision making is paying off

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we're having a yarn with Jarrod and Emma Amery. Jarrod and his wife Emma are a super positive duo who somehow manage to keep up with six lively kids. On top of that, they also own and lease more than 6,500 acres around Forbes in Central New South Wales. Their mixed farming enterprise focuses on trading sheep, winter crops and fodder production.

In this episode, you'll hear how Jarrod went from being a local shearer to securing his dream farm. But as Jarrod and Emma describe, this journey wasn't always without its challenges. It's taken a lot of hard work, a can-do attitude, and most importantly, some well-timed decisions.

Resources and links: Check for foot problems in sheep Footrot in Sheep and Goats Animal biosecurity

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we’re chatting with Elliot Shannon. Elliot runs a 1,700 ha mixed farm at Bugaldie (north-west of Coonabarabran). And he does it with the help of his wife Kate, his father Rob and his four kids. Together, they run beef cows as well as trade cattle and winter cropping.

In this episode, Elliot talks about how early weaning helped him manage through the drought by giving him the ability to look after his land and his stock while staying productive. You’ll also hear how important it is to plan, make informed decisions and get the balance between family and farming right.

Resources and links: Weaning beef calves Managing drought Early weaning Early weaning lambs & calves Dry Times Smoko video Water requirements for sheep and cattle

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we're in the paddock with James Morse (or “Morsey”). James and his wife Sally operate a family farming operation, “Wongalee”, near Molong. It's a 1,094 hectare cattle breeding and trading enterprise. Although, as you'll hear in this episode, they haven't ruled out branching out into other species, especially if their kids' goat breeding hobbies take off!

In this episode, you'll hear how James and Sally run their whole farm system with sustainability in mind. James shares his tips on sustainability in soil, plants, animals and the environment, as well as how this sustainability mindset extends to his own mental health.

Mental health support: If you need urgent mental health support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or visit your local hospital emergency department. The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program has resources to help find the right supports for you. Visit www.ramhp.com.au to find your local RAMHP coordinator to access their range of downloadable resources.

Resources and links: Putting stock onto winter crops Green picks - the deceptive feed solution Restocking after drought or fire

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we have a yarn with Kieran McHugh (or “Mac” to his mates). Mac is the manager of “Pier Pier”, a corporate-owned station 70 km north-west of Coonamble. They focus on merino sheep, dryland crops and also run trade and agistment cattle (when the season allows).

In this episode, you’ll hear Mac’s unlikely story of how he ended up at Pier Pier, how he built a cost-effective feedlot to early wean 7,000 lambs, and why he took the unconventional approach to wean his lambs prior to lamb marking.

Resources and links: Case Study: Confinement feeding at Pier Pier, Coonamble

Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.