Discover why Martin Rohde continues to raise the bar of animal welfare in egg farming

There’s more to meat than what Aussies might think. After graduating from uni, Sophie Marriott couldn't wait to leave the bright lights of Brisbane to explore the seemingly endless opportunities in red meat processing. She never expected she'd end up in Tasmania, working for family-owned beef processing company Greenham, on the north-western coast. She's become totally smitten by the local community of Smithton and has grown a deep appreciation for the diversity of jobs and experiences inside the red meat world for young people.In this final interview for our More To Meat series, you'll hear how Sophie's travels to America for a meat judging competition sparked a deep love and curiosity for the industry, and her horseback adventure for this year's Robbin Island saltwater cattle muster, an experience she will not easily forget.TakeawaysWorking on a cattle station was pivotal for her career.ICMJ provided her with valuable industry connections.Product knowledge is crucial in the meat industry.Greenham is a family-owned beef processing company committed to backing any emerging talent inside the business and support them to work up through the ranks.Sophie values the connections between producers and consumers.There are diverse roles in agriculture that need to be filled.Chapters00:00 Sophie’s Journey to Agriculture05:09 Involvement in Intercollegiate Meat Judging07:49 Career Path and Opportunities at Greenham10:40 Experiences in the U.S. and Industry Insights13:11 Understanding Greenham's Operations15:47 Robbins Island Wagyu Experience21:05 Graduate Program Structure and Future Goals23:50 Connecting with Friends and Advocating for Agriculture26:05 Advice for Future Agricultural StudentsAustralian meat processors are leading the way in research and innovation. There are so many diverse career opportunities, and processors like Greenham are committed to investing in the next generation of business and community leaders like Sophie. Learn more about the More to Meat campaign, which is showing us the side of the red meat industry we don't often see, by highlighting the good work it does for local people, their rural communities and the country as a whole.  Explore more stories of Humans of Agriculture - don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]. 

When buying eggs, what matters to you? In this chat with Martin Rohde, of Rohde Egg Co, Oli learns what free range actually means, as well as some other intricacies of running a rapidly expanding higher-welfare egg business in South Australia's Clare Valley region. Even when navigating challenges around COVID-19 and avian influenza, the Rohde family has always kept animal welfare at the core of their business decisions, rather than chasing 'numbers on the board'.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Agribusiness and Video Series03:14 Meet Martin Roady: A Third Generation Egg Farmer10:56 Navigating Challenges: COVID-19 and Avian Influenza21:40 The Importance of Biosecurity in Egg Production29:50 Future-Proofing the Business: Growth and SustainabilityCheck out this video we made in partnership with RSPCA Approved, featuring Martin and his team at Rohde's Free Range Eggs.Learn more about how the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme is improving the lives of farmed animals and making higher-welfare eggs available to consumers. If you enjoyed this conversation, there are plenty more like it. Share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

A new voice joins Humans of Agriculture!Liv Thorn pokes her face from behind the curtain to share a bit about her background in media and what she brings to her (relatively) new role as Content Specialist in our ever-evolving team.Liv is a passionate storyteller and determined to propel more authentic, human-led stories from the bush into the mainstream. A seasoned journalist with over 15 years working in rural media, including presenting ABC's WA Country Hour, Liv brings sharp editorial instincts and a deep understanding of regional life to everything she creates. Running a sheep and grain farming business with her husband and young family in Kojonup Western Australia, she has lived experience on the land and a strong affinity with Aussie agriculture. She hopes to weave more WA stories across the Human of Agriculture network and is always keen to hear your ideas! Get in touch with Liv via [email protected] or follow her on Instagram or LinkedIn. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Humans of Ag02:50 The Journey of Liv Thorn06:05 Transitioning from ABC to Humans of Ag08:50 The Importance of Authentic Storytelling11:35 Challenges in Ag Media14:40 Innovative Content Creation in Agriculture17:33 The Role of Education in Agriculture20:26 Future Directions for Humans of Ag

At the heart of Australia’s meat processing industry are the people. From graduates to CEOs, and those who work on the floor, we're letting their stories shine through this special More To Meat series. In part two, we meet the unforgettable Stephen Duncan, aka Chainy, from Casino Food Company in NSW. Chainy has been in the red meat processing game since 1985 and has worked just about every role on the factory floor. Hear his incredible career journey through the ranks and how his passion for the industry is rubbing off on the next generation. TakeawaysThe camaraderie among meat workers is unparalleled.Diversity in the workforce has significantly increased over the years.Casino Food Company is deeply rooted in the local community and offers diverse career opportunitiesCo-products from meat processing play a crucial role in various industries.Community engagement is a priority for meatworks, including school programs.Changing perceptions of meat work is essential for attracting new talent.Inspiring youth to consider careers in agriculture is vital for the industry.A career in meat processing can be life-changing with endless opportunities. Chapters00:00 Career Journey and Early Memories in Meatworks05:46 The Evolution of the Meat Industry08:33 Diversity and Community Impact in Meatworks11:11 Understanding Co-Products and Their Importance17:03 Changing Perceptions of Meat Works19:49 Engaging the Next Generation22:41 Final Thoughts on a Career in Meat ProcessingPeople living in metropolitan areas are hugely dependent on regional industries like red meat processing businesses like Casino Food Co.Learn more about the More to Meat campaign, which is showing the side of the red meat industry we don't often see. Explore more stories of Humans of Agriculture - don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]. 

In the first episode of our three-part More To Meat series, we're revealing a side of meat production you don't often get to see. Oli visits Australian Country Choice (ACC) in Brisbane where they've recently processed 6000 head of cattle in just one week. That's enough beef for 49 million spaghetti bolognese meals... enough to feed every Australian twice!CEO Anthony Lee welcomes us into the ACC factory and explains there's more to red meat processing than just food. Products are used in pharmaceuticals, makeup, biodiesel, and even artificial heart valves, which are helping to save millions of human lives. TakeawaysThe red meat processing sector is vital to the Australian economy, employing many and generating significant revenue.Leadership and company culture play a crucial role in the success of organisations like Australian Country Choice.Education in agriculture is essential for attracting talent and ensuring the industry's future.The meat processing industry contributes significantly to healthcare through innovations like artificial heart valves.There is a need to showcase the meat processing industry to improve public perception and understanding.The meat processing industry has a broader impact on sustainability and innovation beyond just food production.Attracting talent from urban areas to rural agricultural jobs is a challenge that needs addressing.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Red Meat Processing Sector03:07 Leadership and Company Culture at Australian Country Choice09:40 The Importance of Education in Agriculture17:26 Innovations and Contributions of the Meat Processing Industry24:12 The Evolving Workforce in Meat Processing29:56 The Need for Curriculum Changes in Agricultural Education36:49 Creating Awareness and Opportunities in AgricultureAustralian Meat Processor Corporation’s latest “Our Steak in Australia” report found 189,000 Australian jobs are supported by red meat processing, across 300 communities. That’s one in 22 Aussie manufacturing jobs.The industry is estimated to generate more than $29.6 billion in total value added to the economy, contributing to Australia’s standing in the world by bringing our world class red meat to global markets.Learn more about the More to Meat campaign and Australian Country Choice.Explore more stories of Humans of Agriculture - don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]. 

An 'overnight success' is often many years in the making and that's certainly the case for the Our Cow empire.Husband and wife duo Dave McGiveron and Bianca Tarrant scraped together a deposit to buy a small cattle property in 2019 and fulfill their dream of being 'mad weaner producers'.With just one steer to their name, they launched a direct-to-consumer meat business which soon exploded into a meat subscription powerhouse turning over more than $40 million a year. But it hasn't been without sacrifice, failure and some hair-raising stories of tackling challenges head-on. Hear what it takes to build Our Cow with two people determined to tighten the connection between consumers and the producers of their food. takeawaysTransitioning from mining to farming requires significant lifestyle changes and sacrifice Drought taught valuable lessons about resilience and mindsetBusiness coaching helped shift their perspective from victim to controllerInnovating during crises can lead to new business opportunitiesThe subscription meat model provided stability and growthCrowdfunding engaged the community and provided necessary capital to scale up operationschapters00:00 Introduction and Exploring the Dynamics of a Husband and Wife Partnership in Farming08:56 The Journey to Owning a Farm14:22 Facing Challenges: Drought and Mental Resilience17:15 Innovating Through Crisis: The Birth of a New Business Model27:49 Navigating Growth: Challenges and Opportunities30:29 COVID-19: A Catalyst for Change36:54 The Subscription Model: A Lifeline for Survival42:00 Crowdfunding: Engaging the CommunityCheck out the meat subscriptions on offer at Our Cow - we think anyone directly supporting Aussie farmers deserves a plug!Explore more stories of Humans of Agriculture - don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]. 

Beware, the burn!Tom & Mick got more than they bargained for in this chat with Wagyu breeder Charlie Perry.Apart from minor ego bruising, the fellas discovered that breeding some of the country's best Wagyu cattle is about more than just marbling. Charlie explains how sophisticated genetic tools are helping him grow a more balanced and functional animal, so he and his clients can endure the boom and bust cycles of the wagyu market.  As we creep closer to the Trent Bridge Wagyu bull sale, this episode is not to be missed!takeawaysProducers must make strategic decisions to navigate wagyu market volatility.Wagyu breeding requires a focus on multiple traits, not just marbling.Genetic tools like the Wagyu Feeder Check can improve breeding decisions.The importance of maternal traits in breeding is becoming more recognised.There is optimism for the Wagyu industry despite current challenges.00:00 Introduction and Wagyu Market Insights06:00 Supply Chain Challenges and Predictions09:54 Stud Business and Breeding Strategies17:56 Wagyu Feeder Check and Genetic Tools21:50 Commercial Considerations and Market TrendsLocated at Aberfoyle on the Northern Tablelands NSW, Trent Bridge Wagyu is a family owned and operated stud producing high performing bulls for the Fullblood and F1 market since 2005.Learn more about the Trent Bridge Wagyu story and the 2025 Bull Sale on September 4th, on farm and online via AuctionsPlus.If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

There are many fascinating pockets of Aussie agriculture and Grace Griffiths is keen to explore them all. A few years ago, Grace created 101 Ag Pathways to showcase the plethora of roles and career pathways into agriculture. Grace is an agronomist, cotton grower, GIS specialist and part of her family business Data Ag, based in Goodiwindi QLD. She chats about the chaos of juggling multiple roles, how her side passion project is opening doors to a new generation of ag professionals, and why Bayer's crop innovation is shaping a more sustainable and attractive cotton industry.  TakeawaysGrace wears multiple hats: agronomist, cotton grower, and sustainability lead for Data AgTraceability is crucial for the cotton industryReturning to her hometown of Gundawindi involves navigating community expectationsBayer's innovations have significantly reduced pesticide use in cotton farming 101 Ag Pathways aims to educate about diverse agricultural careersNetworking with CEOs reveals the human side of corporate agricultureResilience and innovation are fundamental to rural communitiesChapters00:00 Introduction to Grace Griffiths and the Cotton Industry03:07 The Importance of Traceability in Cotton Production05:52 Grace's Journey Back to Gundawindi12:00 Innovations in Cotton Farming and Bayer's Role15:07 The Evolution of Cotton Varieties and Sustainability18:01 101 Ag Career Pathways: Bridging the Knowledge Gap21:09 Exploring Overlooked Careers in AgricultureLinks:Check out 101 Ag Pathways and follow Grace's work on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedInLearn more about Bayer Australia and New Zealand, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedInMore episodes at Humans of AgricultureThis is a sponsored series in partnership with Bayer Crop Science Australia, showcasing Bayer's commitment to innovation; supporting Aussie agriculture and backing rural communities. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

The biotech at the fingertips of farmers is super exciting. But is regulation keeping pace with scientific leaps?Biotech like gene editing has the potential to revolutionise the industry - by not only enhancing crop yields, but supporting sustainable farming practices, and helping address global climate change and food security. Michael Leader's job with Bayer is an interesting one - he's the bridge connecting the science labs and the regulators; translating complex new biotech innovation to policy makers.  In this chat Michael discusses the legislative hurdles for biotech, use of AI in new crop protection technologies, the new biotech in the pipeline for farmers, and the careers in agriculture that go beyond the paddock.  Michael Leader is the Regulatory Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Manager for the Asia region, for Bayer Crop Science Australia. TakeawaysMichael's background in law and molecular biology, and now working in regulatory policy in agricultureThe opportunities in the Asian region for applying biotech, with policy stagnating ag innovation tools to dateBiotechnology has evolved significantly over the past 30 years but GM breeding typically takes 16 years to get to market and $100m in research and regulatory costsActivism continues to challenge the acceptance of biotechnologyThere is a need for regulatory reform to accommodate new technologiesThe lack of distinction between the definitions of 'genome editing' and 'genetically modified' is inhibiting workable regulatory frameworkFuture agricultural innovations could address climate change and food securityBayer is proactive with transparency, showing their biotech studies online and using Open Labs 360, a self-guided virtual reality tour of labs and fields to understand regulatory and safety dataChapters03:06 The Intersection of Law and Molecular Biology05:58 Career Journey in Regulatory Policy09:03 Current Work and Responsibilities at Bayer12:08 Opportunities in Asian Agriculture17:57 Challenges and Misconceptions in Biotechnology23:55 Regulatory Hurdles in Biotechnology26:58 Future of Agricultural InnovationLinks:Learn more about Bayer Australia and New Zealand, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedInMore episodes at Humans of AgricultureThis is a sponsored series in partnership with Bayer Crop Science Australia, showcasing Bayer's commitment to innovation; supporting Aussie agriculture and backing rural communities. 

When Tim Felan was exploring career options fresh out of uni a decade ago, marrying his love for agriculture and finance together just made sense.But he says 'falling into' a trial internship at Rabobank is what really fast-tracked his career to becoming National Manager of Major Agribusiness Clients.He was pleased to see the Rabo Graduate Program formalised in 2023, exposing more uni graduates to the incredible possibilities open to young people in the food and agribusiness sector. Hear how the 18 month bespoke grad program is tapping into the talent pool early, which Tim says is bringing fresh ideas to tackling global challenges in ag. takeawaysAgriculture offers diverse career opportunities beyond traditional rolesGraduate programs at Rabobank attract high-caliber talent.Fresh ideas from graduates can drive positive change in the industry.There are various paths within the agriculture industry, beyond crops and livestock, including finance and technology.Networking and mentorship are crucial in career development.The Rabobank graduate program is a valuable opportunity for aspiring professionals.chapters00:00 Introduction and Career Path in Agribanking06:17 The Value of Graduate Programs in Agribusiness08:30 The Rabo Difference: What Sets Rabobank Apart09:47 Opportunities in Agriculture for Future GenerationsFind out more about the 2026 Rabo Graduate Program and get cracking as applications close 18th August!This episode of Humans of Agriculture is brought to you by our Partners at Rabobank Australia.You can hear more stories of Humans of Agriculture here.If you enjoyed this chat with Tim, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!