Learning from YouTube and the upsides of first-gen farming, with Tom Cosentino

As the geopolitical situation shall we say... deteriorates, what impact are overseas conflicts and trade disputes having on Aussie grain markets? Vitor Pistoia, Senior Grains and Oilseeds Analyst for Rabobank, is watching global events closely and joins Oli to explain the resulting market dynamics, as well as the opportunities for canola growers as the Sustainable Aviation Fuels industry gains traction. takeawaysGeopolitical events have a lag effect on grain pricesSustainable aviation fuel is gaining traction but requires clear guidelinesThe balance between food and fuel production is a critical issueFarmers must stay informed about competitor crops and market trendsMonitoring currency and bond markets is essential for decision-makingchapters00:00 Introduction to global grain and oilseed markets05:18 Current trends in grain and oilseed prices08:01 The impact of global events on agriculture11:04 Sustainable Aviation Fuels: current status and future13:32 The dilemma of food vs. fuel16:03 Future projections for grains and oilseedsThis episode of Humans of Agriculture is brought to you by our friends at Rabobank Australia.You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.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!

When you're in the grip of drought, with livestock to feed and budgets to recalibrate, it can feel impossible to escape the business for a mental break.But the Bayer Big Fish Challenge is giving farmers the perfect excuse. It's an all-year-round nationwide fishing competition, which anyone can be part of, and every big fish caught raises money for mental health charity The Fly Project. A win-win! Hear farmer Brad Stillard and program facilitator Matt Tripet share their personal stories, and how Bayer's initiative is fostering connections and strengthening the mental fitness of rural people across the country, one bite at a time. TakeawaysFishing is an effective outlet for famers needing a mental break from their business and the stress of difficult seasons The camaraderie built through an outdoor competition and shared experiences helps build trust and connection with othersThe Bayer Big Fish Challenge is proving to be a useful vehicle to reach out to mates doing it tough Bayer's support has significantly impacted The Fly Program's reachChapters00:00 Introduction to the therapeutic benefits fishing to mental health05:44 The Bayer Big Fish Challenge and how it works 11:44 Camaraderie and connection in fishing25:08 Overcoming mental barriers in farming33:54 The impact of Bayer's supportLinksRegister a team for the Bayer Big Fish Challenge Learn more about the Bayer Retreats and The Fly ProgramLearn more about Bayer Australia and New Zealand, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedInIf 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!

It's a good thing Aly Bunton loves talking to people, as her Public Affairs role with Bayer Crop Science Australia depends on good relationships.  And it's not just with the suits in Canberra; Aly is well-connected with scientists and farmers all over to ensure Bayer stays on the front foot of industry issues globally, and that Governments are aware of how different policies impact Aussie farmers.With no previous ties to farming, a career in agriculture was a little unexpected for Aly.  She explains what led her to a job in ag science communications with a multinational company and the evolution of biologicals vs synthetic solutions in agriculture. Takeaways Aly is proud of Bayer’s manufacturing presence in Australia with a big onshore investment hereAussie farmers are punching above their weight, respected globally as being highly professional, innovative and adaptable The future of inputs use in agriculture needs to be a toolbox systemAli is an avid reader, zooming through up to 100 books a year Her involvement with the CWA has opened her eyes to the incredible advocacy work at play in the regionsChapters01:58 Understanding the role of public affairs in agriculture06:04 Building relationships in Government and industry11:59 The importance of networking for students22:51 The future of agriculture: biologicals vs. synthetics27:09 Australian manufacturing and local solutions30:09 Involvement with the New South Wales CWALinks:Learn more about Bayer Australia and New Zealand, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedInMore episodes at Humans of AgricultureIf 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!

In an increasingly noisy world, how can ag speak with a unified, consistent voice?The changing dynamics of agricultural advocacy in Australia has caught our attention, and we're keen to explore whether industry representation is still 'fit for purpose' in a rapidly shifting political and social landscape. With around 270 farm advocacy bodies in Australia with a combined annual spend of $400-600 million, there's no shortage of voices sticking up for ag.  But how effective are they in delivering genuine policy solutions to Government?To open up this conversation, Oli is joined by Katie McRobert, Executive Director at the Australian Farm Institute, and Tyson Cattle, a rural journalist-turned-Nuffield Scholar, currently exploring how ag advocacy is done around the world and what Australia could be doing better.TakeawaysAdvocacy in agriculture is fragmented and there's a disconnect between what's being said and what's being heardEffective advocacy requires a clear purpose, two-way conversations and cultivating long-term relationships to drive policy changeFinding common ground with decision-makers is essential for achieving policy outcomesRespect and credibility is often overlooked in advocacy structuresFarmers are good as telling stories, but ag needs to get better at sharing storiesCurrent advocacy structures in Australia are often conservative and 'locked in' to a traditional structure, but new approaches such as social media influencers are having an impact Leadership in advocacy often requires taking unpopular stancesLinksLearn more about Tyson's Nuffield topic, and LinkedInKatie McRobert LinkedInYou can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.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!

Cattleman Stuart Austin doesn't shy away from a challenge and his next venture is no exception.   Stuart is well-known for his work in the natural capital space in his former role as General Manager of Wilmot Cattle Company, a regenerative grass fed beef operation in NSW. In this chat with Tom & Mick, Stuart explains the various arms of his new venture Audacious Agriculture and the land-use challenges he's noticing overseas, which he thinks we could learn from.    Despite the career pivot, his passion for regenerative farming practices and mentoring younger people in Aussie ag hasn't wavered.  TakeawaysStuart emphasises the importance of natural capital in agricultural practicesHis new venture, Audacious Agriculture, aims to help others in the agricultural sectorNatural capital is becoming a buzzword among investors, but understanding its practical application is lackingThe US is facing urban encroachment challenges and land use issues around balancing energy and agricultural productionStuart is bullish on the cattle market, anticipating price increases due to supply and demand dynamicsChapters00:00 Introduction and guest background06:35 Stuart's new venture Audacious Agriculture09:31 Insights from the Agri Investors Forum18:20 Natural Capital in Agriculture23:01 Predicts bullish trends in the cattle marketLinksStuart's new venture Audacious Agriculture  More episodes at Humans of AgricultureIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]. Follow Humans of Agriculture on Instagram. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

It's not often you get the chance to hit the pause button, zoom out and look at the bigger picture of your farming business.Farmers are often great at being operational - getting the crop in, or managing livestock cycles - but perhaps not as well practiced at thinking through a strategic plan: where you want your business to go and how you want to go about it. Many of us tend to simply let things unfold and that's why Jeanette Long's pearls of wisdom are so helpful - she's a director, trainer and coach for Ag Consulting Co, which delivers the LivestockSA AgRi-Silience program.  She takes a strategic planning approach to help farmers reflect on their business decision processes and build not just business resilience, but personal resilience too.  We hope this chat with Jeanette helps you make some of those big (and small!) decisions in your farming and family lives, no matter what seasonal conditions are thrown at you.Key takeaways:aim to have a plan in place with prior thought-out 'trigger points', so decisions are made when you're in a good headspace, rather than during stressthere's always value in networking and keeping connected with others in the industryunderstanding your core purpose and values, noticing triggers of stress, and building tools to manage it is crucial for long-term successexternal support can aid in decision-making during crises and times of overwhelmChapters00:00 Introduction to the AgRi-Silience program02:11 Building resilience in agriculture, both in business and personal worlds09:07 Decision-making in challenging times11:51 The value of networking and learning from othersLearn more about the work Jeanette does with Ag Consulting Co here.About AgRi-silience:Today's episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.You can secure your place and take the next step towards a more resilient future by visiting the AgRi-Silience page on the Livestock SA website www.livestocksa.com.au.Cut out dinnerIt's a challenging time for many. The AgRi-Silience Cut Out dinner is a great opportunity to pause, reset and come together to gain collective strength from shared stories and ideas. Book your seat at the AgRi-silience Cut Out Dinner at Sunnybrae Estate in Adelaide on June 20th.  Tickets are just $65 for alumni and $80 for industry participants.

Six years ago, South Australian accountant Tom Cosentino ditched his day job and bought a cattle property without ever having touched a cow before.  Relying on YouTube to learn the basics, Tom reckons his naivete has also helped endear him to other farmers willing to teach.  Hear how Tom feels great freedom without the ‘generational inertia’ behind him, and perhaps under less pressure than those who’ve inherited a family businesses. He shares his rollercoaster experience as a first-generation farmer, alongside his wife Aimee and tractor-obsessed son, Ted. Takeaways:To this day, Tom learns about farming through YouTube and the generous advice from farmers around him Since purchasing his first parcel of land in 2019, he's faced great challenges through Covid and now drought Tom emphasises the importance of financial decision-making in farming and always consults a spreadsheet His son Ted is a great source of joy and inspiration for his new farming careerTom aims to achieve full-time farming by the age of 40Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Tom Cosentino's journey02:15 From accountant to farmer: a new beginning08:00 Learning the ropes and realities of farming23:12 Decision-making during drought 40:02 Looking ahead: future aspirations and reflections Links & Resources:Gum Park Beef - Tom has partnered with his neighbour to sell direct to consumer grass-fed beef More episodes at Humans of AgricultureIf 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!

It's time to level up our produce game! There are few things more disappointing than biting into a floury apple, or cutting open a bruised avocado... if only we knew what mango to choose based on skin spots, or how to best store pears so they ripen perfectly…That, friends, is the mission of our next guest, Thanh ‘The Fruit Nerd’ Truong.He's put a modern spin on the traditional fruiterer, using his growing social media profile to share entertaining tips on choosing, storing and prepping fruit and veg.  Thanh wants consumers to have the best possible eating experience without playing ‘Russian Roulette’ with our produce.He understands that an elevated flavour experience is not only good for us, it benefits the whole horticulture supply chain - leading to a healthier population and planet.Thanh's knack for storytelling and passion for enjoying fresh produce is absolutely infectious.  Join Oli at the dawn wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Melbourne to discover how this second-generation fruiterer operates.  Takeaways As we've commodified fruit and vegetables we've lost the experience of the fruitererSocial media is an effective way to reinvigorate the storytelling behind fruit and vegetables  Equipping shoppers with knowledge gives them agency to choose their fruit better, store it better and have the best possible eating experienceConsumers have lost connection with their food and the horticulture industry could do more to educate the public'Braver' storytelling through social media, or even gaming platforms, could foster deeper connections between consumers and farming and claw back social licenseIncremental change in consumer eating habits will lead to a healthier population and planetDon't squeeze your avocados!Chapters00:00 Morning madness at the Melbourne fruit market03:44 A day in the life of a fruiterer08:28 Is social media the new shop front?17:08 How ag industries could better educate consumers and build social license29:57 Should cooking classes be compulsory in schools to encourage healthier eating?42:00 Thanh's Nuffield journey ahead55:06 The power of incremental change in shifting buying habits and reducing food waste01:01:06 Lessons from Asian food systemsLearn more about The Fruit Nerd and follow his wholesome content on Instagram.You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.This episode of Humans of Agriculture is brought to you by our Partners at Rabobank Australia — proud supporters of the Nuffield Scholarship. Rabobank’s commitment to backing bold ideas and future thinkers like Thanh Truong is shaping the future of food and farming.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!

In this second episode of our AgRi-silience series, Jono Mudge gives a glimpse into the realities of stepping up as the next generation in a family business.  It hasn't been an easy run of seasons for mixed farmers in South Australia's mid-north, but the AgRi-silience program came at the perfect time for Jono - deflecting his attention away from the seemingly endless dust, to what he can control. From the humble workshop whiteboard to navigating new apps, Jono explains how simple tools are leading him to better communicate with family members and a smoother operation of his business day-to-day. Jono's renewed sense of enthusiasm to improve his business is worth sharing.  Here's his story.Key takeaways:Engaging outside experts was key in shifting Jono's mindset and setting strategic goals Professional development is a crucial part of building a sustainable and resilient businessPlanning family time before farm expansion helps maintain a healthy work-life balance Chapters:02:59 How AgRi-silience has helped combat farming challenges06:05 The importance of mentorship in agriculture11:50 Setting goals for business and family life14:55 Understanding the corner stones of financials and business management17:52 Stress management and finding work-life Balance23:46 Succession planning and future outlookAbout AgRi-silienceToday's episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.You can secure your place and take the next step towards a more resilient future by visiting the AgRi-Silience page on the Livestock SA website www.livestocksa.com.au.Cut out dinnerIt's a challenging time for many. The AgRi-Silience Cut Out dinner is a great opportunity to pause, reset and come together to gain collective strength from shared stories and ideas. Book your seat at the AgRi-silience Cut Out Dinner at Sunnybrae Estate in Adelaide on June 20th.  Tickets are just $65 for alumni and $80 for industry participants.You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here. 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!

After a brief hiatus, Tom and Mick are back at it...  This time they sit down with their first international guest, José Paz Vermal of Argentina, to discuss the current state of play in the wool market.SummaryThis chat delves into the dynamics of the global wool market, discussing current trends and challenges. The market hasn't been flash for a while, but José thinks that can be turned around with a focus on quality and better marketing.  Find out what opportunities there are for growers in 'nature positive' wools and why José is ok with being nicknamed 'the toe cutter', and other such things, when he reveals his alter ego on the wool buying floor! TakeawaysWool clip is down across the board, drought conditions are impacting wool yields and specs aren't great The wool market has barely budged in recent years, partly due to European businesses struggling to sell goods post-CovidJosé predicts an upward trend in wool prices, with supply dropping offPremiums still exist! Up to 30% for some cuttingsTrump's tariffs have impacted confidence and the Australian market will likely feel it in the next 6-8 months, depending on conversations had between China and the USAustralia is ahead of other countries with applying technologies to farming, we just need to market our clip betterChapters01:45 Jose's Journey: From Argentina to Australia06:01 Understanding the Wool Market Dynamics10:01 Market Trends and Challenges in Wool Buying22:06 Future Opportunities in Wool Production27:09 Predictions for the Wool MarketWe've managed to snag Tom and Mick for a monthly livestock chat from now on, so keep eye on your feed.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]. Follow Humans of Agriculture on Instagram. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!