Episode 79. Alysha & Ryan Conlan - South West Victoria

Billy Buckingham has returned home to his family farm, with a real passion to continue the legacy his grandparents started. In this chat he shares the current challenges of the drought and how he is able to take advantage of the dry season preparations his family invested in years ago. He also shares the importance of community and networking in the Young Dairy Network, and how these connections have not only helped with on farm investments but are so beneficial for mental health especially during tough times. TOPICS WE COVER Career Journey and Background Family Farm History and Legacy Succession Planning and Farm Management Current Farming Challenges Young Dairy Network (YDN) Involvement Technology and Farm Improvements Community and Mental Health Personal Values and Future Goals   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria in 2024, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Warragul in Gippsland on July 29th & 30th 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.       

Tori Brindle Mansell grew up in suburban Sydney, but always had a passion for agriculture, turning a summer placement at Uni into a successful career in dairy.  In this chat she shares her love for robotic farming systems, how she started with calf rearing which has since developed into a manager role. We chat about all things robots, and the flexibility it’s given her to work whilst her daughter without access to childcare. She is also the current YDN leader for the south coast and gives an insight into why the role is so important, for not only her development but also the future of dairy.  TOPICS we discuss Educational Journey and Career Beginnings Transition to Rural Life and Education Challenges Regional vs. City Living Comparison Introduction to Robotic Dairy Systems Career Progression in Dairy Working in a Robotic Dairy System Farm Ownership Considerations Work-Life Balance with a Young Child Grazing Management with Robotic Systems Professional Development and YDN Future Career Aspirations   In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.       

Virginia Mall is a self proclaimed dairy tragic, with a lifelong passion for dairy and guernsey cows. Although she was discouraged from pursuing a career in agriculture, she was drawn back in with a real focus on regenerative farming practices.  In this chat she shares how she runs a diversified farm, Grace Springs Farm on only 26 acres, incorporating dairy, beef, pigs and chickens for direct to consumer sales alongside agritourism. And although she is currently only utilising the cow’s milk to feed her pigs she has dreams of expanding and becoming a full time dairy farmer.  Topics: Early Life and Corporate Career Path Transition to Farming Building the Farm Dairy Cattle and Farm Operations Sustainable Farming Practices Diversification and Market Strategy Challenges and Regulations Personal Struggles and Resilience Community and Support Agritourism and Education Future Aspirations and Advice   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria in 2024, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Warragul in Gippsland on July 29th & 30th 2025. Tickets are on sale NOW with early bird pricing still avaliable - Check out Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.       

Alysha & Ryan Conlan had multiple businesses and were making every second of the day count before following their dream to transition from construction into dairy farming. In this week's episode they share how 5 calves quickly went to standing room only, how they didn’t let the multiple NO’s stop them and how they’ve moved their family across the state with limited dairy experience to running a successful dairy business for the last 18 months.  TOPICS WE COVER  Transition to Dairy Farming: Alysha and Ryan discuss their move from construction to dairy farming, detailing their journey and the challenges they faced.  Business and Financial Strategies: They share insights into their business strategies, including real estate investments and the importance of cash flow in dairy farming. Community and Support: The couple emphasises the support they received from the dairy community, including Dairy Australia and local networks, which helped them navigate their new venture. Family Involvement: The importance of family involvement in their farming operations and how they balance work with family life.  Future Plans and Aspirations: Ryan and Alysha discuss their future goals, including potential expansion and the importance of seizing opportunities in the dairy industry.  If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.    PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria in 2024, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Warragul in Gippsland on July 29th & 30th 2025. Tickets are now ON SALE so keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check out the Website for all of the details and to reserve your spot!    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.       

Rachael farms in Southern NSW and today shares her incredibly difficult experience following the milk crash and clawback in 2016 and how it drastically changed their farming system. Alongside partner Craig they had to make decisions and make them quick, including downsizing the herd and reducing the staff to ensure the farm could trade their way out of debt, and whilst it has taken them plenty of blood, sweat and tears they have done just that!  In this chat Rachael openly shares about the relationships with their consultant and creditors and how creating the $500 dollar club ensured everyone was paid, even in the depth of their financial crisis. She shares personal reflections on the impact it had on the community, their family and themselves, providing incredibly valuable insights for anyone facing situations outside of their control such as the clawback or the current drought.  A reminder that this is all general conversation and not specific financial advice, so if you are in severe financial hardship please know you aren’t alone and I encourage you to lean on your support networks within Dairy Australia, your farm consultant or advisors or take advantage of the many rural financial counseling services available and check out the Farm Household Allowance to see if you are eligible, because if you used it as Rachael did in 2016, you’re 10 year cycle will have reset and you can once again apply. Use this link to see if you are eligible https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/farm-household-allowance Dairy Australia Resources https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/issues-and-emergencies/grant-and-support-programs   PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  - TICKETS ON SALE NOW Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria in 2024, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Warragul in Gippsland on July 29th & 30th 2025. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!!! Check out Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details and links to purchase.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   

Monique Bryant farms alongside husband Mark in Northern Victoria, and although she has spent time off farm in milk supply and in education, her choice has been and still remains to be farming everyday.  In this chat she shares how they’ve worked through succession planning on the family farm, how they’ve faced significant flooding of their milking platform which has led them to expand and grow the business with risk management at the forefront. And she shares about her involvement within the industry and her time as the 2025 Chair for the Australian Dairy Conference Programing Committee.  We cover the topics  - Transition to Full-Time Dairy Farming - Succession Planning - Challenges, Adaption and Flood Management - Farm Expansion - Team Management and Technology - Industry Involvement and Leadership - Future Plans and Reflections   If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   

Sarah Crosthwaite farms alongside her husband Stuart, in the North East of Victoria but her real passion is mental health, starting her own counselling business supporting the mental health and wellbeing of farmers, rural families and a variety of agricultural workers across Australia.  In this chat, Sarah shares how she became an accredited mental health social worker and how she is using her many years of experience in agriculture and dairy to provide support for farmers and service providers facing the many challenges that we experience specific to  farming. She gives really practical tips and strategies to maintain your mental fitness, as well as discussing the role of financial literacy in reducing stress and the importance of communication in relationships, especially in the context of farming families.  We also chat about where to go when you are seeking external support, and the importance of finding the right person, just like finding the right pair of jeans. This chat is very general in nature and not specific therapeutic care, but if you are in need of, or someone you love is struggling please head along to any of the services and resources  TIACS - Free counselling service 8am - 10pm, Monday - Friday Call or Text 0488 846 988; https://www.tiacs.org/how-it-works/ RURAL HEALTH CONNECT - online platform that links people to psychologists over video calls and phone calls.  https://ruralhealthconnect.com.au/ Open Road Counselling - Sarah Crosthwaite https://openroadcounselling.com.au/   CRISIS SUPPORT Lifeline: 131 114  Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467  Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636  Triple Zero: 000   Resources and Tools:  National Centre Farmer Health https://farmerhealth.org.au/ I Farm Well https://ifarmwell.com.au/ Marcus Minds https://www.marcusminds.com/   In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.     

Greg Duncan, is the agribusiness program leader at Dairy Australia. Greg shares his fascinating journey into the dairy industry, starting from his family's sheep and potato farming background in Northern Ireland and England. He discusses his diverse role at Dairy Australia, his early memories of growing up on various farms in New South Wales, and his educational path in agricultural science. Greg elaborates on his career progression, including his time at Pfizer Animal Health and his transition to Dairy Australia, where he has been instrumental in developing and delivering farm performance and business-related extension programs. The conversation delves into the importance of strategic planning for dairy farmers, the benefits of the "Our Farm, Our Plan" program, and the shift towards online extension services. Greg also emphasises the need for young farmers to get involved in the industry, the potential for wealth creation in dairy farming, and the importance of community and leadership development.  TOPICS we cover  - Family and Early Life - Education and Early Career - Transition to Dairy Australia - Building Dairy New South Wales - Young Dairy Network and Extension - Online Extension - Our Farm, Our Plan  - Business Focus in Dairy - Future of Dairy and Young Farmers - Dairy Farm Monitor and Business Analysis Dairy Australia: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au  Our Farm, Our Plan: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm/our-farm-our-plan [01:02:59] Dairy Base: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm/farm-business/dairybase [58:27] Farm Business Snapshot: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm/farm-business/farm-business-snapshot If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.   

Grant Rogers worked as a vet in New Zealand before moving to Tasmania to follow his passion to be a farmer. Whilst he admits it was a very steep learning curve, he spent almost 20 years on farm before knowing the time was right to retire and move back into his veterinary practice. Whilst on farm though, he was regularly frustrated by his staff not remembering simple instructions or the seemingly simple steps to move or repair an irrigator, but it’s this common frustration that sparked an idea to create Knowby. Knowby is a the tech company providing a web based app for users to create simple step by step instructional guides with short videos, pictures and text which is now used across 30 different industries in 20 countries around the world. For more information head to the website https://www.knowby.co  This chat was recorded during the Australian Dairy Conference where Grant was awarded the ADC Innovator Award for the Knowby Platform.    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.  In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP  Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria in 2024, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Warragul in Gippsland on July 29th & 30th 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram  or Facebook   or check it out on the Website for all of the details.     

Paul Roderick grew up surrounded by dairy and always knew he would return to his family farm which has gone through plenty of changes across the generations. In this week's episode chat he shares about the evolution of the family farm, we chat about grazing grass in the subtropics and the challenges facing not only Queensland dairy but the industry as a whole and he shares why he is passionate about being involved within industry, recently becoming Chair of the Dairy Australia Board. GROUNDS FOR GROWTH CONFERNCE 2025  Dairy Australia is hosting a soil and pasture biodiversity event in Warrnambool on 4-6 March 2025. A first-ever for the Australian dairy industry, Grounds for Growth will support farmers with adopting multi-species pastures and other management practices.  The three-day event focuses on the benefits, challenges and practical dairy farmer experiences of adopting soil and pasture systems to improve soil health and function. It will include a strong panel of expert speakers from Australia and internationally, including regenerative agriculture specialist from Massey University in NZ, Professor Danny Donaghy, and Irish expert on multispecies planting Dr John Finn from Teagsac. Australian farmers who are successfully using biodiverse practices on farm will also present at the event, and there will be in-person and virtual farm tours for attendees. By attending the event, dairy farmers will be better equipped to make informed decisions about the right soil and pasture systems for their individual farming needs. Registration is open and available via the link https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/soils-and-water/soil-management-and-fertility/grounds-for-growth   If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to [email protected] or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.