#64: Breaking the Mold: Stuart Austin on Audacious Agriculture and Finding Your Way

Send us a text*It's school holidays so we have a special intro and outro for the podcast.G'day and welcome to episode 64 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.In this episode, Stuart Austin shares his journey in agriculture, discussing his experiences from managing large farms to his aspirations of owning land and cattle. He emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, mental health awareness in rural communities, and the shift towards regenerative agriculture.Stuart also introduces his new venture, Audacious Ag, aimed at helping others succeed in the agricultural sector through innovative partnerships and coaching. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships and the need for open discussions about mental health in the farming community.In this episode we chat aboutStuart Austin career in AgricultureTheir journey to finding "A Place To Call Home"Why financial literacy is crucial for success in agriculture.Regenerative agriculture and its focus on improving land health and biodiversity.Mental health being a significant issue in rural communities, and why open conversations are essential.Audacious Ag and its aim to help others in agriculture.How Innovative partnerships can provide pathways to land ownership.Why building relationships is key to finding opportunities in agriculture.Health and well-being are foundational to success in life and business.Resources MentionedRCS Farm Management Professional Development Australia - Resource Consulting ServicesMarcus Oldham College - We mean business.Codie SanchezThe Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett | No.1 PodcastYou Inc by John McGrath - 9780732276362Follow Stuart Austin and Audacious Ag📘 Facebook: Audacious Ag📸 Instagram: @audacious.ag🔗 LinkedIn: Audacious Ag🌏 Website: Audacious Agriculture | Agriculture, UnboundIf you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, PRP Regional North QueenslandPRP Regional North Queensland - Preston Rowe Paterson Australasia Pty LtdSupport the show

Send us a textG'day and welcome to episode 63 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.In this episode, Randal shares his unique journey from a city life to becoming a farmer, detailing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He discusses the importance of community support, creativity, and resilience in agriculture, especially during tough times like drought and COVID-19. Randal emphasizes the significance of building a community around farming and the impact of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model in connecting consumers with their food sources. He also highlights the need for innovation and collaboration among farmers to create a sustainable food system.In this episode we chat aboutRandall's journey into farmingHow he transitioned from a carpenter to a full-time farmer after years of exploring different careers.How community support played a crucial role in sustaining their farm during the drought and COVID-19.How the CSA model allowed Randall to connect with consumers and share the risks and rewards of food production.Why he believes creativity and boldness are essential for success in agriculture.Why aspiring farmers should approach agriculture with curiosity and enthusiasm.Resources MentionedRCS Farm Management Professional Development Australia - Resource Consulting ServicesAustralian Holistic Management Co-operativeCall of the Reed Warbler by Charles MasseyDark Emu by Bruce PascoeUtopia for Realists – Rutger BregmanHumankind – Rutger Bregman (Sams Mention)Mountain & Prairie Podcast • Mountain & PrairieFollow Randal Breen and Echo Valley Farm📸 Instagram: @echovalleyfarmer🌏 Website: The Breen Family – Echo ValleyIf you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, PRP Regional North QueenslandPRP Regional North Queensland - Preston Rowe Paterson Australasia Pty LtdSupport the show

Send us a textG'day and welcome to episode 62 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.In this conversation, Paul Martin, CEO and founder of Summer land Camels, shares his journey from traditional cattle farming to establishing a successful camel dairy business. He discusses the challenges posed by drought, the importance of innovative grazing management, and the role of tourism in educating consumers about camel products. Paul emphasizes the need for investment in sustainable practices and the potential for the camel industry in Australia. He also offers valuable insights for the next generation of farmers, encouraging them to seek opportunities and think outside the box.In this episode we chat aboutPaul's from a cattle and grain property to Camels Dairy.Regenerative agriculture.Being open to new business opportunities..How tourism can play a key role in educating consumers.How investing in off-farm ventures can provide additional income.The history of camels in Australia.Resources MentionedRCS Farm Management Professional Development Australia - Resource Consulting ServicesHistory ⋆ Savory InstituteThe Ballad of Abdul Wade by Ryan Butta | GoodreadsFollow Paul Martin and Summer land Camels.📘 Facebook: Summerland Camels📸 Instagram: @summerlandcamels🌏 Website: Camel Rides, Farm Tours, Camel Milk Skincare – Summer Land CamelsIf you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au🎙️ This episode is proudly supported Feed Central's LocalAg —Your trusted partner in agricultural solutions..👉 To learn more be sure to check out their website.: Trusted Secure Agricultural Marketplace | LocalAgSupport the show

Send us a textG'day and welcome to episode 61 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.In this episode, host Sam Fryer speaks with Sophia, a commercial beekeeper with a rich family legacy in the industry. Sophia shares her journey from a childhood fear of bees to a deep passion for beekeeping, highlighting the importance of pollination in food production and the challenges faced by the industry, including the Varroa mite crisis and fluctuating honey prices. She also discusses her early experiences, the significance of family collaboration in beekeeping, and offers valuable advice for aspiring beekeepers.This is a great episode for anyone interested in getting into the Bee industry.In this episode we chat aboutSophia's family has a long history in beekeeping.How commercial beekeeping plays a critical role in food production through pollination.Starting her beekeeping business at 18What challenges the industry is facing.How consumers can support the bee industry.Seeking mentorship guidance in the industry.Follow Sophia Croker:🌐 Website: The Bee Drover - Australian Beekeeper📘 Instagram: @phiasbeesIf you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au🎙️ This episode is proudly supported Feed Central's LocalAg —Your trusted partner in agricultural solutions..👉 To learn more be sure to check out their website.: Trusted Secure Agricultural Marketplace | LocalAgSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.In this episode, we bring you the closing keynote from the A Place to Call Home: Next-Gen Ag Forum — a powerful and deeply personal session from Kat Reed on Overcoming Obstacles.Kat’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and sheer determination. From navigating life’s toughest seasons to finding strength in the face of burnout, big decisions, and unexpected setbacks, she shares practical lessons and raw honesty that resonate with anyone in agriculture — and beyond.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.From succession and diversification to mental resilience and innovative farming practices, the conversation dives deep into the realities of building a business, caring for the land, and leading the next generation.Featuring:Mark Vass – Fifth-generation cane farmer from Home Hill, passionate soil-health advocate, and diversified business owner.John Board – From diesel fitter to full-time farmer in Ingham, sharing raw, real insights on mental health and resilience in agriculture.Caitlyn Donaldson – Fifth-generation beef producer from Central QLD, championing sustainability and the role of women in family operations.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.Callan Solari brought a fresh and practical perspective to the Next-Gen Ag Forum, sharing insights from his work as a veterinarian on how the next generation of producers can lift animal health, welfare, and productivity standards.Callan shared stories from his veterinary practice that highlighted the difference between reactive and proactive management — and how small changes can deliver big long-term gains.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.Mark Westcott delivered a powerful and thought-provoking session on succession planning — not just as a business handover, but as a deeply personal and strategic process that shapes the future of families, farms, and communities.Drawing on years of experience in agribusiness, leadership, and mentoring, Mark explored how successful succession is built on open communication, clear expectations, and a shared vision between generations. He challenged attendees to approach succession not as a transaction, but as a journey that safeguards both relationships and the legacy of the land.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.The Thinking Outside the Box panel showcased four inspiring producers who have stepped away from traditional approaches to agriculture, building unique, profitable, and sustainable enterprises tailored to their passions and environments.Panel MembersJacob Wolki – Wolki FarmsKale & Karen Robinson – Goat Producers and former Butcher 2 Go owners.Kylie Stretton – Life on red HillRecording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show

Send us a textRecorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.Jacob Wolki is a farmer, business owner, and innovator who’s built a reputation for challenging the status quo. In this engaging and thought-provoking session, Jacob shared how he has created diverse, vertically integrated enterprises — from livestock and market gardening to direct-to-consumer retail — all by reimagining what’s possible in agriculture.Jacob’s story is a reminder that the next generation of producers can design businesses that suit their lifestyle, values, and market — not just follow the conventional path.Recording Credit:This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, DrylandSupport the show