Humans of Agriculture

In today’s episode, I wanted to do something a little different and share an update on where Humans of Agriculture is heading. Over the last six years we’ve told hundreds of stories and met thousands of people, and it’s clear that the beating heart of our work isn’t just the stories themselves, but the people behind them.

We’re stepping into a new chapter. One that builds on our storytelling roots, but focuses more deliberately on careers, connection, and helping people see what’s possible for them in agriculture.

After that, I sit down with two remarkable leaders. First up is Billy Slater, who shares insights on confidence, preparation, transition, and why the biggest moments require the smallest focus. Then, I chat with Adrian Capogreco, Managing Director of Nutrien Ag Solutions, about leadership, resilience, community, and the future of the industry.

Episode Chapters

00:00 — Welcome and Why This Episode Is Different

01:20 — What’s Ahead: Upcoming Conversations and Guests

02:24 — The Honest Update: Where Humans of Agriculture Is Heading

04:49 — How the Project Started and Why It Still Matters

06:55 — The Pivot: From Storytelling to Stories + Careers + Community

08:40 — Introducing HOA Recruitment

09:36 — Oli’s Personal Challenge: The Longest Resume in Agriculture

10:35 - Setting Up Today’s Conversations

11:00: Leadership with Billy Slater

11:46 — Preparing for Transition and Backing Yourself

12:55 — Earning Confidence

13:34 — Overcoming Self-Doubt

14:45 — Handling Big Moments

15:38 — Vulnerability, Courage, and Team Culture

17:00 — Positive Reinforcement and High Standards

18:32 — Oli’s Reflections on Billy’s Lessons

19:30 - Leadership and the Future with Adrian Capogreco

19:41 — Introducing Adrian at the Nutrien Stand

19:56 — Adrian’s Non-Negotiables in Leadership

20:20 — A Non-Negotiable in Life: Balance

20:55 — Advice for First-Time Managers

21:55 — The Quirks and Strengths of Agriculture

22:40 — Mindset When Things Get Tough

23:45 — What’s Next for Nutrien

24:45 — Wrapping Up with Adrian

Bridgitte Brooks is rewriting the story of Australian wool - and of rural women. 

The fifth-generation sheep farmer has launched a wool athleisure brand from her farm in Yuna, Western Australia in a bid to connect modern consumers with a natural fibre that she feels is undercelebrated. 

From baby blankets to wool athleisure wear, Bridgitte is stitching together sustainability, style, and heritage—with a deep belief that rural communities can thrive when families are supported and fibre stories are told well.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bridgitte and Her Journey
02:58 Life in Rural Australia and Its Challenges
05:41 The Birth of a Fashion Business
08:13 Navigating the Fashion Industry
10:36 Sustainability and the Future of Fashion
13:17 The Importance of Succession Planning
16:09 Family Dynamics in Farming
18:59 Advice for Future Generations
21:30 Reflections and Future Aspirations
24:11 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode, Oli sits down with Australia’s Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Julie Collins — live from the National Farmers’ Federation Conference on the Gold Coast.

From her Tasmanian roots to leading one of the nation’s most important portfolios, Julie shares how her background shaped her approach to agriculture, sustainability, and community. She reflects on the government’s new Ag and Land Sector Plan, the role of programs like free TAFE and Ag Connections in building the workforce, and how storytelling can strengthen both our domestic pride and global reputation.

Julie also talks candidly about being out on farms, meeting producers, and why she believes Australian agriculture is the most productive and sustainable in the world. Looking ahead, she shares her optimism for how the industry can leverage the 2032 Olympics to showcase our regions, food, and people to the world.

Passionfruit farmer Mitchell East is flipping the script on food waste, giving unsellable fruit a second chance. 

Mitchell returned to his family farm in Manjimup WA on a mission to find a tasty use for surplus, speedily perishable fruit like passionfruit and cherries.

The horticulture industry is always looking for new ways of squeezing value from seconds produce, with many tonnes of fruit and vegetables that can't be sold or stored going to waste every day.

And there's no shortage of produce in the Southern Forests food hub around Manjimup, which punches well above its weight to grow a massive volume and variety of fresh produce for domestic and international markets.

Liv sat down with this fruit-farmer-turned-manufacturer to hear how Mitchell is utilising otherwise wasted fruit to not only boost profit margins but to re-connect consumers with the growers of their food.

Chapters
00:00 Mitchell's Farming Journey and Background
02:48 The Unique Food Hub of Manjimup
05:37 Value Adding Passion Fruit: Challenges and Opportunities
08:57 Creating Products from Waste: A Sustainable Approach
11:45 Collaboration With Other Growers
14:33 Innovative Products and Market Adaptation
17:46 The Story Behind Yuzu and Other Unique Produce

This month Tom and Mick catch up with New England livestock agent Mat Larkings about what he’s seeing on the ground—from post-drought price shifts to clients swapping breeding for trading. 

They dive into the growing interest in coastal markets, the cautious optimism among producers, and why quality stock still rules.

It’s a great listen for anyone keen to understand the real dynamics behind the numbers.

Takeaways

• The cattle market is experiencing fluctuations post-drought.
• Clients are transitioning from breeding to trading operations.
• Quality cattle are essential in the current market.
• The coastal market presents new opportunities for livestock.
• Caution prevails among clients regarding market investments.
• Rural property market is lagging behind livestock market trends.

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Matt Larkins: A Livestock Agent's Journey
05:23 Market Insights: Cattle and Sheep Dynamics
08:21 Navigating the Livestock Business: Challenges and Opportunities
11:33 The Coastal Market: Expanding Horizons
14:34 Future Trends: Cattle Market Predictions
17:18 Cautious Optimism: Client Perspectives on Market Fluctuations
20:19 Rural Property Market: A Parallel Journey
23:04 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Dads