Humans of Agriculture

In this conversation, Sabrina Davies shares her journey of living on Kangaroo Island, the impact of the Black Summer bushfires, and her initiative, Humans of Kangaroo Island, which aims to tell the stories of the local community. She discusses the challenges of rebuilding after losing her home, the importance of community support, and her reflections on loss and recovery. Sabrina emphasises the beauty of Kangaroo Island and the unique lifestyle it offers, while also providing insights into her personal growth and the lessons learned through adversity.

Pic Credit: Australian Rural Leadership Foundation

Kangaroo Island, community, bushfires, storytelling, resilience, recovery, nature, Humans of Kangaroo Island, personal journey, support

This episode was recorded on the 9th of October and that might add a bit of context to the conversation!

Tom & Mick are back to sit down with Scott Bremner from McCulloch Agencies to chat all things Livestock.

Takeaways

• Scotty Bremner has a long history in the livestock industry.
• Feedlot procurement is about turnover and continuity of supply.
• Mobile phones have changed accessibility in agency life.
• Market trends are influenced by weather and supply.
• Lamb and mutton markets are currently stable and sustainable.
• Cattle market dynamics are affected by female slaughter rates.
• Trading strategies should focus on doing the opposite of the majority.
• The future of feedlotting requires more processing facilities.
• Wool market predictions are uncertain but influenced by global economies.
• Heifers are a good investment due to quick turnover.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Scotty Bremner
03:06 Scotty's Career Journey in Livestock
05:56 Insights on Feedlot Procurement
08:49 Market Trends and Seasonal Insights
12:12 Lamb and Mutton Market Analysis
15:00 Cattle Market Dynamics
17:51 Trading Strategies and Market Sentiment
21:05 Future of Feedlotting and Processing Facilities
23:55 Wool Market Overview and Predictions

In this episode of the Humans of Agriculture podcast, host Oli Le Lievre explores the multifaceted operations of a South Australian farm with Alex McGorman. The conversation delves into the history of the farm, the evolution of farming practices, the importance of relationships in agriculture, and the role of family boards and external support in business growth. Alex shares insights on transitioning from a traditional farming mindset to a more business-oriented approach, emphasizing the significance of consistency, adaptability, and good people in achieving success in the agricultural industry.

Takeaways:

• The importance of relationships in agriculture cannot be overstated.
• Consistency in operations leads to long-term success.
• Transitioning to a business mindset is crucial for growth.
• Family boards can provide valuable external support.
• Good people are the backbone of any successful operation.
• Adaptability is key in the face of changing market conditions.
• Farming is a trust-based industry that relies on integrity.
• External advice can help navigate complex business challenges.
• Investing in branding and marketing is essential for growth.
• There are numerous opportunities in agriculture for those willing to innovate.

LivestockSA Partnership:
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.org.au.

Jenny Stanton wears multiple hats as a farmer, agronomist, netball coach, and community leader on Kangaroo Island (KI). She shares her story of resilience, having survived the devastating 2020 bushfires, which wiped out livestock and infrastructure, and how her family rebuilt both their farm and their lives. Jenny discusses the journey of running a family farm, including succession planning and the balancing act of managing daily operations, community roles, and personal well-being.

We dive into topics such as:

• How her family navigated succession planning after the fires.
• The importance of community and their "Fat Farmers" initiative to improve physical and mental health.
• Jenny's passion for soil health, sustainable farming practices, and the challenges of finding natural solutions to pest problems.
• The role of Farm Owners Academy and the Australian Rural Leadership Program in shaping their business and personal growth.

LivestockSA Partnership:
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.org.au.