Boots Off Log On!™

Episode 45: Future of ESG and capturing value in the Aussie AG supply chain with Georgie Aley

Join us for a deep dive into the world of agribusiness with Georgie Aley, National Sector Lead for Consumer Goods and Agribusiness at KPMG. Georgie discusses the multifaceted role of a national sector lead, emphasising the critical importance of understanding the entire supply chain in agribusiness.
Explore the rise of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations and carbon requirements in the industry, as Georgie sheds light on the opportunities and challenges they present. Discover the concept of circular supply chains and the urgent need for greater transparency and engagement across the agribusiness value chain.
Georgie Aley emphasises the imperative for farmers to comprehend their carbon footprint and leverage sustainable practices for value creation. With a focus on data-driven decision-making and meeting evolving consumer demands, Georgie underscores the role of education and collaboration in driving sustainable practices and addressing industry challenges.
Gain valuable career advice as Georgie encourages young professionals to follow their passion, remain open to opportunities, and cultivate a robust professional network. Georgie dispels myths surrounding agribusiness, highlighting its scale of innovation and complexity beyond farming.
Beyond her professional insights, discover Georgie's personal interests including horse riding, beach time, and fostering connections with friends and family.

Episode 44: Family, farming & business with Agrimaster CEOs – Humans of Agriculture reshare

In this episode, we're changing things up a bit. A while back, we had a chat with Oli Le Lievre from Humans of Agriculture, and we thought it would be worth sharing with you. It's a fantastic chance to get a better understanding of us and delve into the heart of our journey and experiences.
During our conversation, we touched on the early days of Agrimaster and its evolution. We also discussed our insights from working in the agriculture sector, including the hurdles and possibilities within the field. We talked about the significance of discovering passion and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, as well as the importance of prioritising financial management in agricultural enterprises. These discussions shed light on essential aspects of succeeding in the industry and offer practical advice for those interested in pursuing careers in agriculture.
So, join us as we journey through the heart of our experiences and lessons learned.

Episode 43: The Aussie farmer who introduced the world to chia seeds with John Foss

Join us on an insightful journey into the world of sustainable agriculture and plant-based foods with John Foss, a visionary entrepreneur and fourth-generation farmer. In this episode, we delve into John's remarkable career, from his pioneering work in establishing The Chia Co as the world's largest producer of chia seeds to his current venture, Fancy Plants, a leading plant-based snack company.
Discover how John's upbringing as a farmer's son shaped his ambitions and led him to explore innovative solutions for global health and sustainability. Learn about his pivotal discovery of chia seeds during a Nuffield scholarship and how it sparked a mission to revolutionise dietary health worldwide.
John speaks about his experience in bringing The Chia Co's products to major retailers like Coles and Woolworths.
He discusses the difficulties of entering the market with an unknown product and how he had to navigate growing beyond the farm gates, into supply chains, and securing shelf space in prominent supermarkets.
Explore the challenges and triumphs of launching and scaling The Chia Co, including navigating agronomic complexities and establishing a presence in 36 countries. Gain valuable insights into John's strategic decision to venture into the plant-based food industry with Fancy Plants, addressing barriers and reshaping perceptions about healthy snacks.
Uncover John's predictions for the future of the food industry, including emerging trends and the readiness of Australian agriculture to adapt. Dive deep into the importance of strong company culture and leadership, along with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the dynamic world of food beyond the farm gate.
Tune in to gain valuable insights from John Foss's expertise and experience, shaping the future of food one innovative idea at a time.
Resources:
Find John Foss on LinkedIn
‍Find Fancy Plants on Facebook
Find Fancy Plants on Instagram

Episode 42: Are you wasting your time farming? With Ram K. Savana

🌟 Disclaimer Alert! 🌟 Yes, our podcast title might be provoking, but it's all about sparking thoughtful conversations. We're here to add value to your farming journey because your time is precious. Make sure to give this episode a listen and join the conversation. Ram K. Savana is Australia's pioneering Farmers' Time-Freedom Coach and the visionary founder of Enable Ag. Ram's journey from a biotech engineer to an influential figure in Australian agribusiness sheds light on innovative approaches to empower farmers and ensure a better work-life balance.In this episode, Ram dives into the concept of "Time-Freedom Coaching" and how it revolutionises the lives of farmers, allowing them to reclaim their time and achieve a fulfilling work-life equilibrium. Drawing from his diverse background and deep familial ties to farming, Ram shares his inspiration behind founding Enable Ag and narrates his own success story, rooted in his family's farm in southern India.Through engaging anecdotes and profound insights, Ram explores the pivotal role of technology and efficient systems in helping farmers optimise their time and alleviate labour strains. He shares success stories of farm families transformed by Enable Ag's services, emphasising the importance of mindful leadership, operational efficiency, and succession planning in modern agriculture.Ram advocates for a paradigm shift in farmers' mindset, emphasising the pursuit of time freedom alongside financial success. From envisioning family well-being to trusting the process of transformation, Ram offers invaluable wisdom for farmers navigating the complexities of modern agriculture.Tune in to discover how Ram is reshaping the future of farming, one farmer at a time, and learn how to embark on a journey towards reclaiming time and achieving true fulfilment in the agricultural sector.

Episode 41: Business skills are now the secret to farm business success with Pete Newman

In this insightful episode as we sit down with Pete Newman, a seasoned consultant from Planfarm based out of Geraldton, Western Australia. Pete brings a wealth of experience and expertise in farm business management, agronomy, and agricultural consulting.In this engaging conversation, Pete shares his insights on the crucial importance of farm business management skills for the incoming generation of farm managers. With multi-million pound farm businesses becoming the norm, Pete delves into the essential business skills necessary for success in the modern agricultural landscape.Drawing from his experience, Pete discusses the key aspects of farm management, including understanding farm profit, machinery investment, marketing strategies, succession planning, and more. He highlights the evolving skill sets required for today's farmers, emphasising the shift towards a more business-oriented approach for sustainable success.Throughout the episode, Pete offers practical advice for young farmers looking to take over the family farm or pursue a career in agriculture. From understanding financial ratios to effective people management, Pete provides valuable insights into the skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern farming enterprises.Listen in as Pete shares success stories of individuals and families who have benefited from the Planfarm Academy, and learn how you can accelerate your career in agriculture through quality training and education.Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a newcomer to the industry, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of farm business management and the skills needed to thrive in today's agricultural sector. Tune in now to gain invaluable knowledge from one of the industry's leading experts.

Episode 40: Farming is no longer a man's game with Erin Gorter

In this episode, we are joined by the remarkable Erin Gorter, a true trailblazer in rural leadership. Erin's journey from a farm girl in Mobrup, WA, to her current roles as Vice Chair, Independent Director of the Grower Group Alliance, Council Member for the Council for Australian-Arab Relations, and more, is nothing short of inspiring.Delving into Erin's rich background and experiences, this episode explores her deep-rooted connection to agriculture and her impressive list of achievements over the past decade. From her roles as a Director on the MLA Board to her position as Chair of Mt Burdett Rural and Regional Advancement Foundation, Erin's impact on the agricultural sector is undeniable..The conversation unfolds as Erin shares her early experiences growing up in the country, reflecting on whether she always envisioned a career in farming or agriculture. The podcast explores her family background, with her father, Bill, being a farmer and long-term Member of Parliament in Western Australia, and how this influenced Erin's advocacy for the rural industry.Erin sheds light on the Ag4U Career Pipeline Program, an initiative she founded to help final year university students in Western Australia prepare for careers in the rural industry. The program aims to bridge the gap between education and practical skills, fostering the next generation of leaders in agriculture.The podcast also delves into Erin's role as Chair of the Rural & Regional Advancement Committee for the Mt Burdett Foundation, where she discusses the foundation's goals, impact on rural communities, and innovative approaches to community building.Erin shares her insights on rural leadership, drawing from her experiences and involvement in programs like the Australian Rural Leadership Program. She touches upon the importance of mentorship, the role of role models in the industry, and how she actively fosters and supports the development of rural leadership, esp ecially among young and emerging leaders.Don't miss out on this engaging conversation with Erin Gorter - a leader, advocate, and inspiration in the world of rural leadership!

Episode 39: Why AgriFutures is starting the big carbon farming conversation with John Harvey

Discover the reasons behind AgriFutures' pursuit of answers in the realm of carbon sustainability in this thought-provoking conversation with John Harvey, Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia. In this episode, John shares invaluable insights into the dynamic world of agriculture and the pivotal role it plays in addressing global challenges.Throughout the discussion, John emphasizes the dual importance of financial stability and a sense of purpose in attracting individuals to careers in agriculture. He passionately describes agriculture as the forefront of making a positive impact, from addressing climate change to ensuring food security for a growing population.Diving into the work of AgriFutures Australia, John sheds light on their multifaceted approach. From overseeing 13 diverse industries, including rice, chicken, and honeybees, to investing in emerging sectors like truffles and hemp, AgriFutures Australia is at the forefront of innovation. John discusses their efforts to bridge the gap between local and global innovation, showcasing Australia as a testing ground for cutting-edge technologies through initiatives like evokeAG and growAG.The conversation takes a turn towards the challenges faced by Australian farmers, touching upon the need for early access to global innovations. John addresses the concerns about the lack of a clear pathway for farmers in the journey towards carbon neutrality. The podcast delves into the emotions and uncertainties among farmers, as well as the importance of establishing trusted sources of information.Join us for a captivating episode as John Harvey navigates the intricate landscape of Australian agriculture, from fostering innovation to addressing the pressing challenges faced by farmers. Learn about the transformative initiatives spearheaded by AgriFutures Australia and the vision for a sustainable and innovative agrifood future.

Episode 38: How the way you think determines your financial success with Chris Wheatcroft

Please be advised that this episode goes on for longer than usual.
Embark on this episode with Chris Wheatcroft, a fifth-generation Australian farmer turned CEO of Rural West, as he shares his extraordinary life story on this enlightening podcast. From the vast landscapes of rural life to the complexities of city living and the challenges of working with troubled youth, Chris narrates his odyssey, shining a light on the profound impact of community dynamics on individual paths.
The conversation delves into the multifaceted world of politics, exploring the motivations behind political ventures and the potential loss of drive once in office. Providing insights into the struggles institutionalised staff face; the podcast uncovers the human side of those who dedicate themselves to public service.
Transitioning into Chris's counselling career, the podcast takes a deep dive into the complexities of bringing positive change to troubled teenagers. The discussion touches upon the brain's automatic biases and the role of behavioural psychology in understanding human decision-making. Weaving through the nuances of rural life, it sheds light on the challenges faced by his diverse clients, from those with significant financial resources to those grappling with substantial debt.
Chris shares how he applies Harvard's business principles to rural counselling, emphasising the importance of externalising issues and creating a visible framework for his clients.
The conversation ventures into the realm of behavioural economics, challenging stereotypes and shedding light on the role of luck in success and failure in agriculture. Navigating the psychological aspects of decision-making under financial pressure it unveils the biases that influence choices and emphasises the crucial role of counselling in navigating these challenges.
Chris's advice for young farmers becomes a focal point, emphasising the holistic approach required for success beyond the fields. From financial acumen to embracing technology, effective communication, and resilience, the podcast provides a wealth of insights for those navigating the dynamic landscape of agriculture.
Join us in this thought-provoking interview that seamlessly intertwines personal narratives, rural insights, and behavioural perspectives, leaving listeners with a profound appreciation for the complexities of life's journeys.

Episode 37: Farmers for Climate Action — Championing change with Natalie Collard

In this episode, we have the privilege of interviewing Natalie Collard, the newly appointed CEO of Farmers for Climate Action.Natalie has an extraordinary background as an advocate for regional Australia, agriculture, renewable energy, innovation, and women's leadership. But what truly sets her apart is her dedication to driving change in the realm of climate action, particularly within the farming community.During this insightful conversation, we explore Natalie's journey and her personal connection to agriculture. She shares her insights into the role and origins of Farmers for Climate Action, a movement dedicated to championing climate policies and sustainable practices within the farming industry.Natalie dives into the shifting perceptions of farmers in the media, as well as the support her organisation has garnered both within the agricultural community and beyond. She delves into the collaborative efforts with farm representative bodies and the profound benefits of renewable energy for farmers and their communities.For those involved in animal agriculture, Natalie discusses how Farmers for Climate Action defends its environmental impact. The conversation takes a candid turn as we address the question of whether it's hypocritical for farmers to advocate for climate action, given their role as contributors to emissions.Breaking down barriers within farming communities and forging political advocacy for climate action are also integral parts of this engaging discussion. We discover how Farmers for Climate Action is working to influence political leaders and support farmers who feel helpless in the face of climate change.For those eager to get involved, Natalie provides valuable insights into where to begin, highlights farmer education resources, and shares the future goals of Farmers for Climate Action. Moreover, we debunk myths surrounding farmers and climate action, shedding light on the complex realities of their work.This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of climate action within the farming industry and how a passionate advocate like Natalie Collard is leading the way toward a sustainable and resilient future.

Episode 36: The secret to Andrew Fowler’s farm business success — Good people & great culture

In this inspiring and enlightening conversation, we sit down with Andrew Fowler, a prominent figure in the world of agriculture, a Nuffield Scholar, and former Chair of both Nuffield Australia and Nuffield International. Hailing from Condingup in Western Australia, Andrew and his family operate Chilwell Farm, a sprawling agricultural enterprise covering over 50,000 hectares today. Their diverse operations encompass canola, barley, wheat, lamb, wool, and beef, emphasising the harmonious relationship between livestock and cropping.In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Chillwell Farm, which started as a wool operation in the mid-1990s and has since grown into a thriving grain and livestock business, with grain accounting for a significant portion of their output. Andrew shares valuable insights into how they've successfully maintained both livestock and cropping areas, effectively balancing their portfolio and mitigating risk.One of the central themes of our discussion revolves around the role of people management in their business. Andrew and his brother Simon employ over 70 people during peak seasons, and they've developed a winning formula for attracting and retaining talent. Their unique approach to human resources focuses on investing in people and creating a work culture that fosters growth and professional development.But the Fowlers' impact extends beyond the farm gate. We explore how they, along with other local landowners in Condingup, actively invest in their community to preserve its vitality. By taking a self-imposed levy approach, they're contributing to the growth and sustainability of their small town, bucking the trend of rural areas losing their population.Andrew also reflects on the role of his Nuffield Scholarship in inspiring his journey of growth and success. The podcast sheds light on how experiences and lessons from the Nuffield program have continued to shape his perspective on agriculture.Tune in now to hear the compelling story of Chillwell Farm and the invaluable wisdom shared by Andrew Fowler..