Boots Off Log On!™

Join us for a conversation with Mic Fels, an Esperance grain grower, engineer, former federal candidate, and owner of the business i-paddock. Frustrated by policy, compliance, and political drift, Mic moved from the paddock into politics.
Mic reflects on what he’s seen firsthand as a medium-sized business owner: rising regulatory pressure, shrinking opportunities, and the growing challenges for small businesses and farms that are quietly closing their doors. He also breaks down how carbon accounting rules are affecting agriculture, penalising farmers even as they deliver the bulk of Australia’s emissions reductions.
We dive into the BOOT test, the hidden cost of compliance, and what it truly takes to keep a farm business running.
 
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us for a conversation with Paul McKenzie, consultant, grower, and one of the clearest voices calling for reform in Australia’s grains RD&E system.
After presenting at UWA’s Industry Forum on the future of RD&E investment, Paul unpacks why more than a billion dollars in farmer-funded levies is sitting idle, how governance has drifted away from growers, and what a transition to a farmer-owned model could unlock for productivity and paddock-level impact.
We dive into how a three-year levy moratorium could free up hundreds of millions for reinvestment on farm, the cost of short-term research contracts, and why restructuring the system could bring world-class science, long-term thinking, and genuine accountability back into grains research.
A sharp, honest look at who pays, who decides, and what’s at stake for the next generation of Australian farming.
 
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Skamp, co-founder of AgSKAN, the app helping farmers track machinery, manage mixed fleets, and improve paddock-level logistics without being locked into a single brand.
What started as an idea in a tractor cab has evolved into a growing ag-tech company, giving growers across Australia real-time, bird’s-eye visibility of all their machines.
Join us as we unpack how AgSKAN evolved from a GPS tracking experiment into a practical efficiency tool. Ryan explains why the future of ag-tech isn’t about collecting more data, but about seeing it more clearly, and how his team is making that possible.
 
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Millett, co-founder of InvertiGro and the engineering mind behind some of the world’s most adaptable vertical farming systems.
After setting out to build his own indoor farm, Paul quickly realised the tech didn’t exist, so he built it. What started as a farm project in Singapore is now a modular, scalable solution helping people grow food anywhere from a Perth backyard to the Saudi desert.
“Indoor farming isn’t here to replace traditional ag, it’s here to fill the gaps.”
Join us as we unpack how vertical farming fits into food deserts, mining towns, and megacities. We talk supply chains, food security, and how this tech could help farmers de-risk their operations, smooth out seasonal pressures, and even grow better seedlings.
 
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

In this episode of the Boots Off Log On! Podcast, we continue our two-part special series recorded live at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days in Western Australia. We sit down with three leading voices from some of Australia’s biggest banks, each sharing insights on how farmers can strengthen their businesses and navigate the evolving financial landscape.
David Kennedy, Commonwealth Bank
David shares his experience leading agribusiness banking in WA. He discusses the value of early engagement with your bank, how resilience and strong business habits set successful operators apart, and why leveraging data is critical for farm businesses looking to thrive in challenging times.
Sabin Ivey, ANZ
Sabin brings ANZ’s global perspective on agricultural markets and trade. He explains how international connections and market trends affect Australian farmers, why medium to large family businesses are thriving in a global context, and how insights from global trade, data, and emerging generations are shaping the future of the sector.
Rod Baker, Bendigo Bank
Rod provides key takeaways from Bendigo Bank’s latest Agri Commodity Update, covering wheat, canola, beef, barley, and wool. He explains how global events, including China’s return to GM canola, and record beef exports, are impacting Australian farmers. Rod also highlights Bendigo Bank’s community bank model and what sets their approach apart from others.
This episode is packed with practical advice and market insights to help farm businesses manage risk, build resilience, and plan for the future. Don’t forget to check out part one of the series if you haven’t already.
Guests
David KennedyGeneral Manager, Commonwealth Bank
Sabin IveyState Director Agribusiness (SA/WA/NT), ANZ
Rod BakerAgricultural Analyst, Bendigo Bank
 
 
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

In this episode of Boots Off Log On!, we kick off a two-part special series recorded live at the Dowerin Machinery Field Days in Western Australia. We’re joined by three experts from across the agricultural sector, each sharing insights and practical takeaways for farm businesses.
Ben Sudlow, CSBP Fertilisers
Ben takes us through the twists and turns of the global fertiliser market and what it means for growers. He explains how farmers can navigate price volatility, manage risk, and lock in margins to protect their bottom line. Ben also shares practical tips on planning ahead, understanding market forces, and making smarter purchasing decisions in a fast-changing agricultural landscape.
Greg James, Rural West
Greg draws on 30 years of experience in banking and over a decade as a rural financial counsellor to provide practical guidance for farm businesses. He shares insights on building financial resilience, managing cash flow effectively, and implementing strong business habits that help farms thrive in challenging times. Greg also explores the importance of open communication between family members and business partners, and how transparency and planning can safeguard both relationships and the business itself.
Danielle Green, Dowerin Machinery Field Days
‍Danielle, General Manager of the Dowerin Machinery Field Days, walks us through the event’s journey from its grassroots beginnings in the 1960s to becoming one of Australia’s premier agricultural events. She explains how the event has adapted to changes in farming while keeping its community heart and delivering real value for growers and exhibitors alike.
This episode is packed with insights on navigating global markets, building strong farm business practices, and understanding the role of community events in agriculture. Part two of this special series will be released soon, continuing the conversation with more industry leaders.
Guests
Ben SudlowSales Strategy and Reliability Manager, CSBP Fertilisers
Greg JamesSmall Business & Rural Financial Counsellor, Rural West
Danielle GreenGeneral Manager, Dowerin Machinery Field Days
 
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

In this episode, we chat with Keith Drage, co-founder of Silvalis and Dutjahn Sandalwood Oils, who left a career in London’s financial markets to grow one of WA’s most unique native commodities, sandalwood.
Keith shares how plantation sandalwood is making a strong comeback, thanks to long-term thinking, partnerships with traditional owners, and a business model grounded in land ownership and zero debt. He explains how sandalwood thrives on poorer, sandier soils, often the less productive parts of the farm, and how it can slot neatly into a mixed farming operation alongside cropping and even sheep.
We also dig into the challenges of growing a long-term crop in a changing climate, the value of blending wild and plantation wood, and why traceability and premium markets are driving demand for this uniquely West Australian product.
 
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us for a conversation with Tim Ford, founder of Feed Central and now at the helm of LocalAg, two national platforms transforming how hay, grain, and agricultural supplies are bought and sold across Australia.
Tim shares how frustration with outdated systems led to the creation of Feed Central, now the country’s largest independent fodder marketplace, and how that same vision is driving LocalAg, a national online trading platform for everything from seed to machinery.
We explore how trust is built through quality standards, what makes a successful transaction in agriculture, and why technology only works when it’s backed by people who truly understand the paddock. Tim also discusses the challenges of scaling trust in a digital world, the importance of grading and traceability, and how both Feed Central and LocalAg are helping producers and buyers get a better deal without losing the human connection.
 
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us for a conversation with Tom Rooney, the founder of Waterfind and one of the key players in shaping Australia’s modern water trading system.
Tom shares how a small citrus block and a university fee turned into a lifelong career navigating the rules, reforms, and realities of water rights. From early brokerage days to building a national water exchange, he’s seen firsthand how much water has changed in value, in complexity, and in how it’s managed.
Tom opens up about the early challenges, the rapid rise in water values, and why proper water planning is no longer optional but essential.
We break down the layers of Australian water policies, market structures, and why water behaves nothing like land. Tom explains why Australia’s system is so unique (and often misunderstood), what growers need to know to avoid costly mistakes, and how to stay ahead in a landscape of buybacks, allocations, and climate pressure.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.

Join us for a conversation with Belinda Lay, a mixed enterprise farmer from Esperance and the mind behind the 'Fitbit for sheep' project.
Pioneering on-animal sensors to mapping paddock behaviour through layers of soil, crop and GPS data, Belinda’s curiosity has led her to trial, and sometimes fail, with cutting-edge agritech, all in the name of smarter, more resilient farming.
Belinda shares how she navigated a jungle of devices, subscriptions, and signal towers to figure out what’s actually useful on the farm. We chat about the cost of chasing innovation, the eight-pillar framework Belinda uses to assess agritech, and what we can learn from her experience.
We dive into what it means to automate observation, make confident decisions with data, and future-proofing your business through flexibility.
Want more insights like this? See Belinda live at Future Ag Expo in Melbourne!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.