Boots Off Log On!™

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Robert Godfree, Senior Research Scientist and author of Drought Country, about what history can teach us about Australia’s harshest dry spells and how they continue to shape farming and life on the driest inhabited continent on Earth.
Bob shares how his background in forest ecology and a childhood spent on a northern New South Wales farm led him to explore the long arc of drought in Australia, from the settlement drought of the 1790s to the Federation drought and beyond. He explains why cultural memory around drought fades every generation, how lessons are forgotten and relearned, and what this means for farmers preparing for the future.
We also dig into how early settlers and Aboriginal knowledge intersected (and were often lost), how drought shaped Australia’s economy, expansion, and mythos, and why the next frontier of resilience may come from farmers who understand both the lessons of the past and the climate models of the future.
 
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 Kim Tyrer, CEO and winemaker at Galafrey Wines in Mount Barker, one of Western Australia’s pioneering family-owned wineries.
At just 25, Kim took the reins of the business following her father’s sudden passing. What began as a crash course in survival evolved into a 20-year journey of learning, leadership, and building a resilient vineyard renowned for its dry-grown vines and award-winning Riesling.
Kim shares how she turned early chaos into clarity, why trusting herself became her greatest business lesson, and what it really takes to run a vineyard in regional Western Australia.
We unpack the realities behind the romance of wine, from managing people and relationships to balancing creativity, business pressure, and family life. Kim shares what it takes to build something lasting on the land, and why trusting your own judgment is often the most important decision you’ll make.
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 Dennis Voznesenski, Australian agricultural economist and author of War and Wheat, his bestselling book on navigating markets during global conflict.
“History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” – Mark Twain
Dennis unpacks the major forces driving today’s grain and cattle markets, from war-driven supply disruption to tighter credit conditions, rising freight costs, and the long-term shift in global consumption led by global giants like China, India and Russia.
We review the signals that both Australian and global growers should be watching now: demand trends, geopolitical alignment, and the freight and currency dynamics that quietly determine your farm-gate price.
Please note: “War and Wheat: Navigating markets during global conflict” was written solely by the author in a personal capacity and does not represent the views or positions of any organisation.
 
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 sit down to chat with Bianca Tarrant, co-founder of Our Cow, an Australian direct-to-consumer meat company that is reshaping how Australians buy meat and how farmers get paid.
What began with one steer sold on Facebook during the drought has become a $30 million enterprise supporting more than 100 farms and 50,000 customers.
Bianca takes us through her journey from FIFO work in mining to building one of Australia’s fastest-growing ag start-ups, sharing lessons on scaling, cash-flow juggling, and staying true to the values of fairness, sustainability, and transparency.
We explore the power of asking questions, the experience of being a woman leading in ag, and how Our Cow proves that doing right by farmers and customers can also make strong business sense.
 
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 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.