Humans of Agriculture

• Tom & Mick quiz Charlie Perry on breeding wagyu for a volatile market

  Beware, the burn!Tom & Mick got more than they bargained for in this chat with Wagyu breeder Charlie Perry.Apart from minor ego bruising, the fellas discovered that breeding some of the country's best Wagyu cattle is about more than just marbling. Charlie explains how sophisticated genetic tools are helping him grow a more balanced and functional animal, so he and his clients can endure the boom and bust cycles of the wagyu market.  As we creep closer to the Trent Bridge Wagyu bull sale, this episode is not to be missed!takeawaysProducers must make strategic decisions to navigate wagyu market volatility.Wagyu breeding requires a focus on multiple traits, not just marbling.Genetic tools like the Wagyu Feeder Check can improve breeding decisions.The importance of maternal traits in breeding is becoming more recognised.There is optimism for the Wagyu industry despite current challenges.00:00 Introduction and Wagyu Market Insights06:00 Supply Chain Challenges and Predictions09:54 Stud Business and Breeding Strategies17:56 Wagyu Feeder Check and Genetic Tools21:50 Commercial Considerations and Market TrendsLocated at Aberfoyle on the Northern Tablelands NSW, Trent Bridge Wagyu is a family owned and operated stud producing high performing bulls for the Fullblood and F1 market since 2005.Learn more about the Trent Bridge Wagyu story and the 2025 Bull Sale on September 4th, on farm and online via AuctionsPlus.If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review! RAS Rural AchieverApplications are now open for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW’s 2026 Rural Achiever Award. If you’re in your 20s, making an impact in Aussie ag and your community, this is a HUGE opportunity. Eight finalists will head to the Sydney Royal Easter Show for a jam packed eight days — from Professional Development and Government House, to networking with the movers and shakers in agriculture, plus a share in $17,000 prize money. Entries close Friday 29th August and this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on — head to RASNSW.com.au and throw your hat in the ring

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• The 101 hats of Grace Griffiths

  There are many fascinating pockets of Aussie agriculture and Grace Griffiths is keen to explore them all. A few years ago, Grace created 101 Ag Pathways to showcase the plethora of roles and career pathways into agriculture. Grace is an agronomist, cotton grower, GIS specialist and part of her family business Data Ag, based in Goodiwindi QLD. She chats about the chaos of juggling multiple roles, how her side passion project is opening doors to a new generation of ag professionals, and why Bayer's crop innovation is shaping a more sustainable and attractive cotton industry.  TakeawaysGrace wears multiple hats: agronomist, cotton grower, and sustainability lead for Data AgTraceability is crucial for the cotton industryReturning to her hometown of Gundawindi involves navigating community expectationsBayer's innovations have significantly reduced pesticide use in cotton farming 101 Ag Pathways aims to educate about diverse agricultural careersNetworking with CEOs reveals the human side of corporate agricultureResilience and innovation are fundamental to rural communitiesChapters00:00 Introduction to Grace Griffiths and the Cotton Industry03:07 The Importance of Traceability in Cotton Production05:52 Grace's Journey Back to Gundawindi12:00 Innovations in Cotton Farming and Bayer's Role15:07 The Evolution of Cotton Varieties and Sustainability18:01 101 Ag Career Pathways: Bridging the Knowledge Gap21:09 Exploring Overlooked Careers in AgricultureLinks:Check out 101 Ag Pathways and follow Grace's work on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedInLearn more about Bayer Australia and New Zealand, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedInMore episodes at Humans of AgricultureThis is a sponsored series in partnership with Bayer Crop Science Australia, showcasing Bayer's commitment to innovation; supporting Aussie agriculture and backing rural communities. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected]. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review! RAS Rural AchieverApplications are now open for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW’s 2026 Rural Achiever Award. If you’re in your 20s, making an impact in Aussie ag and your community, this is a HUGE opportunity. Eight finalists will head to the Sydney Royal Easter Show for a jam packed eight days — from Professional Development and Government House, to networking with the movers and shakers in agriculture, plus a share in $17,000 prize money. Entries close Friday 29th August and this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on — head to RASNSW.com.au and throw your hat in the ring

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• Innovation vs regulation: Michael Leader on whether ag is getting the balance right

  The biotech at the fingertips of farmers is super exciting. But is regulation keeping pace with scientific leaps?Biotech like gene editing has the potential to revolutionise the industry - by not only enhancing crop yields, but supporting sustainable farming practices, and helping address global climate change and food security. Michael Leader's job with Bayer is an interesting one - he's the bridge connecting the science labs and the regulators; translating complex new biotech innovation to policy makers.  In this chat Michael discusses the legislative hurdles for biotech, use of AI in new crop protection technologies, the new biotech in the pipeline for farmers, and the careers in agriculture that go beyond the paddock.  Michael Leader is the Regulatory Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Manager for the Asia region, for Bayer Crop Science Australia. TakeawaysMichael's background in law and molecular biology, and now working in regulatory policy in agricultureThe opportunities in the Asian region for applying biotech, with policy stagnating ag innovation tools to dateBiotechnology has evolved significantly over the past 30 years but GM breeding typically takes 16 years to get to market and $100m in research and regulatory costsActivism continues to challenge the acceptance of biotechnologyThere is a need for regulatory reform to accommodate new technologiesThe lack of distinction between the definitions of 'genome editing' and 'genetically modified' is inhibiting workable regulatory frameworkFuture agricultural innovations could address climate change and food securityBayer is proactive with transparency, showing their biotech studies online and using Open Labs 360, a self-guided virtual reality tour of labs and fields to understand regulatory and safety dataChapters03:06 The Intersection of Law and Molecular Biology05:58 Career Journey in Regulatory Policy09:03 Current Work and Responsibilities at Bayer12:08 Opportunities in Asian Agriculture17:57 Challenges and Misconceptions in Biotechnology23:55 Regulatory Hurdles in Biotechnology26:58 Future of Agricultural InnovationLinks:Learn more about Bayer Australia and New Zealand, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedInMore episodes at Humans of AgricultureThis is a sponsored series in partnership with Bayer Crop Science Australia, showcasing Bayer's commitment to innovation; supporting Aussie agriculture and backing rural communities.  RAS Rural AchieverApplications are now open for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW’s 2026 Rural Achiever Award. If you’re in your 20s, making an impact in Aussie ag and your community, this is a HUGE opportunity. Eight finalists will head to the Sydney Royal Easter Show for a jam packed eight days — from Professional Development and Government House, to networking with the movers and shakers in agriculture, plus a share in $17,000 prize money. Entries close Friday 29th August and this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on — head to RASNSW.com.au and throw your hat in the ring

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• "Be curious and give it a crack": how the Rabo Grad Program super-charged Tim Felan's career

  When Tim Felan was exploring career options fresh out of uni a decade ago, marrying his love for agriculture and finance together just made sense.But he says 'falling into' a trial internship at Rabobank is what really fast-tracked his career to becoming National Manager of Major Agribusiness Clients.He was pleased to see the Rabo Graduate Program formalised in 2023, exposing more uni graduates to the incredible possibilities open to young people in the food and agribusiness sector. Hear how the 18 month bespoke grad program is tapping into the talent pool early, which Tim says is bringing fresh ideas to tackling global challenges in ag. takeawaysAgriculture offers diverse career opportunities beyond traditional rolesGraduate programs at Rabobank attract high-caliber talent.Fresh ideas from graduates can drive positive change in the industry.There are various paths within the agriculture industry, beyond crops and livestock, including finance and technology.Networking and mentorship are crucial in career development.The Rabobank graduate program is a valuable opportunity for aspiring professionals.chapters00:00 Introduction and Career Path in Agribanking06:17 The Value of Graduate Programs in Agribusiness08:30 The Rabo Difference: What Sets Rabobank Apart09:47 Opportunities in Agriculture for Future GenerationsFind out more about the 2026 Rabo Graduate Program and get cracking as applications close 18th August!This episode of Humans of Agriculture is brought to you by our Partners at Rabobank Australia.You can hear more stories of Humans of Agriculture here.If you enjoyed this chat with Tim, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review! RAS Rural AchieverApplications are now open for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW’s 2026 Rural Achiever Award. If you’re in your 20s, making an impact in Aussie ag and your community, this is a HUGE opportunity. Eight finalists will head to the Sydney Royal Easter Show for a jam packed eight days — from Professional Development and Government House, to networking with the movers and shakers in agriculture, plus a share in $17,000 prize money. Entries close Friday 29th August and this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on — head to RASNSW.com.au and throw your hat in the ring

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• "Stronger together": get to know the Coggan siblings powerhouse

  Choosing to get along seems to be the mindset critical to the success of the Coggan family mixed farming business over five generations. Juggling a massive beef, lamb and grain operation in Queensland's Western Downs, siblings Emily, Tom and Sarah are fast becoming a leading force in the early adoption of ag technology.They're the first beef farmers in Australia to use halter collars, allowing them to double the number of breeder cattle grazing otherwise unproductive land, with virtually zero labour or fencing costs.  You can't miss this fascinating chat with three dynamic young farmers, all with open minds and the courage to back each other and give just about anything a crack!takeawaysThe Coggan family operates a multi-generational farm with diverse operations.Each sibling has a unique role within the family business.Returning to the family farm can be a significant career decision and family dynamics play a crucial role in business success.Technology adoption is transforming agricultural practices.Evaluating new technologies requires courage and thorough due diligence.Success stories with ag tech can inspire further innovation.chapters00:00 Introduction and Roles in the Family Business06:10 Career Paths and Returning to the Farm09:02 The Importance of Family Dynamics17:39 Adoption of Technology in Agriculture20:46 Evaluating New Technologies23:39 Success Stories with Ag Tech26:52 Attracting the Next Generation to AgricultureExplore more episodes of Humans of Agriculture - don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at [email protected].  RAS Rural AchieverApplications are now open for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW’s 2026 Rural Achiever Award. If you’re in your 20s, making an impact in Aussie ag and your community, this is a HUGE opportunity. Eight finalists will head to the Sydney Royal Easter Show for a jam packed eight days — from Professional Development and Government House, to networking with the movers and shakers in agriculture, plus a share in $17,000 prize money. Entries close Friday 29th August and this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on — head to RASNSW.com.au and throw your hat in the ring

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