Humans of Agriculture

Australian agriculture is chasing lower emissions, but what does that actually look like on farm?
In this short episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre catches up with Richard Heath, CEO of the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture CRC, ahead of the 2026 ZNE Ag CRC Conference in Perth.
Richard shares what has changed since the CRC's inaugural conference, the promising research already emerging around productivity and emissions, and why there is no single silver bullet. They also unpack this year's conference theme, Rewarding Pathways to Zero, exploring how farmers can reduce emissions while building more productive and profitable businesses.
From 18 to 20 August in Perth, Western Australia this is where real conversations
will happen, bringing together the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future
of agriculture.
Whether you're in the paddock, in research, or across the supply chain, this is your
chance to be part of it.
Head to zneagcrc.com.au to explore the program and get your ticket today.
Key insights from the conversation:
Zero Net Emissions CRC's role and projects
Research on plants, animals, and farm systems
Reward pathways for emissions reduction
Innovations in methane and nitrous oxide reduction
Conference in Perth and stakeholder engagement

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the conference and its significance
01:01 Richard Heath's overview of CRC's work and goals
02:00 Recap of last year's Brisbane conference and progress
03:01 Focus on reward pathways and economic incentives
04:06 Research on plants and animals to reduce emissions
05:01 The importance of incremental improvements in agriculture
07:07 Understanding the theme: rewards pathways to zero net emissions
08:11 Potential financial and environmental rewards for farmers
08:51 Significance of Western Australia in the conference
10:02 Target audience and benefits of attending the conference
10:49 Final thoughts and how to learn more about the event

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Tony Murfit, Regional Manager for Western Australia at Warakirri Cropping, to explore the Farm Operations Manager opportunity at Mawarra and what makes it such an important role within the business.
Having managed Mawarra himself before Warakirri purchased the property in 2011, Tony shares how the farm has evolved into one of Western Australia's leading broadacre cropping operations. He reflects on the transformation of the business, the innovation happening across the WA grains industry, and why he believes Mawarra continues to offer enormous potential.
The conversation also provides an inside look at the Farm Operations Manager role. Tony explains what success looks like, the importance of planning, logistics and leading a team across more than 24,000 hectares, and why trust, communication and the ability to adapt are just as important as technical farming knowledge.
Whether you're already working in broadacre cropping or looking to take the next step in your career, Tony shares why this role is an opportunity to learn, grow and build a long-term future with Warakirri Cropping. With the support of an experienced team and clear pathways for progression, he explains why the right mindset matters more than having all the answers on day one.
This episode is designed to give candidates and listeners a genuine insight into the business, the people, the opportunity and Tony's vision for building high-performing farming teams.
Key insights from the conversation:
How Mawarra became Warakirri Cropping’s first property in Western Australia
How soil improvement and changing farming practices have transformed the farm
What it takes to operate across more than 24,000 hectares
Why planning, logistics and timeliness are critical at Mawarra
What the Farm Operations Manager will focus on day to day
Why trust and communication are central to building a strong team
Why candidates do not need to know everything before stepping into the role
The importance of leading from the front and working alongside the team
What success could look like after the first 12 months
The lifestyle and community available around Merredin
How the role could create a pathway towards becoming a Farm Manager within Warakirri

Interested in learning more? We have a full job description and additional information available on our Careers page: 
https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/farm-operations-manager-x191
Or connect with Zoe Burgess for a confidential conversation about the role available with Warakirri Cropping.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and recent farm visit to WA
00:29 Interview with Tony Murfit on WA grain industry
01:31 The evolution of soil management and crop yields in WA
03:29 The importance of Mawarra farm to Warakirri Cropping
04:52 Farm expansion and cropping intensity growth
05:35 Major advancements in farm management since 2011
07:07 Role and team structure of the farm operations manager
08:25 Approach to stepping into the farm operations role
09:06 Current challenges and capacity planning
10:36 Managing farm operations across large distances
11:53 The importance of timeliness and adaptability
12:18 Success indicators after 12 months in the role
14:25 Team culture and peer learning at WA farms
16:03 Leadership style and team trust
19:16 Opportunities for women and diverse leadership in agriculture
22:36 Encouraging relocation and career growth in WA farming
25:37 Final thoughts and closing remarks

The Tom & Mick Show is back, and so is repeat guest Jeremy Cummins.

Two years after first joining the show, Jeremy returns to share how his cattle feeding business has grown from around 4,000 head on feed to more than 22,000 across multiple locations.

The conversation also dives into the current cattle market, seasonal conditions, feedlot demand and how Jeremy is positioning his business as the industry navigates another changing cycle.

In this episode:
Growing the business
What's changed since Jeremy's first appearance on the show
Rebuilding and expanding the Mirambee Feedlot
Growing from 4,000 to more than 22,000 head on feed
Building a team and bringing experienced people into the business
The role mentors and advisors continue to play

Feedlot strategy
Why Jeremy operates across multiple feedlot locations
Diversifying supply, customers and seasonal risk
How different feeding programs fit different markets
Why flexibility is becoming a competitive advantage

Reading today's cattle market
Jeremy's outlook on current cattle prices
The impact of seasonal conditions across Australia
Why supply and demand still drive his decision making
How international markets influence, but don't dictate, his business

Managing risk
Why Jeremy focuses on margins instead of trying to predict the market
Matching purchases to forward sales
Lessons learned from previous market corrections
Why understanding your costs matters more than guessing where prices are heading

Growth mindset
Why Jeremy never planned to grow as quickly as he has
Backing opportunities when they make sense
Scaling a business without chasing growth for growth's sake
His philosophy: know your numbers, back yourself and don't be afraid to do more

Looking ahead
Jeremy's thoughts on the future of feedlotting
The potential of covered feedlots
Why Wagyu isn't part of his current strategy
What the next decade could look like for the business

Key takeaways
Business growth often comes from recognising opportunities rather than following a rigid plan.
Knowing your costs and protecting your margins is more important than trying to pick the market.
Diversification across locations, customers and feeding programs helps manage risk.
Seasonal conditions will continue to play a major role in shaping Australia's cattle market.
The best opportunities often come to those prepared to act with confidence when the numbers stack up.

Whether you're involved in cattle production, feedlotting, livestock trading or simply interested in how successful agribusinesses make decisions, this episode offers practical insights into growth, risk management and navigating today's cattle market.

Agriculture is built on more than land, livestock, and capital. It’s built on people, capability, and the strength of the communities that support them.
In this episode, Danny Shepherd shares the thinking behind RaboElevate, Rabobank’s capability-building platform designed to support farmers and agribusiness leaders through every stage of their career.
Drawing on a background in education and leadership development, Danny explains why building knowledge, networks, and self-awareness is just as important as access to finance. From emerging farm managers through to business owners and strategic leaders, RaboElevate aims to help people navigate the "sticky points" that come with growing a business, leading people, and making better decisions.
Danny also shares his personal story of discovering his farming roots later in life after meeting his father for the first time in his late thirties, and how that experience unexpectedly brought together his passions for education and agriculture.
From leadership development and financial literacy to international study tours, strategic thinking, and the role of AI in agriculture, this conversation explores what it takes to build resilient businesses and thriving rural communities for the long term.

This conversation highlights why investing in people and capability may be one of the most important investments agriculture can make.

Key insights from the conversation:
The story behind RaboElevate and why Rabobank invests in capability, knowledge, and networks
How farmers move through different seasons of leadership across their careers
The importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and critical thinking in business
Navigating the "sticky points" of farm ownership, growth, succession, and leadership
How practical education programs help bridge the gap between operational and strategic thinking
The value of peer networks, study tours, and learning from farmers around the world
Why AI should enhance decision-making, not replace critical thinking
How stronger leaders contribute to stronger businesses, communities, and future generations of agriculture

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:56 Danny Shepherd's Journey to Agriculture
07:29 Understanding RaboElevate
12:22 Career Development in Agriculture
17:26 Sticky Points in Agricultural Careers
21:39 Comparing Agricultural and General Business Challenges
28:44 RaboElevate Programs and Offerings
29:03 Community Involvement and Accessibility of Programs
31:32 The Next Generation and AI in Agriculture
36:01 Conclusion and Reflections

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre is joined by SproutAg Senior Agribusiness Manager, Oscar McLean, alongside Humans of Agriculture Talent Specialist, Zoe Burgess, to explore the opportunities available as SproutAg continues its rapid growth across regional Australia.

After starting his career in agtech before moving into agricultural banking, Oscar shares the journey that led him to SproutAg and why helping farmers navigate increasingly complex finance decisions has become such a rewarding career. He explains how the business works alongside farming enterprises to provide independent finance, debt advisory and business planning services that help clients achieve their long-term goals.

The conversation also provides an inside look at what it's like to work at SproutAg. Oscar explains what an Agribusiness Manager does day-to-day, the type of people who thrive in the business, and why attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than ticking every box on a job description.

As SproutAg continues to expand across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and beyond, Oscar shares why now is an exciting time to join the business, the career pathways available, and how ambitious people can grow alongside one of Australia's fastest-growing agribusiness advisory firms.

Whether you're already working in agricultural banking, finance or agribusiness, or you're looking for your next career move, this episode offers a genuine insight into the people, culture and opportunities behind SproutAg's continued growth.

Key insights from the conversation:
Oscar's career journey from Marcus Oldham to banking and into SproutAg
Why independent agribusiness finance and advisory is one of agriculture's fastest-growing sectors
What an Agribusiness Manager does day-to-day
The type of people SproutAg is looking to recruit
Why attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than having every technical skill
Career pathways and progression opportunities as SproutAg continues to expand across Australia
Why now is an exciting time to join the business, including its recent acquisition and ambitious growth plans
What makes Tamworth and regional Australia great places to build a career and lifestyle

Interested in learning more? We have a full job description and additional information available on our Careers page: https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/agribusiness-manager-70hq
Or connect with Zoe Burgess for a confidential conversation about the opportunities available with SproutAg.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to SproutAg and Recruitment Opportunities
02:13 Oscar McLean's Career Journey and Insights
05:01 Understanding SproutAg's Business Model
07:38 Role of Agribusiness Manager: Responsibilities and Expectations
11:26 Growth and Expansion of SproutAg
14:26 Career Pathways and Opportunities at SproutAg
17:59 Selling Tamworth: A Regional Hub for Agriculture
20:56 Encouragement for Potential Candidates