Humans of Agriculture

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

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Hamish Irvine, Head of Southern States at Halter Australia, to explore the technology, leadership and mindset driving one of agriculture’s fastest-growing companies.
Growing up on a mixed farming operation in western New South Wales, Hamish always imagined a future on the land. But after drought forced a change in direction, his career took him through the meat industry, global supply chains and commercial leadership before landing at Halter, the virtual fencing and livestock management company now transforming grazing systems across Australia and New Zealand.
This conversation goes beyond the technology itself. Hamish shares the lessons that shaped his career, what it takes to build high-performing teams, and why feedback, accountability and culture are critical in fast-growing businesses. He also unpacks how Halter is helping farmers rethink labour, pasture management and livestock performance through virtual fencing and real-time animal insights.
From career progression and leadership to innovation and the future of livestock farming, this is a conversation about embracing change and creating impact.
Key insights from the conversation:
How growing up on a family farm and experiencing drought shaped Hamish’s career journey
Why stepping outside traditional agriculture career pathways can create unexpected opportunities
The lessons learned from building a career across meat processing, sales and agribusiness leadership
What high-performance culture looks like in practice and why feedback is central to success
How Halter uses virtual fencing and animal insights to transform livestock management
The three biggest drivers of value for farmers: pasture utilisation, labour efficiency, and animal health
Why adopting new technology requires trust, clear outcomes and a willingness to change
How innovation is reshaping the future of livestock farming and creating new opportunities across agriculture
The importance of leadership, ownership and accountability in building successful teams
Why agriculture needs more people focused on solving industry challenges rather than following traditional career paths

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Halter and Hamish Irvine
02:05 Career Path and Early Experiences
04:37 The Importance of Diverse Experiences
08:37 Reflections on Career Choices
10:37 Leadership and Team Building at Halter
12:17 Transitioning to Halter: Embracing Change
20:13 High-Performance Culture at Halter
26:56 The Art of Feedback and Communication
30:18 The Birth of Halter: A Journey from Dairy Farming to Tech Innovation
34:37 Expanding Horizons: Halter's Growth in Australia
37:36 Understanding Farmer Needs: The Halter Approach
39:59 Building Trust: Overcoming Skepticism in Agriculture
43:45 Transformational Technology: The Future of Farming
46:42 Bridging Agriculture and Technology: The Ideal Candidate
48:07 The Future of Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli heads to the windswept coastline of Seaspray in Gippsland to sit down with first-generation farmer Danna Boulton.

Growing up just down the road on her family’s dairy farm, Danna always dreamed of farming - but like many young Australians, the pathway to ownership wasn’t straightforward. After building a career as a teacher, making sacrifices, studying the land market for years, and leaning on the right support networks, she found her opportunity.

Today, Danna is three years into running her own beef operation on “the island” at the Honeysuckles - a unique coastal property she now calls home. With support from her family, a rural financial counsellor, her bank, and a RIC AgriStarter Loan, she’s been able to take that leap into ownership and build a business from the ground up.

This episode explores patience, persistence, and the reality of doing it on your own - while also highlighting the importance of community, financial support, and backing yourself when the opportunity finally comes. 

RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans to help farmers establish a first farm business and support with succession arrangements.

Key insights from the conversation:
Non-linear pathways into farming and first-generation ownership
The power of patience and studying the market over time
Making sacrifices to build a deposit and create opportunity
The role of support networks - family, advisors, and community
Using finance to reduce pressure and enable sustainable growth
Learning to ask for help and manage risk on your own

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Farming Life
02:23 Growing Up on a Dairy Farm
05:11 Transitioning from Teaching to Farming
08:09 Navigating Financial Challenges in Farming
10:51 Acquiring Land and Starting a Farm
13:59 Support Systems in Farming
16:37 Challenges of Solo Farming
19:34 Advice for Aspiring Farmers

This business spotlight episode is a practical deep dive into the Regional Investment Corporation, how it works, why it exists, and how it’s helping farmers manage risk and build stronger businesses.

CEO John Howard shares his journey across agriculture, food, and finance and breaks down how concessional loans can provide breathing room during tough seasons and create opportunities for long-term growth.

This episode explains what RIC does, who it’s for, and how farmers can access loans to improve cash flow, rebuild after hardship, or enter the industry. For anyone in agriculture looking to better manage risk, understand finance options, or plan for the future, this is a practical and highly relevant conversation.

RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times.

Key insights from the conversation:
What the Regional Investment Corporation is (and isn’t)
The role of concessional finance in agriculture
Managing risk through drought, flood, and volatility
Why timing and preparation matter when accessing finance
The reality of farm business resilience in Australia

Chapters:
00:00 Spotlight on Regional Investment Corporation
01:30 Understanding RIC's Role in Agriculture
03:49 Navigating Hardship and Opportunities
06:57 Demand Trends in Australian Agriculture
10:49 Innovative Loan Products for Farmers
13:03 The RIC Team and Customer Experience
14:53 RIC vs Traditional Banks
15:34 Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers
18:11 Future of Agriculture and Succession Planning
19:34 Success Stories from RIC Customers
23:09 Practical Steps for Engaging with RIC