Humans of Agriculture

• An update on HOA and Billy Slater & Adrian Capogreco chat all things leadership and people

  Get your tickets to our Brisbane event now: https://humansofagriculture.com/hoa-events/p/hoa-live-brisbane-26th-november-2025or here:In today’s episode, I wanted to do something a little different and share an update on where Humans of Agriculture is heading. Over the last six years we’ve told hundreds of stories and met thousands of people, and it’s clear that the beating heart of our work isn’t just the stories themselves, but the people behind them.We’re stepping into a new chapter. One that builds on our storytelling roots, but focuses more deliberately on careers, connection, and helping people see what’s possible for them in agriculture.After that, I sit down with two remarkable leaders. First up is Billy Slater, who shares insights on confidence, preparation, transition, and why the biggest moments require the smallest focus. Then, I chat with Adrian Capogreco, Managing Director of Nutrien Ag Solutions, about leadership, resilience, community, and the future of the industry.Episode Chapters00:00 — Welcome and Why This Episode Is Different01:20 — What’s Ahead: Upcoming Conversations and Guests02:24 — The Honest Update: Where Humans of Agriculture Is Heading04:49 — How the Project Started and Why It Still Matters06:55 — The Pivot: From Storytelling to Stories + Careers + Community08:40 — Introducing HOA Recruitment09:36 — Oli’s Personal Challenge: The Longest Resume in Agriculture10:35 - Setting Up Today’s Conversations11:00: Leadership with Billy Slater11:46 — Preparing for Transition and Backing Yourself12:55 — Earning Confidence13:34 — Overcoming Self-Doubt14:45 — Handling Big Moments15:38 — Vulnerability, Courage, and Team Culture17:00 — Positive Reinforcement and High Standards18:32 — Oli’s Reflections on Billy’s Lessons19:30 - Leadership and the Future with Adrian Capogreco19:41 — Introducing Adrian at the Nutrien Stand19:56 — Adrian’s Non-Negotiables in Leadership20:20 — A Non-Negotiable in Life: Balance20:55 — Advice for First-Time Managers21:55 — The Quirks and Strengths of Agriculture22:40 — Mindset When Things Get Tough23:45 — What’s Next for Nutrien24:45 — Wrapping Up with Adrian

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• "I Think Succession Planning is Legacy Planning" with Homestead Road Founder Bridgitte Brooks

  Get your tickets to our Brisbane event now: https://humansofagriculture.com/hoa-events/p/hoa-live-brisbane-26th-november-2025or here:Bridgitte Brooks is rewriting the story of Australian wool - and of rural women. The fifth-generation sheep farmer has launched a wool athleisure brand from her farm in Yuna, Western Australia in a bid to connect modern consumers with a natural fibre that she feels is undercelebrated. From baby blankets to wool athleisure wear, Bridgitte is stitching together sustainability, style, and heritage—with a deep belief that rural communities can thrive when families are supported and fibre stories are told well.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bridgitte and Her Journey02:58 Life in Rural Australia and Its Challenges05:41 The Birth of a Fashion Business08:13 Navigating the Fashion Industry10:36 Sustainability and the Future of Fashion13:17 The Importance of Succession Planning16:09 Family Dynamics in Farming18:59 Advice for Future Generations21:30 Reflections and Future Aspirations24:11 Closing Thoughts and Future PlansLearn more about Homestead Road and how Bridgitte is rewriting a new story for Australian wool.Find more stories from us on our Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.ALSO - Come to our event in either Brisbane or Melbourne! You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here. 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!

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• Getting to Know Agriculture Minister Julie Collins

  Get your tickets to our Brisbane event now: https://humansofagriculture.com/hoa-events/p/hoa-live-brisbane-26th-november-2025or here:In this episode, Oli sits down with Australia’s Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Julie Collins — live from the National Farmers’ Federation Conference on the Gold Coast.From her Tasmanian roots to leading one of the nation’s most important portfolios, Julie shares how her background shaped her approach to agriculture, sustainability, and community. She reflects on the government’s new Ag and Land Sector Plan, the role of programs like free TAFE and Ag Connections in building the workforce, and how storytelling can strengthen both our domestic pride and global reputation.Julie also talks candidly about being out on farms, meeting producers, and why she believes Australian agriculture is the most productive and sustainable in the world. Looking ahead, she shares her optimism for how the industry can leverage the 2032 Olympics to showcase our regions, food, and people to the world.

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• The Soda Shed Story: How Mitchell East is turning Food Waste into a sparkling success

  Get your tickets to our Brisbane event now: https://humansofagriculture.com/hoa-events/p/hoa-live-brisbane-26th-november-2025or here:Passionfruit farmer Mitchell East is flipping the script on food waste, giving unsellable fruit a second chance. Mitchell returned to his family farm in Manjimup WA on a mission to find a tasty use for surplus, speedily perishable fruit like passionfruit and cherries.The horticulture industry is always looking for new ways of squeezing value from seconds produce, with many tonnes of fruit and vegetables that can't be sold or stored going to waste every day.And there's no shortage of produce in the Southern Forests food hub around Manjimup, which punches well above its weight to grow a massive volume and variety of fresh produce for domestic and international markets.Liv sat down with this fruit-farmer-turned-manufacturer to hear how Mitchell is utilising otherwise wasted fruit to not only boost profit margins but to re-connect consumers with the growers of their food.Chapters00:00 Mitchell's Farming Journey and Background02:48 The Unique Food Hub of Manjimup05:37 Value Adding Passion Fruit: Challenges and Opportunities08:57 Creating Products from Waste: A Sustainable Approach11:45 Collaboration With Other Growers 14:33 Innovative Products and Market Adaptation17:46 The Story Behind Yuzu and Other Unique ProduceLearn more about Willarra Gold and how Mitchell and Jen are collaborating with other local fruit growers to get more from the delicious produce they grow.You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here. 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!

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• Tom & Mick with Mat Larkings

  Get your tickets to our Brisbane event now: https://humansofagriculture.com/hoa-events/p/hoa-live-brisbane-26th-november-2025or here:This month Tom and Mick catch up with New England livestock agent Mat Larkings about what he’s seeing on the ground—from post-drought price shifts to clients swapping breeding for trading. They dive into the growing interest in coastal markets, the cautious optimism among producers, and why quality stock still rules.It’s a great listen for anyone keen to understand the real dynamics behind the numbers.TakeawaysThe cattle market is experiencing fluctuations post-drought.Clients are transitioning from breeding to trading operations.Quality cattle are essential in the current market.The coastal market presents new opportunities for livestock.Caution prevails among clients regarding market investments.Rural property market is lagging behind livestock market trends.Chapters00:00 Introducing Matt Larkins: A Livestock Agent's Journey05:23 Market Insights: Cattle and Sheep Dynamics08:21 Navigating the Livestock Business: Challenges and Opportunities11:33 The Coastal Market: Expanding Horizons14:34 Future Trends: Cattle Market Predictions17:18 Cautious Optimism: Client Perspectives on Market Fluctuations20:19 Rural Property Market: A Parallel Journey23:04 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young DadsYou can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here. 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!

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