Humans of Agriculture

Clancy Mackay’s story is one of the most extraordinary ever shared on Humans of Agriculture and there’s a reason it remains our most downloaded episode of all time.
This is a full re release of our most listened to episode ever.
In this conversation, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Clancy Mackay to share one of the most extraordinary stories ever told on Humans of Agriculture.
From growing up off grid in the Northern Territory with no power or running water, to breaking horses, mustering cattle, riding saddle broncs in the US, flying helicopters across remote Australia, and navigating profound personal loss, Clancy’s journey is raw, confronting, and deeply human.
This episode explores resilience beyond the buzzword. It is about grit, grief, purpose, and learning how to keep moving forward when life repeatedly tests you. It is also about respect for animals, people, and place, and why calm leadership and deep understanding matter more than force or ego.
Why this episode matters
Clancy’s story is not polished or comfortable. It is honest.
It reminds us that agriculture is built on people who endure, adapt, and keep showing up. People shaped by hardship, curiosity, and responsibility rather than shortcuts or certainty.
This is an episode to sit with.
 An episode to return to.
 And an episode worth sharing.

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

I loved the day we had with the team at Rohde's and the way we crafted this into an amazing video and our last #ThisIsAussieAg video in audio format did pretty well -  you can check it out on our YouTube in full!
Watch it on YouTube here - link to our video

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

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 Chapters
00:00 — Welcome and Why This Episode Is Different
01:20 — What’s Ahead: Upcoming Conversations and Guests
02:24 — The Honest Update: Where Humans of Agriculture Is Heading
04:49 — How the Project Started and Why It Still Matters
06:55 — The Pivot: From Storytelling to Stories + Careers + Community
08:40 — Introducing HOA Recruitment
09:36 — Oli’s Personal Challenge: The Longest Resume in Agriculture
10:35 - Setting Up Today’s Conversations
11:00: Leadership with Billy Slater
11:46 — Preparing for Transition and Backing Yourself
12:55 — Earning Confidence
13:34 — Overcoming Self-Doubt
14:45 — Handling Big Moments
15:38 — Vulnerability, Courage, and Team Culture
17:00 — Positive Reinforcement and High Standards
18:32 — Oli’s Reflections on Billy’s Lessons
19:30 - Leadership and the Future with Adrian Capogreco
19:41 — Introducing Adrian at the Nutrien Stand
19:56 — Adrian’s Non-Negotiables in Leadership
20:20 — A Non-Negotiable in Life: Balance
20:55 — Advice for First-Time Managers
21:55 — The Quirks and Strengths of Agriculture
22:40 — Mindset When Things Get Tough
23:45 — What’s Next for Nutrien
24:45 — Wrapping Up with Adrian

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

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.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bridgitte and Her Journey
02:58 Life in Rural Australia and Its Challenges
05:41 The Birth of a Fashion Business
08:13 Navigating the Fashion Industry
10:36 Sustainability and the Future of Fashion
13:17 The Importance of Succession Planning
16:09 Family Dynamics in Farming
18:59 Advice for Future Generations
21:30 Reflections and Future Aspirations
24:11 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
Learn 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!

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com

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.

EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com