As she calls a sprawling homestead in southern NSW home, it’s hard to fathom how Hannah Bamford has gone from leaving school directionless – to being the assistant manager of a 4000-hectare property near Young. Her career in agriculture all started thanks to a chance meeting with a vet, which set off an incredible chain of events that have culminated in the 31-year-old launching her own rural employment platform Ag-Work Solutions. To learn more about her unconventional path into farming, Hannah Bamford joins me now.

• Her favourite place on the station where she lives and works is the gully near her home after the rain.
• Leaving school without a clear career path meant a steep learning curve on the farm.
• Hannah found herself as an assistant manager of a property, taking on everything from drenching, to seeding, spraying and mending fences.
• There were a few twists and turns to get here, including a stint with Australian Border Force.
• Her leap into agriculture happened thanks to an encounter with a vet.
• Growing up in a beachside town in Queensland, she had never set foot on a farm.
• Starting with contract work and little experience, she kept receiving calls and eventually started Ag-Work Solutions because community demand was so high.
• Whilst managing the station, she also runs a side-hustle connecting farmers with workers.
• One of the perks of her role is living in the homestead with access to a work vehicle and other support that eases the load.
• In 2022, Hannah was awarded the Angus Foundation Scholarship.
• What she loves most about life on the land is the people and community.
• The most unexpected thing to happen since starting her career on the farm.
• A common misconception about her work, is the amount of help farmers actually need.
• Hannah's ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.


Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram
Partnered with Australian Farmers
Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram


Ag-Work Solutions


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The highs and lows of agriculture are a daily ritual for most farmers. Who knew recording those private moments, showcasing expert problem-solving skills, mixed with a touch of humour, would be so well received? The thirst for that knowledge went far beyond first thought with a single farmer’s videos reaching more than 350 000 people. The UK farmer is now one of the most famous agricultural social media influencers in his country, choosing to champion a range of causes, including inheritance tax. Farmer and entrepreneur Olly ‘Blogs’ Harrison joins me now.

• Olly’s favourite place on the farm in the UK is near the river or in the yard with his three kids.
• His business diversification includes income streams from dog walking, woodchopping and selling merchandise.
• His YouTube channel, Olly Blogs Agricontract started accidentally without trying, and he later realised it could become an income stream.
• He began campaigning on inheritance tax after law changes, with strong community support behind him.
• Policy is a lot to get his head around, and has become quite an expert.
• Speaking at AgXChange Australia, he sees similarities between the UK and Australia and wants to keep painting the picture and pushing for change.
• What he loves most about life on the land is being on it and sharing it with his family.
• A common misconception is how much income farmers make, as it’s a life of passion not wealth.
• The most unexpected thing to happen was working with Jeremy Clarkson and gaining contacts through him to help influence law changes.
• Olly's dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:
Angie Asimus
Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram
Partnered with Australian Farmers
Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Insta: @agricontract_ollyblogs
YouTube: Olly Blogs Agricontract

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

• Cory’s Indigenous-owned company has a heritage going back generations.
• The name BoomaFoods comes from “boomerang,” reflecting the idea of returns on invested interest and playing a role in getting food on the table.
• Cory explains that Booma Food is grounded in the best technology to sustainably produce food, no matter the climate challenges, using cubic farm technology and Crop Motion — innovations he researched while travelling far and wide.
• He shares that the system excels at seed propagation and that this technology could easily be shared throughout the nation.
• While these vertical systems can operate commercially, Cory notes that Australia has only a 1.8% Aboriginal participation rate in agriculture, and he is determined to change that.
• Cory describes why he chose vertical farming and how his patented system differs from others on the market.
• He outlines how the system operates at ground level and his vision for it to be used nationwide.
• Cory is passionate about working with Indigenous cultures in Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, and Fiji.
• What Cory loves most about working on these food solutions is the focus on Environmental Social Governance and being a light in the community.
• The most unexpected thing for Cory was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• A common misconception Cory encounters is that vertical farming is “just tech.”
• Cory’s dream for the future is to see his solutions adopted widely and making a lasting impact.

Moving from Sydney to a small 10-acre farm in the little-known town of Carool was always going to be life-changing. But the owners may not have fully appreciated how much magic they were about to sprinkle over northern NSW. Their award-winning kitchen garden has become a favourite destination in the Tweed tourism scene. To learn more about this true paddock to plate dining experience, Peter Burr joins me now to discuss:

• Peter’s favourite spot is simply sitting anywhere in the garden.
• Carool was a big change from Sydney — they bought the property immediately upon seeing it.
• While they don’t grow everything they serve, they do serve everything they grow — currently harvesting leafy greens and high-value produce like heirloom beetroot and carrots.
• Gardening was Gareth’s passion and his legacy lives on at Potager, five years after his passing.
• Potager has become a true destination — even locals on the Gold Coast recommend it to visitors.
• In 2024, Potager picked up 20 awards, including a particularly special one at the NSW Tourism Awards.
• Peter’s best advice for other businesses: prioritise customer interaction and take feedback seriously.
• He loves the contrast between the natural rainforest surroundings and the nearby city.
• The restaurant itself was the most unexpected part — they originally planned to open a B&B.
• The most common misconception about living on the land and owning a restaurant.
• Peter shares his dreams for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Potager Restaurant

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What it lacks in size, this farm gains in heart. It all comes down to forging a very deliberate and considered impact on the agriculture industry. A place to talk, research, demonstrate and showcase different methods. This working property on the Southern Tablelands of NSW has an open door agri-tourism venture bringing this little biodynamic business to a much broader audience. Murray Prior of Nguurruu Farm joins me now to discuss:

• Murray’s favourite place on the property is the a magnificent old stringybark tree.
• "Nguurruu" is the name of the farm, meaning ‘camp’ in Indigenous language, and Murray shares the significance behind this powerful name.
• Over time, the land had been over-cleared and over-used, but Murray is part of a new generation working to restore its vitality.
• He discusses the Farm Master Plan, which is used to educate new farmers on how to work with the land without depleting it.
• The belief that only large-scale operations can make a meaningful impact in agriculture is one that Murray has intentionally challenged through his work.
• With a deep desire to contribute positively to the land, Murray explains some of the modifications and practices he has implemented to improve the health of Country.
• He also shares his passion for biodynamics and how his approach blends Indigenous knowledge systems with western agricultural practices.
• Many listeners may already be familiar with The Barn — a stunning agri-tourism venture and converted horse stable that now welcomes visitors to the property.
• Guests at Nguurruu are often intrigued by the biodynamic practices, and Murray spends time sharing the journey of their food and the farm’s philosophy.
• Murray reflects on how he and his family have come to truly live and breathe the land.
• He shares the most unexpected moments he has encountered and addresses common misconceptions about farming.
• Murray finishes by sharing his ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Nguurruu

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It’s the stuff dreams are made of – Christmas all year round. For one Queensland family and all who visit their farm, that’s the reality. 20 acres of perfectly formed Christmas trees, the decorations to adorn them – and for those wanting a little more – you can even indulge in one of their famous hot chocolates. If it sounds magical, that’s exactly what the owners had in mind. Let’s meet the family sprinkling that Christmas spirit almost 12 months of the year, Katrina and Brad Fraser of Granite Belt Christmas Farm join me now to discuss:

• Their favourite spot on the property is spending time on the land with the kids.
• Brad has transformed 20 acres of former apple orchards into a real Christmas tree plantation.
• Katrina came up with the idea of growing Christmas trees after becoming a mum, aiming to create a business that supported staying at home.
• The business offers an interactive experience where customers can choose their own tree and enjoy a full day on the farm.
• Growing the perfect Christmas tree involves biology, fertilising, pruning, and carefully shaping each tree.
• Katrina converted an old apple shed into a charming Christmas shop, now part of a growing retail presence that includes cafes and online sales.
• The onsite café has become a highlight of the experience, helping create lasting childhood memories.
• The business stays active year-round with Christmas in July events, a permanent store, and a growing online market.
• They love the rural lifestyle and the connection to their local community.
• A common misconception is that tree farming is simple — but it involves year-round work and planning.
• One of the most unexpected challenges they’ve faced was navigating bushfire season.
• Their ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Granite Belt Christmas Farm

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As first-generation farmers, this family says they started small and safe – but there’s nothing small about the big issues they’re addressing. Ethics, sustainability and regeneration underpin everything they do. To achieve that, they have a passion for First Nation’s knowledge combined with giving their animals the most natural life possible on a farm. To learn more about Echo Valley Farm, Randal Breen joins me now to discuss:

• Randal shares his favourite place on the farm.
• As a first-generation farmer, he explains why he chose this life — to care for the land while working it.
• Insight into the complexity of running a mixed farm — multi-species and cropping.
• A deep commitment to ethics, sustainability, and regenerative practices — including eliminating chemicals.
• Guided by the “4 Good Principles”: Good for the animal, Good for the land, Good for the farmer and, Good for you
• Incorporating First Nations knowledge and ancient land management techniques — and the results.
• What Randal loves most about life on the land.
• The value of intergenerational farming knowledge — and common misconceptions.
• Unplanned disruptions — the most unexpected part of the journey.
• Randal’s ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Echo Valley Farms

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Eggs - they’re an easy and usually affordable source of protein and nutrition. But walking through most Australian supermarkets lately, it’s clear cracks have appeared in the industry. So why is there an egg shortage and why when you do happen to find some are they so expensive? Egg farmer and sector advocate, Danyel Cucinotta from LT’s Egg Farm joins me now for the lowdown on avian influenza.

• We catch up with Danyel, who still finds the work on the farm deeply emotional but continues to love both the work and the land.
• As an egg farmer, she has experienced firsthand the significant challenges caused by bird flu.
• She explains how bird flu spreads and why geographical locations like Victoria are more at risk due to their position on a bird migration path.
• Free-range egg farms are more affected because they are exposed to wild bird droppings.
• While direct egg purchases from farmers may seem unaffected, supermarket supply chains are feeling the impact.
• She explains the EADRA Agreement (Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement) as a cost-sharing arrangement where government and livestock industries, like the egg sector, jointly fund responses to animal disease outbreaks, with industries paying back their share over time. At an industry level, farms are still paying off the cleanup from the 2019 outbreak.
• The situation is more complex than simple supply and demand due to the caged vs. free-range debate and government involvement.
• The root cause stems from the spread of bird flu and environmental exposure in high-risk zones, and she shares that it’s unclear when the situation will improve, as control and recovery take time.
• Danyel remains passionate about advocacy and is proud of her work on a caged egg farm.
• The most unexpected aspect has been that even the most biosecure farms have been affected.
• A common misconception is that it’s unsafe to eat bird products, though the chicken meat industry remains unaffected.
• She offers a parting piece of advice for people to best navigate this issue.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

LT’s Egg Farm

Produced by Pretty Podcasts