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Seeds for Success

Central West Local Land Services

Seeds for Success is a show where we have a good yarn about ag life with producers who are having a go. On the show, you'll hear from farmers in New South Wales who are out there battling the elements, making tough calls and getting the job done. You'll get a laugh out of some of their stories, and also pick-up some know-how along the way. Produced by Central West Local Land Services.

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#156
August 24 · 28 min
Balancing Profitability and Sustainability in Modern Orchard Management with Iain MacLennan
How can farmers balance profitability, sustainability and productivity in a changing agricultural landscape? In this episode, Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell, speaks with Iain MacLennan, Orchard and Farm Manager at his family farm in Orange, NSW, about apple production, sustainable farming and building a resilient agricultural business. Iain shares his journey from working as an agronomist in broadacre agriculture to managing a family-owned apple orchard, including the challenges of redeveloping an established orchard and learning the complexities of fruit production. He discusses the seasonal demands of orchard management, from tree health and pollination through to pest management, marketing and making decisions about future varieties. You'll also hear about Iain’s Nuffield Scholarship research into the intersection of profitability and sustainability in apple orchards, the lessons he’s learned from visiting agricultural businesses around the world, and why focusing on efficiency, diversity and strong production systems is essential for creating a more resilient future for Australian farms. Resources and links: Iain MacLennan: LinkedIn | Instagram Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#155
August 10 · 27 min
Virtual Fencing, Cattle Trading and Smarter Grazing with Andrew Dowd
Could virtual fencing transform the way you manage grazing, cattle and pasture? In this episode, Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell speaks with Andrew Dowd about livestock trading, pasture management and the practical benefits of virtual fencing technology. Andrew runs a young cattle trading enterprise across family-owned and leased properties, using a combination of grazing management, data and technology to improve productivity and profitability. Andrew shares how moving from dairy heifers into cattle trading gave him greater control over his business, how he makes buying and selling decisions based on market opportunities and feed availability, and why long-term pasture improvement is central to his operation. He also explains how virtual fencing, rotational grazing and farm data are helping him increase carrying capacity, improve pasture utilisation and prepare for future carbon farming opportunities. You'll also hear how Andrew uses technology to support decision-making, why he's embracing early adoption of virtual fencing, and the practical lessons he's learned from implementing new systems across multiple properties. Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#154
July 27 · 27 min
Prime Lambs, Pastures and Inspiring the Next Generation with Jo Treasure
As a fifth-generation farmer from Cowra, Jo Treasure works alongside her family managing prime lambs, Black Angus cattle, grazing crops and perennial pastures, while continually looking for ways to improve profitability and long-term sustainability. In this episode, she shares how she is running a mixed farming enterprise, making strategic business decisions, and encouraging more young people to pursue careers in agriculture. Jo shares how an unexpected gap year led to a lifelong career in agriculture, why she's focused on improving financial literacy and business performance on the family farm, and the practical decisions behind their livestock, pasture, and cropping systems. She also explains how direct marketing, feedlots, improved genetics and pasture management are helping build a more resilient farming business. You'll hear about Jo's passion for agricultural education, the school lamb program she's expanded across multiple schools, and why giving young people hands-on farming experiences could help shape the future of Australian agriculture. Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell sat down with Jo to bring you this conversation. Resources and links: Jo Treasure on Instagram Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#153
July 13 · 25 min
More Options, Less Risk: Mixed Farming Strategies That Last with Rob Watt
How do you build a farming business that stays profitable through both the good seasons and the tough ones? In this episode, Rob Watt shares how his mixed farming operation balances livestock, cropping and long-term decision-making to manage risk and improve resilience. Drawing on years of experience and farm benchmarking data, Rob explains his approach to stocking rates, enterprise diversity, confinement feeding and maintaining profitability without relying on exceptional seasons. Rob also discusses the value of self-replacing livestock systems, pasture management, wool production, and why having more options across your farm can help you make better decisions when conditions change. Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach sat down with Rob for this practical and insightful conversation. Resources and links: Rob Watt on LinkedIn Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#152
June 29 · 36 min
Grain Storage, Innovation and the Future of Agriculture with David Langfield
Fifth-generation mixed farmer David Langfield has spent a lifetime balancing cropping, livestock and pasture management on his family's Cowra property. In this episode, he shares how lucerne underpins his farming system, why long-term soil management matters, and how on-farm grain storage has improved grain quality, marketing flexibility and business resilience. David also talks about his passion for telling the stories of Australian agriculture through his podcast, Ages of Farming. He reflects on the changing media landscape, the importance of showcasing the next generation of farmers, and why sharing real stories from the paddock is one of the best ways to promote Aussie agriculture. Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with David to bring you this chat. Resources and links: Ages of Farming Podcast on Instagram Ages of Farming Podcast on Spotify Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#151
June 15 · 21 min
Farming Smarter at Scale: R&D, Soil Carbon and AgTech with Sarah Jacobson
How do large-scale farming businesses balance productivity, sustainability and profitability while staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry? In this episode, Sarah Jacobson from Lawson Grains shares how research, data and technology are shaping the future of farming across New South Wales and WA. Sarah explains how Lawson Grains approaches R&D, variable rate technology, soil health and sustainable farming practices. She also dives into soil carbon projects, the importance of accurate farm data, and how the business is using innovation to improve long-term productivity and resilience across diverse farming systems. Sarah shares practical insights into evaluating new technology, managing risk with trial work, and why continuous learning is critical in modern agriculture. Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell sat down with Sarah to bring you this chat. Resources and links: Sarah Jacobson on LinkedIn Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#150
June 1 · 24 min
Learn by Osmosis: Growing a Farm and a Future with Chris Kilby
How do you make the right decisions when the season turns against you and the pressure is on? In this episode, Chris Kilby shares how he’s managing a dry and challenging season near Trundle, offering practical insights into decision-making, risk management, and keeping a farming business moving forward when conditions are tough. Chris explains how they’ve adapted their cropping plans after missing key rainfall windows, shifted focus to feeding and protecting their core breeding ewes, and made early decisions to reduce stock numbers. He walks through the realities of confinement feeding, water security challenges, and the significant effort involved in establishing reliable infrastructure under pressure. You’ll also hear about the mental side of farming through dry conditions, the importance of community and connection, and why continuous learning and surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference. Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with Chris to bring you this chat. Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#149
May 18 · 24 min
From Scattered Blocks to One Operation: The Power of Consolidation in Farming with Chris Kilby
Are you making the right decisions when it comes to expanding your farm business or managing risk in a new environment? In this episode, Chris Kilby speaks about building a mixed farming enterprise near Trundle, sharing his journey of starting again, consolidating land, and improving efficiency across his operation. Alongside his wife Sarah and their three daughters, Chris runs a self-replacing Merino flock and cropping program, while continuing to refine their system after moving from the Goulburn region. Chris shares the realities of purchasing and piecing together multiple blocks of land, the challenges of succession planning, and the steep learning curve of farming in a new district during drought conditions. He explains how infrastructure investments, pasture renovation, and strategic decision-making have shaped their business, along with the importance of relationships, flexibility in purchasing strategies, and long-term planning. You’ll also hear insights into managing worm resistance, testing before making decisions, and why knowing your numbers and your land is key to building a sustainable and profitable farming operation. Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with Chris to bring you this chat. Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#148
May 4 · 20 min
Making Better Livestock Trading Decisions with Courtney Tourle
Are you matching your livestock trading decisions to your feed base or the market? In this episode, Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell speaks with Courtney Tourle about livestock trading, decision-making, and building a profitable enterprise while balancing work, family and farming. Courtney and her husband Tom run a livestock trading business on a leased property, while Courtney also works as an Animal Production Advisor at Nutrien Ag Solutions, giving her a unique perspective across many different farming operations and seasons. Courtney shares how they got their start leasing country after the drought, the steep learning curve of financial literacy and trading livestock, and the lessons they learned from both profitable seasons and difficult market downturns. She explains how they match livestock classes to available feed and the importance of making proactive decisions rather than waiting too long. You’ll also hear about how the best farmers manage seasonal variability, make confident decisions using the best information available at the time, and focus on controlling what they can control. Resources and links: Courtney Tourle on LinkedIn Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#147
April 20 · 30 min
Pastures, Pulses and Profit: Resilient Mixed Farming Solutions with Lawrence Balcomb
Are mixed farming systems the key to more resilient and productive farms? In this episode, Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach sits down with Lawrence Balcomb from Golden Glen near Toogong to talk about mixed farming, pasture management and how cropping and livestock can work together in a practical farming system. Lawrence shares how his operation combines prime lamb production with grazing crops and pasture renovation, using rotations that include oats, canola, wheat and lupins to improve pastures and manage weeds and chemicals. You’ll hear practical insights on managing lucerne-based pastures, dealing with soil acidity and dryland salinity, integrating tropical grasses, and how crop rotations can be used as a tool to reset and improve pasture productivity. Lawrence also talks about succession planning in family farming, labour challenges, and the role Landcare plays in helping farmers access support, knowledge and community networks. This episode is a great listen for mixed farmers, livestock producers, and anyone interested in improving pasture systems, integrating cropping and grazing, and building a resilient farming operation for the long term. Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#146
April 6 · 21 min
How Data-Driven Grazing Can Transform Your Farm with Emily Mosely
Is your grazing strategy working for your land or are you working for your grazing? In this episode, Local Land Services senior Natural Resource Officer Jasmine Wells sits down with Emily Mosely, Grazing Solutions Advisor with Atlas Carbon and MaiaGrazing. Emily explains how a people- and data-first approach to grazing management transformed her family’s semi-arid rangeland operation. Drawing on both her personal experience and professional role, she shares why proactive monitoring, digital tools, and strategic rest and recovery are game changers for sustainable livestock and pasture management. You’ll hear practical insights on multi-species grazing, leveraging technology to track livestock and pasture performance, increasing carrying capacity while regenerating ground cover, and fostering a feedback loop that improves decisions across your enterprise. Emily also discusses how implementing practice changes early and experimenting with regenerative techniques can create measurable, long-term results. This episode is a must-listen for graziers, land managers, and anyone interested in optimizing productivity while caring for the land. Resources and links: Emily Mosely on LinkedIn Atlas Grazing (formerly MaiaGrazing) Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#145
March 23 · 46 min
Succession, Custodianship & the Future of the Family Farm with James Hamilton
Is your family serving the farm… or is the farm serving your family? In this episode, Tim Bartimote sits down with James Hamilton, a central New South Wales farmer who also works nationally in agricultural succession planning. Drawing on lived experience and more than a decade advising families, James explains why succession isn’t about dividing assets; it’s about aligning needs. He outlines his people-first approach, how he structures conversations to move families from “I” to “we,” and why everyone must see their opportunity for a transition to succeed. You’ll hear practical insights on introducing the next generation early, managing debt responsibly, handling off-farm siblings fairly, and why succession rarely works when it’s left too late. This is an essential listen for producers who want to extend productivity across generations while keeping the family unit intact. Resources and links: James Hamilton on LinkedIn Cultivate Advisory Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#144
March 9 · 35 min
From Paddock to Plate: Building a Lamb Brand That Controls the Whole Chain with Andy and Ben Sippel
What happens when a producer decides not just to grow the product but to own the entire supply chain? In this episode, Local Land Services Cropping Ag Advisor Tim Bartimote sits down with Andy and Ben Sippel to unpack how a vertically integrated lamb business was built from paddock to plate. Starting with farmers’ markets and evolving into a streamlined event-based model, they share why simplicity, consistency, and market alignment have been central to success. You’ll hear why limiting customer choice became a strength, how ensuring “everything has a home before it leaves the paddock” protects profitability, and what it really takes to bootstrap and scale a food business. This is a practical conversation for producers interested in value-adding, controlling their market pathway, and building resilient agricultural businesses beyond the farm gate. Resources and links: Saltbush Lamb MLA Managing Your Feedbase Ben Sippel on LinkedIn Andy Sippel on LinkedIn Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#143
February 23 · 47 min
Building Drought Resilience with Deep-Rooted Pastures with Andy and Ben Sippel
What if one native plant could fundamentally change how your grazing system performs, even through drought? In this episode, Local Land Services Cropping Ag Advisor, Tim Bartimote, sits down with Andy and Ben Sippel from Saltbush Plains to unpack decades of hands-on experience using old man saltbush as a backbone species in grazing systems. From transforming degraded cropping country into resilient perennial pasture, to maintaining high stocking rates independent of rainfall, they share why deep-rooted native shrubs are one of Australia’s most underutilised agricultural assets. You’ll hear how saltbush supports livestock performance with year-round green feed, high protein levels, and exceptional water-use efficiency, plus how smart grazing management turns ecological strength into economic strength. This is a practical, grounded conversation for producers interested in building resilient pastures, reducing inputs, and working with Australia’s landscapes, not against them. Resources and links: Saltbush Lamb MLA Managing Your Feedbase Ben Sippel on LinkedIn Andy Sippel on LinkedIn Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#142
February 9 · 30 min
Fixing the foundations: Why Liam Mowbray sees rectifying pH as the first step in healthy pasture
Welcome to the final episode of our 4-part series, The Lime Light, where we shine a light on lime and dig into building pasture performance on acidic soils. Liam Mowbray runs a cattle operation near Gloucester in partnership with his wife Alissa and his parents. Since moving to the area four years ago, the family has focused on lifting production by increasing the carrying capacity across their properties. In this episode, Liam talks about making soil pH a foundational part of their production approach and the flow-on effects this has had on soil and pasture performance. You’ll also hear Liam discuss managing steeper country where cultivation isn’t an option, and the strategies used to address soil acidity in these areas. Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with Liam, away from the heat of the day, to bring you this chat. Resources and links: NSW - Pastures on acid soils Liam Mowbray on LinkedIn Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#141
January 26 · 35 min
Value for money: Why Stuart Tait would have gone harder, earlier with lime
Welcome to episode 3 of our 4 part summer series, The Lime Light, where we shine a light on lime and dig into building pasture performance on acidic soils. Stuart Tait farms alongside his family at Mandurama in the NSW Central Tablelands with other properties at Lyndhurst and Canowindra. Tait Agriculture is focused on cattle and a cropping program including wheat, canola and Faba beans. Stuart has a range of pastures with phalaris, fescue, lucerne and clovers being the main components. In this episode, Stuart talks about how they have shifted focus to increased cropping since the purchase of their Canowindra and Lyndhurst properties. You’ll hear Stuart explain soil testing and managing his soil pH is their main strategy for doing this. Stuart also shares his investigation into purchasing a Horsch Tiger cultivator and how he justifies a whopping 7 tonnes of lime per hectare. Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach sat down with Stuart on a rather momentous day as the Tait family celebrated a major family milestone. Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#140
January 12 · 36 min
The Lime Light: How Angus Knight incrementally managed soil acidity at Junee
Welcome to part 2 of our Summer series of Seeds for Success - The Lime Light series. We’re shining a light on lime and digging into acidic soils to optimise pastures as we chat with farmers who have been part of the High Performance Pasture Mixes for Acidic Soils, a project co-funded by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Meat and Livestock Australia Donor Company. Angus Knight runs Fairview, a mixed farming operation south of Junee, where he manages a prime lamb enterprise alongside cereals, canola, and lupins. In this episode, Angus talks through the productivity push he’s made since returning to the farm in 2018 coming from his studies, including how identifying acidic soils as a limiting factor reshaped his management decisions. He discusses tackling an acid throttle at depth, the resulting lift in carrying capacity, and the flow-on benefits to crop performance. Finally, Angus digs into the practical realities of making these changes, from timing and logistics to the day-to-day adjustments that drive long-term gains on mixed farms. Resources and links: Holbrook Landcare Network – Soil Testing Process Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#139
Dec 29, 2025 · 34 min
The Lime Light: The key messages on acid soil management for 2026
Welcome to our Summer series of Seeds for Success - The Lime Light series. Join us as we shine a light on lime and dig into acidic soils to optimise pastures. Over the coming four episodes, we'll be chatting with farmers who have been part of the High Performance Pasture Mixes for Acidic Soils, a project co-funded by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Meat and Livestock Australia Donor Company. Our first guest is Dr Richard Hayes. As well as being involved in the family farm between Crookwell and Goulburn, Richard is a research agronomist with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. In this episode, Richard tells us how his background in the family farm gives him insight into the kind of messages that resonate with farmers. Richard also explains his latest project and the key messages for farmers managing acid soils which include new pH targets and incremental soil sampling. Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach sat down with Richard to learn more about the curiously nicknamed HIPPO project. Resources and links: NSW Department of Primary Industries - Pastures on acid soils Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#138
Dec 15, 2025 · 40 min
Red hides and fence lines, with Dean Hague
Dean Hague is a Farmer on Tara Station, near Mount Hope. Alongside his wife, Jayde, and their kids, Dean has been continuing a century-old legacy of cattle raising and farming. In this episode, Dean explains the composition of his 98 thousand acre property: the merinos and dorpers, mixed farming, stud cattle, and cereal cropping. He discusses the exclusion fence project, the results so far in keeping his resources safe, the current status, and the small struggles he faces as a local leader. Finally, he breaks down the animals in the farm, the studs and their history, working with dogs, and a comparison between goat and sheep. Resources and links: Rockingham Santas Website Rockingham Santas on Facebook Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
#137
Dec 1, 2025 · 23 min
Math in modern cropping, with Paul Tognetti
Paul Tognetti is a farmer in Myee, near Grenfell. His farm consists mostly of wheat, canola, and faba cropping operations alongside a few sheep across a 26 hundred acre area. In this episode, Paul walks us through his farm and the numbers that go in and out of his operation. He expresses his passion for precision agriculture, the math behind it all, and the technology that lets it all happen. Paul discusses variable rate applications throughout the farm, gauging his paddocks, and making the most out of them. Finally, Paul reflects on how helpful technology has been for Australian agriculture, saving producers such as himself from all the manual labor of notebooks, pencils, and calculators. This episode of the Seeds for Success podcast is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Resources and links: Farming Forecaster network Nominate a Mate: If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'. Connect: Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on X Central West LLS on YouTube The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation. This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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