Episodes
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Emily Sinderberry is a Farmer and a Rural Bookkeeper at EJS Business Services in Condobolin. Emily is a trained accountant who specialises in helping farmers and small business owners take control of their finances, streamline their bookwork, and reach their financial goals.
In this episode, Emily shares helpful tips for anyone looking to get on top of their books but emphasises the importance of a personalised approach to financial management. She explains why business owners need a holistic approach to their finances and how good bookwork can get you out of the office and back on the farm.
Resources and links:
EJS Business Services website
Emily Sinderberry 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 Twitter
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. -
This episode is part two of our two-part chat with Anthony Shepherd. In the last episode, Anthony shared the lessons he’s learnt from his years as a farmer and sheep consultant and how changing his farming processes brought his weaning rates above 130%.
In this episode, Anthony explains how he uses technology to improve his farming operation. He discusses how Smart Shepherd helps him spot multiple-bearing ewes that aren’t raising both twins and how he identifies underperforming ewes in the pursuit of a more productive flock.
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach spoke with Anthony in his shearing shed to determine the difference between loving and admiring merinos.
Resources and links:
Sheepmatters website
SmartShepherd website
Sheep and Goat Individual Electronic Identification information from NSW DPI
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 Twitter
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. -
Missing episodes?
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Anthony Shepherd is a Sheep Producer on his commercial merino enterprise, “Jaffa”, near Cootamundra. In addition to running his farm, he’s also worked as a consultant in the sheep industry for many years.
In this episode, Anthony shares the knowledge he’s gained as a farmer and consultant and how that knowledge has allowed him to change his processes to bring his weaning rates above 130%. He also explains the usefulness of indexes and shares his tips for shearing every six months and the longer-term benefits for business.
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach spoke with Anthony in his shearing shed on a cold Cootamundra day.
This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Anthony.
Resources and links:
Sheepmatters website
SmartShepherd website
Sheep and Goat Individual Electronic Identification information from NSW DPI
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 Twitter
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. -
Jill and Neil O’Grady are the husband and wife team behind “RedGround” near Oberon. “RedGround” is a fully functioning 60-acre commercial truffle orchard and tourist destination offering visitors the chance to participate in truffle hunts.
In this episode, Jill and Neil walk through the basics of truffle farming and reveal that out of 250 varieties of truffles, there are only 4 worth eating. They also open up about the hard lessons they learnt when diversifying into hospitality and agri-tourism.
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach dropped in on Jill and Neil in Bathurst for this chat.
Resources and links:
RedGround Australia website
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 Twitter
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. -
Rhett Robinson is a Farmer at “Orana” between Gulgong and Dunedoo. Together, Rhett and his father produce SAM sheep and cattle using a native pasture base on their 500-acre property. Rhett has also been a longtime part of the Local Land Services team as a Senior Biosecurity Officer specialising in pest animal management.
In this episode, Rhett shares the pest animal management tips and tricks he has learnt throughout his 22-year career with LLS and on the farm with his family. He highlights the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and discusses effective strategies for controlling pests like rabbits, pigs, dogs, and foxes.
Resources and links:
Vertebrate pest animals information from NSW DPINominate 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 Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
This episode is part two of our two-part chat with Hamish Wald. In the last episode, Hamish discussed how fortunate he feels to be part of the sheep farming community and how his family decided to move away from exclusive wool farming and diversify with dual-purpose Dohnes Merinos, cattle, and cropping.
In this episode, Hamish dives into the effects of innovations such as genomics and fertility tracking for sheep farmers and discusses the importance of community, biosecurity, and flexibility in farming. He also shares how both of his children are preparing for a life in ag and how their plans were interrupted by COVID-19.
Local Land Services Senior Natural Resource Officer, Jasmine Wells sat down with Hamish for this far-reaching chat.
Resources and links:
Tullinga Dorper Studs websiteNominate 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 Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
Hamish Wald is a Farmer and Stud Owner at ‘Tullinga Dorper Studs’ outside Condobolin. For generations, Hamish’s family have farmed their property and he continues their work with his wife Penny, their two children, a studmaster, and a couple of handy backpackers.
In this episode, Hamish shares the story of multi-generational farming and how their business has changed. He explains why they changed from exclusively farming wool to dual-purpose Dohne Merinos. He also opens up about adding diversity to their farming operation by incorporating cropping and beef cattle to mitigate risk.
Local Land Services Senior Natural Resource Officer, Jasmine Wells sat down with Hamish for this far-reaching chat.
This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Hamish.
Resources and links:
Tullinga Dorper Studs websiteNominate 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 Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
Craig Whiteley is a Farmer on his family’s 700-acre farm, "The Oaks", outside Geary. For almost a hundred years, the Whiteley family have raised sheep and experimented with crops including cherries, potatoes, and lucerne.
In this episode, Craig shares how his family's long history in ag allowed them to try different crops in response to market demand. He emphasises the importance of balancing market opportunities with simplicity in farming. He discusses lessons he learnt from various crops and the challenges he overcame growing everything from potatoes to cherries and even lucerne for hay and silage.
Local Land Services cropping advisor, Tim Bartimote, caught up with Craig for this chat while sitting on the lounge at “The Oaks”.
Resources and links:
Silage and hay information from NSW DPI ‘Factors affecting the quality & quantity of forage harvested for silage’ report from NSW DPI ‘A deeper understanding of higher yields in irrigated crops’ report from GRDCNominate 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 Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
It feels like just yesterday we sat down with our first farmer to talk about dryland cropping, sheep, and feedlotting but here we are 100 episodes later!
In this extra special episode, Neroli sat down with Rohan, Tim, and Jas to reflect on what they learnt by making 100 episodes of Seeds for Success. They share the grains of wisdom that have stuck with them, the behind-the-scenes moments that didn't make it into the episodes, and everything that has made this journey so special.
Thank you so much to all the farmers who shared their stories with us and thank YOU for listening!
We can't wait for what we'll have learnt by episode 200 of Seeds for Success!
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 Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
Beck and Brad Hurley own and operate 22,000 acres on their properties, “Eremeran” and “Kalabra”, a hundred kilometres outside Condobolin. Their farm has changed a lot over the years, and they currently run a mixed cattle and sheep operation with miniature donkeys for herd protection.
In this episode, Beck and Brad expand on how their operation has changed from their early days running the farm, how exclusion fencing has benefited their business, and why they love having miniature donkeys as part of their farming operation. Brad also opens up about how his side project, Good Going Out Cutlery, keeps him busy and transforms old kitchen essentials into beautiful jewellery for family and friends.
Local Land Services Senior Natural Resource Officer, Jasmine Wells caught up for a chat with Beck and Brad at their home with some delicious baked goodies.
Resources and links:
Good Going Out Cutlery on InstagramConnect:
Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
John Murdoch is a Farmer and rural mental health advocate from Bombala. John runs a mixed farming operation with his wife and father focused on merinos, first cross ewes, Angus cattle, and fodder cropping. He is also an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and support for farmers.
In this episode, John provides insight into farming in the Monaro and explains one of the major projects he managed in his previous role as a Board Member and Chairperson for the Monaro Farming Systems group. He also digs into the Farming Forecaster network and how pasture prediction tools influenced his farming practices.
John also shares his mental health battles resulting from the pressures of farming and disasters and how to support farmers better.
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, reached out to John for this chat following your suggestions through our ‘Nominate a Mate’ campaign.
Contact Rohan Leach at Central West Local Land Services at 0417 021 795 or [email protected] to find out more about the Farming Forecaster network.
Mental health support:
If this episode has raised any concerns or feelings for you, please reach out to:
Lifeline on 13 11 14 The Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511Resources and links:
Monaro Farming Systems website GrassGro on CSIRO website Farming Forecaster website Lifeline website Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) websiteConnect:
Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
JB and Alison Tancred are the husband and wife duo behind ‘The Maze’ near Gulargambone and G.R.A.S.S. Merinos at Armatree. G.R.A.S.S. Merinos is a cooperative stud breeding program, and ‘The Maze’ is an 8,000-acre farming operation with 5,000 acres dedicated to a cropping program based on wheat, barley, and pulse crops with a commercial merino flock.
In this episode, JB and Alison talk about the cooperative nature of G.R.A.S.S. Merinos, the challenges in meeting breeding objectives, and the importance of micron testing and fleece weighing in their breeding and commercial Merino operations. They also discuss some challenges facing Australian ag and how to get a new generation excited about farming.
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, caught up with JB and Alison in their home at ‘The Maze’.
Resources and links:
G.R.A.S.S. Merinos website AWI Visual Sheep Scores (VSS) booklet for producersConnect:
Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTube
This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information. -
This episode is part two of our two-part chat with Harry Pye. In the last episode, Harry discussed the ag labour shortage and how his family has turned to robotics and automation for their mixed farming operation near Walgett.
In this episode, Harry sheds some light on his sheep enterprise and how labour shortages influenced their decision to switch from Merinos to Dorpers. He also discusses drought preparedness, confinement lots, feedlots, and how grain storage and drying silos have revolutionised their operation.
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, sat down with his mate Harry for all the details.
Connect:
Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
Harry Pye is the Owner of Gingie Pastoral near Walgett. Harry's 26,000-hectare property is split between arable cropping country and grazing for Dorper ewes and wagyu cattle. Due to the skilled labour shortage, Harry and his family have embraced automation and robotics in their operation.
In this episode, Harry explains how SwarmFarm has changed his cropping operation and the impact he believes driverless tractors will have.
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach, caught up with Harry for all the details.This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Harry. Join us for the next episode, where Harry discusses his sheep enterprise and why he chose to switch from merinos to Dorpers.
Connect:
Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
Stan Noonan is a Crop Protection Specialist and Farmer at ‘Retford Park’, a small property along the Macquarie River near Dubbo. With the help of his family, Stan focuses on buying calves and growing them out with introduced pastures and grazing crops.
In this episode, Stan explains how he achieves high growth rates by focusing on quality feed for his livestock to reach their weight targets quickly. He also breaks down how he extends the life of feed from a good season by using baled silage, the challenges involved, and the lessons he’s learnt along the way. He also dives into how he works with growers as a Crop Protection Specialist to improve their spray application and weed control on the property.
Resources and links:
NSW DPI - Silage and hay information GRDC - GrowNotes - Spray application manual GRDC - Spray application tips and tacticsConnect:
Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
Sherrie Whitty, alongside her husband Luke, runs Mount Pleasant Limousins, a robust herd of 100 stud cows on a sprawling 2,000-acre property near the Jemalong Range, near Forbes. Their commitment to quality and animal welfare shines through in their operation, which stands as a beacon of excellence in the industry.
In this episode, Sherrie emphasises the significance of selecting for temperament and docility in her cattle. She also explores the benefits of crossbreeding with limousin bulls. The conversation also covers Sherrie’s effective pasture management techniques, particularly her strategic approach to weed control, which plays a crucial role in optimising feed and maintaining healthy pastures.
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach caught up with Sherrie to hear all about it in person.
Resources and links:
MLA - Guidelines for selecting the breeding system Mount Pleasant Limousins Mount Pleasant Limousins on FacebookConnect:
Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
Peter Grant and his wife Samantha own and operate “Nerreman”, a 530-hectare property on the Lachlan River, west of Forbes. They run a mixed farming enterprise, which includes irrigation, crops, and cattle.
In this episode, Peter shares his passion for growing different crops, especially his favourite one, sweetcorn. He also reveals how he has improved his water use efficiency and how he is dealing with the fall armyworm threat in his corn fields. You’ll also learn how Peter has adopted the use of drones on his farm to cope with the labour, skills, and time challenges.
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor, Rohan Leach joined Peter for this conversation during a break from the sweetcorn harvest.
Resources and links:
Fall armyworm - GRDCConnect:
Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
Kylie Matthews and her husband Adrian own “Kooyong”, just off the highway between Forbes and West Wyalong. Kylie manages their cattle and chicken meat operation and keeps the wheels turning while Adrian works full-time away from the farm.
In this episode, Kylie explains how they built up their farming operation to incorporate cattle and chickens, and how their massive 3-kilometre vegetation corridor project has impacted the farm. She also opens up about their new agritourism venture: The Silo House, which has been both challenging but also rewarding.
Connect:
Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
Trent Frazer is a Producer on his family farm “Warree”, southwest of Stuart Town. Trent and his family run a predominantly sheep and cattle operation with a little bit of cropping.
In this episode, Trent lets the cat out of the bag about his passion for wool and the challenges and rewards of being part of this staple industry. He reflects on how producers can use local trials to give themselves the information needed to make good decisions. Finally, he opens up about struggling to manage St John's wort on the property and how they're approaching it now.
Local Land Services Cropping Officer, Tim Bartimote, caught up with Trent to chat at his farm, "Warree".
Resources and links:
NSW DPI’s fact sheet for St John’s wort NSW DPI’s best practice management guide for St John’s wortConnect:
Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. -
Summer’s not quite over yet and we’re revisiting more farmers who’ve lived through drought and the lessons they’ve learnt along the way.
In this episode, these farmers will explain how you can “minimise your geographic risk” to your herds by spreading them across properties, how tagging can be used to identify your highest performing breeding stock, and one option for keeping your stock fed during a drought.
Seeds for Success will be back to our regularly scheduled programming in Feb 2024.
Full episode links:
Tess Herbert episode Georgia White episode Trent Johnstone episodeConnect:
Central West LLS website Central West LLS on Facebook Central West LLS on Twitter Central West LLS on YouTubeThe 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. - Show more
