Humans of Agriculture

RaboElevate: Why Capability Matters More Than Capital with Danny Shepherd (Partnered Ep)

Agriculture is built on more than land, livestock, and capital. It’s built on people, capability, and the strength of the communities that support them.In this episode, Danny Shepherd shares the thinking behind RaboElevate, Rabobank’s capability-building platform designed to support farmers and agribusiness leaders through every stage of their career.Drawing on a background in education and leadership development, Danny explains why building knowledge, networks, and self-awareness is just as important as access to finance. From emerging farm managers through to business owners and strategic leaders, RaboElevate aims to help people navigate the "sticky points" that come with growing a business, leading people, and making better decisions.Danny also shares his personal story of discovering his farming roots later in life after meeting his father for the first time in his late thirties, and how that experience unexpectedly brought together his passions for education and agriculture.From leadership development and financial literacy to international study tours, strategic thinking, and the role of AI in agriculture, this conversation explores what it takes to build resilient businesses and thriving rural communities for the long term.This conversation highlights why investing in people and capability may be one of the most important investments agriculture can make.Key insights from the conversation:The story behind RaboElevate and why Rabobank invests in capability, knowledge, and networksHow farmers move through different seasons of leadership across their careersThe importance of self-awareness, curiosity, and critical thinking in businessNavigating the "sticky points" of farm ownership, growth, succession, and leadershipHow practical education programs help bridge the gap between operational and strategic thinkingThe value of peer networks, study tours, and learning from farmers around the worldWhy AI should enhance decision-making, not replace critical thinkingHow stronger leaders contribute to stronger businesses, communities, and future generations of agricultureChapters:00:00 Introduction02:56 Danny Shepherd's Journey to Agriculture07:29 Understanding RaboElevate12:22 Career Development in Agriculture17:26 Sticky Points in Agricultural Careers21:39 Comparing Agricultural and General Business Challenges28:44 RaboElevate Programs and Offerings29:03 Community Involvement and Accessibility of Programs31:32 The Next Generation and AI in Agriculture36:01 Conclusion and Reflections

SproutAg: Building the Future of Agribusiness Finance with Oscar McLean

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre is joined by SproutAg Senior Agribusiness Manager, Oscar McLean, alongside Humans of Agriculture Talent Specialist, Zoe Burgess, to explore the opportunities available as SproutAg continues its rapid growth across regional Australia.After starting his career in agtech before moving into agricultural banking, Oscar shares the journey that led him to SproutAg and why helping farmers navigate increasingly complex finance decisions has become such a rewarding career. He explains how the business works alongside farming enterprises to provide independent finance, debt advisory and business planning services that help clients achieve their long-term goals.The conversation also provides an inside look at what it's like to work at SproutAg. Oscar explains what an Agribusiness Manager does day-to-day, the type of people who thrive in the business, and why attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than ticking every box on a job description.As SproutAg continues to expand across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and beyond, Oscar shares why now is an exciting time to join the business, the career pathways available, and how ambitious people can grow alongside one of Australia's fastest-growing agribusiness advisory firms.Whether you're already working in agricultural banking, finance or agribusiness, or you're looking for your next career move, this episode offers a genuine insight into the people, culture and opportunities behind SproutAg's continued growth.Key insights from the conversation:Oscar's career journey from Marcus Oldham to banking and into SproutAgWhy independent agribusiness finance and advisory is one of agriculture's fastest-growing sectorsWhat an Agribusiness Manager does day-to-dayThe type of people SproutAg is looking to recruitWhy attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn matter more than having every technical skillCareer pathways and progression opportunities as SproutAg continues to expand across AustraliaWhy now is an exciting time to join the business, including its recent acquisition and ambitious growth plansWhat makes Tamworth and regional Australia great places to build a career and lifestyleInterested in learning more? We have a full job description and additional information available on our Careers page: https://humansofagriculture.com/careers/job-board/agribusiness-manager-70hqOr connect with Zoe Burgess for a confidential conversation about the opportunities available with SproutAg.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to SproutAg and Recruitment Opportunities02:13 Oscar McLean's Career Journey and Insights05:01 Understanding SproutAg's Business Model07:38 Role of Agribusiness Manager: Responsibilities and Expectations11:26 Growth and Expansion of SproutAg14:26 Career Pathways and Opportunities at SproutAg17:59 Selling Tamworth: A Regional Hub for Agriculture20:56 Encouragement for Potential Candidates

How Halter Is Replacing Fences on Aussie Farms with Hamish Irvine

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down with Hamish Irvine, Head of Southern States at Halter Australia, to explore the technology, leadership and mindset driving one of agriculture’s fastest-growing companies.Growing up on a mixed farming operation in western New South Wales, Hamish always imagined a future on the land. But after drought forced a change in direction, his career took him through the meat industry, global supply chains and commercial leadership before landing at Halter, the virtual fencing and livestock management company now transforming grazing systems across Australia and New Zealand.This conversation goes beyond the technology itself. Hamish shares the lessons that shaped his career, what it takes to build high-performing teams, and why feedback, accountability and culture are critical in fast-growing businesses. He also unpacks how Halter is helping farmers rethink labour, pasture management and livestock performance through virtual fencing and real-time animal insights.From career progression and leadership to innovation and the future of livestock farming, this is a conversation about embracing change and creating impact.Key insights from the conversation:How growing up on a family farm and experiencing drought shaped Hamish’s career journeyWhy stepping outside traditional agriculture career pathways can create unexpected opportunitiesThe lessons learned from building a career across meat processing, sales and agribusiness leadershipWhat high-performance culture looks like in practice and why feedback is central to successHow Halter uses virtual fencing and animal insights to transform livestock managementThe three biggest drivers of value for farmers: pasture utilisation, labour efficiency, and animal healthWhy adopting new technology requires trust, clear outcomes and a willingness to changeHow innovation is reshaping the future of livestock farming and creating new opportunities across agricultureThe importance of leadership, ownership and accountability in building successful teamsWhy agriculture needs more people focused on solving industry challenges rather than following traditional career pathsChapters:00:00 Introduction to Halter and Hamish Irvine02:05 Career Path and Early Experiences04:37 The Importance of Diverse Experiences08:37 Reflections on Career Choices10:37 Leadership and Team Building at Halter12:17 Transitioning to Halter: Embracing Change20:13 High-Performance Culture at Halter26:56 The Art of Feedback and Communication30:18 The Birth of Halter: A Journey from Dairy Farming to Tech Innovation34:37 Expanding Horizons: Halter's Growth in Australia37:36 Understanding Farmer Needs: The Halter Approach39:59 Building Trust: Overcoming Skepticism in Agriculture43:45 Transformational Technology: The Future of Farming46:42 Bridging Agriculture and Technology: The Ideal Candidate48:07 The Future of Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges

They Said She’d Have to Marry a Farmer… She Became One Instead with Danna Boulton (RIC Partner episode)

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli heads to the windswept coastline of Seaspray in Gippsland to sit down with first-generation farmer Danna Boulton.Growing up just down the road on her family’s dairy farm, Danna always dreamed of farming - but like many young Australians, the pathway to ownership wasn’t straightforward. After building a career as a teacher, making sacrifices, studying the land market for years, and leaning on the right support networks, she found her opportunity.Today, Danna is three years into running her own beef operation on “the island” at the Honeysuckles - a unique coastal property she now calls home. With support from her family, a rural financial counsellor, her bank, and a RIC AgriStarter Loan, she’s been able to take that leap into ownership and build a business from the ground up.This episode explores patience, persistence, and the reality of doing it on your own - while also highlighting the importance of community, financial support, and backing yourself when the opportunity finally comes. RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans to help farmers establish a first farm business and support with succession arrangements.Key insights from the conversation:Non-linear pathways into farming and first-generation ownershipThe power of patience and studying the market over timeMaking sacrifices to build a deposit and create opportunityThe role of support networks - family, advisors, and communityUsing finance to reduce pressure and enable sustainable growthLearning to ask for help and manage risk on your ownChapters:00:00 Introduction to Farming Life02:23 Growing Up on a Dairy Farm05:11 Transitioning from Teaching to Farming08:09 Navigating Financial Challenges in Farming10:51 Acquiring Land and Starting a Farm13:59 Support Systems in Farming16:37 Challenges of Solo Farming19:34 Advice for Aspiring Farmers

Business Spotlight: Regional Investment Corporation - helping finance Aussie Farmers with John Howard (RIC Partner episode)

This business spotlight episode is a practical deep dive into the Regional Investment Corporation, how it works, why it exists, and how it’s helping farmers manage risk and build stronger businesses.CEO John Howard shares his journey across agriculture, food, and finance and breaks down how concessional loans can provide breathing room during tough seasons and create opportunities for long-term growth.This episode explains what RIC does, who it’s for, and how farmers can access loans to improve cash flow, rebuild after hardship, or enter the industry. For anyone in agriculture looking to better manage risk, understand finance options, or plan for the future, this is a practical and highly relevant conversation.RIC is the Australian Government’s farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses to prepare for, manage through and recover from tough financial times.Key insights from the conversation:What the Regional Investment Corporation is (and isn’t)The role of concessional finance in agricultureManaging risk through drought, flood, and volatilityWhy timing and preparation matter when accessing financeThe reality of farm business resilience in AustraliaChapters:00:00 Spotlight on Regional Investment Corporation01:30 Understanding RIC's Role in Agriculture03:49 Navigating Hardship and Opportunities06:57 Demand Trends in Australian Agriculture10:49 Innovative Loan Products for Farmers13:03 The RIC Team and Customer Experience14:53 RIC vs Traditional Banks15:34 Supporting the Next Generation of Farmers18:11 Future of Agriculture and Succession Planning19:34 Success Stories from RIC Customers23:09 Practical Steps for Engaging with RIC