“We started with two cows… and just saved every dollar we could.” with Brodie Game (RIC Partner episode)
Humans of AgricultureShow Notes
In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli sits down in the paddock with Brodie Game, who shares how she and her husband Kevin went from milking two cows on a travelling stock reserve to building a high-performing dairy business in the Bega Valley.
Along the way, they’ve navigated drought, fire, financial constraints - and the reality of being first-generation farmers without a clear roadmap.
This episode explores the decisions, risks, and relationships that shaped their journey - and how access to the right finance help such as the RIC at the right time helped accelerate their growth.
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: First-generation farming and non-traditional pathways Building a business without owning land initially The role of relationships and reputation in agriculture Risk, resilience, and long-term thinking Using finance as a strategic tool - not just survival
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Brodie and Kevin's Journey 01:53 The Landscape of Bega Valley 03:18 Early Interests in Agriculture 04:51 The Path to Dairy Farming 06:51 The Love Story and Partnership 07:40 Understanding Share Farming 09:10 Transitioning to Leasing 11:15 The Importance of Networking 12:10 Acquiring Their Own Farm 14:10 The Role of Community Support 15:37 Daily Life on the Farm 17:26 Ownership vs. Leasing in Farming 19:32 The Value of Dairy Farming 20:51 Exploring Ag Tech Innovations 22:19 Investment Decisions in Farming 24:37 Utilising Finance for Growth 27:31 Future Aspirations and Growth 29:09 Vulnerability and Accountability in Farming 31:32 Pride in Their Achievements
More from Humans of Agriculture
In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre sits down with Elle Moyle, a Zanda McDonald Award finalist, veterinarian and farmer with Pathfinder Angus in Western Victoria. Elle reflects on her path from working as a district vet, including international biosecurity work, to returning to the family farming business and building her own agricultural interests. A big part of the conversation is Elle’s experience with the Zanda McDonald Award. While she made the final three but didn’t win, the experience helped build her confidence, expand her network and create relationships that continue to shape her career. Elle also shares what she has learnt about building genuine professional relationships, the value of putting yourself forward for opportunities, and what is happening at Pathfinder Angus as the family business continues to grow.
Welcome to the Tom & Mick Show! This week, Tom & Mick sit down with Anna Speer, whose career has taken her from teaching and AgTech to leadership roles with AuctionsPlus, Australian Agricultural Company, Woolworths and now Stone Axe. Anna shares what she’s learnt about building strong teams, making commercial decisions and creating long-term value, while unpacking how Stone Axe is building a vertically integrated Wagyu business from conception through to consumption. In this episode: Anna’s unconventional career through agriculture and AgTech What private equity brings to an agricultural business How vertical integration can reduce exposure to market volatility Using 10-year herd modelling to make better decisions today Managing rising feed, fuel and labour costs Why building your own brand isn’t always the best strategy Wagyu genetics, premium markets and future growth Building teams and adapting your leadership to different people Chapters 00:00 Introduction and catching up with Anna Speer 03:01 Anna’s career through agriculture and AgTech 07:49 From Woolworths to Stone Axe 12:39 Private equity and commercial decision-making 19:29 Wagyu genetics and growing Stone Axe 26:14 Managing market cycles and supply chains 31:20 Herd modelling and planning 10 years ahead 36:00 Consumer trends and Wagyu’s premium market 40:04 Managing rising input costs 44:40 Branding, Angus and supply chain partnerships 50:17 Leadership and building better teams
What happens when you step outside your own patch and spend time learning from some of the best operators in agriculture?
Fourth-generation beef producer Stafford Ives-Heres is building Shanford Park on Tasmania's north-west coast with one eye firmly on the generations still to come. From starting with 10 cattle and working cray boats to fund his growth, to succession, leasing land and questioning whether owning more country always makes commercial sense, Stafford shares how he's thinking about building a family business that's valuable enough to be taken on, not simply sold.
Jack and Lisa Beattie didn’t set out to build a strawberry propagation business. After leaving Jack’s family dairy operation and trying several different ventures, an unexpected opportunity at Ouse in Tasmania changed their direction.