Show Notes
Australian agriculture runs on more than crops, livestock, and markets. It runs on people and communities. In this episode, Skye Ward shares the story behind the Rabobank Community Fund, a program designed to invest directly into grassroots initiatives across rural and regional Australia. Since launching in 2021, the fund has invested over $4 million into projects that strengthen leadership, improve wellbeing, and support the resilience of rural communities. Skye also shares her personal story of growing up in the Monaro region, the experience of moving towns and building community as an adult, and why belonging remains one of the most powerful drivers of strong rural places. From succession workshops and financial literacy programs to melanoma skin-check trucks and simple community events that bring people together, the fund supports practical initiatives that make a real difference on the ground
This conversation highlights why investing in people and community capability is just as important as investing in farms and businesses. In this episode we explore Why strong communities underpin successful agricultural regions The thinking behind the Rabobank Community Fund How grassroots funding creates real impact on the ground Examples of initiatives supported across rural Australia The role of leadership development and wellbeing programs Why collaboration and community capability matter for agriculture’s future Find out more & apply now!! Applications for the 2026 Rabobank Community Fund close on 15 March. If you’re part of a local group, community initiative, or organisation looking to make an impact, this could be the opportunity to bring your idea to life. Learn more and apply via rabobank.com.au.
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.