How to become a startup farmer
Big Shift For Small Farms - Australian Agriculture and Regenerative FarmingShow Notes
We often hear in the media that young people are leaving the farm in favour of other career paths. But what we don’t hear about are those in the city who feel the need to get their hands dirty and create a business growing food. In this episode we’ll hear about the challenges they’ve faced and the rewards they’ve gained.
In this episode we hear from
Lizzie Buscaino, Piccollo Farm - https://www.piccolofarm.com.au/
Shannon Kelly, Full Circle Farm - https://fullcirclefarm.com.au/
Joel Orchard, Young farmers Connect - https://www.youngfarmersconnect.com/
Olivier Sofo, Living Earth Farm - https://livingearthfarm.com.au/
Sam Marwood, Cultivate Farms - hhttps://www.cultivatefarms.com/
Manu Prigioni, Farm It Forward - https://www.farmitforward.com.au/
Other links to things covered in this episode
Australian Market Gardening Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/AMGSG/
Field of Farmers by Joel Salatin, Polyface Farm - http://www.polyfacefarms.com/product/fields-of-farmers/
Farmer Incubator - https://farmerincubator.org/
ABS statistics - Farmer average age
https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/Lookup/7121.0Main+Features12017-18?OpenDocument
Credits
This podcast has been produced by the Grow Love Project with support from Greater Sydney Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.
More from Big Shift For Small Farms - Australian Agriculture and Regenerative Farming
Food Connect founder Robert Pekin shares his journey from dairy farmer to food systems innovator, including the loss of his family farm and the experiences that reshaped how he thought about farming, food and community. Robert explores the power of collaboration, shorter supply chains and community-owned infrastructure to create a fairer and more resilient food system. Drawing on the story of Food Connect and the Food Connect Shed, he argues that farmers and communities can build alternatives by focusing on what they can influence locally and working collectively.
The folks here at Greater Sydney Local Land Services recently hosted a forum called Farming on the Fringe it covers a range of topics, including: what is natural capital on your farm carbon farming and environmental market opportunities what a healthy soil ecosystem looks like The event had over 130 participants and was hosted by journalist and radio host Chris Bath. The episodes are recordings of the speaker presentations.
What if farmers could better understand what's happening beneath their feet? And could that information help them make better decisions when seasons don't go to plan? In this episode, we explore Farming Forecaster, a free online tool that combines soil moisture, pasture growth and seasonal information to help farmers make more informed management decisions. We visit Mattana Farm near Milton on the NSW South Coast, where Bec and Adam share how a local soil moisture probe has helped them navigate drought, fire, flooding rains and difficult livestock decisions. Whether you're a data enthusiast or simply looking for another tool to support decision-making, this episode offers practical insights into using information alongside experience and intuition on farm.
Can technology really help farmers build resilience in an increasingly unpredictable climate — or are we getting distracted by shiny new tools? In this episode, we head to Twynam Farm in NSW to hear directly from farmers trialling agtech including virtual fencing, livestock monitoring and regenerative grazing systems. Featuring conversations with Sarah Nolet and Susan Orgill, we explore how agtech can support climate resilience, soil health and better farm decision-making — while also asking where the risks and limitations lie. We also hear from Camilla Beck and producers attending the Twynam field day, grounding the conversation in practical, on-farm experience rather than industry hype. From virtual fencing and livestock monitoring to broader questions around profitability, labour and resilience, this episode asks: what technology is actually worth adopting on farm — and what problems should agtech really be solving?
What if your chickens could do more than just lay eggs? In this episode, we explore how mobile chook sheds can improve soil health, boost pasture growth, and reduce fertiliser costs through better nutrient cycling. Featuring insights from farmers and soil experts, this episode unpacks the nitrogen cycle, pasture recovery, dung beetles, and practical tips for building healthier, more profitable farming systems.