Beyond the Farm Gate

Dusty Pascoe is a Farmer and Nuffield Scholar whose passion for ag education has taken him all over the world from his farm in North Central Victoria. In this episode, Dusty shares how to apply for a Nuffield scholarship and what international study through the organisation has taught him. He discusses his experience in farming, including the benefits of grazing crops in varying climates, the impacts of international subsidies on agricultural innovation, and his strategies for decision-making and long-term planning on his farm.   Resources and links: Nuffield Australia website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is the final part of our two-part chat with Sophia Croker. In the last episode, Phia explained the life of the average bee and the extraordinary life of a mobile beekeeper. In this episode, Phia discusses how treating varroa mites can impact the honey and beeswax, how supporting local beekeepers helps you to avoid potentially counterfeit honey in supermarkets, and why you should stay away from almond honey.   Resources and links: The Bee Drover website Phia’s Bees on Facebook Phia’s Bees on Instagram   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sophia Croker, or Phia as she’s better known, is a Beekeeper and the Founder of the Bee Drover. Phia is a fourth-generation beekeeper with mobile colonies that she droves all over rural New South Wales.  In this episode, Phia explains what everyone should know about bees, the role of bees in horticultural production, and what it’s like to make a living moving bees around the bush. This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Phia.   Resources and links: The Bee Drover website Phia’s Bees on Facebook Phia’s Bees on Instagram   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Nash is a Farmer at Coonabarabran with her husband, Co-founder of FOALS, and the woman behind First Time Farmer. Katie has built a following online by documenting her journey from city girl to full-time farmer and bridging the gap between city and country by sharing candid insights into farm life. In this episode, Katie opens up about how it felt to move from Darwin to Coonabarabran to farm during the midst of a drought. She shares how those experiences led to the creation of First Time Farmer, how she navigated becoming a farming influencer following the unexpectedly massive online response to her content, and how she hopes FOALS can amplify the voices of rural Australians to shine a spotlight on critical issues faced by farming communities around Australia.   Resources and links: First Time Farmer website FOALS on Instagram Katie Nash on Instagram Katie Nash on Facebook   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Johnstone is the Owner of Mostyn Highland Fold. Mostyn Highland Fold is a boutique Highland cow breeding operation outside Toowoomba and also offers visitors a unique farm experience. In this episode, Lisa explains why she chose the iconic Highland cow breed for her farm and the challenges and rewards of working with this breed. She also discusses why she opened Mostyn Highland Fold up to visitors, what experiences are available to guests, and how connecting with animals has led many guests to reconnect with themselves.   Resources and links: Mostyn Highland Fold website Mostyn Highland Fold on Instagram Mostyn Highland Fold on Facebook   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penelope Swales is the Owner of Piggery Road Permaculture. Piggery Road Permaculture grows healthy, chemical-free produce for sale and offers workshops and courses in permaculture to the wider Gippsland region. In this episode, Penelope shares her remarkable journey to micro-farming. She shares her insights into micro-farming and permaculture, as well as the challenges she faced when first starting, and how selling her produce directly at markets has led to stronger connections with her customers and community.   Resources and links: Piggery Road Permaculture on Facebook No-Till Growers website Penelope Swales website Totally Gourdgeous on Bandcamp Alistair Hulett ‘Songs for Social Justice Award’ website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is the final part of our two-part chat with Jenny Jenner. In the last episode, Jenny shared the origin of the Kalbar Sunflower Festival and how it has grown into a massive annual charity event. In this episode, Jenny opens up about the legacy of her late husband, Russell, and the experience of documenting his fight with cancer in the documentary, Growing Happiness. She shares the story of how Russell came to be known as the Sunflower Man and why the Kalbar Sunflower Festival is dedicated to spreading joy and raising money for cancer and palliative care initiatives. You can stream Growing Happiness on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV now.   Resources and links: Kalbar Sunflowers website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenny Jenner is the Owner of Kalbar Sunflowers and the Founder of the Kalbar Sunflower Festival. The Kalbar Sunflower Festival is an annual celebration of sunflowers and joy in Queensland’s Scenic Rim and doubles as a major fundraising event. In this episode, Jenny shares why she and her husband, Russell, made the switch from farming lucerne to growing sunflowers. She outlines the Instagrammable origins of the Kalbar Sunflower Festival and how it has grown into an event that raised over $160,000 for cancer care and palliative care in 2025. This episode is part one of our two-part chat with Jenny.   Resources and links: Kalbar Sunflowers website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Murray is the Founder and COO of Josh’s Rainbow Eggs. Josh’s Rainbow Eggs is an environmentally sustainable, family-owned, free-range egg farm supplying grocery stores across Victoria. In this episode, Josh reveals the surprising origins of Josh's Rainbow Eggs and how the business has grown since he started it when he was just 9 years old. He shares insights into the day-to-day operations of egg farming and how he and his team are addressing challenges in the egg industry including avian influenza. Josh gets candid about growth and explains how Josh's Rainbow Eggs has continued to expand with zero marketing in the last two years.   Resources and links: Josh’s Rainbow Eggs website Josh Murray on LinkedIn   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Weidemann is a Farmer in the Wimmera and former Chair of Grain Producers Australia (GPA), where he currently serves as a Board Member and R&D Spokesperson. GPA represents Australia's broadacre, grain, pulse and oilseed producers at the national level to promote a strong, innovative, profitable, and sustainable grains industry that is competitive on a global scale. In this episode, Andrew shares what he has learnt from twenty years in ag leadership and advocacy, the vital work of Grain Producers Australia and the Birchip Cropping Group, and how he got involved with founding the first Community Bank with Bendigo Bank.   Resources and links: Grain Producers Australia website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tash Johnston is the Founder of Farm Angels. Farm Angels, formerly Drought Angels, provides financial assistance, food hampers, care packs, and mental well-being support to struggling primary producers and their families across Australia. In this episode, Tash discusses the mission of Farm Angels to help farmers in hardship and the devastating story that prompted her to found the organisation. She shares the challenges they’ve faced over the years, the wins they’ve achieved (including the Flanno for a Farmer campaign), and why the personal touch is integral to the organisation. Tash also opens up about a time in her own life when she and her family, like many of the people helped by Farm Angels, needed some help.   Mental health support: This episode contains discussions of suicide and mental health. In the event of an emergency, dial 000.  For other mental health support, please visit your local hospital emergency department or contact the following support services: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636   Resources and links: Farm Angels website Flanno for a Farmer website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zarly Steffensen and Devon Hansen are the husband and wife duo behind Whipbird Cafe near Kingaroy. Whipbird Cafe is a farm-to-table restaurant serving unique, seasonal menus that use produce grown on their farm and a dedicated nose-to-tail philosophy. In this episode, Zarly and Devon share how they incorporate meat and produce grown on their farm into the restaurant and how a commitment to using whole animals has reduced food waste and led to more creative menus. They also discuss how they support the local community, the challenges in maintaining staff as a small business in a rural area, and why they still describe themselves as lucky. Resources and links: Whipbird Cafe on Facebook   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bryce Camm is the CEO of Camm Agricultural Group, Director of Cattle Australia, and former Chairman of Beef Australia. Bryce oversees his family’s 65,000 head of cattle across nine stations and a feedlot, manages over 100 staff, and is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders in Australian beef. In this episode, Bryce shares how Camm Agricultural Group has evolved over four generations of cattle farming to improve cattle and cropping objectives while embracing more sustainable land management. He also discusses the role of Beef Australia and Cattle Australia in addressing sustainability questions in Australian beef and how these organisations are helping to train future leaders today.    Resources and links: Camm Agricultural Group website Cattle Australia website Beef Australia website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website Bendigo Bank on Facebook Bendigo Bank on X Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn Bendigo Bank on YouTube Rural Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackie Elliott is the Founder of Rural Women’s Day. Rural Women’s Day is a not-for-profit organisation committed to connecting rural women in Australia and New Zealand through community, collaboration, and celebration. In this episode, Jackie explains the origins and rapid expansion of Rural Women’s Day, how Rural Women’s Day champions women, and how it has uplifted thousands of women across Australia.   Resources and links: Rural Women’s Day website Rural Women’s Day on Instagram Rural Women’s Day on Facebook Rural Women’s Day on LinkedIn Ducks on the Pond podcast website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Rural Bank website Rural Bank on Facebook Rural Bank on Twitter Rural Bank on LinkedIn Rural Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation. This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Christie is a fourth-generation dairy farmer in Northwest Victoria. David and his wife Katrina run his family’s farm in Rochester, where they’ve introduced an innovative approach to reducing heat stress on their cows. In this episode, David shares why they choose to use a day shed and a night shed, the role of compost in their farming operation, and how they increased their output by double cropping.   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Rural Bank website Rural Bank on Facebook Rural Bank on Twitter Rural Bank on LinkedIn Rural Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation. This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Stanton is the Owner of The Nyngan. The Nyngan is a boutique hotel and pub that Emily and her husband James bought and restored almost four decades after it originally closed. In this episode, Emily discusses why she and James felt drawn to the ambitious renovation project, what reopening the pub has meant for the Nyngan community, and the toll that stress took on her body throughout the process. She also opens up about the role of social media in the renovation process and the unexpected item they found buried out the back that helped them go viral.   Resources and links: The Nyngan website The Nyngan on Facebook The Nyngan on Instagram The Nyngan on TikTok   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Rural Bank website Rural Bank on Facebook Rural Bank on Twitter Rural Bank on LinkedIn Rural Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation. This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leila McDougall is a Farmer and the writer and star of the film Just A Farmer. Just A Farmer follows Alison, a mother who is left to care for her children, an alcoholic father-in-law, and a failing farm alone following the death of her partner by suicide. In this episode, Leila shares her inspiration for writing Just A Farmer and discusses the process of making a movie. She explains why she’s passionate about mental health awareness in rural areas, how she hopes to help farmers doing it tough, and why she wants to make Just A Farmer more accessible to people across Australia.This episode contains discussions about mental health and suicide. If this episode brings up any difficult feelings for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.   Resources and links: Just A Farmer website Watch Just A Farmer on Apple TV Lifeline website Beyond Blue website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Rural Bank website Rural Bank on Facebook Rural Bank on Twitter Rural Bank on LinkedIn Rural Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation. This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alana Johnson AM is a Founding Member of Australian Women in Agriculture (AWiA). For over thirty years, Alana has dedicated herself to advancing gender equality, empowering communities, and advocating for change in rural Australia. In this episode, Alana opens up about how free university tuition in the seventies led her to a life of advocating for equality and reflects on how the needs of rural women and the aims of Australian Women in Agriculture have changed over time.   Resources and links: Australian Women in Agriculture (AWiA) website Rural Women Online website Alana Johnson AM on LinkedIn   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Rural Bank website Rural Bank on Facebook Rural Bank on Twitter Rural Bank on LinkedIn Rural Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation. This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angie Nisbet and Shona Larkin are sisters and Co-founders of FarmHER Hands. FarmHER Hands offers stylish and practical UPF50+ sun protection gloves for women, men, and children. In this episode, Angie and Shona explain how their experiences with sun damage and skin cancer led them to create FarmHER Hands. They share their passion for agriculture, innovation, and community and how they intend to empower women and families to embrace sun safety.   Resources and links: FarmHER Hands website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Rural Bank website Rural Bank on Facebook Rural Bank on Twitter Rural Bank on LinkedIn Rural Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation. This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Hagan is a Farmer at McIvor Farm Foods with his wife and business partner, Belinda. Jason and Belinda operate a regenerative free-range pig farm and have recently introduced sheep and cattle into their regenerative model. In this episode, Jason shares how McIvor Farm Foods approaches regenerative practices and why they bring in steam-treated green waste from Melbourne. He also opens up about the butchering side of the business and the customer feedback he has received at farmers' markets.   Resources and links: McIvor Farm Foods website   Send us your story: Do you know someone (or are you someone) who’d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au.   Connect: Rural Bank website Rural Bank on Facebook Rural Bank on Twitter Rural Bank on LinkedIn Rural Bank on YouTube   In this podcast any opinions, estimates and projections are for informational purposes only and any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal needs, objectives and financial circumstances. You should consider whether it is appropriate for your situation. This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.