Life on the Land

Australia is on the cusp of the largest transfer of intergenerational wealth the country has ever seen with nearly $5 trillion to be transferred from Baby Boomers over the next 30 years, with around 65 per cent of that wealth to be controlled by women. Ivy McGufficke is the youngest of three daughters and the fifth generation to live on Greendale Merinos – nearly 5,000 hectares running 15,000 head of merino, eight kilometres outside Cooma on the Monaro in Southern NSW. Ivy's excited about the changing of the guard in Australian agriculture and brings a dual perspective to the succession experience as she goes through the process herself alongside her sisters and parents.

There can be some impressive distances covered in boardingschool drop offs across Australia, but surely Julia Creek to Switzerland takes the cake? Belinda and Wayne Murphy are preparing to send their incredibly talented daughter Maddie overseas to dance on the world stage. Hailing from the small outback town of Julia Creek in northwest Queensland, Belinda has long been an integral part of the Julia Creek community and the wider region serving as mayor of the Shire of McKinley for eight years. Alongside her husband, Wayne, and their two children, Liam and Maddie, the family owns and operates a cattle trucking business, as well as the local Julia Creek hardware store. In this delightful conversation with Sammie O’Brien Belinda talks about her passion for her community, the sacrifices worth making to see her children thrive and the financial realities of stepping outside the traditional school system to allow her children to follow their dreams.

Jenny Jenner's inspired consideration of sunflowers as a drought alternative for her Scenic Rim farm has cumulated in not just a commercial success, but a driving force behind cancer care support in Queensland's south-east. Jenny is the founder of the Kalbar Sunflower Festival, which welcomes 13,000 visitors over three days to Jenny’s farm every May in Queensland’s Scenic Rim.  Here, guests wander through one million sunflowers grown across 10 hectares, enjoying scrumptious food and farm activities while raising vital funds for cancer care in south east Queensland. In this delightful conversation with Emily Herbert, Jenny talks passionately about her rural lifestyle, her partnership with husband Russell and what drove her to continue working the farm after his devestating death.

This story started with a chance encounter between students in Western Australia and has ended with one of the greatest success stories in Australian farming. Julie and Sandy Cameron have pivoted from their early years as a nurse and a vet respectively, to wool growers to now one of the most recognisable boutique cheese brands in the country, Meredith dairy. In this episode our host Sammie O'Brien explores the development process with Julie, whose vision, expertise and passion for agriculture and land conservation is sure to leave you with something to think about.

Six months ago, Millie Hardie had just started her small telehealth psychology practise. Looking for more clients, and to share her knowledge, she started an Instagram page, called @the.pocket.psychologist One hundred and eighty two days later, the teacher and psychologist has nearly 700,000 followers. This engaged and tight knit community adore her viral videos that have been described as a cross between psychology and Play School.  In this conversation, Millie explains to Em Herbert how her practise has expanded, and she's discovered a new direction for her business. All of this, around parenting her two small children and helping her husband Dave farm nearly 4000 hectares near Cootamundra in the Riverina region of New South Wales.Graziher is celebrating a milestone with our 50thissue on sale now. Please support independent media in the bush and buy the issue from your local newsagency or jump online to graziher.com.au to subscribe now. There is a great offer, never to be repeated again, to celebrate our 50thissue — a two-year subscription for $50 a year.This is a Graziher podcast, produced by Jayne Cuddihy.

Summer time means a dive into the archives for the Life on the Land podcast to highlight our favourite episodes.Cass is part of Graziher's partnerships and advertising team at Graziher and has enjoyed digging through some of the older episodes. It was Sammie's conversation with iconic Australian author Alison Lester that particularly tickled her fancy. Alison’s books have become iconic staples for many Australian children, making her a household name right across the country. Not only are her timeless tales eagerly awaited as a bedtime story, her words and illustrations are woven into the fabric of so many families’ lives. She’s the cherished author whose stories and illustrations, such as ‘Magic Beach’ and ‘Kissed by the Moon’ filled our childhoods, and now, adorn the bookshelves of our children, evoking waves of nostalgia from our own youthful days. Originally from a picturesque property near Foster in Victoria’s South Gippsland region, where the undulating hills converge with the vast expanse of the sea, Alison now calls Nar Nar Goon North, her home. An hour out of Melbourne in West Gippsland, she, her husband and their horses, revel in the serenity of their sprawling 10-acre property.

It's summer time and we're celebrating by sharing some of our favourite podcast episodes. As the producer of the Life on the Land podcast, Jayne Cuddihy has the pleasure of listening to all of the conversations Sammie and Em have. While it's difficult to pick a favourite, the all encompassing adventure April Cavanagh took Emily Herbert was one for the ages. Covering everything from perimenapause, leadership, raising kids and dealing with trauma, it's a chat that will stay with you. Highly regarded for her leadership and outcomes focus, April is a strategic thought leader with a varied business background. A former Head of Agribusiness at Suncorp Bank, April was across a $5 billion portfolio, interacted with more than 3000 farming families and managed a staff of morethan 100. Now the current Chair of Manufacturing Skills Queensland, Chair of the Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise and a Non-Executive Director of Endeavour Meats and Cotton Australia, the Toowoomba based consultant takes her fourth-generation rural aptitude to every board meeting.

Graziher's summer season is always festive and to celebrate, our team picks their favourite podcast episode to share again. Life on the Land's co-host Em Herbert can't go past her conversation with Queensland Senator Susan McDonald. Quite often it’s hard to ask for help, especially when there’s a family legacy stretching back seven generations, but today’s guest, Susan McDonald, says it’s one of the keys to success. Susan grew up on Devoncourt, a cattle station 80 kilometres south of Queensland’s Cloncurry — one of 14 properties owned and operated by the McDonald family. A qualified accountant, seasoned beef industry specialist and mother of three, Susan threw her hat into the political ring and, in 2019, was elected to the Senate as a member of the Liberal National Party.Now the Shadow Minister for Resources and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Susan told our host Emily Herbert that her deep love of the bush and taking a seat at the table was a natural inheritance from her family’s legacy.

It's the time of year when the Graziher team can pick their favourite episode to share again with our listeners. Digital editor Amie can't go past this gorgeous interview Sammie O'Brien did with Kelly Shann- Amie's mum. Amie not only discovered a few stories she didn't know about Kelly's amazing adventures, but she got to hear about her grandmother as well. After an idyllic childhood spent riding ponies through the creek next to her house, Kelly Shann has traversed the world, had a stint in the city and now spends her time bonding with her horses, running a cattle business with her husband Berry and loving her family. While Kelly lost her mother at a young age, she’s never forgotten her kindness and love of animals and has made those values, including resilience and empathy the cornerstone of her mindset.

Graziher's Life on the Land podcast is celebrating summer with a few favourite episodes from previous seasons.Graziher’s editor, Victoria Carey has dug right into the archives and is excited to share the story of Leila McDougall. There's not a lot Leila hasn't done! In her own words, she’s had ‘a very elaborate career path’. Fashion designer, school teacher, showgirl, and now film maker; the latter, possibly her greatest role yet.Just a Farmer is an independent film, set in rural Victoria, exploring ‘generational trauma, love, loss, and the undeniable resilience of a farming community in the face of tragedy’. It’s a must watch, a difficult watch at times, but brilliant none the less. 

Graziher's Life on the Land podcast is celebrating summer with a few favourite episodes from the previous year. Co-host Sammie O'Brien can't go past her chat with the delightful Penny Button. In this special edition, Sammie reflects on a special trip to interview Penny at home and how much that visit meant to her. Penny Button has spent a lifetime in western Queensland as a grazier on expansive properties around the Longreach area. She took over the management of her family's property Crossmoor following the sudden loss of her husband, which was only a few short years after the death of one of her sons. In this episode our host Sammie O'Brien asks her what it was like making decisons and running a business when there's so pressure from the elements, but from her heart as well.

Amanda Ferrari is loud, proud and fiercely passionate aboutrural and regional Australia. With a personal mantra of ‘Lead with love, not ambition,’ Amanda takes on her many projects with enthusiasm and grit. At the helm of the Boarding School Collective, Amanda helps families across the country make one of the hardest decisions of parenting- where to send their children for high school. Her journey to rural living is a hilarious, heartfelt conversationwith today’s guest host, Graziher’s Editorial Director, Victoria Carey.

Dame Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu and former Australian Ministerfor Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop have one thing in common — they have all been spotted wearing Margot McKinney’s extraordinary jewellery. Flashing aquamarines, the exquisite lightning strike of opals, tumbling tourmalines, the creamy lustre of South Sea pearls – Margot’s collections are a celebration of Australia’s natural and luxurious abundance. In this episode, Margot takes our Emily Herbert through her creative process and explains the connection she has not only to the family’s multi generational business, but to the pieces that have taken her all over the world. This episode is proudly supported by McKinney's. For over 140 years, McKinney's has been one of the country’s most trusted names in fine jewellery and luxury goods. From its origins in Toowoomba, Queensland, this distinguished family business has evolved over five generations to become one of Australia's most respected jewellers.Merging traditional values of craftsmanship and personal service with modern standards of elegance and design, McKinney's continues to curate the finest pieces to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.Precious memories begin at McKinney’s — visit mckinneys.com.au

Women like April Cavanagh are redefining what it means to work at a national board level with heart and vulnerability. Hers is a story of grief and resilience, as well as tenacity and big-picture thinking.Highly regarded for her leadership and outcomes focus, April is a strategic thought leader with a varied business background. A former Head of Agribusiness at Suncorp Bank, April was across a $5 billion portfolio, interacted with more than 3000 farming families and managed a staff of morethan 100. Now the current Chair of Manufacturing Skills Queensland, Chair of the Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise and a Non-Executive Director of Endeavour Meats and Cotton Australia, the Toowoomba based consultant takes her fourth-generation rural aptitude to every board meeting. This episode is proudly supported by McKinney's. For over 140 years, McKinney's has been one of the country’s most trusted names in fine jewellery and luxury goods. Fromits origins in Toowoomba, Queensland, this distinguished family business has evolved over five generations to become one of Australia's most respected jewellers.Merging traditional values of craftsmanship and personal service with modern standards of elegance and design, McKinney's continues to curate the finest pieces to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.Precious memories begin at McKinney’s — visitmckinneys.com.au

Carol Mudford is the 2025 Agrifutures Australia Rural Womanof the Year. The AgriFutures award celebrates women who are making animpact on rural industries, businesses and communities, and aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders. The award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women out there, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. Carol is a registered nurse, hailing from Gilgandra in NewSouth Wales. She’s also spent years working in shearing sheds across the country — as a wool handler, shearer and, most recently, leading the charge in suicide prevention and mental health support, through her registered charity sHedway. Parts of this episode discusses suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, Lifeline is available 24/7. The number to call is 13 11 14.  This episode is proudly supported by McKinney's. For over 140 years, McKinney's has been one of the country's most trusted names in fine jewellery and luxury goods. From its origins inToowoomba, Queensland, this distinguished family business has evolved over five generations to become one of Australia's most respected jewellers.  Merging traditional values of craftsmanship andpersonal service with modern standards of elegance and design, McKinney's continues to curate the finest pieces to celebrate life's most meaningful moments. Precious memories begin at McKinney's — visit mckinneys.com.au.

In the 20th season of the Life on the Land podcast, we'recelebrating women in business. Quite often it’s hard to ask for help, especially when there’s a family legacy stretching back seven generations, but today’s guest, Susan McDonald, says it’s one of the keys to success. Susan grew up on Devoncourt, a cattle station 80 kilometres south of Queensland’s Cloncurry — one of 14 properties owned and operated by the McDonald family. A qualified accountant, seasoned beef industry specialist and mother of three, Susan threw her hat into the political ring and, in 2019, was elected to the Senate as a member of the Liberal National Party.Now the Shadow Minister for Resources and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Susan told our host Emily Herbert that her deep love of the bush and taking a seat at the table was a natural inheritance from her family’s legacy. We’re proud to partner with McKinney’s to support the production of this episode. For over 140 years, McKinney’s has been one of the country’s most trusted names in fine jewellery and luxury goods. From its origins in Toowoomba, Queensland, this distinguished family business has evolved over five generations to become one of Australia’s most respected jewellers. Visit ⁠mckinneys.com.au

In the 20th season of the Life on the Land podcast, we'recelebrating women in business.As a mum and personal development coach with a background in fitness and teaching, Laura Hockey has spent the last six years searching for her own identity. As she told our Emily Herbert, it's been made more complex amid the joys and challenges of raising three little children on a nearly 3000 hectare farm she shares with husband, Mick on the Liverpool Plains.From fertility challenges and postpartum depression to diversifying their businesses during the drought, Laura is passionate about helping other women uncover their why.We’re proud to partner with McKinney’s to support the production of this episode. For over 140 years, McKinney’s has been one of the country’s most trusted names in fine jewellery and luxury goods. From its origins in Toowoomba, Queensland, this distinguished family business has evolved over five generations to become one of Australia’s most respected jewellers. Visit mckinneys.com.au

In the 20th season of the Life on the Land podcast, we're celebrating women in business. Kelly Shann is right where she needs to be. After an idyllic childhood spent riding ponies through the creek next to her house, she has traversed the world, had a stint in the city and now spends her time bonding with her horses, running a cattle business with her husband Berry and loving her family. When she's not telling wonderful stories of building resilience through her own podcast, Life Journey. While Kelly lost her mother at a young age, she’s never forgotten her kindness and love of animals and has made those values, including resilience and empathy the cornerstone of her mindset.

In the 20th season of the Life on the Land podcast, we're celebrating women in business. Penny Button has spent a lifetime in western Queensland as a grazier on expansive properties around the Longreach area. She took over the management of her family's property Crossmoor following the sudden loss of her husband, which was only a few short years after the death of one of her sons. In this episode our host Sammie O'Brien asks her what it was like making decisons and running a business when there's so pressure from the elements, but from her heart as well. We're proud to partner with McKinney's to support the production of this episode. For over 140 years, McKinney's has been one of the country's most trusted names in fine jewellery and luxury goods. From its origins in Toowoomba, Queensland, this distinguished family business has evolved over five generations to become one of Australia's most respected jewellers.  Merging traditional values of craftsmanship and personal service with modern standards of elegance and design, McKinney's continues to curate the finest pieces to celebrate life's most meaningful moments. Precious memories begin at McKinney's - visit mckinneys.com.au.

If a worker is only as good as their gear, what does that mean for a stockwoman and her jeans? When Isabella Thrupp couldn’t find the perfect pair of work jeans, she started her own denim label, Prinking in Pindan — a brand born from the ancient landscape of Western Australia’s Kimberley.Isabella is the Western Australia winner of the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. In this episode, she takes our host Emily Herbert through some of the inspiration behind the business and how she overcame some of the challenges of running a retail business in one of the most remote parts of Australia. The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, innovative and hardworking women out there. This award celebrates women who are making an impact on rural industries, businesses and communities, and aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders.

Kristy Hollis is a naturopath, herbalist, entrepreneur, industry advocate and mentor with more than 23 years of experience. Having worked with with more than 8000 women across the Northern Territory, Kristys' passion about reshaping health outcomes in the bush has earned her the accolade of the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year for the NT .Kristy takes a holistic, preventative approach, and assists with everything from ADHD to menopause. In this episode, Kristy explains her love of nature-inspired treatments began as a toddler, by the side of her beloved grandmother to our host, Emily Herbert. The AgriFutures Rural Womens Award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, innovative and hardworking women out there. This award celebrates women who are making an impact on rural industries, businesses and communities, and aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders.

In Australia, around 43 per cent of people have experienced a mental illness, 33 per cent experience loneliness and about nine die by suicide every day. These are not just numbers — they are people who are distressed, isolated and struggling. These are statistics Sarah De Jonge wants to change. Based in Kingston, Tasmania, Sarah is the founder of 1000 Hearts, a project the mother-of-two started by hand-stitching tiny fabric hearts to give away as a simple act of kindness. It has since grown into a social enterprise and a global movement.Sarah is the State finalist for Tasmania in the AgriFutures Rural Women’s award and this interview with our podcast host Emily Herbert, she generously shares not just her personal story, but the science behind connection and community.  This conversation does mention mental ill health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, innovative and hardworking women out there. This award celebrates women who are making an impact on rural industries, businesses and communities, and aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders. 

Nicole McNaughton is the first to admit she has the best stocked pantry in Queensland. As the CEO of the Food and Agribusiness Network, she has spent her career connecting small but mighty players in the agricultural supply chain, giving her exposure to some of the most delicious parts of the State. From prawns to pineapples, Nicole wants local food on local plates — because if no-one is backing the little guys, what will the future of our food look like? In this episode, Nicole takes our podcast host Emily Herbert through her story so far and what opportunities have bloomed after being named the Queensland state winner of the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award celebrates women who are making an impact on rural industries, businesses and communities, and aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders.  

Kelly Johnson's connection to agriculture was formed at a young age, as the daughter of dairy farmers from Victoria’s Gippsland region. Now based in the rural town of Mypolonga in South Australia, Kelly has combined her love of the land with her experience as a scout leader to create SPhiker — a range of wholesome, easy-to-make meals crafted from surplus fruit and vegetables that are sourced from local farms. SPhiker is designed for hikers, campers and solo adventurers, and is all about sustainability and simplicity. This award celebrates women who are making an impact on rural industries, businesses and communities, and aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders. The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women out there, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. 

With a career spanning several decades, Dr Mary Cole is an absolute powerhouse. In this interview with Sammie O'Brien, her passion for sustainable agriculture is as fierce as when she first started in the industry over 45 years ago.   As the VIC AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award State Winner & National Finalist, Mary has a profound depth of knowledge and an unwavering commitment to agricultural productivity, soil health and long-term sustainability. This award celebrates women who are making an impact on rural industries, businesses and communities, and aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders.  The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women out there, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. 

Carol Mudford is the 2025 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award State Winner and National Finalist. She’s also the cover star of the current issue of Graziher magazine.   The AgriFutures award celebrates women who are making an impact on rural industries, businesses and communities, and aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders.  The award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women out there, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer.  Carol is a registered nurse, hailing from Gilgandra in New South Wales. She’s also spent years working in shearing sheds across the country — as a wool handler, shearer and, most recently, leading the charge in suicide prevention and mental health support, through her registered charity sHedway.  Parts of this episode discusses suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, Lifeline is available 24/7. The number to call is 13 11 14.  

We’re wrapping up our Summer Series with a favourite episode from Sally- Graziher’s Advertising and Relationship Manager. Sally is so impressed with the story of Jackie Elliott, the founder of Rural Women’s Day. Rural Women’s Day Ltd is a registered not-for-profit and a bit of a household name for many in the bush, with events across Australia designed to connect country women with community, collaboration and celebration.But the inaugural event in 2019 was meant to be a one off — curated by Jackie as something she herself was desperate for. Isolated and lonely, the then 25-year-old with no experience planning events did something very brave. She put herself out there — and watched the ripples expand throughout her community. 

Graziher’s Life on the Land Summer Series continues with co host Em Herbert’s favourite pick. It was her conversation with Jillian Kilby that bubbled to the surface. Jillian is not afraid of the big decisions. As an engineer and farmer’s daughter from Coonamble, in the central west of New South Wales, Jillian has leant on her rural values right through her career. This courage has seen her go against the grain most of her life and bounce from Coonamble to Sydney to Walgett to Silicon Valley and back to the Central West.It takes a certain level of guts to dig deep and blow up your life and Jillian has done it not once, but twice on an extraordinary scale.

The spark that ignited the Graziher concept was founder Claire Dunne's frustration at not seeing enough farming women represented in the media. She didn't rest on her laurels, but created not just a media stable, but an ethos. A way rural women can not only see themselves represented, but their stories heard well beyond the farm gate.It's Claire's turn to pick a favourite episode for our Summer Series and at the top of her list is Sammie O'Brien's conversation with Fiona Simson.Fiona has become a household name in Australia, not least because of her role as the first ever female president of the National Farmers Federation, but for passion and grace while serving in the role. Fiona has orchestrated remarkable positive transformations for the Australian agricultural sector. Originally from a property just outside of Armadale in New South Wales, Fiona met her husband Ed in Sydney, before settling at his farm near Gunnedah. Fiona's grounded in affable nature positions her seamlessly as an industry leader, allowing young women around the country to envision a viable career in rural Australia and the agricultural realm.

Life on the Land's Summer Series continues with Graziher's Editor Victoria Carey digging into the archives for her pick, Maya Linnell. The bestselling Rural Romance, or RuRo author has an amazing story to tell. From a startling introduction into journalism following America’s September 11 attack, to realising her aspirations as a novelist at nearly 40 years old, Maya demonstrates there’s no time limit on achieving your dreams. In this episode Maya takes us through the arduous process of writing novels, spurred by her passions for baked goods, tending roses and a rural lifestyle.

Our Summer Series continues with a favourite pick from our podcast producer Jayne Cuddihy.For Jayne, it’s the way people tell their stories that’s as fascinating as the events themselves. The way Western Australian artist Lori Pensini described getting interested and adept at art has lingered since the story first aired a couple of seasons ago. From the generous English aunt sending art materials in trunks to the remote station in the Kimberly, to Lori experimenting with different materials and having to deal with critters tramping over the wet paint in the night. Not to mention her own adventures with creatures on the back lawn at night while trying to escape the heat. And then of course how it all intertwined with Lori and her husband’s involvement with grazing and now regenerative practises. This is an entertaining listen!

We're highlighting some amazing Australian authors this summer and it just so happens Life on the Land's Sammie O'Brien's favourite interview for 2024 was acclaimed children's author Alison Lester.If you haven't had the pleasure of reading Magic Beach or My Farm to yourself or a young person in your life, then you are missing out. But it was her long term work with indigenous communities that suprised and delighted Sammie.Originally from a picturesque property near Foster in Victoria’s South Gippsland region, where the undulating hills converge with the vast expanse of the sea, Alison now calls Nar Nar Goon North, her home. An hour out of Melbourne in West Gippsland, she, her husband and their horses, revel in the serenity of their sprawling 10-acre property.

It's summer time! Which of course means the Graziher team pick a favourite Life on the Land podcast episode to reshare with you.This week it's Amie's pick. Amie is one of the digital producers here at Graziher and has dug deep into the archives to Em Herbert's original conversation with Tracey Hayes three years ago.This conversation resonated with Amie for many reasons, not least because of Tracey's extreme resilience, intelligence and tenacity — but because of the way she articulates her amazing story that includes everything from devastating grief, to taking on the Federal government as the first female CEO of the Northern Territory Cattleman's Association.Don't forget there's an issue of Graziher magazine on sale now, with a special subscription offer– our annual Women on the Land diary packed with important country dates. Just go to graziher.com.au and we will send one out to you!⁠ Plus if you subscribe for 2 or 3 years, you’ll get a bonus pair of Greenwood Designs pearl earrings.

The sounds of an Australian summer- it can be the blast of a branding furnace, cricket on the radio, delighted giggles from children playing on the beach. Or if you are lucky, the bliss that comes from being absorbed in the pages of a new book. In today's Life on the Land podcast, Em Herbert chats with Clare Fletcher, the author of Five Bush Weddings and Love Match. Clare grew up in Queensland’s St George and while she’s based in the big smoke now, her books circle around one main theme – the Australian bush.Clare's journey from journalism studies to published romantic comedy author is an interesting one. But she also talks about how she battles procrastination and perfectionism, what to do about the inner critic and her top reading recommendations for summer!And if good reading is a New Year resolution for you, remember there is an issue of Graziher on sale with a special subscription offer – a Graziher Women on the Land diary packed with important country dates. Just go to graziher.com.au and we will send one out to you!

According to the Grattan Institute - statistically – those with a non-English language background have twice the chance at meeting grade level expectations for reading than those from regional and remote areas.In this episode, Lucy Campbell tells Em Herbert how she is determined to turn the tables. The mum of two straddles two worlds – working for her city-based corporate job while living and working on the family farm in northwest New South Wales she shares with husband Tom and toddlers Libby and Jimmy. Lucy is passionate about every kid having a fighting chance to read well. Along with her business partner, Anna O’Connor, Lucy has launched a card game for families to get kids reading-ready before school - hiding the learning in the fun like hiding veggies in Bolognese!For this season of Life on the Land, we're centring our stories around the extraordinary next generation of women on the land. These young women working across all sectors in the bush are changing the game. They’re disruptors, thought leaders and changemakers.

Melissa Neilsen is a remarkable woman whose journey has taken her from the small Central Queensland town of Biloela, to the expansive plains of North Western Queensland. Growing up on a hobby farm, she’s now settled on some 60,000 acres with her husband, Stewart, and their three children, where they farm Brahman beef cattle.⁠⁠She’s a mother, wife, and the driving force behind Rural Women’s Exercise, an online fitness group focused on postpartum recovery, after her own experience with pelvic floor dysfunction following the birth of her third.⁠⁠Melissa is also navigating the complex, often overwhelming journey of securing resources, education, and support for her second child, who has autism and ADHD- a challenge that is both frustrating and all-consuming.⁠⁠Through it all, she remains a fierce advocate for rural women, mothers, and families facing unique obstacles in both the home and the broader community.⁠In this season of Life on the Land, we’re shining a light on the new generation of women on the land in Australia.

Chanel Bowen is a producer and film maker based in Western Australia. The 31-year-old was awarded the Australians In Film Screenworks Regional Screen internship in 2022 -  going on to intern in Hollywood - and has worked on films like Mystery Road and High Ground; all while living and travelling from her home outside Dunsborough in the south west. It hasn’t been smooth sailing for this creative, who acquired a traumatic brain injury after an accident five years ago. In this episode, Chanel takes our host Em Herbert through her candid approach to life and how she uses her work to champion others living with disability — combining her passions as a lived experience advocate to ensure greater representation on screen.This season of Life on the Land is centred around the stories of the next generation of women on the land. These young women working across all sectors in the bush are changing the game. They’re disruptors, thought leaders and changemakers.

Five years ago, Jackie Elliott took the ultimate leap of faith. Despite being in a loving relationship, surrounded by good people, she felt isolated in her community and it was starting to effect her mental health.  The then 25-year-old with no experience planning events did something very brave. She put herself out there, hosting the inaugural Rural Women's Day event and watched the ripples expand throughout her community.   Now, Rural Women’s Day Ltd is a registered not-for-profit, with events across Australia designed to connect country women with community, collaboration and celebration.This season Life on the Land is focusing on stories around the extraordinary next generation of women on the land. These young women working across all sectors in the bush are changing the game. They’re disruptors, thought leaders and changemakers. Our host Em Herbert sat down with Jackie after a Rural Women's Day event at Kimba, in South Australia.

Heidi Trusler knows all too well the challenges of getting consistent, quality health care in the bush. But instead of relying on other people to solve the problem, she founded the second online health service in Australia, POP. With 64 speech pathologists on staff, Heidi ironed out the kinks of telehealth operation well before the COVID pandemic and has assisted over 3000 families to access better care. In this episode, Sammie O’Brien discovers Heidi’s passion and motivation come from a childhood in remote western Queensland watching her parents struggle with getting assistance for her brother Jack, who has Down Syndrome. In this season of Life on the Land, we’re shining a light on the new generation of women on the land in Australia. Heidi is one of these dynamic and resilient forces reshaping agriculture and rural communities, bringing fresh perspectives and contributions that go far beyond traditional roles.

Did you know a teaspoon of soil contains more microorganisms than there are people on the planet?Tegan Nock does. The 33-year-old has made the jump from farmer to founder – her company, LoamBio raising $105-million last year in its series B investment raise. Based in Orange, NSW, LoamBio is breaking new ground with a world-first technology which uses fungi to trap carbon and improve soil health. The company says its biological seed treatment could turn the world’s croplands into giant carbon sinks – which farmers can monetise and trade. This series of Graziher's Life on the Land is focusing on stories around the extraordinary next generation of women on the land. These young women working across all sectors in the bush are changing the game. They’re whip smart and ready to change the world.

Pip Kensit is one of those remarkable women who can draw inspiration from whatever surroundings she finds herself. Be it during her idylic childhood on a sheep and cattle property in country New South Wales, or living with a Maasai tribe in Kenya or witnessing traumatic health events in remote Australia, Pip allows her experiences to drive her to better the world around her.A registered nurse with a Master’s in International Public Health and Health Leadership and Managment, Pip has worked extensively in regional and remote communities and developing countries, and is currently working part time at the Rural Doctors Network, as well as various other leadership roles in rural health organizations.In this episode Pip speaks to our host Sammie O'Brien about why she is now pursuing a degree in medicine and how she is taking the next generation of rural health professionals with her.

To say that Ella Edwards is fiercly passionate about regenerative agriculture is an understatement. She believes that's not just a moral imperative, it’s an economic imperative. Ella grew up on Bohara, her family’s sheep station on the Southern Tablelands of NSW between Goulbourn and Yass. The 31-year-old now works for Sydney based climate change advisory company Pollination, travelling back to the farm every second weekend, often helping with mustering, lambing or the shearing of the family’s 8000 superfine merinos. In this episode Ella talks to our host Em Herbert about what drives her passion and mythbusts some of the common misconceptions around the regenerative concept. This episode is proudly sponsored by Stetson.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.Did you know as a nation, we consume a staggering 336-million tins of tuna a year – roughly the same weight as the harbour bridge? And that 99 per cent of the 50,000 tonnes of tinned tuna Aussies eat annually is imported? With less than a third of that certified as sustainably fished.In this episode you'll meet Kate Lamason, the Queensland winner of the AgriFutures Australia Rural Women's Award.It's these statistics that blew her mind and reeled her in to start her business, Little Tuna – to get Aussie tuna on Aussie shelves.The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award recognises women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.In this episode you'll meet Rebecca Keeley, the 2024 New South Wales winner. Rebecca is fiercely passionate about closing the gap for regional and remote children being able to access speech pathology. Studies show that aussie kids are on average waiting 20 months for a speech pathology assessment - and a further 20 months before they receive intervention. For example, that means a two-year-old with delayed speech, is nearly six before they’re being seen face to face – the ripple effect of that delayed intervention seen throughout their formative years and beyond. The cost of these services are prohibative to many regional and remote families who would also need to travel huge distances to access services.This is not good enough for Rebecca Keeley. The speech pathologist has launched her startup, Yarn, which offers digital speech pathology programs to families while they wait to see a specialist in person.The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award recognises women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.In this episode you'll meet Belle Binder, the 2024 Tasmanian winner. Belle has established the Farm Work Loop, a first-of-its-kind proactive approach that blends work, travel and community by providing continued employment across diverse farms and is in conversation with Sammie O'Brien.The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award recognises women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.In this episode you'll meet Grace Larson, the 2024 Victorian winner, who founded the Sisterhood Project with her with her sister Skye. She’s in conversation with Em Herbert.The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award recognises women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia.With more than 68,000 Australian children hospitalised from accidents every year, first-aid training can be the difference between life and death. Yet the financial barrier can be prohibitive. This is where Grace Larson steps in. Living on a small heritage apple orchard outside Mia Mia in regional Victoria with her husband Steven and three children, Grace has 17 years’ experience working across paediatric intensive care units. This nurse is passionate about improving the lives of children — especially those living in the bush.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.In this episode you'll meet Tanya Egerton, the 2024 Northern Territory winner. She's been recognised for her sustainable, ethical, and culturally-focused Indigenous enterprise, the Remote OpShop Project and is in conversation with Sammie O'Brien.The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award recognises women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia.As the CEO of Circulanation and the Remote OpShop Project, Tanya is supporting the establishment of op shops in remote First Nations communities, providing access to affordable items, while generating independent funding that supports culturally-focused projects.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.In this episode you'll meet Nikki Atkinson, the 2024 Victorian winner who is asking brides across Australia to say ‘Yes to the wool dress’. The AgriFutures award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. This award recognises the women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia.The fashion designer is blazing a new trail in the world of bridal couture with her Horrocks Vale Collections — a stunning wedding collection made in Australia with Australian super fine Merino wool. Nikki lives on a sheep property, southwest of Port Augusta in South Australia, where she runs fine Merino wool sheep with her husband, Dallas. She's in conversation with Em Herbert.

We celebrate the winners of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award in this special series of Graziher's Life on the Land podcast.In this episode you'll meet Mandy Walker, the 2024 Western Australian winner who is supporting regional businesses to diversify and flourish, in conversation with Sammie O'Brien.The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award shines a spotlight on some of the most inspirational, courageous, innovative and hardworking women in the business, and celebrates all that rural Australia has to offer. The award recognises the women having a positive impact in rural industries, businesses and communities and inspires the next generation of female leaders across all aspects of regional, rural and remote Australia.Mandy Walker co-owns Walkers Diesel Services in Wongan Hills, a town 185 kilometres north-east of Perth in Western Australia. She's a passionate advocate for family business in regional areas and has developed a game-changing business model for other engineering enterprises in the Wheatbelt.

Leila McDougall… There’s not a lot she hasn’t done. In her own words, she’s had ‘a very elaborate career path’. Fashion designer, school teacher, showgirl, and now film maker; the latter, possibly her greatest role yet. Just a Farmer is an independent film, set in rural Victoria, exploring ‘generational trauma, love, loss, and the undeniable resilience of a farming community in the face of tragedy’. It’s a must watch, a difficult watch at times, but brilliant none the less.  Growing up on a property in Walcha, in the New England area of New South Wales, Leila was driven to not only produce but star in the film through her own personal experiences with mental health. Despite having no prior experience, Leila is completely incredible in her starring role in the film, and beautifully depicts the challenges of rural life. This episode is brought to you thanks to the support of Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association.Are you ready for a winter escape? Welcome to the Hunter Valley, New South Wales' premier wine region. Picture this: crisp winter air, beautiful shiraz and cozy fireside lounges. It’s the perfect getaway.Enjoy wine tastings at award-winning wineries and savour gourmet food crafted from local produce.Need some adventure? Try hot air ballooning over vineyards or unwind with a spa day at luxurious retreats. So, pack your bags and discover the magic of Hunter Valley this winter. Visit winecountry.com.au/winter to plan your trip today. Here's to the good life!