TasFarmers Talks

In this special TasFarmers podcast episode, TasFarmers sits down with National Farmers’ Federation CEO Mike Guerin and President Hamish McIntyre to unpack the growing pressure facing Australian agriculture.From rising fuel and fertiliser costs to food security, freight challenges, and the controversial EU trade deal, our conversation explores what’s really at stake for farmers, regional communities, and Australia’s sovereign capability.The discussion dives into:Why fuel and fertiliser costs are reshaping farming decisionsConcerns around Australia’s food security and supply chainsWhat the EU trade deal means for local producersThe need for investment in regional infrastructure and manufacturingWhy agriculture must remain a national priorityIt’s a frank and practical conversation about resilience, policy, and the future of farming in Australia, from Tasmania to the mainland.

In this episode of TasFarmers Talks, the focus intensifies on fuel, fertiliser, and the uncertainty facing farmers across Tasmania.Felicity Richards, Neil Grose and Elizabeth Skirving unpack diesel supply concerns, rising costs, and the pressure on farm cash flow, along with what farmers can do to plan ahead.A practical look at the challenges on the ground, and what needs to happen next.

In this episode of TasFarmers Talks, recorded ahead of the Prime Minister’s latest address, the team unpacks growing concern across agriculture as farmers wait for clarity on fuel supply.While fuel relief has been welcomed by the broader community, the reality on farm is different, with ongoing uncertainty around diesel availability, fertiliser supply, and rising input costs continuing to impact confidence.TasFarmers President Nathan Cox, CEO Nathan Calman, and COO Neil Grose discuss what farmers actually need: certainty to plan, plant and produce.🎧 Listen now

In this episode of TasFarmers Talks, outgoing President Ian Sauer reflects on his time leading the organisation, the progress made for Tasmanian farmers, and the foundations built to strengthen TasFarmers for the future. The conversation also introduces new President Nathan Cox and Vice President Felicity Richards, who outline their focus on members, practical advocacy, and building on the work already underway. The discussion covers the value of strong representation, the importance of trust and consultation, and some of the major issues TasFarmers has worked through in recent years, including farm access, the North West Transmission Line, animal welfare, fire levy advocacy, fuel security, and cutting red tape. It is a positive episode about leadership transition, farmer-focused advocacy, and the next chapter for TasFarmers.

In this episode of TasFarmers Talks, the team tackles the ongoing firearm policy debate, rising fuel and fertiliser costs, and what these pressures mean for farmers right now.TasFarmers President Ian Sauer, CEO Nathan Calman, and COO Neil Grose discuss the role of firearms as a tool of trade, the risks of policy being developed without proper consultation, and why getting this balance right matters for agriculture.The conversation then turns to the sharp increase in input costs, with fuel and fertiliser placing significant strain on farm businesses, reducing margins and creating real uncertainty across the sector. This week's panel also examines the proposed sale of Rushy Lagoon and what it signals about land use, investment, and government influence in agricultural markets.Drawing on member experience, the episode outlines the growing pressure on farm viability and the broader implications for productivity, food security, and regional Tasmania.

In this episode of Farmers Talks, the conversation dives into the growing pressure farmers are facing from regulation, rising energy costs, and slow-moving bureaucracy.TasFarmers President Ian Sauer, policy lead Neil Grose, and berry grower Steph Terry unpack the real-world impact of red tape on farming businesses — from power prices and irrigation challenges to workforce housing and compliance requirements.They explore why government reform is back in the spotlight following Tasmania’s departmental shake-up, and what meaningful change could look like for farmers trying to invest, expand, and keep regional communities strong.🌱 Topics discussed include:The cost of red tape and regulation on farm businessesRising energy prices and irrigation challengesWorkforce housing barriers for agricultureCompliance audits and supply chain pressureNet zero policies and their impact on farmingWhy structural reform in government matters for regional economiesIt’s a frank discussion about what’s slowing agriculture down — and what needs to change to help Tasmania’s farming sector grow.

In this episode of TasFarmers Talks, TasFarmers President Ian Sauer, CEO Nathan Calman, and COO Neil Grose confront the escalating crisis of feral deer across Tasmania and its mounting toll on farm productivity, the environment, and regional economies. Drawing on member surveys and government data, the panel outlines how deer populations have surged dramatically in recent years, causing extensive damage to fences, crops, pasture, and native vegetation, while imposing significant financial burdens on landholders.

In this episode of TasFarmers Talks, TasFarmers President Ian Sauer, CEO Nathan Calman, and COO Neil Grose examine growing frustration with Tasmania’s local government system. The discussion explores council rates, inconsistent valuation methods, planning failures, over-governance, and the impact these issues have on farmers’ competitiveness and productivity. Drawing on member feedback, the panel argues the current model is broken, calls for meaningful reform, and outlines why leadership and courage are needed to restore value, accountability, and fairness across regional Tasmania.

Bushfires, fuel management and what farmers are warning the government about