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.

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.
&nbsp;
Resources and links:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://kalbarsunflowers.com.au/">Kalbar Sunflowers website</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Send us your story:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Do you know someone (or are you someone) who&rsquo;d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at <a href="mailto:beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au">beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au</a>.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Connect:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/industries/agribusiness/">Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BendigoBank/">Bendigo Bank on Facebook</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://x.com/bendigobank">Bendigo Bank on X</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bendigobank/?originalSubdomain=au">Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BendigoBankCommunity/featured">Bendigo Bank on YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
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.

Beyond the Farm Gate is a show where we shine a light on great Australian stories in agriculture. On the show, you’ll hear from a diverse range of people in the Australian ag industry: from the farmers and community leaders who are shaping the future of rural Australia to innovators and entrepreneurs who are pioneering new approaches and technologies in agriculture. You'll be inspired hearing their stories … and pick up some insights along the way. Produced by Bendigo Bank Agribusiness.

Beyond the Farm Gate is a show where we shine a light on great Australian stories in agriculture.

Beyond the Farm Gate

#sunflowersforgood: The power of joy in the face of loss

In today's episode, I'm speaking to Nikki Lyons, one of Australia's most accomplished sheep shearers, whose remarkable career has seen her achieve record-breaking milestones while balancing the demands of motherhood and life on the land.

Nikki has built a reputation for determination, resilience and an unwavering passion for the Australian wool industry.

In this episode, Nikki talks about her journey into shearing, what it takes to perform at an elite level in one of Australia's toughest professions and how she has navigated the challenges of raising a family alongside a demanding career.

We also dive into the future of the wool industry, the challenges facing Australian producers, the importance of skilled shearers, and why wool continues to play such an important role in agriculture.

I am super excited to meet Nikki in person in July as Nikki will also be joining me on stage to chat about all things Wool at the upcoming Australian Sheep and Wool show as I MC the " Women of Wool" Lunch.

Resources and links:
Wool.com Article on Nikki


Nikki Lyons Instagram
Australian Sheep and Wool Show 

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.

In today's episode, I'm speaking to Nikki Lyons, one of Australia's most accomplished sheep shearers, whose remarkable career has seen her achieve record-breaking milestones while balancing the demands of motherhood and life on the land.
Nikki has built a reputation for determination, resilience and an unwavering passion for the Australian wool industry.
In this episode, Nikki talks about her journey into shearing, what it takes to perform at an elite level in one of Australia's toughest professions and how she has navigated the challenges of raising a family alongside a demanding career.
We also dive into the future of the wool industry, the challenges facing Australian producers, the importance of skilled shearers, and why wool continues to play such an important role in agriculture.
I am super excited to meet Nikki in person in July as Nikki will also be joining me on stage to chat about all things Wool at the upcoming Australian Sheep and Wool show as I MC the " Women of Wool" Lunch.
Resources and links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.wool.com/news-events/news/nikki-lions-record-25/">Wool.com Article on Nikki</a></li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiy-IT3vauVAxXnkq8BHS21AY4QFnoECCEQAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fyass_yogi_sheepo%2F&amp;usg=AOvVaw2B0CMZi8q0c2LdoNcWdtP_&amp;opi=89978449">Nikki Lyons Instagram</a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.sheepshow.com/">Australian Sheep and Wool Show </a></li>
</ul>
Send us your story:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Do you know someone (or are you someone) who&rsquo;d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at <a href="mailto:beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au">beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au</a>.</li>
</ul>
Connect:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/industries/agribusiness/">Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BendigoBank/">Bendigo Bank on Facebook</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://x.com/bendigobank">Bendigo Bank on X</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bendigobank/?originalSubdomain=au">Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BendigoBankCommunity/featured">Bendigo Bank on YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
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.

Motherhood, Merinos and Milestones - Nikki Lyons

My guest in this episode is Amelia Baker — a young Australian rodeo rider taking on one of the toughest sports out there and helping carve out space for women in an arena that’s long been dominated by men.

From life on the land to the intensity of competition, Amelia shares how she first found rodeo, what keeps pulling her back into the chute, and what she learned competing overseas in the United States — where rodeo isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life.

We also dive into the realities women face in the sport, the physical and mental toughness it demands, and why the future of women’s rodeo is only just getting started.

And since recording this conversation, I’ve actually had the privilege of seeing Amelia in action myself at the Ingham Rodeo, where she rode brilliantly, took out first place in the Women's Ranch Bronc Riding and walked away with the buckle. 

Since then, she’s also gone on to be crowned the 2026 WRBC Australian Champion and World Finalist — an incredible achievement and a true reflection of the dedication and grit she brings to the sport.

Resources and links:
Amelia Baker - Ladies Bronc Rider | Dysart QLD | Facebook


womens ranch bronc champs Instagram


https://www.womensranchbronc.com/

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.

My guest in this episode is Amelia Baker &mdash; a young Australian rodeo rider taking on one of the toughest sports out there and helping carve out space for women in an arena that&rsquo;s long been dominated by men.
From life on the land to the intensity of competition, Amelia shares how she first found rodeo, what keeps pulling her back into the chute, and what she learned competing overseas in the United States &mdash; where rodeo isn&rsquo;t just a sport, it&rsquo;s a way of life.
We also dive into the realities women face in the sport, the physical and mental toughness it demands, and why the future of women&rsquo;s rodeo is only just getting started.
And since recording this conversation, I&rsquo;ve actually had the privilege of seeing Amelia in action myself at the Ingham Rodeo, where she rode brilliantly, took out first place in the Women's Ranch Bronc Riding and walked away with the buckle.&nbsp;
Since then, she&rsquo;s also gone on to be crowned the 2026 WRBC Australian Champion and World Finalist &mdash; an incredible achievement and a true reflection of the dedication and grit she brings to the sport.
Resources and links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Amelia-Baker-61575885608946/">Amelia Baker - Ladies Bronc Rider | Dysart QLD | Facebook</a></li>
<li>
<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.instagram.com/womensranchbroncchamps?igsh=NHNxMnNmd2R5eWFv__;!!OkoFT9xN!IAgY0r0nQY1F5bfIE3g0ZhP3wGghSpTHwPrBfcXdvZojcNLb_XN6u3qxNQOYhhL0tubO9nPDcmi4c0ZFnhcCY-7FW0wC7ME2I2Q$">womens ranch bronc champs Instagram</a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.boonahshs.eq.edu.au">
https://www.womensranchbronc.com/
</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Famelia_baker04%2F&amp;is_from_rle"></a></li>
</ul>
Send us your story:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Do you know someone (or are you someone) who&rsquo;d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at <a href="mailto:beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au">beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au</a>.</li>
</ul>
Connect:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/industries/agribusiness/">Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BendigoBank/">Bendigo Bank on Facebook</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://x.com/bendigobank">Bendigo Bank on X</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bendigobank/?originalSubdomain=au">Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BendigoBankCommunity/featured">Bendigo Bank on YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
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.

Where Grit meets Glory - Amelia Baker 

In this episode I’m joined by Kelly Skewes, Industry Liaison Officer at Boonah State High School where we dive into the AG Futures program and how it’s giving young people real pathways into agriculture — not just through textbooks, but through hands-on experience, industry connections, and a whole lot of heart.

From their “Coffee N Cows” mornings to powerful student success stories, this episode is all about what happens when education meets opportunity in rural Australia.

What really stood out to me was not every student comes from a farming background… but many leave with a future in agriculture.

If you’ve ever wondered what the next generation of farmers, producers and ag leaders looks like — this episode is for you!

Resources and links:
Boonah State High School - Website
Paddock to Place - Facebook
Kelly Skewes - Industry Liaison Officer - Boonah State High School
07 5460 6111 / 0425 567 268
kskew3@eq.edu.a

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.

In this episode I&rsquo;m joined by Kelly Skewes, Industry Liaison Officer at&nbsp;Boonah State High School where we dive into the AG Futures program and how it&rsquo;s giving young people real pathways into agriculture &mdash; not just through textbooks, but through hands-on experience, industry connections, and a whole lot of heart.
From their &ldquo;Coffee N Cows&rdquo; mornings to powerful student success stories, this episode is all about what happens when education meets opportunity in rural Australia.
What really stood out to me was not every student comes from a farming background&hellip; but many leave with a future in agriculture.
If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered what the next generation of farmers, producers and ag leaders looks like &mdash; this episode is for you!
Resources and links:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.boonahshs.eq.edu.au">Boonah State High School - Website</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile/100063698388005/search/?q=Paddock%20to%20Plate">Paddock to Place - Facebook</a><a href="file:///C:/Users/admeS54/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/WX8RADH1/Ag%20Futures.pdf"></a></li>
<li>Kelly Skewes - Industry Liaison Officer - Boonah State High School 07 5460 6111 / 0425 567 268 kskew3@eq.edu.a</li>
</ul>
Send us your story:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Do you know someone (or are you someone) who&rsquo;d make a great potential guest on a future episode of Beyond the Farm Gate? Drop us a line at <a href="mailto:beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au">beyondthefarmgate@bendigobank.com.au</a>.</li>
</ul>
Connect:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.bendigobank.com.au/business/industries/agribusiness/">Bendigo Bank Agribusiness website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BendigoBank/">Bendigo Bank on Facebook</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://x.com/bendigobank">Bendigo Bank on X</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bendigobank/?originalSubdomain=au">Bendigo Bank on LinkedIn</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BendigoBankCommunity/featured">Bendigo Bank on YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
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.

#sunflowersforgood: The power of joy in the face of loss

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