How can farmers balance profitability, sustainability and productivity in a changing agricultural landscape? 

In this episode, Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell, speaks with Iain MacLennan, Orchard and Farm Manager at his family farm in Orange, NSW, about apple production, sustainable farming and building a resilient agricultural business.  

Iain shares his journey from working as an agronomist in broadacre agriculture to managing a family-owned apple orchard, including the challenges of redeveloping an established orchard and learning the complexities of fruit production. He discusses the seasonal demands of orchard management, from tree health and pollination through to pest management, marketing and making decisions about future varieties. 

You'll also hear about Iain’s Nuffield Scholarship research into the intersection of profitability and sustainability in apple orchards, the lessons he’s learned from visiting agricultural businesses around the world, and why focusing on efficiency, diversity and strong production systems is essential for creating a more resilient future for Australian farms. 

Resources and links: 

• Iain MacLennan: LinkedIn | Instagram 

Nominate a Mate:

• If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

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• Central West LLS on YouTube

This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.