How do large-scale farming businesses balance productivity, sustainability and profitability while staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry?

In this episode, Sarah Jacobson from Lawson Grains shares how research, data and technology are shaping the future of farming across New South Wales and WA. Sarah explains how Lawson Grains approaches R&D, variable rate technology, soil health and sustainable farming practices. She also dives into soil carbon projects, the importance of accurate farm data, and how the business is using innovation to improve long-term productivity and resilience across diverse farming systems.

Sarah shares practical insights into evaluating new technology, managing risk with trial work, and why continuous learning is critical in modern agriculture. 

Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell sat down with Sarah to bring you this chat.

Resources and links:
Sarah Jacobson on LinkedIn

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'.

Connect:
Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
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.

How do large-scale farming businesses balance productivity, sustainability and profitability while staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry?
In this episode, Sarah Jacobson from Lawson Grains shares how research, data and technology are shaping the future of farming across New South Wales and WA. Sarah explains how Lawson Grains approaches R&amp;D, variable rate technology, soil health and sustainable farming practices. She also dives into soil carbon projects, the importance of accurate farm data, and how the business is using innovation to improve long-term productivity and resilience across diverse farming systems.
Sarah shares practical insights into evaluating new technology, managing risk with trial work, and why continuous learning is critical in modern agriculture.&nbsp;
Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell sat down with Sarah to bring you this chat.
Resources and links:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Sarah Jacobson on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-jacobson-90794b61/">LinkedIn</a></li>
</ul>
Nominate a Mate:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: <a href="https://regionalnsw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVuHOf7krHE9Voq">Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'</a>.</li>
</ul>
Connect:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/central-west">Central West LLS website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on Facebook</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://twitter.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on X</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services&rsquo; 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<a href="https://soundcartel.com.au/"> soundcartel.com.au</a> for more information.

Seeds for Success is a show where we have a good yarn about ag life with producers who are having a go. On the show, you'll hear from farmers in New South Wales who are out there battling the elements, making tough calls and getting the job done. You'll get a laugh out of some of their stories, and also pick-up some know-how along the way. Produced by Central West Local Land Services.

Seeds for Success is a show where we have a good yarn about ag life with producers who are having a go.

Seeds for Success

Farming Smarter at Scale: R&D, Soil Carbon and AgTech with Sarah Jacobson

How do you make the right decisions when the season turns against you and the pressure is on?

In this episode, Chris Kilby shares how he’s managing a dry and challenging season near Trundle, offering practical insights into decision-making, risk management, and keeping a farming business moving forward when conditions are tough.

Chris explains how they’ve adapted their cropping plans after missing key rainfall windows, shifted focus to feeding and protecting their core breeding ewes, and made early decisions to reduce stock numbers. He walks through the realities of confinement feeding, water security challenges, and the significant effort involved in establishing reliable infrastructure under pressure. You’ll also hear about the mental side of farming through dry conditions, the importance of community and connection, and why continuous learning and surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with Chris to bring you this chat.

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'.

Connect:
Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

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

How do you make the right decisions when the season turns against you and the pressure is on?
In this episode, Chris Kilby shares how he&rsquo;s managing a dry and challenging season near Trundle, offering practical insights into decision-making, risk management, and keeping a farming business moving forward when conditions are tough.
Chris explains how they&rsquo;ve adapted their cropping plans after missing key rainfall windows, shifted focus to feeding and protecting their core breeding ewes, and made early decisions to reduce stock numbers. He walks through the realities of confinement feeding, water security challenges, and the significant effort involved in establishing reliable infrastructure under pressure. You&rsquo;ll also hear about the mental side of farming through dry conditions, the importance of community and connection, and why continuous learning and surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference.
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with Chris to bring you this chat.
Nominate a Mate:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: <a href="https://regionalnsw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVuHOf7krHE9Voq">Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'</a>.</li>
</ul>
Connect:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/central-west">Central West LLS website</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on Facebook</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on X</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.
This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit <a href="https://soundcartel.com.au/">soundcartel.com.au</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Learn by Osmosis: Growing a Farm and a Future with Chris Kilby

Are you making the right decisions when it comes to expanding your farm business or managing risk in a new environment?

In this episode, Chris Kilby speaks about building a mixed farming enterprise near Trundle, sharing his journey of starting again, consolidating land, and improving efficiency across his operation. Alongside his wife Sarah and their three daughters, Chris runs a self-replacing Merino flock and cropping program, while continuing to refine their system after moving from the Goulburn region.

Chris shares the realities of purchasing and piecing together multiple blocks of land, the challenges of succession planning, and the steep learning curve of farming in a new district during drought conditions. He explains how infrastructure investments, pasture renovation, and strategic decision-making have shaped their business, along with the importance of relationships, flexibility in purchasing strategies, and long-term planning. You’ll also hear insights into managing worm resistance, testing before making decisions, and why knowing your numbers and your land is key to building a sustainable and profitable farming operation.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with Chris to bring you this chat.

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'.

Connect:
Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

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

Are you making the right decisions when it comes to expanding your farm business or managing risk in a new environment?
In this episode, Chris Kilby speaks about building a mixed farming enterprise near Trundle, sharing his journey of starting again, consolidating land, and improving efficiency across his operation. Alongside his wife Sarah and their three daughters, Chris runs a self-replacing Merino flock and cropping program, while continuing to refine their system after moving from the Goulburn region.
Chris shares the realities of purchasing and piecing together multiple blocks of land, the challenges of succession planning, and the steep learning curve of farming in a new district during drought conditions. He explains how infrastructure investments, pasture renovation, and strategic decision-making have shaped their business, along with the importance of relationships, flexibility in purchasing strategies, and long-term planning. You&rsquo;ll also hear insights into managing worm resistance, testing before making decisions, and why knowing your numbers and your land is key to building a sustainable and profitable farming operation.
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with Chris to bring you this chat.
Nominate a Mate:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: <a href="https://regionalnsw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVuHOf7krHE9Voq">Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'</a>.</li>
</ul>
Connect:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/central-west">Central West LLS website</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on Facebook</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on X</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.
This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit <a href="https://soundcartel.com.au/">soundcartel.com.au</a>&nbsp;for more information.

From Scattered Blocks to One Operation: The Power of Consolidation in Farming with Chris Kilby

Are you matching your livestock trading decisions to your feed base or the market?

In this episode, Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell speaks with Courtney Tourle about livestock trading, decision-making, and building a profitable enterprise while balancing work, family and farming. Courtney and her husband Tom run a livestock trading business on a leased property, while Courtney also works as an Animal Production Advisor at Nutrien Ag Solutions, giving her a unique perspective across many different farming operations and seasons.

Courtney shares how they got their start leasing country after the drought, the steep learning curve of financial literacy and trading livestock, and the lessons they learned from both profitable seasons and difficult market downturns. She explains how they match livestock classes to available feed and the importance of making proactive decisions rather than waiting too long.

You’ll also hear about how the best farmers manage seasonal variability, make confident decisions using the best information available at the time, and focus on controlling what they can control.

Resources and links:
Courtney Tourle on LinkedIn

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'.

Connect:
Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
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.

Are you matching your livestock trading decisions to your feed base or the market?
In this episode, Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell speaks with Courtney Tourle about livestock trading, decision-making, and building a profitable enterprise while balancing work, family and farming. Courtney and her husband Tom run a livestock trading business on a leased property, while Courtney also works as an Animal Production Advisor at Nutrien Ag Solutions, giving her a unique perspective across many different farming operations and seasons.
Courtney shares how they got their start leasing country after the drought, the steep learning curve of financial literacy and trading livestock, and the lessons they learned from both profitable seasons and difficult market downturns. She explains how they match livestock classes to available feed and the importance of making proactive decisions rather than waiting too long.
You&rsquo;ll also hear about how the best farmers manage seasonal variability, make confident decisions using the best information available at the time, and focus on controlling what they can control.
Resources and links:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-tourle-62479570/">Courtney Tourle on LinkedIn</a></li>
</ul>
Nominate a Mate:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: <a href="https://regionalnsw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVuHOf7krHE9Voq">Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'</a>.</li>
</ul>
Connect:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/central-west">Central West LLS website</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on Facebook</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on X</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services&rsquo; 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 <a href="https://soundcartel.com.au/">soundcartel.com.au</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Farming Smarter at Scale: R&D, Soil Carbon and AgTech with Sarah Jacobson

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