How can farmers build resilience and find new income opportunities without simply buying more land? 

In this episode, Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach speaks with Kristen Hegarty, who farms with her family on a 1,000-hectare livestock property in the Upper Hunter of NSW. Kristen shares her journey into the family business, regenerative grazing, and how the farm responded to a challenging season through destocking, early weaning, and a new cattle trading opportunity in the desert. 

Kristen also discusses her flower-growing enterprise and Nuffield Scholarship research into value-adding opportunities for livestock farms. She shares lessons from her international travels, exploring agritourism, agroforestry and other ways farmers can diversify income, reduce reliance on land and build a more resilient farm business. 

Resources and links:
Kristen Hegarty: LinkedIn 
Nuffield Farming Scholarship 
Future Drought Fund 

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 can farmers build resilience and find new income opportunities without simply buying more land?&nbsp;
In this episode, Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach speaks with Kristen Hegarty, who farms with her family&nbsp;on&nbsp;a 1,000-hectare livestock property in the Upper Hunter of NSW. Kristen shares her journey into the family business, regenerative grazing, and how the farm responded to a challenging season through destocking, early&nbsp;weaning,&nbsp;and a new cattle trading opportunity in the&nbsp;desert.&nbsp;
Kristen also discusses her flower-growing enterprise and Nuffield Scholarship research into value-adding opportunities for livestock farms. She shares lessons from her international travels, exploring agritourism, agroforestry and other ways farmers can diversify income, reduce reliance on&nbsp;land&nbsp;and build a more resilient farm business.&nbsp;
Resources and links:
<ul>
<li>Kristen Hegarty:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenkilby/">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/">Nuffield Farming Scholarship</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/future-drought-fund">Future Drought Fund</a>&nbsp;</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>
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> 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

From Flower Farming to Cattle Trading: Finding New Opportunities in Agriculture with Kristen Hegarty 

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'.

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 can farmers balance profitability,&nbsp;sustainability&nbsp;and productivity in a changing agricultural landscape?&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Iain shares his journey from working as an agronomist in&nbsp;broadacre&nbsp;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,&nbsp;marketing&nbsp;and making decisions about future varieties.&nbsp;
You'll also hear about Iain&rsquo;s Nuffield Scholarship research into the intersection of profitability and sustainability in apple orchards, the lessons he&rsquo;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.&nbsp;
Resources and links:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Iain MacLennan:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/iain-maclennan-807520117/">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/apple_farmer_in_orange?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D">Instagram</a>&nbsp;</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.

Balancing Profitability and Sustainability in Modern Orchard Management with Iain MacLennan 

Could virtual fencing transform the way you manage grazing, cattle and pasture? 

In this episode, Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell speaks with Andrew Dowd about livestock trading, pasture management and the practical benefits of virtual fencing technology. Andrew runs a young cattle trading enterprise across family-owned and leased properties, using a combination of grazing management, data and technology to improve productivity and profitability. 

Andrew shares how moving from dairy heifers into cattle trading gave him greater control over his business, how he makes buying and selling decisions based on market opportunities and feed availability, and why long-term pasture improvement is central to his operation. He also explains how virtual fencing, rotational grazing and farm data are helping him increase carrying capacity, improve pasture utilisation and prepare for future carbon farming opportunities. 

You'll also hear how Andrew uses technology to support decision-making, why he's embracing early adoption of virtual fencing, and the practical lessons he's learned from implementing new systems across multiple properties. 

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.

Could virtual fencing transform the way you manage grazing,&nbsp;cattle&nbsp;and pasture?&nbsp;
In this episode, Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell speaks with Andrew Dowd about livestock trading, pasture&nbsp;management&nbsp;and the practical benefits of virtual fencing technology. Andrew runs a young cattle trading enterprise across family-owned and leased properties, using a combination of grazing management,&nbsp;data&nbsp;and technology to improve productivity and profitability.&nbsp;
Andrew shares how moving from dairy heifers into cattle trading gave him greater control over his business, how he makes buying and selling decisions based on market opportunities and feed availability, and why long-term pasture improvement is central to his operation. He also explains how virtual fencing, rotational grazing and farm data are helping him increase carrying capacity, improve pasture&nbsp;utilisation&nbsp;and prepare for future carbon farming opportunities.&nbsp;
You'll also hear how Andrew uses technology to support decision-making, why he's embracing early adoption of virtual fencing, and the practical lessons he's learned from implementing new systems across multiple properties.&nbsp;
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.

Virtual Fencing, Cattle Trading and Smarter Grazing with Andrew Dowd 

As a fifth-generation farmer from Cowra, Jo Treasure works alongside her family managing prime lambs, Black Angus cattle, grazing crops and perennial pastures, while continually looking for ways to improve profitability and long-term sustainability. In this episode, she shares how she is running a mixed farming enterprise, making strategic business decisions, and encouraging more young people to pursue careers in agriculture. 

Jo shares how an unexpected gap year led to a lifelong career in agriculture, why she's focused on improving financial literacy and business performance on the family farm, and the practical decisions behind their livestock, pasture, and cropping systems. She also explains how direct marketing, feedlots, improved genetics and pasture management are helping build a more resilient farming business. 

You'll hear about Jo's passion for agricultural education, the school lamb program she's expanded across multiple schools, and why giving young people hands-on farming experiences could help shape the future of Australian agriculture. 

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

Resources and links:
Jo Treasure on 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'.

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.

As a fifth-generation farmer from&nbsp;Cowra,&nbsp;Jo Treasure&nbsp;works alongside her family managing prime lambs, Black Angus cattle, grazing&nbsp;crops&nbsp;and perennial pastures, while continually looking for ways to improve profitability and long-term sustainability.&nbsp;In this episode, she&nbsp;shares how she is&nbsp;running a mixed farming enterprise, making strategic business decisions, and encouraging more young people to pursue careers in agriculture.&nbsp;
Jo shares how an unexpected gap year led to a lifelong career in agriculture, why&nbsp;she's&nbsp;focused on improving financial literacy and business performance on the family farm, and the practical decisions behind their livestock,&nbsp;pasture,&nbsp;and cropping systems. She also explains how direct marketing, feedlots, improved&nbsp;genetics&nbsp;and pasture management are helping build a more resilient farming business.&nbsp;
You'll&nbsp;hear about Jo's passion for agricultural education, the school lamb program&nbsp;she's&nbsp;expanded across multiple schools, and why giving young people hands-on farming experiences could help shape the future of Australian agriculture.&nbsp;
Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell sat down with&nbsp;Jo&nbsp;to bring you this&nbsp;conversation.
Resources and links:
<ul>
<li>Jo Treasure on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/connect.to.ag.aus/">Instagram</a>&nbsp;</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.

From Flower Farming to Cattle Trading: Finding New Opportunities in Agriculture with Kristen Hegarty

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