Episodes

  • The challenges of remote agriculture

    The challenges of remote agriculture
    Sep 13 2021
    Remote agriculture is not for the faint-hearted. The farmers who take on the challenge must deal with unpredictable climates, heat tolerant animals and managing properties larger than small countries. So how successful have Australian graziers been at overcoming these challenges? And what is the potential contribution of remote agriculture to the supply of meat locally and overseas? Host Chris Russell speaks with Annabelle Coppin, the owner and operator of Yarrie Station in far north-west Western Australia, about how they're overcoming the challenges of remote agriculture to meet the demands of their local and international consumers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    45 mins
  • The potential of the Ord River Scheme

    The potential of the Ord River Scheme
    Aug 8 2021
    With virtually unlimited water and a warm predictable climate, the Ord River Scheme in far north-west Western Australia has the potential to be one of the most exciting opportunities for food and fibre production in Australia today. Many crops have tried to make use of the abundant water but just as many have failed due to the remoteness from highly competitive markets or insect pests. But will investment from Shanghai-based company Kimberly Agricultural Investment be the key to realising the full potential of the area? Host Chris Russell speaks with General Manager of Kimberly Agricultural Investment, Jim Engelke, about the crops that have been tested (and failed) in the Ord before and what KAI are doing differently. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    35 mins
  • Improving connectivity in rural Australia

    Improving connectivity in rural Australia
    May 16 2021
    What is the plan for ensuring reliable connectivity in regional and remote Australia? Connectivity in regional and remote Australia has always lagged behind the cities, yet the growth in digital and robotic agriculture demands the same access and speeds as urban business and industry. Host Chris Russell speaks to Federal Minister for Communications, Minister Paul Fletcher, about his government's plans to meet the connectivity needs of the bush. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    47 mins
  • Are we making the most of Australia’s groundwater?

    Are we making the most of Australia’s groundwater?
    Jan 6 2021
    How can Australia make better use of its vast underground water storage? The practice of water banking injects excess surface water into underground aquifers during wet times, to be used during dry times. Host Chris Russell speaks to postdoctoral research fellow in groundwater management at the US-based Environmental Defence Fund Andrew Ross about the feasibility of water banking in Australia and what would need to happen to make it a reality. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    40 mins
  • Bridging the gap between farms and supermarkets

    Bridging the gap between farms and supermarkets
    Dec 30 2020
    Australia is the second most urbanised country in the world after Singapore and the distances to bring food from the regions to the cities are huge. How can we bridge the increasing geographical and psychological gap between Australian producers and the urban consumers who buy their produce? One solution is peri-urban agriculture and the practice of growing food on the fringes of capital cities. Host Chris Russell speaks to CEO of Urban Ecological Systems Andrew Bodlovich about the feasibility of large scale food production close to the supermarkets that distribute it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    41 mins
  • Should you swap cows’ milk for plant milk?

    Should you swap cows’ milk for plant milk?
    Dec 23 2020
    Are plant-based "milks" better for you than dairy milk? A 2020 study from the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council found that the nutrients in plant-based milks aren’t an adequate substitute for dairy milk, in spite of popular perceptions. Host Chris Russell speaks to Nutritionist and General Manager of the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council Sarah Grafenauer about the perceived health benefits of plant-based milks compared to the reality. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    30 mins
  • Why is Australian beef so popular overseas?

    Why is Australian beef so popular overseas?
    Dec 16 2020
    Is Australia a major player in global food production? Or has it, or should it, take advantage of its unique provenance story and become a specialist supplier of niche products to a growing global and affluent middle class? Host Chris Russell speaks to former President of the Australian Lotfeeders Association Kevin Roberts about the growing popularity of Australian grain fed-beef overseas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    27 mins
  • Predicting food trends in Australia

    Predicting food trends in Australia
    Dec 9 2020
    How can farmers make informed production decisions based on food trends? For farmers looking to expand their production to include value-added products, it can be hard to distinguish between legitimate trends and marketing spin. Host Chris Russell speaks to Founder and CEO of New Nutrition Business Julian Mellentin about how they predict food trends and how Australian farmers can take advantage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    39 mins