• Episode 82. Billy Buckingham - South West Victoria
    Jul 8 2025

    Billy Buckingham has returned home to his family farm, with a real passion to continue the legacy his grandparents started.

    In this chat he shares the current challenges of the drought and how he is able to take advantage of the dry season preparations his family invested in years ago. He also shares the importance of community and networking in the Young Dairy Network, and how these connections have not only helped with on farm investments but are so beneficial for mental health especially during tough times.

    TOPICS WE COVER

    Career Journey and Background

    Family Farm History and Legacy

    Succession Planning and Farm Management

    Current Farming Challenges

    Young Dairy Network (YDN) Involvement

    Technology and Farm Improvements

    Community and Mental Health

    Personal Values and Future Goals

    PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP

    Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria in 2024, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Warragul in Gippsland on July 29th & 30th 2025. Keep an eye on Instagram or Facebook or check it out on the Website for all of the details.

    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.

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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Episode 81. Tori Brindle Mansell - South Coast NSW
    Jun 21 2025

    Tori Brindle Mansell grew up in suburban Sydney, but always had a passion for agriculture, turning a summer placement at Uni into a successful career in dairy.

    In this chat she shares her love for robotic farming systems, how she started with calf rearing which has since developed into a manager role. We chat about all things robots, and the flexibility it’s given her to work whilst her daughter without access to childcare. She is also the current YDN leader for the south coast and gives an insight into why the role is so important, for not only her development but also the future of dairy.

    TOPICS we discuss

    Educational Journey and Career Beginnings

    Transition to Rural Life and Education Challenges

    Regional vs. City Living Comparison

    Introduction to Robotic Dairy Systems

    Career Progression in Dairy

    Working in a Robotic Dairy System

    Farm Ownership Considerations

    Work-Life Balance with a Young Child

    Grazing Management with Robotic Systems

    Professional Development and YDN

    Future Career Aspirations

    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.

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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Episode 80. Virginia Mall - Central Coast NSW
    Jun 7 2025

    Virginia Mall is a self proclaimed dairy tragic, with a lifelong passion for dairy and guernsey cows. Although she was discouraged from pursuing a career in agriculture, she was drawn back in with a real focus on regenerative farming practices.

    In this chat she shares how she runs a diversified farm, Grace Springs Farm on only 26 acres, incorporating dairy, beef, pigs and chickens for direct to consumer sales alongside agritourism. And although she is currently only utilising the cow’s milk to feed her pigs she has dreams of expanding and becoming a full time dairy farmer.

    Topics:

    Early Life and Corporate Career Path Transition to Farming Building the Farm Dairy Cattle and Farm Operations Sustainable Farming Practices Diversification and Market Strategy Challenges and Regulations Personal Struggles and Resilience Community and Support Agritourism and Education Future Aspirations and Advice

    PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP

    Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria in 2024, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Warragul in Gippsland on July 29th & 30th 2025. Tickets are on sale NOW with early bird pricing still avaliable - Check out Instagram or Facebook or check it out on the Website for all of the details.

    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.

    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Episode 79. Alysha & Ryan Conlan - South West Victoria
    May 27 2025

    Alysha & Ryan Conlan had multiple businesses and were making every second of the day count before following their dream to transition from construction into dairy farming. In this week's episode they share how 5 calves quickly went to standing room only, how they didn’t let the multiple NO’s stop them and how they’ve moved their family across the state with limited dairy experience to running a successful dairy business for the last 18 months.

    TOPICS WE COVER

    1. Transition to Dairy Farming: Alysha and Ryan discuss their move from construction to dairy farming, detailing their journey and the challenges they faced.

    2. Business and Financial Strategies: They share insights into their business strategies, including real estate investments and the importance of cash flow in dairy farming.

    3. Community and Support: The couple emphasises the support they received from the dairy community, including Dairy Australia and local networks, which helped them navigate their new venture.

    4. Family Involvement: The importance of family involvement in their farming operations and how they balance work with family life.

    5. Future Plans and Aspirations: Ryan and Alysha discuss their future goals, including potential expansion and the importance of seizing opportunities in the dairy industry.

    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.

    PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP

    Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria in 2024, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Warragul in Gippsland on July 29th & 30th 2025. Tickets are now ON SALE so keep an eye on Instagram or Facebook or check out the Website for all of the details and to reserve your spot!

    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Episode 78. Rachael Napier - Southern NSW
    May 17 2025

    Rachael farms in Southern NSW and today shares her incredibly difficult experience following the milk crash and clawback in 2016 and how it drastically changed their farming system. Alongside partner Craig they had to make decisions and make them quick, including downsizing the herd and reducing the staff to ensure the farm could trade their way out of debt, and whilst it has taken them plenty of blood, sweat and tears they have done just that!

    In this chat Rachael openly shares about the relationships with their consultant and creditors and how creating the $500 dollar club ensured everyone was paid, even in the depth of their financial crisis. She shares personal reflections on the impact it had on the community, their family and themselves, providing incredibly valuable insights for anyone facing situations outside of their control such as the clawback or the current drought.

    A reminder that this is all general conversation and not specific financial advice, so if you are in severe financial hardship please know you aren’t alone and I encourage you to lean on your support networks within Dairy Australia, your farm consultant or advisors or take advantage of the many rural financial counseling services available and check out the Farm Household Allowance to see if you are eligible, because if you used it as Rachael did in 2016, you’re 10 year cycle will have reset and you can once again apply. Use this link to see if you are eligible https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/farm-household-allowance

    Dairy Australia Resources https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/issues-and-emergencies/grant-and-support-programs

    PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREAM OF THE CROP - TICKETS ON SALE NOW

    Cream of the Crop is a two day conference, providing an opportunity for women in the dairy industry to come together to learn, connect and grow. Recognising the contribution, regardless of their role, they make to the industry and their wider community. Over 110 incredible women joined us in Northern Victoria in 2024, and we are excited to announce we are heading to Warragul in Gippsland on July 29th & 30th 2025. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!!! Check out Instagram or Facebook or check it out on the Website for all of the details and links to purchase.

    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.

    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Episode 77. Monique Bryant - Northern Victoria
    Apr 17 2025

    Monique Bryant farms alongside husband Mark in Northern Victoria, and although she has spent time off farm in milk supply and in education, her choice has been and still remains to be farming everyday.

    In this chat she shares how they’ve worked through succession planning on the family farm, how they’ve faced significant flooding of their milking platform which has led them to expand and grow the business with risk management at the forefront. And she shares about her involvement within the industry and her time as the 2025 Chair for the Australian Dairy Conference Programing Committee.

    We cover the topics

    - Transition to Full-Time Dairy Farming - Succession Planning - Challenges, Adaption and Flood Management - Farm Expansion - Team Management and Technology - Industry Involvement and Leadership - Future Plans and Reflections

    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.

    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 76. Sarah Crosthwaite - Northern Victoria
    Mar 25 2025

    Sarah Crosthwaite farms alongside her husband Stuart, in the North East of Victoria but her real passion is mental health, starting her own counselling business supporting the mental health and wellbeing of farmers, rural families and a variety of agricultural workers across Australia.

    In this chat, Sarah shares how she became an accredited mental health social worker and how she is using her many years of experience in agriculture and dairy to provide support for farmers and service providers facing the many challenges that we experience specific to farming. She gives really practical tips and strategies to maintain your mental fitness, as well as discussing the role of financial literacy in reducing stress and the importance of communication in relationships, especially in the context of farming families.

    We also chat about where to go when you are seeking external support, and the importance of finding the right person, just like finding the right pair of jeans. This chat is very general in nature and not specific therapeutic care, but if you are in need of, or someone you love is struggling please head along to any of the services and resources

    TIACS - Free counselling service 8am - 10pm, Monday - Friday

    Call or Text 0488 846 988; https://www.tiacs.org/how-it-works/

    RURAL HEALTH CONNECT - online platform that links people to psychologists over video calls and phone calls. https://ruralhealthconnect.com.au/

    Open Road Counselling - Sarah Crosthwaite https://openroadcounselling.com.au/

    CRISIS SUPPORT

    Lifeline: 131 114

    Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

    Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

    Triple Zero: 000

    Resources and Tools:

    National Centre Farmer Health https://farmerhealth.org.au/

    I Farm Well https://ifarmwell.com.au/

    Marcus Minds https://www.marcusminds.com/

    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Episode 75. Greg Duncan - Southern NSW
    Mar 19 2025

    Greg Duncan, is the agribusiness program leader at Dairy Australia. Greg shares his fascinating journey into the dairy industry, starting from his family's sheep and potato farming background in Northern Ireland and England. He discusses his diverse role at Dairy Australia, his early memories of growing up on various farms in New South Wales, and his educational path in agricultural science. Greg elaborates on his career progression, including his time at Pfizer Animal Health and his transition to Dairy Australia, where he has been instrumental in developing and delivering farm performance and business-related extension programs. The conversation delves into the importance of strategic planning for dairy farmers, the benefits of the "Our Farm, Our Plan" program, and the shift towards online extension services. Greg also emphasises the need for young farmers to get involved in the industry, the potential for wealth creation in dairy farming, and the importance of community and leadership development.

    TOPICS we cover

    - Family and Early Life - Education and Early Career - Transition to Dairy Australia - Building Dairy New South Wales - Young Dairy Network and Extension - Online Extension - Our Farm, Our Plan - Business Focus in Dairy - Future of Dairy and Young Farmers - Dairy Farm Monitor and Business Analysis
    • Dairy Australia: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au

    • Our Farm, Our Plan: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm/our-farm-our-plan [01:02:59]

    • Dairy Base: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm/farm-business/dairybase [58:27]

    • Farm Business Snapshot: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/farm/farm-business/farm-business-snapshot

    If you know someone who you think would be great on the podcast, or you would like to share your story, please get in touch by sending an email to podcast.morethanmilk@gmail.com or stay connected by following us on Instagram or Facebook and send us a message - I'd love to hear from you.

    In the spirit of reconciliation we would like to acknowlegde the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 14 mins