Industry Development
Get funded access to leading advisers who will deliver both on-farm support and group workshop

"Running a fourth-generation family farm comes with unique challenges. That’s why we joined the AgRi-Silience Program. It helped us build resilience through business planning, personal development, and networking with other farming families.”

“We created our own Resilience Roadmap, enabling us to move forward with a growth mindset and sustainable goals.”

“We started farming in one of the toughest droughts on record — but we didn’t let that stop us. Joining the AgRi-Silience Program helped us build a farm business with strong financial management, clear business goals, and an adaptable growth strategy.”

“Since completing the program, we’ve expanded our operations with new infrastructure, equipment, and even launched a new coaching business!”

"Starting a farm in the middle of a drought taught us resilience the hard way. But through the AgRi-Silience Program, we learned how to set business goals, improve financial management, and build a long-term strategy for our farm’s success.”

“Since completing the program, we’ve invested in key infrastructure, expanded our farm operations, and even launched a coaching business focused on personal development and growth.”

Darren Thomas, the CEO of Thomas Foods International, discusses his journey in the agricultural industry and the growth of his family business.

He highlights the importance of being present and connected with employees and customers, as well as the advantages of being based in South Australia.

Darren also shares the key moments and decisions that have shaped the success of Thomas Foods International, including the expansion into processing and the strategic acquisition of plants in strategic locations around the world, the moments that have challenged and defined his career so far and overcoming adversity to find opportunity.

Livestock SA Partnership:

This episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.

Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.

Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.

In this episode of the Humans of Agriculture podcast, Oli Le Lievre chats with clinical psychologist Kate Gunn, the founder of iFarmWell, an online mental health resource designed specifically for farmers.

Kate shares her journey of growing up on a farm in South Australia, pursuing a career in psychology, and her deep connection to agriculture that led her to create iFarmWell.

She discusses the importance of farmer wellbeing, how factors beyond the farm gate like public perception can affect mental health, and practical strategies farmers can use to manage stress. The conversation also explores the evolution of iFarmWell, its community-based approach, and how Kate is working to break down the barriers around mental health support in rural communities.

Livestock SA Partnership:

This episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.

Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.

Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.

Chris Schied has been a business advisor for more than the last 25 years. Across his career he's learnt a few things about what it takes for family business and farming businesses to succeed.

A few things we chat about:

• Family boards are essential in agriculture for effective strategy, governance, risk management, and succession planning.
• Family boards should meet at least twice a year, with an annual general meeting to review past performance and plan for the future.
• Non-returning family members and external advisors should be involved in family board meetings.
• Emotion should not be removed from decision-making in family businesses, as it plays a role in succession planning and understanding the purpose of the business.

Livestock SA Partnership:

This episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.

Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.

Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.

Jenny Stanton wears multiple hats as a farmer, agronomist, netball coach, and community leader on Kangaroo Island (KI). She shares her story of resilience, having survived the devastating 2020 bushfires, which wiped out livestock and infrastructure, and how her family rebuilt both their farm and their lives. Jenny discusses the journey of running a family farm, including succession planning and the balancing act of managing daily operations, community roles, and personal well-being.

We dive into topics such as:

• How her family navigated succession planning after the fires.
• The importance of community and their "Fat Farmers" initiative to improve physical and mental health.
• Jenny's passion for soil health, sustainable farming practices, and the challenges of finding natural solutions to pest problems.
• The role of Farm Owners Academy and the Australian Rural Leadership Program in shaping their business and personal growth.

Livestock SA Partnership:

This episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.

Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.

Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Richie Kirkland shares his love of popping off on the buggies, hunting rabbits, and enjoying the life afforded as a farm boy in South Australia. His father showed him how to shear and he quickly realized how wool spun into a nice chunk of change for his teen years. Life in the business has had its highs and lows and he’s realized the importance of a forward mindset in the industry. By focusing on sustainability, innovations, and engaging with the community, Richie believes storytelling and sharing thoughtful perspectives will lead to a more resilient wool sector.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the shifts over the decades in the shearing business shows pivotal moments of what direction the industry has taken.
• Sustainability and Environmental Practices are important to ensure long-term productivity and environmental health.
• Technology and innovation in modern farming will help to meet industry demands and address challenges.
• Community, collaboration, and storytelling foster resilience within agricultural communities.
• Resilience and adaptation during tough seasons are essential for navigating the agriculture sector.
• Support and training for agricultural workers and those new to the industry is crucial in the future of the industry.

Livestock SA Partnership:

This episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.

Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.

Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.

In this episode of the Humans of Agriculture podcast, host Oli Le Lievre explores the multifaceted operations of a South Australian farm with Alex McGorman. The conversation delves into the history of the farm, the evolution of farming practices, the importance of relationships in agriculture, and the role of family boards and external support in business growth. Alex shares insights on transitioning from a traditional farming mindset to a more business-oriented approach, emphasizing the significance of consistency, adaptability, and good people in achieving success in the agricultural industry.

Takeaways:

• The importance of relationships in agriculture cannot be overstated.
• Consistency in operations leads to long-term success.
• Transitioning to a business mindset is crucial for growth.
• Family boards can provide valuable external support.
• Good people are the backbone of any successful operation.
• Adaptability is key in the face of changing market conditions.
• Farming is a trust-based industry that relies on integrity.
• External advice can help navigate complex business challenges.
• Investing in branding and marketing is essential for growth.
• There are numerous opportunities in agriculture for those willing to innovate.

Livestock SA Partnership:

Today's episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.

Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.

Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.