What it lacks in size, this farm gains in heart. It all comes down to forging a very deliberate and considered impact on the agriculture industry. A place to talk, research, demonstrate and showcase different methods. This working property on the Southern Tablelands of NSW has an open door agri-tourism venture bringing this little biodynamic business to a much broader audience. Murray Prior of Nguurruu Farm joins me now to discuss:

• Murray’s favourite place on the property is the a magnificent old stringybark tree.
• "Nguurruu" is the name of the farm, meaning ‘camp’ in Indigenous language, and Murray shares the significance behind this powerful name.
• Over time, the land had been over-cleared and over-used, but Murray is part of a new generation working to restore its vitality.
• He discusses the Farm Master Plan, which is used to educate new farmers on how to work with the land without depleting it.
• The belief that only large-scale operations can make a meaningful impact in agriculture is one that Murray has intentionally challenged through his work.
• With a deep desire to contribute positively to the land, Murray explains some of the modifications and practices he has implemented to improve the health of Country.
• He also shares his passion for biodynamics and how his approach blends Indigenous knowledge systems with western agricultural practices.
• Many listeners may already be familiar with The Barn — a stunning agri-tourism venture and converted horse stable that now welcomes visitors to the property.
• Guests at Nguurruu are often intrigued by the biodynamic practices, and Murray spends time sharing the journey of their food and the farm’s philosophy.
• Murray reflects on how he and his family have come to truly live and breathe the land.
• He shares the most unexpected moments he has encountered and addresses common misconceptions about farming.
• Murray finishes by sharing his ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Nguurruu

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

It’s the stuff dreams are made of – Christmas all year round. For one Queensland family and all who visit their farm, that’s the reality. 20 acres of perfectly formed Christmas trees, the decorations to adorn them – and for those wanting a little more – you can even indulge in one of their famous hot chocolates. If it sounds magical, that’s exactly what the owners had in mind. Let’s meet the family sprinkling that Christmas spirit almost 12 months of the year, Katrina and Brad Fraser of Granite Belt Christmas Farm join me now to discuss:

• Their favourite spot on the property is spending time on the land with the kids.
• Brad has transformed 20 acres of former apple orchards into a real Christmas tree plantation.
• Katrina came up with the idea of growing Christmas trees after becoming a mum, aiming to create a business that supported staying at home.
• The business offers an interactive experience where customers can choose their own tree and enjoy a full day on the farm.
• Growing the perfect Christmas tree involves biology, fertilising, pruning, and carefully shaping each tree.
• Katrina converted an old apple shed into a charming Christmas shop, now part of a growing retail presence that includes cafes and online sales.
• The onsite café has become a highlight of the experience, helping create lasting childhood memories.
• The business stays active year-round with Christmas in July events, a permanent store, and a growing online market.
• They love the rural lifestyle and the connection to their local community.
• A common misconception is that tree farming is simple — but it involves year-round work and planning.
• One of the most unexpected challenges they’ve faced was navigating bushfire season.
• Their ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Granite Belt Christmas Farm

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

As first-generation farmers, this family says they started small and safe – but there’s nothing small about the big issues they’re addressing. Ethics, sustainability and regeneration underpin everything they do. To achieve that, they have a passion for First Nation’s knowledge combined with giving their animals the most natural life possible on a farm. To learn more about Echo Valley Farm, Randal Breen joins me now to discuss:

• Randal shares his favourite place on the farm.
• As a first-generation farmer, he explains why he chose this life — to care for the land while working it.
• Insight into the complexity of running a mixed farm — multi-species and cropping.
• A deep commitment to ethics, sustainability, and regenerative practices — including eliminating chemicals.
• Guided by the “4 Good Principles”: Good for the animal, Good for the land, Good for the farmer and, Good for you
• Incorporating First Nations knowledge and ancient land management techniques — and the results.
• What Randal loves most about life on the land.
• The value of intergenerational farming knowledge — and common misconceptions.
• Unplanned disruptions — the most unexpected part of the journey.
• Randal’s ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Echo Valley Farms

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Eggs - they’re an easy and usually affordable source of protein and nutrition. But walking through most Australian supermarkets lately, it’s clear cracks have appeared in the industry. So why is there an egg shortage and why when you do happen to find some are they so expensive? Egg farmer and sector advocate, Danyel Cucinotta from LT’s Egg Farm joins me now for the lowdown on avian influenza.

• We catch up with Danyel, who still finds the work on the farm deeply emotional but continues to love both the work and the land.
• As an egg farmer, she has experienced firsthand the significant challenges caused by bird flu.
• She explains how bird flu spreads and why geographical locations like Victoria are more at risk due to their position on a bird migration path.
• Free-range egg farms are more affected because they are exposed to wild bird droppings.
• While direct egg purchases from farmers may seem unaffected, supermarket supply chains are feeling the impact.
• She explains the EADRA Agreement (Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement) as a cost-sharing arrangement where government and livestock industries, like the egg sector, jointly fund responses to animal disease outbreaks, with industries paying back their share over time. At an industry level, farms are still paying off the cleanup from the 2019 outbreak.
• The situation is more complex than simple supply and demand due to the caged vs. free-range debate and government involvement.
• The root cause stems from the spread of bird flu and environmental exposure in high-risk zones, and she shares that it’s unclear when the situation will improve, as control and recovery take time.
• Danyel remains passionate about advocacy and is proud of her work on a caged egg farm.
• The most unexpected aspect has been that even the most biosecure farms have been affected.
• A common misconception is that it’s unsafe to eat bird products, though the chicken meat industry remains unaffected.
• She offers a parting piece of advice for people to best navigate this issue.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

LT’s Egg Farm

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Macadamia farming is their day job – saving Koalas is their passion. In a pocket of Northern NSW just west of Byron Bay, there is a healthy crop of trees producing delicious macadamia nuts on a commercial sale. But there’s another forest on the same farm – and there eucalyptus is king. And Koalas are loving it. The Viola family is part of a growing trend that’s seeing farmers dedicate some land to saving our adored marsupial. To learn more about the koala corridor Dale Viola joins me now to discuss:

• Dale’s favourite place on the macadamia farm and eucalyptus oasis.
• How and why this macadamia farm became a wildlife corridor.
• The farm is being run by her husband and brother-in-law, Ash, who is now 75 years old, and how this family farm came about.
• Using an unproductive area of the farm to create something truly worthwhile.
• Although the forest is in its infancy, koalas are flocking to this new habitat.
• Some of the health issues koalas have faced, and how this native regeneration — which has been commended by conservation groups like the WWF — is helping.
• There is a goal to double the number of koalas in eastern Australia by 2050. Since 2021, the WWF and Bangalow Koalas have planted more than 42,000 trees.
• Dale and her family have been very active in encouraging others to take up the initiative.
• The feedback — not just from conservationists, but also from other farmers.
• Dale is able to track koalas on her property, and by using tracking tags, is able to watch them move and thrive.
• The most rewarding part of this project for Dale is seeing individual koalas live beyond their current expected lifespan of five years, which is significantly shorter than their natural lifespan of up to 18 years.
• Common misconceptions about the koala and its habitat.
• Dale’s ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Bangalow Koalas

WWF – Australian Koalas

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

Siblings Erin and Josh Cranwell know a thing or two about Brussels Sprouts. Five generations of their family have produced them. But returning to the farm after high-school to take up a career in the business has surprised everyone, not least themselves. The brother and sister from Hay Valley and Lake Plains in South Australia, now live and breathe this superfood. Well aware of the bad reputation the humble sprout has attracted, they are passionate about educating consumers about their wonder crop. To learn more, Erin Cranwell from AE Cranwell and Sons join me now to discuss:

• Erin’s favourite place on the farm is standing in the Brussels Sprout field soaking up the view.
• After high school, Erin pursued her passion for her family farm.
• Both Erin and her brother Josh have continued to work on the family farm together, and she says, “It brings more satisfaction.”
• Erin and Josh are based at different farms, and Erin explains their different roles.
• Brussels sprouts often get a bad reputation, but Erin shares that they are becoming more popular.
• Brussels sprouts are not easy to grow and tend to be prone to pests and fungi.
• The industry is actually quite small, with only a handful of major growers.
• Over five generations, a lot has changed—Erin discusses what changes are coming in terms of sustainability.
• Innovation and reducing labour where possible have been key aspects for the farm.
• What Erin loves most about life on the land.
• The most unexpected thing to happen while working with Brussels sprouts.
• Erin shares a common misconception.
• The ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Hay Valley Veg

Follow @hayvalleyveg on Social Media

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

It’s one thing to love feeding people – it’s another entirely to care so much about what they eat, that you grow the produce yourself. Such was her passion for food, that’s exactly what the owner of beloved Thai restaurant Chat Thai has done. It’s changed the ethos of the business, which first opened in Sydney in 1989. Today, there are 5 eateries, and if you dine at one of those venues, you might be lucky enough to taste the gorgeous organic produce farmed in the Byron Bay hinterland. To learn more about her desire to feed her own family and her customers with food grown with care, Palisa Anderson of Boon Luck Farm joins me to discuss:

• Palisa shares her favourite spot on the 46 hectares she’s transformed into a fully productive farm.
• Her passion for growing food began back in her Sydney days—proof that anyone can find creative ways to connect with what they eat, no matter where they live.
• What started as a mission to feed her family, has turned into something much bigger.
• Palisa talks about what inspired her to join the family business, Chat Thai, which her mum founded in the late '80s.
• With five restaurants and a commitment to chemical-free produce, Palisa explains how sourcing specialist Asian ingredients led her to start her own market garden.
• She discusses growing traditional Asian vegetables alongside Australian natives—and why biodiversity is central to her philosophy.
• For Palisa, sourcing produce herself is about much more than convenience—she’s found deep meaning in the process.
• Palisa introduces us to the IGLOO—an incredible piece of growing technology on the farm.
• She shares what she loves most about growing her own food.
• Palisa reveals the most unexpected thing that’s happened since she joined the family business.
• She clears up one of the most common misconceptions about her work.
• And finally, Palisa shares her ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus
Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Chat Thai

Connect with Chat Thai on Instagram


Produced by Pretty Podcasts

There are few things more disappointing for a farmer than growing produce that can’t be sold because of aesthetic imperfections. Food waste is an issue that affects many primary producers, but with better technology and some entrepreneurial minds, that may all soon become very avoidable. Second Squeeze, as the name suggests is a business offering a second life to perfectly good food, that would otherwise be destined for landfill. To learn more co-founder, Brent Beauchamp joins me to discuss:

• Brent’s favourite Second Squeeze product that they have created so far.
• They turn perfectly good food, destined for landfill, into totally new products, including syrups and fruit flours.
• The promising partnerships with farmers to help find a home for so-called ugly fruits.
• Brent shares some exciting trials about to start with CSIRO.
• Solving fruit skin waste by creating products like Banana Syrup.
• Brent received a $50,000 grant and shares how they are using this money to support farmers by providing extra revenue that would otherwise have gone to waste.
• The feedback from some of the farmers and what Brent loves most about working directly with them.
• The relationship with OzHarvest and how they have worked together to solve waste issues.
• The demand and consumer feedback on these delicious and sustainable products.
• The challenges of creating a new type of sustainable product from food waste.
• The most unexpected thing to happen along the way.
• A common misconception about what they do.
• The ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Second Squeeze

Produced by Pretty Podcasts