AgWatchers

Fuel, Fertiliser and Foreign Affairs: A Conversation with Minister Julie Collins

On this episode of the AgWatchers Podcast, we’re joined by Julie Collins to unpack the forces shaping Australian agriculture. From Canberra to the Middle East, we explore how geopolitical tensions are influencing fuel, fertiliser and food production and why events unfolding thousands of kilometres away are being felt at the farm gate.
As instability in the Middle East rattles global energy markets, Australian producers are once again grappling with rising diesel prices, volatile fertiliser costs and mounting uncertainty across supply chains. When shipping lanes tighten and oil prices surge, the ripple effects are immediate, pushing up the cost of planting, harvesting and transporting food and fibre. For farmers, it’s a stark reminder that geopolitics can have as much influence on profitability as rainfall and commodity prices.
Julie Collins shares her insights on regional Australia, agricultural policy and the role government plays in supporting producers through an increasingly complex and unpredictable global landscape. Together, we examine the challenges facing rural communities, the policy decisions shaping the sector’s future and the resilience required to navigate an era defined by uncertainty.
 

Eggonomics 101

We have a chat with Melinda Hashimoto, CEO of Egg Farmers of Australia. In this podcast, we talk about a wide range of issues from biosecurity to Japanese raw eggs. 

Bringing Agritechnica to Australia

We have a chat with Lola Rauch, who works for the German Ag Society, who is now working in Australia to bring an offshoot of the famous Agritechnica conference to Australia - the future ag expo in Melbourne in July.

Fuel and Inputs - the response from NSW Farmers

Will we run out of fuel? will we need horses for harvest? What about our urea supply? Are people stockpiling?We have Rebecca Reardon, Vice President of the NSW Farmers organisation, and Samuel Miller, lead economist for NSW Farmers, on the podcast to have a chat about the response from NSW Farmers to the current crisis impacting our farming inputs. 

Why does meat taste so great?

Food is one of our favourite topics. The two of us love to go out and eat a good meal, and meat is usually the centre point. We invited Professor Peter McGilchrist onto the podcast to talk about what makes meat so great to eat. We talk about the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that drive the taste of meat. 
Warning: Do not listen to this podcast when you are hungry. 

Startups vs corporates

This podcast was recorded live on stage at EvokeAg. In this podcast, we have Sarah Adams, GM of Global Strategy and New Ventures for Gallagher, and Dr Guy Coleman, a researcher and innovator currently working at the University of Copenhagen. 
In this podcast, we discuss where innovations will come from, whether from small start-ups or big corporations. 
 
*Please note the sound quality is not the best due to being recorded on stage and Matt having a microphone malfunction. 

AgWatchers X EP11: Tariffs Times

In this podcast we talk about the new tariffs announced over the weekend and due to go into action as of tomorrow. 

The two food groups - wine and lamb

This podcast was recorded live on stage at EvokeAg*, so if you didn't make it to the event, you don't miss out. This podcast was a discussion of geopolitics and how the industry should respond. We had Rachel Triggs, the chair of Women in Wine and Will Barton, CEO of Gundagai Lamb up on the stage for a chat. *Due to being onstage, the sound quality is not the best. 

Weather stations and Cows for Cambodia

We have a chat with Leighton Wilksch of Agbyte. We discuss the possibilities and the value that farmers get from localised weather information through having IoT-enabled weather stations on the farm. We also learn about the signal that allows weather stations to continue working on 4G, whilst all our other services seem to fail. 
 
We then talk about his Cows for Cambodia trip, which he is running in September, a charity event where you get to learn about farming in Cambodia, and also give something back to those who are more in need. If you want more info follow this link 

Genetics: Improving efficiency and creating 6 legged lambs.

We chat with Alastair Rayner, an independent beef extension officer. In this podcast we discuss the using genetics to improve efficiency in a herd, but also a secondary benefit, reducing emissions. 
A really interesting discussion, with strong linkages back into farm profitability. 

'On an even Kealy' with Emma Kealy MP.

On this podcast, we have Emma Kealy MP, the deputy leader of the Victorian National Party, and shadow minister for agriculture and mental health. 
We discuss the recent heatwave, fires, the CFA levy, renewables and a whole lot more. 

AgWatchers X EP10: The new A$138 million bill for ag from the government.

Our fortnightly market update. We talk about grains, cattle, sheep and the new change in who pays for export certifications from the government. 

Australian agriculture hitting new highs

On todays podcast, we have a chat with Jared Greenville of ABARES. In this discussion we discuss the 100bn target, the value of ag, the risks to ag and the new updates on the Australian crop. 
We also discuss the March ABARES conference, which we recommend attending - either online or in person. Find out about the conference by clicking below:https://www.agriculture.gov.au/event/abares-outlook

When you Whish upon a senator.

The AgWatchers podcast is an open platform for different views, and we have had politicians from most of the major parties. This week, we have Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, the Greens senator for Tasmania. Peter holds the Greens portfolio for agriculture. 
In this podcast, we discuss competition in agriculture, ACCC changes, net zero, his favourite politicians, and a range of other topics. 
Peter comes from a farming background and has qualifications in Economics and a career in banking and finance. 

AgWatchersX EP9: Trump-XI.

Our fortnightly market update. We talk about grains, cattle, sheep and wool - and the new Trump deal. 

AgWatchersX EP8: Farmers aid, cattle exports, grains holding

Our fortnightly market update, brought to you by Sproutag. We talk about the state of the grain markets, the potential for aid for US farmers, beef and sheep exports. 

The pests invading Australia

In this podcast, we have Jack Gough, the CEO of the Invasive Species Council. We learnt a lot from this podcast about the various species invading Australia, how to control them, and the strength of the hunting lobby. 
 

AgWatchersX EP7: Biofuels bonanza (for grain and livestock), beef/sheep prices rocketing higher

Our fortnightly market update. We talk on this podcast about the livestock industry trending higher, the sheep ships no longer coming and the impact of the new biofuels announcement from Albo on the grain and livestock sectors. 

Who represents farmers in Parliament?

We had a chat with Tyson Cattle, who runs his own consultancy (Salmon Haven), but for years has been behind the scenes in the agripolitical space. 
Tyson is undertaking a Nuffield project, which aims to review advocacy strategies in the agricultural industry. Tyson is independent, like EP3, and provides us with a good update on what is happening, where we are excelling, and where we are falling short as an industry. 

AgWatchersX EP6: Why are grain prices low, grain fed beef on the rise

Our fortnightly market update, supported by SproutAg.  
You can also visit our new grain trading simulator, which can be found here
You can visit the SproutAg website by clicking here