Salt of the Earth Farm Stories

Send us Fan Mail What if the future of Australian meat processing wasn’t about building bigger abattoirs, but taking the abattoir to the cattle? That’s the idea behind Provenir , Australia’s first mobile abattoir — an innovative approach to processing cattle on-farm, with a focus on animal welfare, meat quality, traceability and regional agriculture. In this episode, I talk with Chris Balazs , one of the five people who believed there had to be a better way. Chris came to the project from a biopharmaceutical science background, bringing a very different perspective to the way we think about livestock, processing and food production. We hear how the team battled years of red tape, helped change legislation and eventually built Provenir from the ground up. But there’s also a very personal side to Chris’s story. He talks openly about the challenges of building a company while raising teenage daughters and dealing with the devastating loss of his wife. It’s a conversation about innovation, persistence and having the courage to challenge an industry and ask: is there a better way? And Chris doesn’t just want Provenir to succeed — he wants others to follow the same path and believes this model could help change the future of Australian agriculture. This is a fascinating story of thinking differently, sticking with an idea and refusing to give up. Here’s Chris Balazs from Provenir.

Send us Fan Mail Last episode, we heard about Rick’s incredible family history and how a young Territory bloke learned the value of hard work and making the most of every opportunity. In Part Two, the story really takes off. Rick heads into remote cattle stations, working with bores and irrigation and learning just how important water is to life in the outback. Then comes the big gamble. A business in Alice Springs is heading into receivership. Most people would have walked away. Rick didn’t. He backed himself, took the risk and turned it into what is now Think Water Alice Springs. It’s a story about resilience, determination and seeing opportunity where others saw problems. This is Rick Chambers.

Send us Fan Mail Alice Springs. Right in the heart of Australia. It’s a place built on resilience, hard work and people who know how to make things happen when conditions are anything but easy. In Part One of my conversation with Rick Chambers, we go back generations to an incredible family journey from Australia’s east coast to the Northern Territory border — travelling thousands of kilometres by horse and cart through some of the toughest country in Australia. Rick grew up in the Territory, where life revolved around hard work, road camps, caravans and one subject that always dominates conversation in the outback — water. From starting out as a chainman surveying roads to meeting a mentor who encouraged him to learn, take opportunities and never shy away from hard work, Rick’s story is deeply connected to the people and places that shaped him. This is Part One of the story of Rick Chambers.

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you leave behind city life and take a chance on the country? In this episode, Darren sits down with Kelly Glass from Jayfields Nursery, one of Australia's largest wholesale native plant nurseries, to hear the remarkable story behind a business that now grows more than 6.7 million seedlings each year. Kelly shares how she and her husband Tim searched for a new life before settling near Wagga Wagga, where they built a thriving nursery supplying native plants for revegetation, conservation and large-scale environmental projects across Australia. Along the way, we explore the importance of native species, the technology that allows millions of seeds to be planted with incredible precision, and the passion required to grow a business from the ground up. And just when you think you know Kelly's story, she reveals a surprising chapter from her past—as one of the world's top-ranked ballroom dancers. It's a conversation about courage, resilience, family, and the opportunities that can grow from taking a leap of faith.

Send us Fan Mail Award-winning journalist and television presenter Lisa Millar returns to Salt of the Earth for a special conversation about one of Australia's most-loved television programs – ABC's Back Roads . For years, Lisa and the Back Roads team have travelled to some of the most remote and remarkable communities in the country, uncovering stories of resilience, humour, kindness and the people who make regional Australia so special. In this episode, Lisa shares what happens when the cameras arrive in town, how the crew earns the trust of complete strangers, and why country Australians continue to open their homes, hearts and lives to millions of viewers. We also explore why Back Roads continues to resonate with Australians, the unique bond between people and the places they call home, and how Muster Dogs became one of the country's most-loved television series. Along the way, there's plenty of laughter, a few behind-the-scenes stories, and even a moment where I get to hold the Logie won by Lisa and the Muster Dogs team. If you love rural Australia, great storytelling and the people who make this country tick, you're going to love this conversation.

Send us Fan Mail Today, we head across the globe to California to speak with Anastasia Volkova, CEO and co-founder of Regrow Ag — one of the world’s leading agricultural technology companies. With a background in aerospace engineering and a passion for solving some of agriculture’s biggest challenges, Anastasia is helping shape the future of regenerative agriculture. Regrow Ag sits at the intersection of agriculture, technology and sustainability, using satellite imagery, farm data and science to help farmers and food companies measure what is working — from improving soil health and storing carbon, to reducing emissions across the supply chain. Recently named one of the BBC’s Top 100 Women, Anastasia shares her insights into the future of farming, the challenges facing Australian agriculture, and why regeneration is not a destination, but a continuous journey of improvement. It’s a fascinating conversation with one of the global leaders helping build a more resilient agricultural future.

Send us Fan Mail After decades reporting some of the biggest stories on the planet, Lisa Millar thought coming home to Australia might mean life would finally slow down. It didn't. In Part C of our conversation, Lisa takes us behind the scenes of ABC News Breakfast , sharing what it's really like to host three hours of live television every weekday morning. We talk about the pressure, the preparation, and the moments viewers never get to see. Lisa also reflects on interviewing people she once looked up to as a young journalist, and opens up about writing her bestselling memoir, Daring to Fly —an honest, funny and deeply personal look at a life shaped by curiosity, resilience and a love of storytelling. We also chat about why she believes the answers to so many of life's questions can still be found in regional Australia, and why those communities continue to shape who she is. This is another warm, thoughtful and entertaining conversation with one of Australia's most respected broadcasters.

Send us Fan Mail In Part B of my conversation with one of Australia's most respected broadcasters, Lisa Millar, we move from matters of the heart to some of the biggest stories of our generation. Lisa opens up about finding love before reflecting on the moments that shaped her journalism career. She takes us back to the aftermath of September 11, reporting from Washington as the world grappled with terrorism, uncertainty and fear. We also travel to London, where more major international events unfolded, bringing incredible professional challenges alongside deep personal heartbreak. This is a side of Lisa that goes beyond the headlines. Honest, reflective and incredibly moving. If you've ever wondered what it's really like to report on history as it unfolds, while trying to navigate your own life at the same time, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Thanks for listening to Salt of the Earth. If you enjoy the podcast, I'd really appreciate it if you could follow, rate and share the episode. It helps these stories reach even more people.

Send us Fan Mail Lisa Millar- Part A | From a country kid with a dictaphone to one of Australia's most loved broadcasters Before the Gold Logie nominations, before Back Roads , Muster Dogs , and decades reporting some of Australia's biggest stories, there was a curious country girl growing up in Kilkivan, Queensland, with a dictaphone in her hand and a love of asking questions. In Part A of this special three-part conversation, Lisa Millar takes us back to where it all began. We talk about growing up in rural Queensland, the people and experiences that shaped her, her first steps into journalism, and the determination that saw her chase a career she never imagined would take her around the world. Along the way, Lisa shares stories that are funny, heartfelt and deeply personal—including a priceless recording of a ten-year-old Lisa interviewing her dad, Clarrie. It's the beginning of an extraordinary journey, and a wonderful reminder that big dreams can start in the smallest of country towns. If you enjoy this episode, don't forget to follow Salt of the Earth Farm Stories , leave a review, and share it with someone who loves a great story.

Send us Fan Mail Some people inspire you. Others leave you completely lost for words. In this very special episode, we follow the extraordinary journey of Sam Longmore as she takes on The Big Wheel — wheeling herself an incredible 441 kilometres over eight days using just one side of her body. Through rain, strong winds, steep hills, traffic and countless obstacles, Sam's determination never wavered. But this journey was never about personal glory. Sam undertook this monumental challenge to raise money and awareness for mental health, putting others before herself every step — and wheel — of the way. We first meet Sammy as she prepares to leave Corowa, NSW, surrounded by family, friends and supporters. From there, we check in throughout her journey, sharing the highs, the lows, the laughter, the tears and the extraordinary grit required to keep moving forward. Finally, we join the incredible scenes at the finish line, where an emotional and electric crowd welcomes home one very special human being. This episode is about courage. It's about kindness. It's about determination. And it's about what can happen when one person decides to do something extraordinary for others. Thank you, Sammy, for sharing your story. Donations can be made through My Cause – The Big Wheel. If this episode raises concerns for you or someone you know, support is available. In Australia, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 , 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Send us Fan Mail With a background in agricultural science and a passion for helping farmers build more resilient and productive farming systems, Jade shares her thoughts on annual pastures, perennials and the growing interest in multi-species mixes. We discuss different pasture systems, how farmers can make better decisions for their own environments, and explore why there's no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to grazing and pasture management. Jade's enthusiasm for agronomy is infectious. She brings a practical, science-based perspective to a topic that's becoming increasingly important across Australian farming landscapes. Whether you're already experimenting with multi-species pastures or simply curious about the options available, this conversation is packed with insights, experience and plenty of food for thought. This podcast is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.

Send us Fan Mail Some people live one life. Clem Furphy seems to have lived several. Born in 1943, Clem proudly describes himself as a war baby, not a boomer. In this conversation, he reflects on a life packed with adventure, creativity, community, farming and plenty of good stories. From riding his bike to school through Melbourne traffic (no hands), studying civil engineering, and enjoying time at the iconic Prince Alfred Hotel, to travelling Europe with his wife Kate in a VW Kombi, Clem has always embraced life with curiosity and humour. Eventually, he and Kate followed their dream of country and farm life. There, Clem built a mud-brick home with his own hands, immersed himself in the local community, and helped transform everyday locals into actors and touring performers. This is a warm, funny, and thoughtful chat about changing times, country life, creativity, and making the most of every chapter. And be sure to stay right until the end, where Kate treats us to a special tune on the piano. Enjoy this conversation with Clem Furphy.

Send us Fan Mail Many of you will remember Sam Longmore as the woman who refused to let a life-changing accident define her. After being left paralysed down one side, she rebuilt her life with remarkable grit and determination, going on to break world water-skiing records and receive the prestigious Shine Award. Now, she's taking on another massive challenge. The Big Wheel was born from Sam's desire to make a real difference for mental health in rural communities — a cause deeply personal to her and one that affects so many people across regional Australia. In an incredible feat of endurance, Sam will wheel herself 441 kilometres from Corowa to Yass, New South Wales, in just eight days . And remember, she'll be doing it using just one arm. In this episode, we catch up with Sam as she prepares for the challenge, hear about the intense training that's included a lap of Mount Panorama, meeting one of her inspirations, Nedd Brockman, and the team helping bring this ambitious fundraiser to life. Sam is the first to say that The Big Wheel is a team effort — and she's absolutely right. But she's still the one pushing that chair, kilometre after kilometre, in the hope of raising awareness and much-needed funds for mental health in rural communities. If you haven't already, make sure you go back and listen to Episode 76 to hear Sam Longmore's extraordinary story. If you'd like to support Sam and this incredible initiative, simply Google "MyCause – The Big Wheel" and consider making a donation. Get ready to be inspired all over again as we catch up with the unstoppable Sam Longmore .

Send us Fan Mail Most 13-year-olds are thinking about school, sport, social media, or what’s for dinner. But for Lucy Godbolt, a lot of her spare time is spent thinking about cattle, genetics, temperament, and what makes a great animal stand out in the ring. Growing up in a livestock-focused family, Lucy has learned plenty from her dad, Pete Godbolt, a highly respected stud stock manager with Nutrien Ag Solutions. But she's also forging her own path in the industry. At just 13, Lucy is already making her mark at major events such as the Sydney Royal Easter Show, competing in cattle showing and junior judging competitions, and collecting an impressive list of ribbons and achievements along the way. In this episode, we chat about the excitement and nerves of show day, some memorable mishaps, her agricultural scholarship, and what keeps drawing her back to the cattle industry. We also find out her favourite cattle breed. It's a great conversation with one of the next generation of passionate young people helping shape the future of Australian agriculture.

Send us Fan Mail Peter Goldbolt. In this episode, we dive into the pressure and adrenaline of sale day — where Pete can be responsible for selling millions of dollars worth of livestock in a single day. As a Stud Stock Manager with Nutrien Ag Solutions, Pete gives a great insight into the modern stud stock world, from changing technology to the relationships that hold the industry together across Australia. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at auctioneering itself — including the difference between being a fast or slow padder, reading a crowd, and the skill involved in keeping a sale moving. There’s plenty of laughs in this one too, along with an honest chat about family life, long days on the road, and the balancing act that comes with working right across the country. Hope you enjoy Part B with Peter Godbolt.

Send us Fan Mail Peter Godbolt is a Stud Stock Manager with Nutrien Ag Solutions, working with livestock breeders and producers right across Australia. Spending close to 100,000 kilometres a year on the road, he’s constantly travelling between cattle sales, properties, shows and industry events. Growing up around Herefords, Pete says there’s no better place to grow up than on the farm — and his experience stretches across both the commercial and stud stock sectors of the livestock industry. In Part A, we talk auctioneering stories, life on the land, the evolution of cattle genetics, meat quality, temperament, and the people that make the industry what it is. There’s plenty of insight, a few laughs, and some great stories from behind the microphone and behind the rails.

Send us Fan Mail After disaster hits a community, the damage isn’t always visible. Grief, uncertainty and the fear of what might come next can linger for years — especially in rural Australia, where many people live knowing another drought, fire or flood could be around the corner. In this episode, Warren Davies talks openly about resilience, adverse circumstances, and the importance of building capacity before life gets tough. We also check in on Warren himself, and discuss practical ways people can better support both themselves and those around them. There’s plenty of encouragement in this conversation too — including Warren’s challenge for people to find just one percent of their day to invest in their own wellbeing. This episode is about resilience, hope, community… and the small steps that can make a big difference. If this episode raises anything for you personally, please reach out for support. Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14.

Send us Fan Mail Warren Davies knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom — and rebuild from it. Known to many as The Unbreakable Farmer , Warren has become one of Australia’s most respected rural mental health speakers, travelling the country sharing hard-earned lessons on resilience, connection, and getting through tough seasons. In this episode of Salt of the Earth, Farm Stories, Warren opens up about the challenges facing rural Australia, the emotional toll disasters can take on rural families, and why building capacity before crisis matters so much. We also talk about the work he’s doing in disaster-hit communities around Australia, the importance of mateship and conversation, and how small steps can make a real difference when life feels overwhelming. This is a grounded and honest conversation. If this episode brings up anything for you, support is available. In Australia, you can contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or visit Lifeline Australia for 24/7 crisis support and counselling.

Send us Fan Mail What if the birds on your farm could tell you how healthy your landscape really is? In this episode of Salt of the Earth Farm Stories , we sit down with the endlessly curious Dr David Watson — ecologist, innovator, and passionate advocate for woodland birds — to explore a fascinating piece of technology that could change the way farmers understand their environment. Dr Dave and his team have developed the Bush Bird Classifier, a free and easy-to-use tool that automatically identifies bird species from the sounds around your farm. Using smart algorithms and acoustic monitoring, the technology gives landholders real-time insights into biodiversity and ecosystem health — without needing specialist bird knowledge. But this conversation goes far beyond birdsong. We unpack: Why woodland birds are such powerful indicators of landscape health How biodiversity data could play a role in future farming income streams The connection between healthy ecosystems and productive farms Why practical, low-cost technology matters for regional communities Dave’s genuine passion for helping people reconnect with the natural world around them This is a conversation about curiosity, innovation, and learning to “listen” to country in a completely new way. Cutting-edge science meets practical farming The Bush Bird Classifier project was funded by the Federal DCCEEW under their Innovative Biodiversity Monitoring scheme. Vicky Austin and Lance de Vine, two research fellows who are also dedicated to the project.

Send us Fan Mail This is Part B with Libby Price, picking up after one of the toughest chapters of her career—reporting on Black Saturday. We dive into a powerful question: how do you cover tragedy and still stay human? From tough interviews and on-air moments to farming life, “horse heaven,” and her pull back to radio, Libby shares the highs, lows, and lessons from behind the mic. There’s insight on rural journalism, politics, and supporting women in ag—plus a deeply personal reflection on losing her mother at just 20. Honest, insightful, and guaranteed to educate, inform, and entertain.