Why you should give a F*ck about Farming, with Gabrielle Chan

26 Aug

LISTEN HERE;

https://dashboard.whooshkaa.com/sophie-love/episodes/895460/edit

Gabrielle Chan has been immersed in Australian Federal Politics as a journalist for over 30 years.  She’s been married to a farmer for almost as long, commuting for many years the Canberra bubble from her home on the farm outside Harden Murrumbah on the ACT/NSW border.  In the past few years she has dedicated herself to researching and writing books.  First ‘Rusted Off’ about the changing nature of political allegiance in rural and regional Australia, how politics has left us behind and the disaffection with the political duopoly.

In her latest book, ‘Why you should give a F*ck about Farming’, Gabrielle has teased out the threads of the tapestry of agriculture in Australia and come to understand how it is at the heart of our economy, our daily lives, political policy, food security and sovereignty, water security, climate change and so much more.  And we wonder why there isn’t a plan addressing any of these things in the politics of the day . . .

It’s a wide ranging and in depth chat you will love if you have either a passion for politics, agriculture or both . . .

Buy ‘Why you should give a F*ck about Farming’ here https://www.penguin.com.au/books/why-you-should-give-a-fck-about-farming-9781760899332

And ‘Rusted Off’ here https://www.penguin.com.au/books/rusted-off-9780143789284

And if you want to deep dive into the reports Gabrielle talks about on the pod they are here:

https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/services/consultancy-strategic-advice-services/csiro-futures/australian-national-outlook

Resilience in the Australian food supply chain – PDF copy for web

Brad Millsteed – WA wheatbelt cropping & merinos, and #6Bs

6bs
20 Jun

Brad Millsteed paints us a picture of big sky cropping in the West Australia’s wheatbelt country and explains the incredible role of Co-Operative Bulk Handling in storing and shipping millions of tonnes of wheat – www.cbh.com.au

He tells us about his sheep operation and the joy of great shearers, and then we talk Men’s Mental Health.  Through his own struggles, Brad came to understand that Blokes need to meet under the stars for Beers, Bullshit, BBQ, Bonfire and Bonding and that has grown into a movement #6Bs that seeks to provide safe spaces for men to gather, feel connected and talk.  You can find our more at www.6bs.com.au

 

Another Climate Catastrophe – NSW Floods

NSW Floods
26 Mar

Just when we were beginning to let our guard down and relax, La Nina came calling and showed us what she had been storing up for us.  They say it never rains, but it pours.  This was torrential.  A one in 133 year flood event.  So many have lost so much.  Sophie tells her story and shares an interview she did on BBC Radio 5 Live with Glen Schaefer who lost his home, car and possessions in the Macksville floods, and a 2 minute audio editorial on Mamamia Outloud.  It’s a quicky, but a goody!

 

All About Mental Health – a deep dive with Psychotherapist & Counsellor Guy Vicars

Guy Vicars
09 Mar

We can all improve our understanding of, and relationship to, our own mental health.  It’s a lifelong process.  But in Australia there is a real problem with rural suicide and we are losing too many good men.  So this is a deep dive into how to improve and maintain mental health, how to spot spiralling down in ourselves and others.  When to reach out and to whom.  How to help others if we see them struggling.  And how it easy to misunderstand the ramifications of sexual abuse (since Australia is in the midst of its political #metoo moment!).

We talk about suicide and suicidal ideation so this pod is not for everyone.  If you are struggling or this is triggering for you, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 or 1800 RESPECT.

If you like Guy and want to connect you can find him at www.guysdomain.com.au and if you are a man or married to a man and want something on paper to give them, this is a fabulous resource created by Relationships Victoria which Guy shared with me after our chat

The Drought & Bushfires of 2019

Drought
02 Feb

Host Sophie Love takes us through the trauma of her family’s 2019, one animal at a time.  It’s a heartbreaking insight into the realities of that word.  A word laden with fear, with death, with huge financial losses for many farmers.  But that might not mean as much to city people.  Which is why Sophie felt she had to share – both to dislodge the cold stone lodged in her heart since the year that culminated in Australia’s most terrifying bushfires – and to put real names and stories to the horror of drought.  It’s harrowing, but essential listening.  Take tissues!

 

JON ELDER – Australia’s first & largest Solar hybrid irrigation pump, controversial cotton farming & more food for thought . . .

05 Dec

Jon Elder farms cotton in NSW’s Narromine.    He eloquently explains why cotton shouldn’t be a controversial crop and tells us about his investment in Australia’s largest and only solar hybrid irrigation pump.  As an ex Rio Tinto mining executive in Africa Jon expresses his amazement at the Juukan Gorge atrocity, as well as taking a holistic view of the Murray Darling Basin Plan and we have a good whinge about internet in the bush! – it’s a rollicking ride and a feast for the ears.  Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, tell your friends, or listen here.

 

ANGUS WHYTE – Getting the Balance Right

09 Sep

Gus is a man who knows himself, admits his failings & lessons learnt. A gentle soul who tries to get the balance right between farming and family. We dive into the Murray Darling Basin Plan from his viewpoint above the Menindee Lakes, explore his attitude to Drought, Mulesing and much more. Come along for the ride & meet another deep thinking Aussie farmer as we explore his philosophies & passions.

For more information on Gus, his farm Wyndham Station, and his transformational journey with Regenerative Ag, check out his blog at http://wyndhamstation.com.au and this fascinating deep dive article https://soilsforlife.org.au/wyndham-station/

 

JAMES STACEY – Deep thinking on MDB, Dairy, peri urban farming, food & water security & more

14 Jul

James is one of the inspirations for this pod. When I first joined twitter I found him. We disagreed on much but I learned a lot – mainly to listen to farmers and see past my misconceptions. I started to see how each and every farmer has a fascinating story and tale to tell. How wise they are about water and food and that the hurdles they face daily can be overwhelming – yet they endure. As my passion for ag grew, so did my desire to share these stories and the deep thinking of farmers (hours on machines with only your own mind for company allows for cogitation!) with the world.

JOHN LAKEY – Winemaker & early adopter of Community Supported Agriculture

10 Apr

What if consumers were actively involved in the life of the farm where their food was grown and raised? Community Supported Agriculture is a relatively new model in Australia where eaters join the subscription economy to support a local farmer, ensure the quality and ethics of the food they eat, and become part of the fabric of the farm, weathering the highs and lows, seasons and catastrophes of farming, as the farmer does. It’s a fascinating model and John Lakey is a passionate proponent – reconnecting eaters with food and wine!