Agsolutely Fabulous

Agsolutely Fabulous

por Katja Williams and Gillian Fennell
Temporada 1

22# The Love-Hate Relationship with Off-Farm Income & Self-Care on the Farm

.💥 Why Are "Experts" Pushing Off-Farm Income as a One-Size-Fits-All Solution? This week, we're diving into the hot topic of off-farm income—why so many advisors, specialists, and financial gurus seem to think it's the ultimate answer for farm families. But is it really? 🤔 📌 In this episode, we discuss: ✔️ The pros and cons of off-farm income for farming families ✔️ Why some "experts" recommend it (and why their advice might not fit every operation) ✔️ The real impact of juggling off-farm work and farm responsibilities ✔️ How off-farm income affects succession planning and farm business sustainability ✔️ Personal experiences and insights from real farm families 🔄 Continuing the Conversation: Self-Care on the Farm Last week, we touched on self-care in the farming lifestyle, and today, we're expanding on that discussion. 💆‍♀️ 👉 How do we actually prioritize mental and physical health while running a farm? 👉 The daily struggles of farm life and why burnout is real 👉 Simple, practical self-care strategies that actually work for farm wives and families 🔥 Whether you're running a generational farm, starting fresh, or balancing a side hustle, this episode is packed with relatable stories, real talk, and practical tips to help you navigate farm life on your own terms. 🚜 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! 💻 Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/ 🎨 Jo Maree Designs – Beautiful, breastfeeding friendly workshirts. See her latest work at https://jomareedesigns.com/

#21 Where’s the $2M? Live Export Budget, Breakdown & Landcare’s Future

AgFab Podcast - Episode 21 Show Notes Topic 1: Where’s the $2 Million Going? More than $2 million of the budget allocated to help the sheep industry transition away from live exports has been funneled into a global media company for advertising. But what does this actually mean for the farmers and the industry at large? We break down where the money is going and whether it will have any real impact on those affected. Read more here Topic 2: The Future of Landcare Groups Are tight regulations and bureaucracy holding back the next generation of Landcare leaders? With increasing controls, are we failing to prepare the future stewards of our land for success? We take a deep dive into the role Landcare plays in rural Australia and whether reform is needed. Mid-Episode Hot Topic: Netflix’s ‘Territory’ Canceled The Netflix drama Territory, which had skyrocketed to the top of the streaming charts and was dubbed the “Aussie version of Yellowstone,” will not be renewed for another season. What does this mean for Australian rural storytelling in mainstream media? We discuss the impact and why this show resonated with so many. Gillians and I share our own thoughts on Territory in episode #10 - go back and have a listen. This Week’s Listener Questions: Canberra’s Political Buzz – What’s the Latest? Apparently, it’s been a big week in Canberra politics—Gillian, can you fill us in on what’s been filtering through? Plus, we give a shout-out to Remote Australians Matter, an initiative advocating for better GP access for remote Aussies. Coping with Burnout – Advice for Overwhelmed Listeners One of our listeners reached out: “Hi girls, looking for some advice about coping with burnout. How do you manage everything?? I’m seriously struggling to cope with maintaining a house, looking after myself and my animals, on top of working insane hours every single day.” We dive into practical strategies for managing exhaustion, setting boundaries, and finding balance in the demanding world of agriculture. 📌 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Leave a Review! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know! Your feedback helps us bring more relevant and engaging content each week. 📢 Follow us on Social Media! Stay connected for more updates, behind-the-scenes content, and conversations beyond the mic! Sent us feedback, sposnorship oppertunities or your article recommendation - agsolutelyfab@gmail.com

#20 Fighting for Survival: Water Rights, Domestic Violence & Rural Resilience

Podcast & YouTube Show Notes This Week's Topics: Women in Farming & Mining Families Experiencing Domestic Violence – A discussion on the ABC News article highlighting why women in rural communities often don’t report domestic violence. Government Plans to Strip Water from Farmers – The devastating impact of water access restrictions on food and fiber production in NSW and beyond. Topic 1: Women in Farming & Mining Families Experiencing Domestic Violence Key Insights from Associate Professor Sarah Wendt, University of South Australia: Women in rural communities often feel pressured to preserve intergenerational farms, leading to domestic abuse going unreported. Cultural expectations place the burden on women to keep families together, protect an abusive partner’s reputation, and secure their children’s inheritance. The unique isolation and economic dependency in farming and mining families make it even harder to leave abusive situations. Mid-Episode: AgFab of the Week? Q&A:Listener Question: Following up on our episode on red meat labeling – if I buy MSA-branded meat in the supermarket, is it guaranteed to be Australian beef? Industry Update:Telstra’s Poor Service: Following last week's discussion, Telstra has released a statement saying that poor mobile service may be due to incorrect phone settings. 2025 QLD, VIC & SA #RuralWomensAward State Finalists Announced! Topic 2: Government Plans to Strip Water from Farmers The NSW Government is finalizing water-sharing plans in eight major rivers. Farmers have built businesses around water access for generations – sudden restrictions could devastate food and fiber production. NSW Farmers Association & Rural Communities are pushing back, highlighting the economic and social consequences of these changes. Engage With Us! What are your thoughts on this week's topics? Leave a comment or message us! Follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content. Subscribe to the podcast & YouTube channel so you never miss an episode! #RuralWomen #FarmLife #DomesticViolenceAwareness #WaterCrisis #AgricultureNews #FoodSecurity #Podcast #YouTube

#19 | The 3G Shutdown Crisis, NFF Masterclass & Why Telcos Keep Lying About Coverage

Gillian's stuck without enough bandwidth to even run her camera — which tells you everything about this episode's main topic. 📡 The 3G Shutdown Crisis — real numbers on regional connectivity failures in NSW and SA, why telcos keep insisting everything's fine, and why patchy mobile coverage is a genuine safety issue, not just an inconvenience 🎓 NFF February Masterclass — Gillian and Katja are both presenting at the National Farmers' Federation's "Navigating the Ag Industry as Women" webinar, and why acknowledging your own value isn't the same as claiming superiority 👶 Conference Update — a parents' room (not a monkey enclosure, despite the view) and new cocktail party tickets for partners who'd rather skip the main event 🛰️ Starlink vs. the NBN — why satellite internet has been a genuine game-changer for two farms that couldn't get reliable service any other way, warts-and-all opinions on Elon Musk included 🐛 Ag Fab of the Week — Amber, a PhD student researching the natural enemies of insect pests in canola 💕 Support Our Partners THANK YOU TO OUR PODCAST SPONSORS! Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/ Book Box - Use code Fabulous15 for a special discount at checkout! Start your next chapter here → https://bookbox.au/ Email us - agsolutelyfab@gmail.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W #AgsolutelyFabulous

#18 The Fake Meat Industry’s Survival Battle & Gina Rinehart’s $70M NSW Land Grab – What It Means for Australian Agriculture

AgFab Episode 18: Show Notes & Links 🎙 Episode 18 Topics: 1️⃣ Vegan, Fake Meat Makers Will Need a New Game Plan if They Are to Survive 2️⃣ Gina Rinehart Snaps Up NSW Station for More Than $70M 👩‍🌾 In this episode, Katja and Gillian break down the shifting landscape for plant-based meat alternatives, the challenges the industry faces, and what’s next for lab-grown and plant-based proteins. Plus, we discuss mining magnate Gina Rinehart’s latest major land purchase in NSW—what does this mean for agriculture, land values, and the future of Australian farming? Epsiode Sponsor: Farmtable https://farmtable.com.au/ag-library/podcasts/ag-podcasts/agsolutely-fabulous 🔗 Links & References: 📌 Article: Vegan, Fake Meat Makers Need a New Game Plan https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/8877292/50-years-on-from-animal-liberation-does-veganism-have-a-future/ 📌 Article: Gina Rinehart’s $70M NSW Station Purchase https://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=WTWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.weeklytimesnow.com.au%2Fproperty%2Fgina-rinehart-snaps-up-nsw-station-in-70mplus-deal%2Fnews-story%2Fc91aed14ea1d67ab6ea6fe7a6dc11290&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium 📌 Follow us on Instagram: @AgsolutleyFabulous 📌 Watch on YouTube: AgFab Podcast 📌 Listen on Spotify: AgFab Podcast 🚜 Join the Conversation: What do you think about the future of fake meat? And how do large land purchases impact family farms? Let us know in the comments or send us a DM!

#17 | Childcare Deserts, Killer Roads & Why Rural Families Keep Losing Out

A genuinely meaty episode: the two biggest promises politicians make every election, and why they keep failing rural families. 👶 The Childcare Desert — why supply has never kept pace with demand in the bush, why in-home care and nanny subsidies remain so limited, and the impossible choice many rural mums face between working and having somewhere safe to put their kids 🏫 Homeschooling & Distance Ed — why it doesn't make sense to drive two hours each way for daycare, and whether Australia should follow the US in funding families who choose to educate at home 🚧 Regional Roads Are a Mess — why so much road funding disappears into contracts that ignore local knowledge, and why unsealed roads and single-lane highways are a genuine safety issue, not just an inconvenience 🚛 Sharing the Road With Trucks — a hard-hitting rundown on caravan etiquette: why truck bays and emergency ramps are not campsites, why more space is needed than you think, and why "holiday mode" and road trains don't mix 🔥 Bush Camping Etiquette — fire safety, respecting private property, keeping well clear of water points and livestock, and why "you can't see them" doesn't mean cattle aren't there Plus: an Ag Fab of the Week shoutout, and early bird tickets for the upcoming conference closing soon 💕 Support Our Partners THANK YOU TO OUR PODCAST SPONSORS! Farm Table – Your online hub for all things ag, connecting farmers with resources, events, and opportunities. Check them out at https://farmtable.com.au/ Book Box - Use code Fabulous15 for a special discount at checkout! Start your next chapter here → https://bookbox.au/ Email us - agsolutelyfab@gmail.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W #AgsolutelyFabulous

#16 NFF Priorities, Australian Made vs Australian Owned + Social Media's Future in Ag

🐄 What’s in this Episode? In this episode, we’re diving into: 1️⃣ National Farmers' Federation Priorities for the incoming Federal Government, including the debate between the Australian Made logo and the push for a new Australian Owned logo. Did you know internationally owned companies can use the Australian Made logo? Let’s unpack the implications for farmers, producers, and consumers. 2️⃣ The US TikTok Ban: What this means for the future of social media and its potential impact on agriculture. How will farmers adapt to these changing platforms to continue sharing their stories and advocacy? Conference Early Bird Tickets are on sale—closing January 31st at 11:55 PM. Prices range from $400 to $600. 💌 Sponsorship Opportunities: We’re open for 2025 sponsorships, including unboxing merchandise, paid subscriptions, and more. Email us for details (linked below). 🔗 Social Media Questions: Share your thoughts and questions—we love engaging with you during our break! 📢 Rate, Review & Share Help us bridge the rural-urban divide! Rate, review, and share the podcast with a friend. Your support helps us grow and keep delivering content that matters. 🔗 Links Mentioned Ducks on the Pond Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/making-friends-when-youre-new-to-town-or-want-to-expand/id1570769438?i=1000678452283 Workshops: Check The Rural Women Newsletter for details on upcoming AI workshops. https://meeting.zoho.com.au/meeting/register?sessionId=1452267446 https://meeting.zoho.com.au/meeting/register?sessionId=1415886181 https://meeting.zoho.com.au/meeting/register?sessionId=1428834137 https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/streamlining-podcasting-using-ai-tickets-1200915934889?aff=oddtdtcreator Conference Tickets: https://farmwivesconference.com.au/ 🎧 Subscribe & Follow Don’t miss an episode! Follow us on YouTube, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Connect on Instagram for daily updates.

#15: MLA's 2025 Meat Ad & Australia Day Controversy | Behind the Headlines

What’s the buzz around MLA's highly anticipated 2025 meat ad? 🥩 Australia Day discussions heat up as co-hosts Gillian and Katja dive into the controversy — and trust us, they don't see eye to eye! 👀 From clever marketing strategies to cultural impact, we explore every angle of this year’s campaign. Is it a bold move or a missed opportunity? Tune in to hear Gillian and Katja’s very different takes, and join the conversation that’s got everyone talking. 💡 Don’t miss: ✔️ Behind-the-scenes insights into the ad. ✔️ The future of Australia Day and its ties to Aussie farmers. ✔️ How this campaign could shape perceptions of the meat industry. 🎧 Hit play now to uncover the debate that’s dividing opinions! What’s your take? Let us know in the comments!👇 #MLA2025 #AustraliaDayDebate #AgFabPodcast #MeatIndustry #FarmingLife

#14 Surviving and Thriving: Bras, Periods, and Drinking Culture - Let’s Get Real About Life on the Farm

Agsolutley Fabulous Episode 14: Self-Care on the Farm This week, Gillian & I dove into the Females in Agriculture Australia community, gathering your suggested topics for a jam-packed episode! We're tackling everything from skincare and bras, period care, and managing drinking culture in rural settings. Highlights of this episode: Skincare: Tips for keeping your skin hydrated and protected in harsh conditions, including favorite products like DU’IT Tough Hands and L’Oreal Paris creams. Alternatives to sunscreen for those dealing with dust while working outdoors. Bras on the Farm: The importance of quality bras for comfort and support, especially when breastfeeding or during high-activity tasks like mustering. Why it’s worth investing in a proper fitting and upgrading regularly. Period Preparedness: How to pack a reliable “go bag” with period essentials, including pads, tampons, spare undies, and disposal supplies. Personal Care Essentials: Katja’s go-to packing list for herself and the kids, including snacks, first aid supplies, and extra clothing to manage long days. Drinking Culture on the Farm: Exploring alternatives to drinking and how to navigate social settings with confidence, featuring tips inspired by Shane Wan’s Sober in the Country. Fellow podcaster shoutout to Ag Watchers - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-drinks-are-on-us/id1519923844?i=1000677710392 We’re keeping it real with stories, laughs, and practical advice from women who live and work on the land. 🎧 Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform and YouTube! 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Agsolutley Fabulous for more episodes celebrating life in agriculture.

#13 Top Tips for Applying to Farm/Station Jobs + Why Rural Women Are Retiring Without Super: This is Your Wake-Up Call

Welcome to Agsolutley Fabulous Episode 13! 🎙️ Today’s Topics: 1️⃣ Superannuation for Rural and Regional Women – A deep dive into why super is critical, especially for women in family farming businesses who often don't draw a regular income. 2️⃣ Applying for Farm/Station Jobs – tips to help you stand out and secure that dream position in agriculture. ☕ Chit Chat Segment: Recording Delay: We're recording on a Thursday instead of our usual Monday because Gillian's been on the road again! Tune in as she shares insights from her trip from South Australia to Tamworth for the Cattle Australia Meeting and MLA AGM. Shine Awards Update: Exciting news! We’ve been named one of the top 19 finalists. Winners will be announced next Wednesday across six inspiring categories: Belief, Courage, Dedication, Grace, Passion, and Spirit. YouTube Reels: Our sneak peeks are gaining traction, now averaging 500 views! Head over to YouTube for a glimpse of key discussion points before the full episode drops. Topic 1: Superannuation for Farmers The Issue: One in three Australian women retire without any super, and those who do often have significantly less than men. This is especially true for rural women in family farming. Family Farming Gaps: Many farmwives and female farmers integrate into family businesses without contributing to super, relying on potential asset sales for retirement—which isn’t always guaranteed. Why It Matters: Super can serve as a safety net for injury, death, or retirement, especially for those without off-farm income. A Handy Tool: Katja recommends Boost Your Super, a platform that helps grow your super through cashback contributions when you shop online with participating retailers. Topic 2: Applying for Farm/Station Jobs Listener Question: Tips for applying for a job with non-working dogs sparked a broader discussion on standing out in agricultural job applications. Katja’s Tips:Keep your resume updated, relevant, and proofread. Write a tailored cover letter for each job. Carefully read the job description to address key points. First Impressions Matter: Dress appropriately, be punctual, and come prepared. Show confidence and commitment to the role. Research the business, location, and role specifics to demonstrate interest and effort.Station essentials https://didimeri.com.au/ - Jillaroo diaries & Station/ Farm Packs. https://www.facebook.com/appletreeflat/ - Kerchiefs #AgsolutleyFabulous #RuralWomen #Superannuation #FarmJobs #Podcast
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