Agsolutely Fabulous

Agsolutely Fabulous

by Katja Williams and Gillian Fennell
Entertainment NewsNews Commentary
Season 2
#85 | Empowering the Next Generation in Agriculture
In episode 85 of the Agsolutely Fabulous Podcast, we are jumping into a three part series from a live recording with Gillian and Katja. In part 1, the ladies recap networking, gift bags, and Gillian’s art before tackling “You Can’t Ask That” questions with audience input. They discuss how to gain hands-on farm skills without moving remote, debating the value of soft skills versus practical competence, the safety and insurance risks of inexperienced workers, and the lack of clear apprenticeship-style pathways in agriculture despite varied farm contexts. They note trial traineeship efforts, limited farmer participation in work experience, and barriers like supervision burden and “who you know” networking. On funding youth attendance and engagement, they argue for capturing motivated young people at stock shows and improving farmer accessibility and school-industry links. They then address empowering men to call out other men’s bad behaviour, emphasizing early intervention, accountability, community norms, support for underlying stress, and prioritizing victim safety and leaving unsafe situations. Links & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 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/
S2 · E85
Jul 30, 2026
32:22
#84 | Childcare Challenges in Regional Australia with Sarah Secker
In episode 84 of Agsolutely Fabulous, Gillian is solo today with her guest, Sarah Secker, a farm and business owner in Keith, South Australia, who previously worked as a marketing and advertising executive in Sydney and London. Secker describes how the country work ethic helped her gain opportunities, then explains her current advocacy focus: regional childcare access as a critical “livability” and economic development lever for rural communities with seasonal work patterns and smaller populations. She argues government policy is city-centric, market-driven childcare fails in low-density areas, and government must play a larger provider and regulatory role, including more flexible subsidies and support for in-home care. They discuss practical reforms such as adding au pairs to the 88-day ag visa and addressing HECS indexing when parents can’t work due to childcare shortages. Sitker calls for regional voices at decision-making tables, sharing media links, and contacting local members, noting impacts on essential workers, volunteers, and regional political shifts. Links & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 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/
S2 · E84
Jul 23, 2026
48:31
#83 | Farm Wives, Tariffs, and Bull Sales: Chit Chat with Katja and Gillian
In episode 83 of Agsolutely Fabulous, Katja and Gillian share personal updates and Katja explains recording a mini-series with her husband to market Polldale’s Shorthorn Bull Sale (Wednesday 26 August), covering family history, what makes a good bull, and balancing predicted genetic data with traditional stockmanship, plus upcoming photography and a Kalgold Magazine collaboration. They discuss China’s 55% tariff on Australian beef as an over-quota measure announced on New Year’s Day, urging listeners to seek deeper market analysis. They also address University of Adelaide research on women in farm businesses and labels like “farmer” versus “farm wife,” then warn about bird flu detections in WA and SA with practical biosecurity advice. Katja reveals she has written a nonfiction book about moving to the farm and a closed-door Australian romance. Links & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 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 NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W 00:00 Welcome Back AgFabs 00:24 Catholic Funeral Stories 04:50 Bull Sale Podcast Marketing 09:05 China Beef Tariff Explained 14:58 Women And The Farmer Label 18:36 Farm Wife Identity Debate 25:25 New Books And BookTok 31:03 Bird Flu Biosecurity Tips 34:13 Wrap Up And Listener Question
S2 · E83
Jul 16, 2026
36:52
#82 | Empowering Women in Soil Health with Landcare
This week, Katja Williams continues a Landcare chat with Danielle Littlewood, Central West regional Landcare coordinator, and Dr. Aurelie Quade, director of Soil and Resilience. They discuss their women-focused soil health workshop “Talk Dirty To Me,” funded through Landcare Enabling Program Phase 3 grants, designed to remove barriers via a safe space and provided childcare; about 25 women attended despite cold, wet weather. Dr. Quade explains translating soil science into accessible language, building women’s confidence to participate in farm decision-making, and myth-busting around buying inputs without measuring, emphasizing soil tests and targeted use of fertilizer. Practical signs and activities include digging, assessing structure, infiltration and pH, and smelling soil for microbial activity. They connect soil health to wellbeing and profitability, note global pressures from rising input costs, and share upcoming workshops, soil test subsidies, and contact details. Links & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 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 NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W 00:27 Meet Danielle 01:06 Meet Aurelie 01:42 Talk Dirty Workshop Origins 03:03 Removing Barriers for Women 04:53 Making Soil Health Simple 06:00 Confidence at the Farm Table 08:24 Myth Busting and Measuring 09:31 Paddock Tests You Can Do 10:38 Soil Health and Worry 12:26 Global Trends and Profitability 15:22 Inputs and Smart Decisions 16:55 Next Steps Soil Testing 17:46 Urban Rural Storytelling 19:46 Simple Signs and Smell Test 22:22 Farms as Complex Systems 23:51 Why Workshops Feel Safe 25:59 How to Get Involved
S2 · E82
Jul 10, 2026
29:22
Ep. 76 | Behind the Scenes of Life on the Farm: Q & A with Katja and Gillian
Episode 76 of Agsolutely Fabulous is a Q&A with Gillian and Katja, including updates on Gillian’s possible trip south and concerns about flight cancellations, and plans for a live recording at the Duke of Brunswick Hotel (a fully gluten-free venue) featuring a bespoke non-alcoholic cocktail, merch, and possible discounted nearby accommodation. They answer why it’s important for young people to work off their home station—highlighting independence, professional workplace structure, broader agricultural exposure, networking, boundaries, and avoiding assumed knowledge. They discuss hard moments on farm, focusing on overwhelm, mental load, safety anxiety, and feeling dismissed by outsiders, and suggest checking in and listening without immediately offering solutions. They share what meeting them in person is like, clarify “farm” vs “station,” and compare gumboot options, sock strategies, and wet-weather footwear. Links & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 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 NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W
S2 · E76
May 28, 2026
40:17
#75 High Tech on the Farm: How Drones Are Transforming Landcare
Title: High Tech on the Farm: How Drones Are Transforming Landcare It’s episode 75 of Agsolutely Fabulous! Today, Gillian and Katja kick off the third in their Landcare series, featuring Three Rivers Landcare coordinator Carmel Bundy and drone survey pilot Ben Watts. They discuss how drones are used less as a novelty and more as a tool to collect objective, high-resolution mapping data, including 3D models and plant health maps, to benchmark ground cover and land condition over time and help landholders communicate stewardship to stakeholders. Carmel explains the project began through ag skill funding and quickly filled, leading to a second course that trained 27 Landcare members of diverse ages. Ben describes 15 years of agricultural drone use, benefits for safety and coverage, early stress detection 7–10 days before visible symptoms, and targeted treatment to reduce chemical use and support sustainability. Learn More About Landcare: Landcare Australia is a national, independent not-for-profit established in 1989. For over 35 years, it has led community and corporate engagement in environmental conservation and sustainable land management, helping protect Australia’s land, water, soils, plants, animals, and ecosystems. The organisation supports Landcare groups and partners through funding, on-ground project delivery, capacity-building, and knowledge sharing, while also managing large-scale restoration initiatives like the Landcare CarbonSMART program. Working alongside a network of 6,000 groups and more than 100,000 volunteers, Landcare Australia strengthens biodiversity, restores landscapes, and builds resilience in food and farming systems. As climate change and environmental challenges intensify, its focus remains on innovation, partnerships, and empowering the next generation—including stronger engagement with First Nations communities. Links & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 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 NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W
S2 · E75
May 21, 2026
34:42
#74 | From Boundary Setting to Bounties on Foxes Katja and Gillian
They address “the farm is a money pit” and promote boundary-setting workshops and community funding for internal skills. They discuss Elders planning to stop handling WA wool locally and shift operations to Melbourne amid a shrinking sheep flock and reduced industry confidence after the live sheep export ban, recalling a Canberra rally and urging respectful political advocacy. They discuss a reel on women being gaslit about “having it all,” and finish with support for Victoria’s new fox bounty and multi-pronged feral control. Links & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 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 NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W 00:30 Station life updates 01:54 Rural Women Awards night 02:38 Parliament House ID drama 04:45 Language Academy winner 06:30 AI finalist and automation 07:55 Night driving glasses tip 09:47 Farm money pit boundaries 14:12 Elders exit wool industry 17:19 Canberra rally recap 20:18 Who showed up and why write 21:53 Writing Politicians Right 23:49 The Myth Of Having It All 25:28 Renovation Rabbit Holes 27:27 Mental Health Help Reality 29:24 Fox Bounty Fury 30:52 Native Pets And Lizards 34:48 Why Foxes Target Lambs 36:30 Multi Pronged Fox Control 38:14 Safe Shooting And Cities
S2 · E74
May 14, 2026
42:28
#72 | Going Beyond the Pantry & Prepping for Today's Uncertain World with Robyn Verrall
In episode 72 of Agsolutely Fabulous, Katja speaks with Robin Verrall—farmer, beef and lamb producer, author, publisher, and board and committee member in South Australia—about navigating global change, practical prepping, and supporting aging parents as winter approaches. They contrast city shopping habits with farm “pantry staples” and discuss readiness without panic buying, including keeping backups like flour, long-life milk, shelf-stable meals, gas cookers, battery backup landlines/radios, and organized, pest-proof storage, plus planning for power outages. They also discuss the emotional and social adjustments after COVID, including close contact in public spaces. For aging parents, they emphasize winter needs such as heating, wood/kindling, comfort foods in manageable portions, safer transport when driving becomes risky, staying connected through neighbors, and medication management via chemist blister packs, especially with dementia. Links & Resources Landcare Australia: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/ Find or Register a Group: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/find-a-group/ Learn how to Get Involved with Landcare here: https://youtu.be/3s74Lvmlutk 💕 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 NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W 00:27 Meet Robin Vel 01:09 World Feels Unstable 02:40 Pantry Prep Basics 06:50 Beyond Stockpiling 07:08 Kids and Kindness 08:44 Aging Parents in Winter 10:38 Safety and Connection 14:08 Medication Management
S2 · E72
May 1, 2026
19:28
#62 | Head Over Boots & Gut Health with Toni Dingle
In this episode of Absolutely Fabulous, Katja Williams sits down with Toni Dingle, author of 'Head Over Boots,' to discuss her experiences living on a cattle property, her writing journey, and her passion for gut health. Toni shares her unique insights into rural life, the importance of resilience, and how food impacts mental and physical health. The conversation touches on the challenges of farming, motherhood, and the media's portrayal of agriculture. Toni also underscores the significance of holistic health approaches and highlights valuable resources for gut health education. 00:40 Toni's Background and Life on the Farm 01:54 Writing Journey and Inspiration 03:38 Challenges and Realities of Farming 08:18 Resilience and Life Lessons from Farming 11:11 Gut Health and Its Importance 16:18 Personal Experiences with Gut Health 23:35 Practical Tips for Gut Health 26:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Toni on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workinonafullhouse/ Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonidingle_writes/ Listen to Toni’s podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/that-gut-feeling-doing-it-for-the-kids-podcast/id1569314356 Thank you for being part of this incredible community. 💕 Support Our Partners Conference Tickets - https://www.123tix.com.au/events/50678/harvest-her-power-conference-2026 THANK YOU TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS Fletcher International - https://fletchint.com.au/ Chamber 262 - https://www.chambers262.com/ 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 NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W
S2 · E62
Feb 5, 2026
33:43
58# Biosecurity Warning, Robert Irwin Goes Global, Major Solar Farm Fire & 2025 Sign-Off
#58 Biosecurity Christmas Warning, Robert Irwin Goes Global, Major Solar Farm Fire & 2025 sign off 🎣 Topic 1: Biosecurity Warning — Fishing Over Christmas & Why Imported Bait Is a Serious Risk As everyone gears up for Christmas holidays and families start heading to the river, the lake or the coast for a bit of downtime, we’re kicking off with a crucial biosecurity reminder. Using imported bait—even when it looks harmless—is one of the fastest ways to introduce devastating pests and diseases into Australian waterways. From viruses that can wipe out native fish populations to parasites that spread far beyond the fishing spot, imported bait poses a real threat to our ecosystems, local fishing industries, and regional economies. Topic 2: Robert Irwin — Australia’s Biggest International Ambassador Since Paul Hogan? We revisit a favourite talking point: Robert Irwin’s unstoppable global rise. He’s becoming one of the most recognisable, positive Australian ambassadors of this generation — and not just in the US. Robert is now making waves in the UK, Germany, Japan, India, and China, reaching audiences that previous Australian public figures never quite hit in the same way. 🎁 Q&A + Giveaway Winners — Toni Dingle’s Aussie Rom-Com “Head Over Boots” We’re thrilled to announce the winners of our festive giveaway of Toni Dingle’s first Australian romcom, Head Over Boots. Congratulations to: 🎉 Kerry M 🎉 Kate L https://tonidinglewrites.com/#presale 🔥 Topic 3: Major Solar Farm Fire — What Happened & Why It Matters In this episode, we cover the recent large-scale solar farm fire that’s been making headlines. As regional Australia becomes home to more renewable projects, communities are increasingly asking questions about safety, land management, and infrastructure resilience. 🎄 Topic 4: Christmas & New Year Sign-Off — Farewell to 2025 & What’s Coming Next We wrap up the year with a warm Christmas and New Year’s message to our incredible listeners. It’s been a huge year, and we share a little behind-the-scenes insight into what’s coming in 2026: 💕 Support Our Partners Links tickets - https://www.123tix.com.au/events/50674/farm-succession-and-the-forgotten-women Conference Tickets - https://www.123tix.com.au/events/50678/harvest-her-power-conference-2026 🚜 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/ 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 NEWSELTTER: https://tr.ee/qd6wlKKB1W
S2 · E23
Dec 11, 2025
46:41
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