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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 algo...

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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.<...

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Today, we go behind the scenes of radio with one of the most recognisable voices in rural Australia—Libby Price.

From her early days in the Adelaide Hills to an outstanding career across radio and television—best known for ABC’s Country Hour and now ACE Radio’s Country Today—Libby’s journey has been anything but ordinary.

She’s interviewed Prime Ministers, built a reputation as a tough, no-filter journalist, and even had John Howard approach her—not the other way around.

But beyond the big names and headli...

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Part C takes things in a different direction, as we dig deeper into the life of Danny Phegan—farmer, entertainer, and one of the most genuine voices around.

From the opal fields of Lightning Ridge—mud, water, and brown snakes—we explore a side of life many don’t see. Danny reflects on the constant movement of touring, from northern gigs to the south coast, and how songs can be born anywhere—even scribbled on a napkin mid-flight.

There’s plenty of light along the way—cheeky school stories...

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In Part B, we’re back with Danny Phegan—farmer, singer-songwriter, entertainer, and all-round top bloke.

This episode dives into the realities of chasing a living, the highs and lows, and the moments that make it all worthwhile. Danny shares the incredible story behind his album From Where I Stand hitting number one on the ARIA Country Album Charts—a huge achievement—and what it’s like performing in front of thousands.

We also get a behind-the-scenes look at his time on The Voice, including Keith Urban spinning his chair and...

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Episode 100 

What better way to celebrate than with Danny Phegan — farmer, singer/songwriter, entertainer and great family man — sharing a story that’s big, wild and full of heart.

Across three episodes, we cover life on the farm near Albury, NSW, the influence of his grandfather, and the unbelievable story of buying his farm at auction.

From breaking in horses in America to riding from Darwin to Tassie raising over $500,000 for the Campfires Against Cancer Ride — capped off by a homecoming concert with Lee Kernaghan — Danny’s lif...

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Today we sit down with Nakala Maddock from Nutrisoil to unpack what’s really going on beneath our feet.

Nakala breaks down the fundamentals of vermiculture and explains how the worm’s gut acts as a powerful microbial factory—transforming organic matter into biology that drives healthier, more productive soils. 

It’s a simple concept with big implications for pasture performance, resilience, and long-term farm sustainability.

This is a practical, back-to-basics conversation about building soil from the ground up—working with nature, not against it...

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In part two of my chat with Andrew Kettlewell, we dig deeper into the people, moments and decisions that helped shape his career in agriculture and business.

Andrew reflects on lessons learned along the way — from global companies to grassroots agriculture — and why staying connected to the land and community still matters.

It’s a conversation about opportunity, perspective and the long road from Jerilderie to a remarkable career in agriculture.

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Andrew Kettlewell grew up in the Riverina town of Jerilderie, but his story stretches a long way beyond the family farm. In this first episode, Andrew shares the early chapters — growing up in the country, chasing opportunities, and the experiences that shaped his path into farm management.

From small-town beginnings to rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in the business world, it’s a fascinating look at how curiosity, hard work and a willingness to say yes can take you a long way.

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In this episode, I’m on a property just south of Yass in NSW, joining a research project funded by Meat & Livestock Australia and led by Dr Rebecca Haling from CSIRO.

We’re taking a closer look at serradella — a self-regenerating legume that’s drought resilient, fixes nitrogen, handles acidic soils, runs on low nutrients, and carries a low bloat risk. It’s already proven in WA and north-west NSW, and now researchers are exploring its fit in the higher rainfall pasture zones of south-eastern Australia.

I speak with Dr Richard...

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In Part B, Dom Shanahan gets into the heart of what matters most—people, safety, and smart decisions on and off the road.

We talk driver safety, B-triples, leadership, and how Dom’s business evolved, including his move from cattle and sheep, to cattle only and the thinking behind that shift. Dom also shares some memorable stories about the characters in his fleet, including the female drivers who’ve made their mark.

It’s a great Aussie yarn about responsibility, growth, and running a big operation while keeping...

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In Part A, I sit down with a mate of mine, Dom Shanahan, to hear the story behind the man and the miles.

Dom started with just one truck, and today runs a major livestock transport operation with 35 B-doubles on the road. He takes us through his early days, the risks, the setbacks, and the decisions that shaped his journey from the ground up.

It’s a grounded, honest conversation about building a company, earning your stripes, and what it really takes to ke...

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In Part B with Sam Davies, we explore the intersection of agriculture, education, and purpose.

Sam shares how her work with Petaurus Education Group is connecting students with the environment in meaningful, hands-on ways—taking learning beyond the classroom and into wetlands, waterways, and the landscapes that shape rural Australia.

We talk about the power of small moments in education, the resilience of country communities, and what drives Sam to keep giving back to the places that shaped her. Along the way, she reflects on family, influence, an...

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In Part A, Sam Davies takes us through the twists and turns of her journey—from growing up on a farm in New South Wales, to teaching in some of Australia’s most remote communities, and eventually landing on a station near Hay.

We talk about her early years, what drew her into teaching, and her time with the School of the Air in Katherine—where classrooms look very different and connection means something deeper.

Along the way, Sam shares how she fell in love with Andrew, the realities of run...

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We head back to Chambers Rosewood Vineyards with Stephen Chambers as harvest comes into sharp focus.

Picking season is hectic, fast-paced, and full of decisions — from grape varieties and timing, to the ongoing challenges of smoke taint from bushfires and increasingly unpredictable seasons. Stephen walks us through the shift from hand picking, to mechanical harvesting, and back again, and what those choices mean in the glass.

We also talk fortified wines — world-famous, and sometimes more than a century in the making — including an 1890 Muscat still quietly waiting its moment. Stephe...

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Today, we’re at Chambers Rosewood Vineyards with Stephen Chambers — a sixth-generation family winery woven into the fabric of Victoria’s gold country.

These are soils shaped by history: once turned by gold seekers, now nurturing vines, grazing sheep, and generations of stories layered as deep as the roots beneath them.

In Part A, Stephen reflects on the gold days, the pressures of farming through changing seasons, the mishaps that inevitably come with life on the land, and the enduring rhythm that keeps this place moving forward.
We even h...

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Welcome back to Gooramadda Olives for Part B with Rob Whyte.

It starts at breakfast, with a quiet truth: once you use really good olive oil, the tomato sauce bottle doesn’t stand a chance.

We talk about the health benefits of quality olive oil, how the body can respond differently to things like ibuprofen, and why what you choose to cook with actually matters.

Rob shares practical tips for using olive oil every day, pairing olives with wine, and describing flavour without the pretension.

We...

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Today we’re at Gooramadda Olives in North East Victoria with Rob Whyte.

Rob grew up on the land near Sydney — until the city grew around him. His career took him from Burke’s Backyard to IT roles with Qantas and IBM, far removed from farming.

Then he and his wife Melanie found Rutherglen. A block with a view near the river came up for sale — and it happened to be an olive farm. They took the leap, changed everything, and now Rob writes just one word on his tax return: fa...

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He’s spent years telling other people’s stories — now it’s his turn.

Usually on Salt of the Earth Farm Stories, Darren Grigg is the one behind the microphone, listening and asking the questions.

But for this episode, we’re changing things up.

I’m Leona and this time, Darren is on the other side of the interview. It’s not a role he’s naturally comfortable with, but we gently turn the microphone around and explore the story behind the storyteller.

We talk about his earlies...

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In Part C, the final chapter of this special series, we reflect on the life and legacy of David Grigg.

This episode brings together the threads of a remarkable journey — shaped by work, travel, community, family, and friendships. We slow things down to appreciate the moments that mattered most, the values that guided him, and the changes he witnessed across nearly a century.

It’s been a privilege to share Uncle David’s story, and to celebrate a man who is still going strong, with his 100th birthday just around...

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In Part B of this special conversation, we continue the story of Uncle David Grigg — moving from early farm life and community involvement to the changes that reshaped his working world.

Uncle David shares stories of his first car, the Hillman Minx, the shift from horsepower to tractors, and the arrival of his first McCormick Deering on steel wheels. We also hear about a difficult turning point — having to leave the farm — and how that led him into town, into new work, and into everything from sales to an unexpected ten-year role a...

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In this special episode, it’s a true privilege to share the story of my great uncle David — a quiet gentleman whose life spans nearly a century of Australian history.

Born in 1926, David grew up on the land during a time of hardship and simplicity: no electricity, one bath a week, horses working the paddocks, cows milked by hand, and seasons shaped by drought, rabbits and resilience. At just 14, he left school to work the farm, and during wartime, while others went to battle, he was sent home with a powerful inst...

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We're joined by Dr Robin Adair from Australis Biological — one of Australia’s most experienced and passionate experts on invasive weeds.

With more than a thousand exotic plant species in Victoria, Robin explains why the battle for biodiversity is more urgent than ever. We dig into the surprising plant still being sold in nurseries that’s quietly choking our habitat, explore why blackberry is such a resilient opponent, and unpack the smart use of tools like biocontrol, herbicides, and even goats.

From AI-driven drones that can spot and spray indivi...

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In Part B of our journey to Curtin Springs Station, we’re back with the unstoppable Lyndee Severin. This episode dives into the daily dance of running a cattle station while welcoming travellers from all over — and why sometimes, you just have to roll with whatever the outback throws at you.

From hilarious tourist moments to thoughtful reflections on how disconnected kids can be from where their food comes from, this conversation is equal parts warm, funny, and eye-opening. We also explore the deeper meaning of Mt Connor — not just a stunni...

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In this episode, we head to Curtin Springs Station — a one-million-acre cattle station in the Northern Territory with a story like no other.

Lyndee Severin joins us to share how her family turned a humble 1950s stopover into a thriving outback destination. From welcoming travellers with a simple cuppa to hosting thousands each year, Curtin Springs has become a place where people connect deeply with the landscape.

One of the most unexpected experiences? Making beautiful, handcrafted paper from native grasses grown on the station — a hands-on, creative way to feel...

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Episode 80 – Weed Warriors on Four Legs: Dan Humpage from EnviroGraze

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dan Humpage from EnviroGraze — home to some of the cleverest weed-eating warriors on the land. These goats aren’t just grazing; they’re actively restoring balance to our native landscapes.

Dan’s method is a prescribed remedy for ecological repair — thoughtful, sustainable, and surprisingly scientific.

We unpack how these remarkable animals help suppress weeds, add nitrogen back into the soil, and encourage the return of native species. Dan also shares how he...

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We’re back at Curtin Springs Station in the Northern Territory for Part B of my yarn with Ash Severin — and this half of the story cuts deep.

Ash takes us through the evolution of mustering, from horses to choppers to trap yards, and what it’s like balancing life alongside dingoes, goannas, and even wild camels — right up until the bull camels start causing chaos.

He opens up about a fire that burned for seven months, moments of tragedy and resilience, and the personal heartbreaks that have shaped the man he is...

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This week we’re out at Curtin Springs Station in the heart of the Northern Territory, having a yarn with Ash Severin — a tough, no-nonsense outback bloke with a lifetime of stories from one of Australia’s most remote cattle stations.

From the early days in the 1950s, when the homestead was little more than a roof and four posts, to the station’s transformation into a bustling stopover for travellers near Uluru — Ash has seen it all. He shares cracking yarns about mustering on horseback, life-saving ingenuity, switching to Murray Grey cattle, s...

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Breaking Barriers, Building Joy

In Part B of our powerful chat with Sam Longmore, we go even deeper—into life, disability, creativity, and shaking up what success really looks like.

From launching a mobile bar and a wool business, to starting her own sold-out workshop series (‘Oh Bull Dust’), Sam’s not just surviving—she’s creating a life packed with purpose, laughter, and bold moves.

She opens up about the future of Ag, accessibility, and breaks some personal news for the first time publicly.

Honest, hila...

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Bulletproof, Broken, and Unbelievably Brave

Sam Longmore was full throttle—working hard, living fast, doing everything… until one early morning changed everything. A life-altering accident left her paralyzed down one side—but it didn’t stop her.

In Part A, we dive into Sam’s story of resilience, rebuilding, and raw grit—from the paddock, to launching her own Ag spraying business, to chasing water-skiing records with one wild determination.

It’s powerful. It’s emotional. And it’ll leave you questioning what strength really looks like.

This is Sam Lon...

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We’re back at Undoolya Station for Part B of our yarn with the one and only Ben Hayes — and we’re diving straight into the deep end.

From desertification to the future of farming in Central Australia, Ben shares his take on land use, food security, and the big question: why do some folks want the desert back?

We explore bold ideas around diversification, hemp as a possible future crop, and how even the smallest stations play a role in the national conversation around sustainable agriculture. Ben also reflec...

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Today we’re heading deep into the heart of Australia’s Red Centre — east of Alice Springs — to the legendary Undoolya Station. Established in 1872 and still proudly family-run, this is cattle country with soul, and the stunning MacDonnell Ranges running right through it.

At the centre of it all is Ben Hayes — cattleman, tracker, storyteller, and a bloke who’s as real as they come. In this episode, Ben shares what it takes to run a certified organic Poll Hereford operation in some of the country’s most rugged and beautiful terrain.

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We’re back for Part B of our brilliant chat with Amee Dennis at Quentin Park Alpacas and Studio Gallery.

This episode is classic Amee: full of heart, hilarity, and those unforgettable moments that only happen when you lean into a challenge.

We hear about her mission to create meaningful, sensory-rich experiences — especially for people with disabilities — and how her alpacas (and other furry farm friends) play a starring role.

You’ll meet Dolly the lunch-thieving pig, teenage camels with attitude, and hear tales of career alpacas, pet alpacas...

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We’re off to Quentin Park Alpacas in Peterborough, South Australia, to hang out with the one and only Amee Dennis — where alpacas roam free, creativity flows, and laughter is practically guaranteed.

Aimee invites us into her bustling farm and fibre shop, where every alpaca has a name, a backstory, and in some cases... unresolved drama. (Looking at you, Benjamin Bo)

But beyond the alpaca antics, Amee shares her powerful mission to reconnect people — especially city folks — with where their food and fibre comes from. Through hands-on experiences, she’s bringing peop...

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Lyndee Severin – Part B: Curtin Springs Station

In Part B, Lyndee opens up about the emotional toll of life in remote Australia—fires, droughts, first responder work—and what it takes to keep going. We also talk land management, carbon, and the quiet power of connection, both human and animal.

Find out more at www.curtinsprings.com

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In this episode, we chat with Colin Arnold from Graze Away, who’s using goats to tackle invasive weeds and bring native ecosystems back to life — all without chemicals.

We cover:

Why goats love blackberry and ivy

The role of allelopathic plants

Tips on fencing and choosing the right goats

How this approach supports native birds, reptiles, and healthy soil

From Melbourne backyards to bushland — Colin’s work is transforming spaces, naturally.

Proudly brought to you by Kiewa...

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Curtin Springs Station, NT.

In this episode, we head deep into Central Australia, where Lyndee Severin is on a one-million-acre station across 22 land types.

From the unique qualities of the Murray Grey breed to the chaos of scrub bulls and the quiet authority needed in the yards, Lyndee shares what it really takes to raise cattle in some of the country’s toughest terrain.

It’s a story of grit, instinct, and the kind of knowledge that lives in the herd—not the office.

Find out mo...

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From Kitchen Bench to Flour Mill — Courtney Young of Woodstock Flour
Today I’m joined by Courtney Young from Woodstock Flour — a small organic flour mill in North East Victoria with a big focus on soil health, transparency, and local food systems.

What started on a kitchen bench with a tiny home mill has grown into a thriving operation. Courtney and her husband Ian are supplying beautiful organic flour to bakers, chefs, and home cooks across the country.

Courtney shares their journey — from supporting regenerative grain growers to using or...

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Matt Martin - Old Cobran Poll Marino Stud
In this episode, we're in Mullameah, near Holbrook, to chat with Matt Martin — a data-driven, forward-thinking farmer with a lifelong connection to Merino breeding.

From phasing out mulesing to using genomics and building smart confinement areas, Matt’s approach proves that innovation, sustainability, and sheep farming can go hand-in-hand. We talk carbon, welfare, breeding values, and how fewer sheep can mean bigger results.

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Soil to Soul — Courtney Young on Farming, Flour & Finding Purpose
Today’s guest is Courtney Young — farmer, flour miller, environmentalist, and all-round powerhouse weaving together the threads of land, food, and wellbeing.

From a childhood by the ocean to studying environmental science, Courtney’s journey has taken many turns — including falling in love, becoming a certified organic farmer, and starting Woodstock Flour with her partner.

She opens up about the challenges of postnatal depression and the healing power of connection — to community, to land, and to purpose.

We dive in...