Meet the Co-op Farmers

Kate Hage, an experienced professional with a background in finance, law, and business development, successfully transitioned to the tech industry, becoming the first Australian employee and Business Development Director at Syndex. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes: In our latest episode of Meet the Co-op Farmers, rural journalist Michael Cavanagh speaks to Kate Hage, Syndex's Australian country manager. Syndex helps agricultural co-ops enter the digital age with its cloud-based platform providing an investment management portal, a member communications and relations system, and a marketplace offering access to capital and liquidity options. Links and resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Find out more about Syndex – https://www.syndex.com.au/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter – https://coopfarming.coop/subscribe-to-our-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op, contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals – https://bccm.coop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Executive coach Stephen Shepherd of AltusQ has extensive experience working with co-operatives and mutuals. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes: In this conversation with rural journalist Michael Cavanagh, hear how how the co-operative difference informs and strengthens the business strategy of the co-ops and mutuals Stephen Shepherd of AltusQ works with. When co-ops fully embrace their history and purpose, a clear and workable strategy emerges; by harnessing the power of co-operation, co-ops and mutuals create a win-win situation for their organisation and their communities. Links and resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Find out more about AltusQ – http://www.altusq.com.au/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter – https://coopfarming.coop/subscribe-to-our-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op, contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals – https://bccm.coop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Terang Co-op is the retail heart of the small town of Terang and the lifeblood of the community, providing jobs, a sense of ownership and opportunities for local producers. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes: Talking to journalist Michael Cavanagh, Kevin Ford reflects on the co-op ahead of his retirement as CEO, explaining how the co-operative difference informs every decision at Terang Co-op, from daily work to the long-term vision of the organisation. Links and resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Find out more about Terang Co-op – https://terangcoop.com.au/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter – https://coopfarming.coop/subscribe-to-our-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op, contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals – https://bccm.coop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Western Australia is known for many things – its stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, the WACA and its much-loved AFL teams. But it's also home to Australia's largest fishery, Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative, which is a full-service operation taking its members' daily catch of western rock lobsters and transporting them around the globe. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes: In this interview by rural journalist Michael Cavanagh with CEO Matt Rutter, you'll discover more about this proud Australian co-op that's over 70 years old and hear what's involved in bringing premium seafood to international and local markets. You'll also learn why the co-operative model is the ideal structure for this business, driving a purpose that extends beyond just profits. Links and resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Find out more about Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative – https://brolos.com.au/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter – https://coopfarming.coop/subscribe-to-our-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op, contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals – https://bccm.coop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Cavanagh sat down with The Lockyer Fruit and Veggie Cooperative's Colin Dorber – the driving force behind the co-op and a man committed to the future prosperity of the Lockyer Valley region. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes: This month, we hear the inspiring story of Queensland's Lockyer Fruit and Veggie Cooperative which is helping to create an Australian-owned processing facility for locally grown produce. This co-op is designed to allow everyday Australians to support our farmers and contribute to ongoing food security. Michael Cavanagh sat down with Colin Dorber, the driving force behind the co-op and a man committed to the future prosperity of the Lockyer Valley region. Links and resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Find out more about The Lockyer Fruit and Veggie Cooperative Ltd – https://lockyervalleyfoods.com.au/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter – https://coopfarming.coop/subscribe-to-our-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op, contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals – https://bccm.coop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this month's podcast, we again focus on one of the leading co-operatives in the flood-ravaged Northern Rivers region of NSW – The Casino Food Co-op. Rural journalist Michael Cavanagh sat down with Simon Stahl, CEO of The Casino Food Co-op, the largest farmer-owned meat processing co-op in Australia with over 500 farmer members. Farming is an inherently difficult vocation, but knowing the Co-op has got their back has helped members navigate drought, fires, COVID-19 and more recently the devastating floods. Its people-first philosophy allowed them to support their community through this traumatic event. Discover why The Casino Food Co-op is such an asset to its community, and what the future holds for this forward-thinking co-operative. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Find out more about The Casino Food Co-op – https://thecasinofoodcoop.com.au Read our story The secret behind The Casino Food Co-op's success: The power of community – https://coopfarming.coop/stories/the-secret-behind-the-casino-food-co-ops-success-the-power-of-community Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter – https://coopfarming.coop/subscribe-to-our-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op, contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals – https://bccm.coop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Northern Rivers region of NSW is no stranger to floods. But this resilient community has been stretched to breaking point this year, with record-breaking floods reaching heights beyond what anyone had ever imagined. Rural journalist Michael Cavanagh joined John Williams, CEO of Summerland Credit Union, to find out what drives this member-owned bank to keep going in even the toughest circumstances. Discover why member-owned banks are an important part of the Co-operative Farming family, how Summerland's co-operative values have informed its flood response and why Summerland is optimistic about the future. Discover more about the bank that's putting its members first and strengthening the capacity of its community to recover from the 2022 floods. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Find out more about the Summerland Credit Union – https://summerland.com.au/ Read our story How Summerland Credit Union is helping the Northern Rivers get back to business – https://coopfarming.coop/stories/how-summerland-credit-union-is-helping-lismore-get-back-to-business Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter – https://coopfarming.coop/subscribe-to-our-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op, contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals – https://bccm.coop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the town of Sea Lake was left with no local pub, the community took matters into their own hands, renovating a derelict building and opening the Royal Hotel as the Sea Lake Hotel Co-operative Limited. Rural journalist Michael Cavanagh caught up with the co-op’s chair, John Clohesy and secretary, Alison McClelland. In this podcast you will learn why the Royal Hotel is such an important part of the Sea Lake community, how their previous experience in running a hardware co-operative helped the community embrace the co-operative model again, and how running the Sea Lake Hotel Co-operative has united this small community, given the town a tourism boost and provided locals with a sense of self-agency. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Read about the Sea Lake Hotel Co-operative Limited – the community co-op that revitalised a condemned pub – https://coopfarming.coop/stories/community-co-op-revitalises-condemned-pub/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter – https://coopfarming.coop/subscribe-to-our-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op, contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals – https://bccm.coop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mining companies and farmers are frequently adversaries, with very different plans for the natural resources in a region. However, through the formation of a co-op, Eyre Peninsula Co-operative Bulk Handling (EPCBH), the relationship between local grain growers and mining company Iron Road is characterised by co-operation, open communication and a genuine desire to create mutually beneficial outcomes. Agricultural journalist Michael Cavanagh talks to Tim Scholz, who is a farmer in the region, as well as director and chief executive officer of EPCBH and principal of stakeholder engagement with mining company Iron Road. In this podcast you will learn: how local grain growers and a mining company are working together to find a win-win situation, how the planned deep-water port at Cape Hardy could allow for grain and magnetite exports, and possibly even more, why co-ops give small farmers a voice and can empower them to collectively address sustainability challenges impacting their businesses and the wider community. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Read about Eyre Peninsula Co-operative Bulk Handling – the co-op that's creating new opportunities for Eyre Peninsula grain growers – https://coopfarming.coop/stories/epcbh-the-co-op-thats-creating-new-opportunities-for-eyre-peninsula-grain-growers/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter – https://coopfarming.coop/subscribe-to-our-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op, contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals – https://bccm.coop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Meet the Co-op Farmers episode rural journalist Michael Cavanagh talks to Peter Fraser, President of Community Energy 4 Goulburn (CE4G) and board member of Goulburn Community Energy Co-op. The co-op is stepping up to provide their local community with the opportunity to invest in solar energy, and to become changemakers through community-owned renewable energy. In this podcast you’ll learn how the local community in Goulburn and its surrounds got behind the vision for solar energy, why the co-operative model was the ideal solution for the project, how the co-op is allowing everyday Australians to invest in and support renewable energy and why this project is good news for regional Australia. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Read about the co-op’s long journey and discover why their powerful vision is becoming a model for other communities – https://coopfarming.coop/stories/goulburn-community-energy-co-op/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter – https://coopfarming.coop/subscribe-to-our-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op, contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals – https://bccm.coop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Meet the Co-op Farmers episode we discover the bank that’s well-known globally as the world’s biggest agricultural bank. Rabobank Australia is a subsidiary of Rabobank, the global co-operative bank based in the Netherlands, and is committed to operating with the same co-operative mindset and commitment to farmers, agriculture and global food security. Rural journalist Michael Cavanagh sat down with Marc Oostdijk, General Manager Knowledge and Networks, Sustainability and Community Engagement at Rabobank to find more about this bank with a big heart for farming and farmers. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Read our story about the co-operative spirit and origins of Rabobank – https://coopfarming.coop/stories/the-co-operative-spirit-of-rabobank/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter – https://coopfarming.coop/subscribe-to-our-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op, contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals – https://bccm.coop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marissa Costello is the general manager of one of Australia’s longest-running co-operatives, the Killarney Co-op. Serving the residents of the Queensland town of Warwick and its surrounds, this co-op has been on an impressive journey over the last century. Marissa Costello and Michael Cavanagh reflect on the first 100 years of the Killarney Co-op, from the early days as a butter factory, to its present setup with multiple retail outlets including a supermarket, an electrical appliances retailer, a hardware, a petrol station, a rural supplies store and a post office. They also talk about the generational legacy of the co-op, as well as how the co-operative movement is placed to offer community-based solutions in our ever-changing world. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Read our story on this new meat co-op – the Killarney Co-op – https://coopfarming.coop/stories/australias-most-co-operative-town/ Visit the Killarney Co-op website – http://www.killarneycoop.com/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter – https://coopfarming.coop/subscribe-to-our-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op, contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals – https://bccm.coop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Paddock to Plate" is our fascinating conversation with the founders of a new food co-op on the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. Have a listen to discover how a disused abattoir has become the centre of an emerging paddock to plate food network. Grant Baker and David Parsons, driving forces behind the co-op discuss how a meat processing co-op will meet local demand and assist producers from the Peninsula to get their top-quality produce onto supermarket shelves and restaurant tables further afield. Grant and David explain how the BCCM helped the community to explore how a co-op was the right model to work together on their shared vision for an interconnected food supply chain to produce and market the region's trustworthy, ethical, high quality food. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Read our story on this new meat co-op – The Fleurieu Community Co-operative – https://coopfarming.coop/stories/from-paddock-to-plate/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter – https://coopfarming.coop/subscribe-to-our-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op, contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals – https://bccm.coop/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Target announced the closure of its much-loved Cootamundra store, the locals quickly realised they would need to travel to Young or Wagga to buy many of their everyday essentials - even bras and briefs. An offhand comment by Cootamundra resident Leigh Bowden, "why don't we start a co-op?", marked the start of a long but exciting journey that has seen substantial progress made towards opening a member-owned retail co-op in the town. Leigh shares with Michael Cavanagh the current progress of the Cootamundra District Co-op, as well as the highs and lows involved in pioneering a co-op: finding the first members, raising capital, securing supplies and establishing a spirit of co-operation (and not competition) with the other local retailers. If the co-op successfully opens its retail store, it will be a major victory for the board, the members and the local community. But if their vision doesn't quite come to fruition, Leigh and her team of dedicated volunteers will know that they did everything they could to help their Cootamundra community. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts Find out more about the Cootamundra District Co-op Find out more about co-op farming Subscribe to our monthly Co-operative Farming e-newsletter Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers podcast team If you or your community want to know more about setting up and running a co-op you can contact the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals for some friendly assistance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to the podcast series from the farming front line. Meet the Co-op Farmers. It's our second season and this time we're going wider and digging deeper to uncover more great stories of co-operation in regional Australia. We'll not only be talking to the farmers, fishers and foresters who put the food on our table and get the wood to the mill. We're going to look at what's driving a rediscovery and take up of this tried and tested model of doing business together. Along the way, you'll meet people across our rural communities working together to overcome disasters and crisis and plan for a better future. It's truly inspiring. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marquis Macadamias CEO Larry McHugh takes us on a fascinating farming journey on the far north coast of Australia. This is the story of a group of growers who were not able to sell their crop for a reasonable price, so a few of them got together and decided to create a co-op and the rest was history. The company now processes and markets to sell all the macadamias from the growers here around the world. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes: From small beginnings, Marquis Macadamias has grown into a huge co-operative enterprise, and long-time CEO Larry McHugh tells renowned agriculture journalist Pete Lewis all about that journey, as well as their recent major rebranding and restructure to become the biggest macadamia processing plant in the world. The farmer-owned co-operative grows, processes, and sells almost half of Australia’s macadamia production, as well as 22% of the world’s kernel sales and 16% of the international nut in shell sales, what they describe as the world’s finest nut. This is a story of innovation and success, and how a small number of individuals, with a vision for something greater, created world-leading scale together. In this fascinating podcast series, you will hear from real farmers who are successfully using co-operative farming business models. Through their stories and real-life experiences, you will learn how this positive farming model changes lives. Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Watch Peter Lewis interview Larry McHugh – https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-3-part-1-interview/ Watch Pete Lewis discuss how co-operatives add value with the Hon. Karen Andrews MP, Larry McHugh, Matt Rutter (Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative), Simon Stahl (Casino Food Co-operative), Michael Hampson (Norco) and Melina Morrison (BCCM). https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-3-part-2-roundtable/ Want to find out more about Marquis Macadamias – https://marquis.com/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the end of tobacco farming to innovative reinvention, the Tobacco & Associated Farmers Co-operative Organisation (TAFCO) has seen huge change over the years. When TAFCO started off 32 years ago they never thought they face the reality of an end of tobacco growing. But as always when facing adversity, they pivoted and reinvented themselves. Today this successful co-op has more than 620 members and is the very heart of their community. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes: Victoria’s influential, award-winning and profitable rural supplies co-operative TAFCO, managed to reinvent itself to continue to benefit members after the decline of the tobacco industry. Today, they supply retail goods and farming services to a range of retail customers including primary producers, hobby farmers, tradespeople and townsfolk, and have a gross annual revenue of $7 million, providing a dividend to its 620 members who are primarily farmers. Kerry Murphy was fundamental in launching and growing the Myrtleford Farmers Markets and has helped source funds for other local economic development initiatives, such as the free delivery service to farms. Hear about how she makes it all work when she talks to Pete Lewis. How do they work to attract and engage farmers? How do they attract loyal customers and retain community support? How do they work together? In this fascinating podcast series, you will hear from real farmers who are successfully using co-operative farming business models. Through their stories and real-life experiences, you will learn how this positive farming model changes lives. Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Watch Peter Lewis interview Kerry Murphy https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-9-part-1-interview/ Watch Pete Lewis discuss how buying together works to benefit members and communities. Featuring Kerry Murphy (TAFCO), Dr George Ujvary (Master Butchers Co-operative), Donna Avery (Yolla Producers Co-operative Society) and Anthony Nehme (Yenda Producers Co-operative) https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-9-part-2-roundtable/ Want to find out more about TAFCO https://www.tafco.com.au/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team: https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emma’s massive 55,000-hectare farm is based in the remote area of Charters Towers but she is a big believer that farmers who share insights, knowledge and work together can thrive, even in such isolated environments. Upon being awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study abroad, Emma went in search of answering fundamental questions in search of the best model for beef farming and agriculture. After looking at lots of different models, Emma returned to the co-operative model as the ideal structure. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes:North Queensland-based Emma Robinson is passionate about family farming, beef and business models and believes the co-operative business model can help future proof the family farm. So much so, she founded the Beef Collaboration Project and has stories to tell about building producer membership and providing scalable opportunities in the bush. Listen to her fascinating journey spreading the word about collaboration in farming and how much it can benefit agriculture and the economy. In spite of her being in such a remote area, she travelled the world as part of a Churchill Fellowship, exploring and connecting with other farming enterprises – and she kept coming back to the co-operative model as the structure that seemed to stand out. In this podcast episode she talks about why that was. In this fascinating podcast series, you can hear from real farmers who are successfully using co-operative farming business models. Through their stories and experiences (warts and all), you will learn how this positive farming model can change lives. Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Watch Peter Lewis interview Emma Robinson talk about her unique journey into farming https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-8-part-1-interview/ Watch Pete Lewis discuss how co-ops attract, keep and engage members in a co-op. Featuring Emma Robinson (Beef Collaboration Project), Kate Davies (Tooraweenah Prime Lamb Marketing Co-operative), John Seccombe (Casino Food Co-op), and Melina Morrison (BCCM). Want to find out more about the Beef Collaboration Project https://beefcollaborationprojectinc.com.au/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team: https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest blueberry supplier in Australia formed out of a different fruit, with a reluctant leader from a completely different business. And it thrived. What started as four farmers creating a partnership selling their berries to the most competitive cities, became a successful business that any other people wanted to be a part of. From there the Oz Group Co-operative just grew. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes:Fiercely proud of their 100 per cent Australian ownership, Oz Group Co-op is passionate about providing their community with the freshest blueberries, raspberries and blackberries through sustainable farming. Founded by members of the Coffs Coast Sikh community in an innovative pivot after the decline of the local banana industry, it has grown to be the biggest blueberry supplier in Australia. A powerful force in Australian horticulture, they have grown from four to 140 members, with much of their success attributed to leveraging their community ties and Aussie-made credentials. Renowned agriculture journalist Pete Lewis talks to Stephen Thandi, former Oz Group chairman and local businessman about his very unique journey into farming and co-op management. For this fascinating podcast series, you will hear from real farmers who are successfully using co-operative farming business models. Through their stories and real life experiences, you will learn how this positive farming model changes lives. Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Watch Peter Lewis interview Stephen Thandi talk about his unique journey into farming https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-7-part-1-interview/ Watch Pete Lewis discuss how co-ops provide a marketing advantage in leveraging paddock to plate and farmer-owned. Featuring Stephen Thandi (OzGroup), Dick Groot Obbink (EAT Truffle), Greg McNamara (dairy farmer), Doriana Mangili (Sweeter Banana) and Melina Morrison (BCCM). https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-7-part-2-roundtable/ Want to find out more about OzGroup ozgroupcoop.com.au Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team: https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A job offer at local football game led to Rodger Long helping to form one of the most innovative fishing co-operatives in the nation. After a trip to visit the Geraldton Fisherman’s Co-op, local Limestone Coast fisherman were inspired to crate the Limestone Coast Fishermen’s Co-operative, Better yet, the Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative threw their solid support behind the Limestone Coast fisherman, including guidance on what they might be able to do, how to get established and helping them further down the track. In short, actively living the 6th principle for co-operatives – co-operation between co-operatives! Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes: The Limestone Coast Fishermen’s Co-op is locally owned and operated by 27 local fishing family businesses. Just two years old, it started out of necessity and with some business planning support is now growing to become a very important part of its local community. Hear about the many barriers they have had to overcome, including trade barriers, and how they learned to trust each other enough to pool their capital and the benefit it has had on their local community. All this when renowned agricultural journalist Pete Lewis interviews Limestone Coast Fishermen’s Co-op founding member and inaugural Chair Rodger Long. For this fascinating podcast series, you will hear from real farmers who are successfully using co-operative farming business models. Through their stories and experiences (warts and all), you will learn how this positive farming model can change lives. Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Watch Pete Lewis interview Rodger Long – https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-6-part-1-interview/ Watch Pete Lewis discuss how small producers can gain power and position by working together. Featuring Rodger Long (Limestone Coast Fisherman’s Co-operative), Justin Phillips, (Limestone Coast Fisherman’s Co-operative), Danielle Adams (Clarence River Fisherman’s Co-operative), Greg Wall (Former Group CEO of Capricorn Society and Director of the International Co-operative Alliance), Melina Morrison, Chief Executive Officer – BCCM. Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team: https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farming can be a risky business, swinging from feast to famine, drought to flooding rains. But CBH, one of the biggest in the world, has managed high consistent results for its members for more than 85 years. It’s just an amazing story where the CBH grain growers of today are forever grateful that grain growers back then, had the foresight and the courage to start a co-op which truly delivers the biggest benefits to WA grain growers. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes:Co-operative Bulk Handling, or CBH, is Australia’s largest co-operative and one of the nation’s biggest agribusinesses, exporting the grain of 4,000 West Aussie farmers. It was formed by farmers more than 85 years ago to drive collective efficiencies for Western Australian farmers in exporting their grain to the world, a purpose which holds true today. It has a fascinating story, with lots of triumphs and tribulations along the way. Renowned agriculture journalist Pete Lewis talks to farmer Natalie Browning about her journey from co-operative member to CBH Deputy Chair, about how farmers can take some of the risk out of agricultural production by co-operating in business together, as well as how the grain giant has become one of the biggest co-operatives in the world. For this fascinating podcast series, you will hear from real farmers who are successfully using co-operative farming business models. Through their stories (warts and all), you will learn how this positive farming model can change lives. Links & Resources:• Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ • Watch the video of Pete Lewis interviewing Natalie Browning from CBH – https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-5-part-1-interview/• Following the video interview – learn more about how knowledge could be captured and shared through co-operative ventures with a video roundtable discussion hosted by Co-operative Farming. https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-5-part-2-roundtable/ . Featuring Wally Newman (farmer), Phillip Guthrie (Birchip Cropping Group), Kelly Pearce (Wheatbelt Science) and Melina Morrison (BCCM)• Want to know more about CBH – https://cbh.com.au/• Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/• Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team: https://coopfarming.coop/contact/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“When disaster strikes and you can’t see another way out, people become very innovative,” says Sweeter Banana’s Doriana Mangili on how a ‘lunchbox banana’ saved their co-operative farms – despite a stack of geographic and weather circumstances conspiring against them. This is a story that demonstrates that ingenuity will get you a long way, even in the toughest of environments. Believing in what you do and sticking together as a co-operative help everyone grow their business. Follow us on:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes:Despite the cyclones and the geographic isolation, Sweeter Banana has not only pioneered the lunchbox banana market, it has remained profitable by sticking together and thinking differently. Carnarvon is home to a group of banana growers whose remarkable co-operation has been forged out of a history of natural disasters and market challenges. The remote WA coast may be the last place you’d imagine finding a group of successful family farmers who changed the way we think about buying bananas. But, despite the unpredictable weather, isolated location and their many differences, the members of Sweeter Banana not only pioneered the lunchbox banana market, it triumphed. Renowned agriculture journalist Pete Lewis talks to Doriana Mangili, Business Manager of the Sweeter Banana Co-operative. For this fascinating podcast series, you will hear from real farmers who are successfully using co-operative farming business models. Through their stories and real life experiences (warts and all), you will learn how this positive farming model can change lives. Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Watch the video of Pete Lewis interviewing Doriana Mangili on demand – https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-4-part-1-interview/ Learn more about the co-operative advantage. Watch Pete Lewis talking with farm co-operatives and the challenges that brought them together and co-operative works to mutual benefit. Featuring Doriana Mangili (Sweeter Banana), Brett Kelly (Australian Mango Industry Association), Basil Lenzo (Geraldton Fishermen’s Co-operative) and Melina Morrison (BCCM) https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-4-part-2-roundtable/ Want to know more about Sweeter Banana http://www.sweeterbanana.com/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team: https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Stuart Crosthwaite and the Mountain Milk farmers came back from the brink of destruction after the collapse of Murray Goulburn. This is the story of how you can go from the edge of disaster to creating a business direction the next generations will be inspired to follow. The Mountain Milk journey really is a David and Goliath story. Fed up with trying to attract another processor into the region, it became clear that there was a real competitive advantage in starting a new co-operative. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Episode Notes:After the collapse and then demutualisation of the Murray Goulburn Co-operative, a group of Victorian dairy farmers nearly walked away from farming altogether. But they regrouped, joined forces, and helped to secure the future of their community by working together in a co-operative business model. Today, the Mountain Milk Co-operative is proud to be one of Australia’s newest and highest quality dairy businesses. Join renowned agriculture journalist Pete Lewis as he talks to Stuart Crosthwaite, Chairperson of Mountain Milk Co-operative, about their interesting adventures in farming. For this fascinating podcast series, you will hear from real farmers who are successfully using co-operative farming business models. Through their stories and real-life experiences (warts and all), you will learn how this positive farming model can literally change lives. Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Watch the video of Pete Lewis interviewing Stuart Crosthwaite on demand https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-2-part-1-interview/ Learn more about why some co-operatives succeed while others fail. Watch Pete Lewis and our farmer panel as they discuss and explore the conditions and events that impact the rise and fall of agricultural co-operatives. Featuring Stuart Crosthwaite (Mountain Milk), Sean Cole (CCW Co-operative), Mark Kebell (Dairy Farmers Milk Co-operative) and Melina Morrison (BCCM) https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-2-part-2-roundtable/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Want to know more about Mountain Milk – https://www.mountainmilkcoop.com.au/ Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team: https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could co-operative farming future proof Australian farmers? Farmers and other primary producers are known for their resilience, but in the last few years they have faced unprecedented business challenges: natural disasters, drought, fires, floods, COVID-19, issues highlighted in the Banking Royal Commission, geopolitical trade disruptions and the problem of raising working capital without ‘selling the farm’. Co-operative farming is seen as one model that can assist, giving farmers competitive advantage and market power by scaling, collaborating and innovating. Hosted by renowned agricultural journalist Pete Lewis, Australian co-op leaders discuss the future of farming and if the co-operative model could help protect our home-grown agribusinesses. What are the situations where co-operatives work and what does it take to make them succeed? Where, when and why do they fail? Hear the nation’s best agricultural experts debunk some myths about co-operative farming. Follow Us On:Facebook – coopfarmingInstagram – coopfarming Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Watch the video with Pete Lewis talking with local and international co-op leaders, agricultural experts and farmers debating and discussing the future of farming. Find out why the co-operative business model could be an option to protect our home-grown agribusinesses. Featuring Fiona Simson (NFF), Jimmy Wilson (CBH), Emma Thomas (Achmea), Emma Robinson (Beef Collaboration Project), Professor Mike L Cook (University of Missouri), Kevin Franey (TNR) and Melina Morrison (BCCM). https://coopfarming.coop/coop-conversations/episode-1-growing-together/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Contact the Meet the Co-op Farmers Podcast team: https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wanted to hear a story about the underdog getting ahead? Now you can in a new podcast series about Australian farmers taking their businesses from the brink of disaster to success by working together. Featuring candid and heartwarming interviews, leading primary producers in dairy, horticulture, fishing and beef industries address some of the biggest issues facing farmers today. This eight-episode series puts forward the solutions aimed at future-proofing family farms and talks to farmers and fishers fighting a David versus Goliath battle using the co-operative model. Episode Notes: Pete Lewis speaks frankly with farmers from all around Australia who are successfully using co-operative farming business models. Through their stories and real-life experiences (warts and all), you will learn how relevant and positive it can be to the farming model and farming in general, and how it literally changes lives. Interviews with Stuart Crosthwaite (Mountain Milk Co-operative), Doriana Mangili (Sweeter Banana Co-operative), Natalie Browning (CBH Group), Rodger Long (Limestone Coast Fishermen's Co-operative), Stephen Thandi (Oz Group), Emma Robinson (The Beef Collaboration Project), Kerry Murphy (TAFCO) and Larry McHugh (Marquis Macadamias). Follow Us On: Facebook – coopfarming Instagram – coopfarming Links & Resources: Listen to all podcasts – https://coopfarming.coop/podcasts/ Watch the full 18-part Co-operative Conversations video series on demand – https://coopfarming.coop/episodes/ Find out more about co-op farming – https://coopfarming.coop/ Contact the Meet the Farmers Podcast team – https://coopfarming.coop/contact/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.