G'day and welcome to episode 72 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast
Today I’m joined by Jacob (Jake) Wolki, a mixed-enterprise farmer from Woomargama in southern New South Wales. Jake and his wife Ann run a 60-hectare home block with Nguni cattle, Berkshire pigs, laying hens, honey, an orchard and a stack of little side enterprises – all feeding into their on-farm butchery and direct-to-consumer business.
What started as a personal health crisis and a backyard veggie patch has evolved into a fully fledged, multi-layered farm business: regenerative, direct-to-consumer, value-adding, and fiercely family-centred. Jake is also known for creating one of Australia’s first 24/7 unstaffed butcher shops, his unapologetically honest social media, and his advocacy for “fit-for-purpose” African genetics like Nguni cattle and Damara sheep.
Whether you’re dreaming of stacking enterprises, going direct-to-consumer, or just want your kids more involved in the day-to-day, this yarn is packed with hard-won lessons, uncomfortable truths and plenty of practical inspiration.
In this episode we chat about
Resources Mentioned
Follow Jacob and Wolki Farms
📘 Facebook: Wolki Farms
📸 Instagram: @Wolkifarms
🌏 Website:Wolki Farm Grass Fed Meat
If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.
Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:
📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au
🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, Speed Tagger
You can learn more at Speed Taggers Website
G'day and welcome to episode 71 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast
n this episode, Sam Fryer interviews Andrew and Megan Miller about their journey in agriculture, their experiences with HerdXL, and their aspirations for land ownership. They discuss the challenges and lessons learned from managing properties, the development of the HerdXL app, and the importance of financial literacy and community support. The conversation also touches on personal growth, family dynamics, and the value of surrounding oneself with the right people.
In this episode we chat about
Follow Megan, Andrew and Herd XL
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HERDXL
📸 Instagram: @herdxl
🌏 Website: Herd XL - Cattle Calculators & Trading Tools to Maximise Beef Cattle Profit
If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.
Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:
📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au
🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, Speed Tagger
You can learn more at Speed Taggers Website
G'day and welcome to episode 70 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast
Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of agricultural media with Jon Condon, founder of Beef Central. With decades of experience, Jon shares his journey from traditional journalism to digital innovation, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing the beef industry today. Discover how quality content, strategic foresight, and embracing change are key to thriving in this dynamic field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of agriculture.
In this episode we chat about
Follow Jon Condon and Beef Central
📘 Facebook: Beef Central
📸 Instagram: @beefcentralofficial
🔗 LinkedIn: Beef Central: Posts | LinkedIn
🌏 Website: Home - Beef Central
If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.
Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:
📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au
🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, Full Noise Sound and Production
To learn more be sure to check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/fullnoisesound
G'day and welcome to episode 69 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast
In this episode, Nathan Cleesby shares his journey from a non-agricultural background to founding Living Water Aquaculture, focusing on red claw farming. He discusses the challenges and opportunities he encountered, the importance of collaboration and research, and his approach to raising capital. Nathan emphasizes the significance of investing in knowledge and building a supportive team to achieve long-term success in the aquaculture industry.
In this episode we chat about
Resources Mentioned
Follow Nathan Cleesby and Living Water Aquaculture
📘 Facebook: Living Water Aquaculture
📸 Instagram: @living_water_aquaculture
🔗 LinkedIn: Living Water Aquaculture: Overview | LinkedIn
🌏 Website: Welcome to Living Water Aquaculture - Living Water Aquaculture
If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.
Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:
📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au
🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, Full Noise Sound and Production
To learn more be sure to check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/fullnoisesound
G'day and welcome to episode 68 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast
In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Sally Edwards, a dedicated steer trader from Taroom. Sally shares her experiences growing up in agriculture and the pivotal moments that led her to leave the family business. She candidly discusses the emotional challenges of this transition and how she and her husband successfully built their own thriving steer trading business. Through resilience and adaptability, they navigated the complexities of the agricultural industry while prioritizing family relationships. This conversation offers valuable insights into managing risk, seizing opportunities, and the enduring importance of family ties in farming.
In this episode we chat about
Resources Mentioned
If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.
Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:
📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au
🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, Rural Succession Solutions
This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by Rural Succession Solutions.
G'day and welcome to episode 67 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.
Join Sam Fryer as he sits down with Adam and Jacynta Coffey to explore their incredible journey from Tasmania to the Northern Territory. Discover how they navigated the challenges of agriculture, embraced opportunities, and built a life centered around resilience and growth.
In this episode we chat about
Resources Mentioned
Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:
📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au
🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, Invest Inya Farmer.
To learn more be sure to check out their website Home - Invest Inya Farmer
G'day and welcome to episode 66 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.
In this episode, Kristie Lisle shares her journey from a mining career to becoming a full-time primary producer in agriculture. She discusses her early life in agriculture, the challenges and sacrifices made while building a contracting business, and the importance of setting goals.
Kristie emphasizes the significance of infrastructure development, technology adoption, and effective communication in achieving success. She also highlights the role of family dynamics in business and the unique experience of driving a school bus for her children. With aspirations to grow their cattle operation, Kristie offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring producers.
In this episode we chat about
Resources Mentioned
Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:
📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au
🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, Invest Inya Farmer.
To learn more be sure to check out their website Home - Invest Inya Farmer
G'day and welcome to episode 65 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.
In this conversation, Nathan MacPhee shares his journey from a successful career in finance to founding Invest inya Farmer, a platform that allows urban investors to support agricultural production without owning land.
He discusses the importance of understanding the agricultural landscape, the unique investment model that mitigates risk for farmers, and the emotional connection urban investors develop with their agricultural assets.
Nathan emphasizes the need for innovative thinking in agriculture, the role of capital in supporting next-generation producers, and the future expansion of the platform into new markets.
In this episode we chat about
Resources Mentioned
Follow Nathan MacPhee and Invest Inya Farmer
📘 Facebook: Invest Inya Farmer
📸 Instagram: @investinyafarmer
🔗 LinkedIn: IIF - Invest Inya Farmer: Posts | LinkedIn
🌏 Website: Home - Invest Inya Farmer
If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.
Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:
📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au
🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, Invest Inya Farmer.
To learn more be sure to check out their website Home - Invest Inya Farmer
*It's school holidays so we have a special intro and outro for the podcast.
G'day and welcome to episode 64 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.
In this episode, Stuart Austin shares his journey in agriculture, discussing his experiences from managing large farms to his aspirations of owning land and cattle. He emphasizes the importance of financial literacy, mental health awareness in rural communities, and the shift towards regenerative agriculture.
Stuart also introduces his new venture, Audacious Ag, aimed at helping others succeed in the agricultural sector through innovative partnerships and coaching. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships and the need for open discussions about mental health in the farming community.
In this episode we chat about
Resources Mentioned
Follow Stuart Austin and Audacious Ag
📘 Facebook: Audacious Ag
📸 Instagram: @audacious.ag
🔗 LinkedIn: Audacious Ag
🌏 Website: Audacious Agriculture | Agriculture, Unbound
If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.
Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:
📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au
🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, PRP Regional North Queensland
PRP Regional North Queensland - Preston Rowe Paterson Australasia Pty Ltd
G'day and welcome to episode 63 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.
In this episode, Randal shares his unique journey from a city life to becoming a farmer, detailing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He discusses the importance of community support, creativity, and resilience in agriculture, especially during tough times like drought and COVID-19.
Randal emphasizes the significance of building a community around farming and the impact of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model in connecting consumers with their food sources. He also highlights the need for innovation and collaboration among farmers to create a sustainable food system.
In this episode we chat about
Resources Mentioned
Follow Randal Breen and Echo Valley Farm
📸 Instagram: @echovalleyfarmer
🌏 Website: The Breen Family – Echo Valley
If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.
Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:
📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au
🎙️ This episode is brought to you by, PRP Regional North Queensland
PRP Regional North Queensland - Preston Rowe Paterson Australasia Pty Ltd
G'day and welcome to episode 62 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.
In this conversation, Paul Martin, CEO and founder of Summer land Camels, shares his journey from traditional cattle farming to establishing a successful camel dairy business. He discusses the challenges posed by drought, the importance of innovative grazing management, and the role of tourism in educating consumers about camel products. Paul emphasizes the need for investment in sustainable practices and the potential for the camel industry in Australia. He also offers valuable insights for the next generation of farmers, encouraging them to seek opportunities and think outside the box.
In this episode we chat about
Resources Mentioned
Follow Paul Martin and Summer land Camels.
📘 Facebook: Summerland Camels
📸 Instagram: @summerlandcamels
🌏 Website: Camel Rides, Farm Tours, Camel Milk Skincare – Summer Land Camels
If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.
Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:
📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au
🎙️ This episode is proudly supported Feed Central's LocalAg —Your trusted partner in agricultural solutions..
👉 To learn more be sure to check out their website.: Trusted Secure Agricultural Marketplace | LocalAg
G'day and welcome to episode 61 of the A Place To Call Home Podcast.
In this episode, host Sam Fryer speaks with Sophia, a commercial beekeeper with a rich family legacy in the industry.
Sophia shares her journey from a childhood fear of bees to a deep passion for beekeeping, highlighting the importance of pollination in food production and the challenges faced by the industry, including the Varroa mite crisis and fluctuating honey prices.
She also discusses her early experiences, the significance of family collaboration in beekeeping, and offers valuable advice for aspiring beekeepers.
This is a great episode for anyone interested in getting into the Bee industry.
In this episode we chat about
Follow Sophia Croker:
🌐 Website: The Bee Drover - Australian Beekeeper
📘 Instagram: @phiasbees
If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.
Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:
📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.com.au
🎙️ This episode is proudly supported Feed Central's LocalAg —Your trusted partner in agricultural solutions..
👉 To learn more be sure to check out their website.: Trusted Secure Agricultural Marketplace | LocalAg
Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
In this episode, we bring you the closing keynote from the A Place to Call Home: Next-Gen Ag Forum — a powerful and deeply personal session from Kat Reed on Overcoming Obstacles.
Kat’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and sheer determination. From navigating life’s toughest seasons to finding strength in the face of burnout, big decisions, and unexpected setbacks, she shares practical lessons and raw honesty that resonate with anyone in agriculture — and beyond.
Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland
Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
From succession and diversification to mental resilience and innovative farming practices, the conversation dives deep into the realities of building a business, caring for the land, and leading the next generation.
Featuring:
Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland
Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
Callan Solari brought a fresh and practical perspective to the Next-Gen Ag Forum, sharing insights from his work as a veterinarian on how the next generation of producers can lift animal health, welfare, and productivity standards.
Callan shared stories from his veterinary practice that highlighted the difference between reactive and proactive management — and how small changes can deliver big long-term gains.
Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland
Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
Mark Westcott delivered a powerful and thought-provoking session on succession planning — not just as a business handover, but as a deeply personal and strategic process that shapes the future of families, farms, and communities.
Drawing on years of experience in agribusiness, leadership, and mentoring, Mark explored how successful succession is built on open communication, clear expectations, and a shared vision between generations. He challenged attendees to approach succession not as a transaction, but as a journey that safeguards both relationships and the legacy of the land.
Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland
Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
The Thinking Outside the Box panel showcased four inspiring producers who have stepped away from traditional approaches to agriculture, building unique, profitable, and sustainable enterprises tailored to their passions and environments.
Panel Members
Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland
Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
Jacob Wolki is a farmer, business owner, and innovator who’s built a reputation for challenging the status quo. In this engaging and thought-provoking session, Jacob shared how he has created diverse, vertically integrated enterprises — from livestock and market gardening to direct-to-consumer retail — all by reimagining what’s possible in agriculture.
Jacob’s story is a reminder that the next generation of producers can design businesses that suit their lifestyle, values, and market — not just follow the conventional path.
Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland
Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
This panel brought together:
Andrew Cox – Generational Wealth Partners (Investing 101)
Sam Spina – QRIDA (Loans & grants for producers)
Alison Larard – Rural Financial Counselling Service (Tips & tricks for the next generation)
Together they shared practical, no-nonsense advice on building strong financial foundations, seizing opportunities, and navigating challenges in agriculture.
Whether you’re starting out or looking to level up your business, this session is full of valuable takeaways.
Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland
Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
In this practical session, Andrew Cox from Generational Wealth Partners breaks down the fundamentals of investing for the next generation of agricultural producers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your financial strategy, Andrew’s talk provides a clear roadmap for building wealth and securing your future.
Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland
Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
In this practical and motivating session, Alison Larard from Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) shares her top tips and tricks for the next generation of primary producers looking to build a successful and sustainable future.
Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland
Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
In this practical and informative session, Sam Spina, Regional Area Manager for North Queensland at the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).
Sam shared his insights on how producers can access finance, grants, and support programs to grow their operations.
With years of experience working alongside farmers and agribusinesses, Sam broke down the available options — from sustainability loans to disaster recovery support — and provided real-world examples of how these programs have helped primary producers across Queensland.
Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland
Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
This lively and insightful panel discussion, titled "Grains Opportunities in the North," brought together:
Together, they tackled key issues affecting northern grain producers
Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland
Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
In this insightful session, Brennan Leggett delivers a comprehensive Northern Property Market Update, diving deep into current trends, challenges, and opportunities in northern Queensland’s property landscape.
Packed with local wisdom, practical insights, and foresight into what the future may hold for land ownership and growth strategies in the region.
Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland
Recorded live at the Next‑Gen Ag Forum 2025, held at the Quayside Terminal in Townsville.
Tom’s keynote took us back to where it all began — reflecting on his journey from city life to working his way to becoming a full-time producer. His story resonated deeply with many attendees who were moved by Tom’s candid honesty and determination.
We’ve stayed in touch since Episode 1, and it was clear his opening session set the tone, drawing genuine conversation and connection across the room. Tom’s transparency about the challenges and lessons along the way helped ignite energy and hope among producers ready to forge their own path.
Recording Credit:
This episode was captured by Robbie Bolton from Dryland Co.
Check out Dryland’s work and follow on Instagram: @drylandco or at Their website, Dryland
#72: Fit-For-Purpose Farming with Jacob Wolki from Wolki Farms
1:07:58
#71: From Property Management to App Development with Megan and Andrew Miller
1:02:48
#70: Navigating the Future of Agricultural News: Insights with Jon Condon from Beef Central
58:15
#69: From Surfing to Aquaculture with Nathan Cleesby
57:16
#68: Resilience and Rebuilding, Life and Land with Sally Edwards
48:12
#67: Building Dreams: A Path to Agricultural Success with Adam and Jacynta Coffey
1:22:31
#66: Building Moonkan Park: Land, Legacy, and Long-Term Thinking with Kristie Lisle
1:10:15
#65: Investing in Agriculture: A New Model for Success with Nathan MacPhee from Invest Inya Farmer
56:40
#64: Breaking the Mold: Stuart Austin on Audacious Agriculture and Finding Your Way
1:11:28
#63: Building a Farming business, Making an impact and Creating communities with Randal Breen from Echo Valley Farm
1:26:53
#62: Innovating Agriculture: The Camel Dairy Revolution with Paul Martin from Summer land Camels
1:01:15
#61: Tales from the Bee Drover with Sophia Croker.
44:32
The Next Gen Ag Forum: Overcoming Adiversity with Kat Reed
52:23
The Next Gen Ag Forum: Next Gen Panel with Mark Vass, John Board and Caitlyn Donaldson
28:45
The Next Gen Ag Forum: Next Gen Practices with Calllan Solari
29:14
The Next Gen Ag Forum: Next Gen and Succesion with Mark Westcott
19:47
The Next Gen Ag Forum: Thinking outside the box panel session with Jacob Wolki, Kylie Stretton and Kale and Karen Robinson
24:42
The Next Gen Ag Forum: Thinking outside the box with Jacob Wolki
46:15
The Next Gen Ag Forum: Getting your finances right, panel session with Alison Larard, Andrew Cox and Sam Spina
28:44
The Next Gen Ag Forum: Get Started Investing with Andrew Cox
26:21
The Next Gen Ag Forum: Tips and Tricks for the next generation with Alison Larard from RFCS
22:47
The Next Gen Ag Forum: QRIDA Grants & Loans: How to set yourself up for success with Sam Spina
13:31
The Next Gen Ag Forum: Grains Opportunities in the North with David Jochinke, Scott Muller, Scott Loughnan & Ruth Thompson
28:18
The Next Gen Ag Forum: Northern Property Market Update with Brennan Leggett
18:41
The Next Gen Ag Forum: Finding a Place To Call Home with Tom Cosentino
51:35