Yesterday’s surprise move to lift biosecurity restrictions on US beef imports has sent ripples through Aussie ag - with historical concerns around potentially devastating diseases like foot and mouth or mad cow entering our shores.

It comes as rumours swirl about a possible hike in tariffs on Aussie exports to the US. Is this a long-planned, science-based decision, or is there something more strategic at play?

We speak with agricultural policy and trade expert Andrew Henderson to unpack the timing, implications to industry, and the fine line between biosecurity risk management and political maneuvering.

What You’ll Learn

• Why US beef imports were previously banned in Australia (since 2019)
• What’s changed in US traceability and food safety systems
• Potential biosecurity risks and how real they are
• The political and trade dynamics behind this decision, including tensions with the US under the Trump administration
• How this affects tariffs on Australian beef exports
• Whether consumers are likely to see US beef in Australian supermarkets
• The importance of country-of-origin labelling in building trust

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to US Beef Imports and Biosecurity

02:42 Historical Context of US Beef Imports

05:54 Current Trade Dynamics and Political Implications

08:47 Consumer Impact and Future of US Beef in Australia

What are you thoughts on the lifting of restrictions to US beef imports? Continue the conversation on Instagram and explore more episodes of Humans of Agriculture - don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

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If one word could sum up the current agricultural land market - volatile - is how Rabobank analyst Paul Joules would describe it.

He reckons the unprecedented 80% growth in land prices in recent years is changing the way farmers make decisions... shifting their focus to productivity over expansion.

This bite-size chat touches on the influence of commodity prices and global supply chains on land values, as well as the emerging trend of partnerships in farm purchases.

takeaways

• Agricultural land prices have increased by about 80% from 2020 to 2023
• There has been a recent 6% decline in land prices, but they remain high historically
• The agricultural sector is entering a phase of more modest growth
• Corporate investment in agriculture has increased but is showing signs of tapering off
• Farmers may shift focus from expansion to maximising productivity on existing land
• Commodity prices have a significant lag effect on land values
• New farmers face challenges due to high land prices and market volatility
• Partnerships and joint ventures may become more common in agriculture

chapters

02:59 Current Trends in Agricultural Land Values

05:38 Impact of Corporate Investment on Agriculture

08:47 Challenges for New Farmers in the Current Market

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This episode of Humans of Agriculture is brought to you by our Partners at Rabobank Australia.

If you enjoyed this episode, share with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

You won't find too many fellas as genuinely happy and passionate about their job as Glenn 'Yogi' Kendall.

Yogi is a prominent figure in the trucking community - a celebrity even - with a cult following on TV show Outback Truckers and well known for his tireless work mentoring rookie drivers.

Yogi is a big believer in the value of good old fashioned, honest, hard work. He's barely had a day off in his 28 year career but finds solace from the spotlight in the hours of solitude he spends on the open road.

And nothing makes Yogi prouder than returning to his family and small, rural community.

Our newest recruit to Humans of Agriculture, Liv Thorn, visits Yogi at his home in Katanning, Western Australia.

takeaways

• Growing up in milking sheds in Victoria, Yogi started his career as a tree faller (hence the nickname!) before becoming a truck driver
• Yogi has developed an educational program called Steering the Future where he trains and mentors young drivers
• The trucking job is rewarding, challenging and unpredictable
• Yogi values the rural community of Katanning and is proud of his roots
• He believes that hard work can lead to success anywhere
• Yogi appreciates the balance between solitude and social interaction on the road

chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yogi and the Trucking Community

02:33 Yogi's Background and Career Path

05:10 Steering the Future: Education and Mentorship in Trucking

07:58 The Rewards and Challenges of Trucking and Farming

13:34 Life on the Road: Balancing Loneliness and Community

15:33 Pride in Community and Future Aspirations

Follow Yogi's trucking antics on Instagram and YouTube.

Explore more episodes of Humans of Agriculture - don't forget to rate, subscribe, and leave a review!

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and let us know your thoughts at hello@humansofagriculture.com.