Vegetables are an essential for all of us. But it’s easy to forget that the big, bright and beautiful produce that fills our shopping bags, all starts with a tiny seed. The key to growing veggies all year round in different climates comes back to genetics. It’s the kind of science that gives cauliflowers UV protection or even turns them orange or purple. To learn more, I’m interviewing someone who doesn’t just develop seeds to suit every climate in Australia, she’s even transplanted herself from Darwin to Melbourne to pursue her career in agronomy. Plant scientist Eliza Seymour joins me now to discuss:

• Eliza’s favourite vegetable or seed.
• She works in genetics and hybrid vegetables, providing examples of what that entails.
• The Australian climate is so varied, and Eliza explains how the breeding process works.
• The role of field trials before making these seeds available to farmers across the nation.
• How long it takes to develop a variety from concept to commercialization.
• The difference between genetic modification and hybridization.
• It all starts with tiny seeds, and the importance of getting it right to ensure supply all year round.
• As consumers, we learn how much work goes on behind the scenes with genetics to ensure our vegetables are consistent.
• On her fabulously named ‘Need for Seed’ account on TikTok, she shares interesting facts about the growing process.
• Eliza studied an intriguing combination of plant science and accounting, both of which have been useful.
• What she loves most about working in the agriculture industry.
• The most unexpected thing to happen since she started in this field.
• Common misconceptions about the world of seeds.
• Eliza’s ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Need for Seed on TicTok

Need for Seed on Instagram

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

We learn pretty early on in life that good food promotes health. But what’s not so simple is how many of those nutrients we actually absorb, or what impact does the way something is farmed have on the quality of the produce. Nicknamed, The Simple Scientist, my guest today has a bit of a superpower and that is being able to breakdown complex research to help consumers make better choices. And farmers are among her favourite people! Dr Anneline Padayachee joins me now to discuss:

• Anneline shares her favorite food fact.
• Dr. Anneline explains that nutrition starts on the farm and elaborates on its significance.
• She is often called "The Simple Scientist" for her ability to clearly explain complex concepts.
• Nutrient delivery is a crucial topic, and Anneline highlights how even a healthy diet can be affected by absorption issues.
• She discusses recent food trends that concern her, including the "Nova" concept.
• Anneline addresses the impact of food production systems on consumers and clears up common misunderstandings about the role of farmers in this process.
• She acknowledges positive trends, such as the growing interest in understanding where food comes from.
• Dr. Anneline shares her best advice on improving nutritional intake.
• The emotional aspect of food is emphasized, recognizing its role in cultural celebrations and the importance of the pleasure of eating.
• She expresses her love for being a food scientist, a field that unites people across diverse locations and backgrounds.
• Misunderstandings between food and nutrition are highlighted, along with the challenges of navigating an overload of information and applying it to individual digestive needs.
• Dr. Anneline concludes with her ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Dr Anneline Padayachee

Connect with @dranneline on Instagram

Produced by Pretty Podcasts

How does someone who spent their childhood in the middle of Geelong City in Victoria end up, not just working in agriculture, but literally getting her hands dirty at some of the country’s most remote cattle stations. My guest today is using her incredible story to encourage others to do the same. She is a valuable advocate for life on the land, highlighting both the romantic moments of county life but also the truth. To help others make the leap into agriculture a little easier, she’s the driving force behind online platforms Young Aussie Farmers, and more recently, Agriculture Jobs Auswide. To learn more, Zoe Carter joins me now to discuss:

• Zoe’s favorite experiences on the land.
• How, up until the age of 13, she was a city girl—and how the country captured her heart.
• At just 19, Zoe headed off to a Merino stud, an experience that cemented her passion for agriculture.
• After an unfortunate horse riding injury, Zoe has had several hip surgeries and, how this has impacted her life on the land.
• How this challenge sparked a new career and a passion for connecting the agricultural industry with workers.
• The creation of Agriculture Jobs Auswide, a platform that addresses connectivity gaps by providing a central hub for job seekers and employers in agriculture
• Why people are fascinated by Zoe’s journey from the city to the country and how her story encourages others to realize they can do the same.
• Zoe’s advice to young people aspiring to work in the agricultural industry.
• The challenges of accessing farming education today and Zoe’s top tips for getting started.
• Events and general education resources available through the platform.
• What Zoe loves most about life on the land and what a typical day looks like for her now.
• The most common misconceptions about agriculture and the unexpected moments she’s experienced.
• Zoe’s ultimate dream for the future.

We hope to see you back on the road soon as we continue to learn how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

Angie Asimus

Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram

Partnered with Australian Farmers

Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram

Connect with Zoe Carter

Agriculture Jobs Auswide

Produced by Pretty Podcasts