Humans of Agriculture

Fourth-generation beef producer Stafford Ives-Heres is building Shanford Park on Tasmania's north-west coast with one eye firmly on the generations still to come.

From starting with 10 cattle and working cray boats to fund his growth, to succession, leasing land and questioning whether owning more country always makes commercial sense, Stafford shares how he's thinking about building a family business that's valuable enough to be taken on, not simply sold.

We chat about:
  • Growing up at Shanford Park and being the last of four kids to become interested in farming
  • Starting with 10 cattle as a teenager
  • Working cray boats along Tasmania's remote west coast
  • Using off-farm income to build livestock ownership
  • Why the family moved from dairy into beef
  • The beginnings of Tasmanian Seaweed Fertilisers
  • Separating family businesses to make succession work
  • Growing livestock numbers through ownership, leasing and share farming
  • Why Stafford questions the need to own every hectare
  • Building equity and optionality for the next generation
  • Creating pathways into agriculture without owning land
  • Why professional development and strong networks matter
Chapters
  • (00:00) - Introduction to Stafford Ives-Heres and Shanford Park
  • (02:56) - Farming on Tasmania’s wild north-west coast
  • (06:47) - How 10 heifers sparked a farming career
  • (08:19) - Life and lessons from the cray boats
  • (13:41) - From dairy farming to seaweed fertiliser
  • (17:56) - Separating the businesses and navigating succession
  • (22:52) - Having children and thinking generations ahead
  • (26:03) - Professional development, equity and what’s next
  • (29:45) - Leasing land and creating pathways into agriculture
  • (31:57) - Rabobank’s Executive Development Program

Proudly brought to you by Rabobank

The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders.

That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections.

Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations.

Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

Creators and Guests

OL
Host
Oli Le Lievre

What is Humans of Agriculture?

Humans of Agriculture brings you inside the conversations, careers and stories shaping agriculture. Hosted by Oli Le Lievre, the podcast gives listeners access to the people, ideas and experiences you might not otherwise get close to.