Third-generation cattle producer Tom Lahey always knew he wanted to return home to the family farm near Goondiwindi. But after working across Western Australia and travelling through the United States to visit some of the world's leading regenerative ranches, he came back with a different perspective on what the future of Australian grazing could look like.
Rather than chasing quick wins, Tom has focused on building a more resilient business by improving soil health, measuring grazing performance and making better decisions with data. Over the past five years, AgriWebb has become a central part of that journey, helping the family move from relying on notebooks and memory to having real-time information that supports day-to-day management and long-term planning.
In this episode, Tom shares how travel reshaped his thinking, why healthy soil and healthy people go hand in hand, and how technology is helping his family make more confident decisions while creating a stronger future for the next generation.
Key insights from the conversation:
- Growing up on a family cattle property near Goondiwindi
- How travelling through the US changed his approach to grazing and soil health
- Bringing new ideas back into a multi-generational family business
- Why AgriWebb became the foundation for better decision-making
- Using grazing data to navigate dry seasons with confidence
- How technology supports carbon projects and tells the story behind farming practices
- The importance of measuring progress instead of relying on memory
- Why the future of farming will rely on connected technology and better data
- Building a legacy focused on healthy soils, healthy businesses and healthy people
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Tom Lahey and his farm journey
00:28 Tom's background and family farm in Wyaga
02:08 Growing up on the family farm and passion for farming
04:56 Adopting a progressive mindset in agriculture
06:53 Experience in Western Australia and genetic improvements
07:35 Trip to the US and insights into regenerative ranching
09:42 Soil health, environment, and profitability
11:30 Implementing grazing techniques post-US trip
13:20 Using AgriWebb for farm management and decision making
17:52 Integrating data and technology in farm operations
20:26 Evolution of farm management tools over five years
22:38 Future plans for technology and farm legacy
This episode of Humans of Agriculture is proudly brought to you by Rabobank, Australia's Most Recommended Agribusiness Bank for three consecutive years running.*
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These important community spaces play a vital role in bringing people together, strengthening connections, and supporting the wellbeing of regional communities.
If your local hall or community hub could benefit from funding, now is the time to apply. Applications close on 30 August 2026.
To learn more and apply, visit rabobank.com.au.
*RFI Global Australian Banking & Finance Awards