#55: From Selling Firewood to Natural Sequence Farming with Stuart McWilliam from Blackbird and Beast

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

#Business #Rural Living #Agriculture #Home #Australia #Agribusiness #Society #Conversations #Podcasting Education #A Place to Call Home Group #Start

29:22

The world often feels rigged. And this episode is a wake-up call to recognize the barriers that exist for those who don’t fit the traditional mold. In this episode, which is a kind of tribute to my dear departed Dad, I recount some powerful lessons from the man who was a brilliant psychiatrist and my biggest champion. He taught me that if something feels off about the environment you’re in, it probably is—and it’s absolutely hella-not your fault. We dare to break into the uncomfortable truth that many workplaces are designed for a very specific demographic, leaving neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum, feeling excluded. I share three stories in which my Dad imparted to me more than my fair share of his wisdom, and I'm hoping you to can feel empowered. You'll learn that we can advocate for ourselves and others to create a more inclusive work culture. Newsletter Paste this into your browser if the newsletter link is broken - https://www.lbeehealth.com/ Join our Patreon - https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/patreon Mentioned in this episode: Sign Up For Our Newsletter Stay updated on all the things! Get added to our newsletter mailing list. Newsletter…

23 days ago 54:19

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

Welcome to Episode 59 of A Place to Call Home!

This week, we chat with Stuart McWilliam from Black Bird and Beast—a self-taught regenerative farmer and Natural Sequence Farming contractor whose story is all about backing yourself and building from the ground up.

With no ag background, Stuart went from running a firewood business and arborist crew to buying his first cattle without any yards. After discovering regenerative agriculture and completing a course in Natural Sequence Farming, he’s now doing earthworks full-time across NSW and beyond.

In this episode, we discuss:
🌱 Stuart’s journey into farming from outside the industry
🧠 Discovering regenerative ag and the influence of Charlie Arnott & Gabe Brown
💧 What Natural Sequence Farming is and how it can be applied on your property
🏡 Buying his first block and how he built his business
🛠️ Juggling cattle, share farming, contracting, and land regeneration
🔄 Sobriety, personal growth, and proving you don’t need school or uni to succeed

If you’re looking to learn more about Natural Sequence Farming or Stuart’s journey, check out the links below:
🔗 Tarwyn Park Training – Natural Sequence Farming
🔗 Charlie Arnott - The Regenerative Journey

To follow Stuart’s journey, visit:
📸 Instagram: @blackbirdandbeast

If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family!

For more updates, check out our socials:

📍 A Place to Call Home | Facebook
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website

🎙️ This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by AgCarE Learn more at www.agcare.org.au.

Support the show

59 episodes

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

#55: From Selling Firewood to Natural Sequence Farming with Stuart McWilliam from Blackbird and Beast

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

published 23 days ago

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

Welcome to Episode 59 of A Place to Call Home!

To follow Stuart’s journey, visit:
📸 Instagram: @blackbirdandbeast

If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family!

For more updates, check out our socials:

📍 A Place to Call Home | Facebook
📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast
🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast
🌏 Website

🎙️ This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by AgCarE Learn more at www.agcare.org.au.

Support the show

59 episodes

#Business #Rural Living #Agriculture #Home #Australia #Agribusiness #Society #Conversations #Podcasting Education #A Place to Call Home Group #Start

All episodes

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#58: Workplace Safety and Real-World Lessons from the Bush with Johno Mackay from JobSafe Pro 50:06

1 day ago50:06

50:06

Send us a text This week, we chat with Johno Mackay —a cattleman, contractor, and founder of JobSafe Pro , an app designed to make workplace safety easier and more practical for rural businesses. From starting his first contract mustering job with a broken leg, to building a successful contracting and fencing business across northern Australia, Johno shares the real-life lessons learned from growing a business in the bush. In this episode, we discuss: 🔨 The early days of contract mustering and starting out with nothing but grit 👷‍♂️ Lessons learned about employing people in agriculture 📲 How a workplace incident led to the creation of JobSafe Pro 🐂 Building a cattle herd alongside a contracting business 💬 Honest insights on running your own show and backing yourself If you’re looking to learn more about Johno’s business or JobSafe Pro, check out the link below: 🔗 JobSafe Pro Facebook Page 🌏 Website: Job Safe Pro Pty ltd If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family! For more updates, check out our socials: 📍 A Place to Call Home | Facebook 📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast 🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast 🌏 Website 🎙️ This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by AgCarE —helping landholders assess, understand, and unlock the value of their natural capital. Home · AgCarE Online Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#57: Money Matters: Building Wealth on the Land with Andrew Cox and Reegan Wass from Generational Wealth Partners 35:29

9 days ago35:29

35:29

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 56 of A Place to Call Home! This week, we chat with Andrew Cox and Reegen Wass from Generational Wealth Partners , who break down what financial advisors actually do and how they can help farming families and next-generation producers plan, grow, and protect their financial future. If you’ve ever wondered when to speak to a financial advisor, how to start investing, or what succession planning looks like when done well—this episode is full of straight-talking, practical advice. In this episode, we discuss: 💰 What financial advisors do and how they support rural clients 📈 When to seek advice and how to get started with investing 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Planning for succession and building intergenerational wealth 🎯 Setting clear goals and reducing financial stress 💡 Why clarity and early planning matter for young producers If you're starting to think about your future or looking for ways to build wealth alongside your ag business—this one’s for you. If you’re looking to learn more about financial advice or Generational Wealth Partners, check out the links below: 🔗 Generational Wealth Partners – Website 🔗 Services they offer 🔗 Meet the team To follow their journey or get in touch: 📸 Instagram: @generationalwealthpartners If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family! For more updates, check out our socials: 📍 A Place to Call Home | Facebook 📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast 🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast 🌏 Website 🎙️ This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by The Cathedral School in Townsville . Considering boarding school? Don’t miss their Boarding Experience on May 17–18. 👉 Bookings are essential – just Google “Cathedral Boarding Experience” to register. Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#56: Selling the family farm and creating your own path with Travis Parry 1:05:12

16 days ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 56 of A Place to Call Home . This week, we chat with Travis Parry , who shares his journey in agriculture—from agisting country to building a successful Speckle Park stud. He also opens up about selling the family farm, navigating succession, and how he’s using social media to grow his business and connect with consumers. In this episode, we discuss: Selling the family farm and navigating succession Agisting country and making it work Starting and growing a Speckle Park stud The power of social media in branding and business growth Lessons learned along the way and future plans To learn more about Travis and his journey, visit: Instagram : travisparry8 If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family! For more updates, check out our socials: A Place to Call Home | Facebook Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast Website This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by Rural Succession Solutions . Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#55: From Selling Firewood to Natural Sequence Farming with Stuart McWilliam from Blackbird and Beast 54:19

23 days ago54:19

54:19

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 59 of A Place to Call Home! This week, we chat with Stuart McWilliam from Black Bird and Beast —a self-taught regenerative farmer and Natural Sequence Farming contractor whose story is all about backing yourself and building from the ground up. With no ag background, Stuart went from running a firewood business and arborist crew to buying his first cattle without any yards. After discovering regenerative agriculture and completing a course in Natural Sequence Farming, he’s now doing earthworks full-time across NSW and beyond. In this episode, we discuss: 🌱 Stuart’s journey into farming from outside the industry 🧠 Discovering regenerative ag and the influence of Charlie Arnott & Gabe Brown 💧 What Natural Sequence Farming is and how it can be applied on your property 🏡 Buying his first block and how he built his business 🛠️ Juggling cattle, share farming, contracting, and land regeneration 🔄 Sobriety, personal growth, and proving you don’t need school or uni to succeed If you’re looking to learn more about Natural Sequence Farming or Stuart’s journey, check out the links below: 🔗 Tarwyn Park Training – Natural Sequence Farming 🔗 Charlie Arnott - The Regenerative Journey To follow Stuart’s journey, visit: 📸 Instagram: @blackbirdandbeast If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family! For more updates, check out our socials: 📍 A Place to Call Home | Facebook 📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast 🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast 🌏 Website 🎙️ This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by AgCarE Learn more at www.agcare.org.au . Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#54: Lets talk about "Agistment" with David and Sarah Birchmore from Agistment.net 33:32

30 days ago33:32

33:32

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 58 of A Place to Call Home ! This week, we chat with David and Sarah Birchmore, who share their journey in agriculture, the role agistment has played in growing their business, and how they’ve built an off-farm income stream to create more opportunities. In this episode, we discuss: How agistment has helped expand their operation Challenges and benefits of leasing country Building an off-farm business alongside primary production Tips and tricks for making agistment work for your operation Lessons learned and future plans To learn more about David and Sarah and Agistment.net, visit: 📍 https://www.facebook.com/agistmentaustralia 📸 https://www.instagram.com/agistment.net.au/ 🌏 Agistment.net.au If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family! For more updates, check out our socials: 📍 A Place to Call Home | Facebook 📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast 🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast 🌏 Website 🎙️ This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by Agistment.net.au . Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#53: How to create "A Place To Call Home" while working full time with Nick Holland 45:11

5 weeks ago45:11

45:11

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 53 of A Place to Call Home . This week, we chat with Nick Holland, who shares his journey to land ownership while working full-time and the lessons he's learned along the way. In this episode, we discuss: Building a real estate portfolio Navigating family succession in agriculture Agisting and leasing country while building a herd How building equity can support family transitions The business model that works for Nick The transition to becoming a full-time producer If you’re looking for more information on what Nick mentioned, check out the links below: Resource Consulting Services – Professional education, advice, and support for regenerative agriculture since 1985 To learn more about Nick and his journey, visit: Instagram: @dutchy_holland86 If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family! For more updates, check out our socials: A Place to Call Home | Facebook Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast Website This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by Rural Succession Solutions . Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#52: Building a Sustainable business with Simone and Harry from Bush Agribusiness 41:26

6 weeks ago41:26

41:26

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 52 of A Place to Call Home . This week, we chat with Simone Parker and Harry Evan from Bush Agribusiness , where they share valuable insights on how consultancy can elevate your agricultural business. In this episode, we discuss: The Business Edge course and its impact Key findings from the Australian Beef Report What top producers are doing to stay ahead How consultancy can support your business growth and strategy To learn more about Bush Agribusiness , check out the links below: Bush Agribusiness Website Facebook: Bush Agribusiness Instagram: @bush_agri If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family! For more updates, check out our socials: A Place to Call Home | Facebook Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast Website This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by Bush Agribusiness . Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#51: Journey to growing Apples in Orange with Iain McLennan 53:32

7 weeks ago53:32

53:32

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 51 of A Place to Call Home . This week, we chat with Iain MacLennan, who shares his exciting journey into the apple industry and what it’s like stepping into a completely new field. In this episode, we discuss: Transitioning into a new industry Growing apples in Orange and what that looks like day-to-day Working in a family business Diversifying assets for long-term security The early days of succession planning His Nuffield journey and the lessons learned along the way If you'd like to learn more about what Iain mentioned, check out the links below. Iain MacLennan | Nuffield Australia To find out more about Iain and his apple farming journey, visit: Instagram: @apple_farmer_in_orange If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family! For more updates, check out our socials: A Place to Call Home | Facebook Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast Website This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by AgCarE Online . Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#50 Creating a life on farm and overcoming adversity with Matt and Hayley from Watson Family Produce. 1:08:52

8 weeks ago1:08:52

1:08:52

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 50 of A Place to Call Home Podcast. In this milestone episode, we chat with Matt and Hayley from Watson Family Produce , where they share their inspiring journey to land ownership and their incredible resilience in overcoming adversity. In this episode, we dive into: Their journey into real estate investing Building their business to become full-time producers The impact of postnatal depression on their family Overcoming the tragedy of a Salmonella outbreak Rebuilding a business from the ground up How to avoid the trap of being busy without being productive The difference between low-income vs high-income jobs The role of Farm Owners Academy in supporting their journey For more resources and insights from Matt and Hayley, check out the links below. Farm Owners Academy Watson Family Produce - Pasture Raised Free Range Eggs : Safe Food To learn more about Watson Family Produce , visit the following: Website: HOME | WFP Facebook: Watson Family Produce Instagram: @watson_our_farm_ If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family! For more updates, check out our socials: A Place to Call Home | Facebook Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast Website This episode is brought to you by Yowy Water Bottles : Facebook: Yowy Australia Instagram: @yowy_au Website: Yowy Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#49: Going from no cows to feeding the world with Bianca Tarrant from Our Cow 1:04:37

9 weeks ago1:04:37

1:04:37

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 49 of A Place to Call Home . This week, we sit down with Bianca Tarrant from Our Cow , who shares her inspiring journey in creating a standout business that connects consumers directly with Australian farmers. In this episode, we dive into: Bianca's path to land ownership Overcoming significant challenges and disasters The journey from paddock to plate Building a strong team as your business grows The importance of continual learning along the way Connecting with consumers and the community Navigating the growing pains of business expansion For more information on the topics mentioned by Bianca, be sure to check out the links below. Farm Owners Academy To learn more about Bianca and Our Cow , visit the following: Our Farmers: Dave & Bianca, Beef Cattle Farmers & Our Cow Founders Instagram: @ourcowau Facebook: Our Cow If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and family! For more updates, check out our socials: A Place to Call Home | Facebook Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast Website This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by Flinders Outlaw . Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#48: What is carbon? with Khory Hancock 52:14

23 weeks ago52:14

52:14

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 48 of A Place to Call Home. This week we chat to Khory Hancock, who will take us on a deep dive into the world of carbon. Throughout this episode we chat about - Carbon, what is it? - ACCU, what does it mean. - What are the different carbon project methods - Why is there such a focus on carbon right now - The part that agriculture can play in changing the world. - What should the next generation of land holders be looking out for. If you are looking for more information about what Khory mentioned, check out the links below. Resource Consulting Services – Professional education, advice and support for regenerative agriculture since 1985 A DRY HOPE • Short Film on Regenerative Agriculture Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe | Aboriginal Australia and the Birth of Agriculture | 9781921248016 | Booktopia Call of the Reed Warbler by Charles Massy | Revised Edition | 9780702263224 | Booktopia Official Website of Tony Robbins: Personal & Business Results Coach | Tony Robbins Home | Jay Shetty You can find out more about Khory Hancock below www.khoryhancock.com @khory_hancock https://www.facebook.com/Khory.Hancock.Environmental.Scientist/ If you enjoy the episode, please share with your friends and family. For more information check out our socials A Place To Call Home | Hughenden QLD | Facebook A Place To Call Home (@aplacetocallhomepodcast) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-place-to-call-home-podcast/ https://www.aplacetocallhome.com.au This episode of A Place to Call Home, is brought to you by www.khoryhancock.com Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#47: Creating something of your own, while in a family business with Melissa Neilsen from Rural Women's Exercise 41:57

24 weeks ago41:57

41:57

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 47 of A Place to Call Home. This week we chat to Melissa Neilsen from Rural Women's Exercise. Throughout this episode we cover a range of topics and hear from Mel about her journey to creating Rural Women's Exercise. We also chat about - Coming into a family business - Some of challenges that she faced and how she overcame them - The importance of exercise for a healthy mind and body - Creating something of her own, while working in a family business - Building Rural Women's Exercise - What she has learnt along the way. If you are looking for more information about what Melissa mentioned, check out the links below. MumSafe™ | Trainers - MumSafe™ You can find out more about Melissa and Rural Women's Exercise https://www.instagram.com/rural_womens_exercise/ https://www.facebook.com/@melissaneilsenrwe If you enjoy the episode, please share with your friends and family. For more information check out our socials A Place To Call Home | Hughenden QLD | Facebook A Place To Call Home (@aplacetocallhomepodcast) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-place-to-call-home-podcast/ https://www.aplacetocallhome.com.au This episode of A Place to Call Home, is brought to you by AgForce Queensland Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#46: Getting into the Pasture Raised Egg business with Jemma Dingle from Blue Sky Heritage Eggs 40:28

25 weeks ago40:28

40:28

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 46 of A Place to Call Home. This week we chat to Jemma Dingle from Blue Sky Heritage Eggs and we chat about her land ownership journey as well as all things chickens and pasture raised eggs. We also chat about - Her journey working in the mines - Share investing - Building up their real estate investments - Buying a piece of land - Starting a pasture raised egg business, and working with chickens - What she has learnt starting a business - Her journey towards finding "A Place to Call Home" If you are looking for more information about what Jemma mentioned, check out the links below. Pasture Raised Meat Direct from the Farmer - Piggy in the Middle You can find out more about Jemma and Blue-Sky Heritage eggs below https://www.instagram.com/blue_sky_heritage_eggs/ https://www.facebook.com/blueskyeggs If you enjoy the episode, please share with your friends and family. For more information check out our socials A Place To Call Home | Hughenden QLD | Facebook A Place To Call Home (@aplacetocallhomepodcast) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-place-to-call-home-podcast/ https://www.aplacetocallhome.com.au This episode of A Place to Call Home, is brought to you by AgForce Queensland Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#45: Having a "Farm Life Plan" with Claudia Bryant from Farm Life Plan 40:34

26 weeks ago40:34

40:34

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 45 of A Place to Call Home. This week we chat to Claudia Bryant from the Farm Life plan, throughout the chat we cover a range of topics including. - Growing up in a failed succession plan - Working with in agribusiness - Side Hustles Vs Business - Creating a business - What Claudia has learnt from teaching primary producers and people creating a place to call home. You can find out more about Claudia and Farm life plan below Claudia Bryant | Farm Life Plan (@farmlifeplan) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094216395466 Farm Life Launchpad (farmlifeplan.com) Claudia Bryant - YouTube If you enjoy the episode, please share with your friends and family. For more information check out our socials A Place To Call Home | Hughenden QLD | Facebook A Place To Call Home (@aplacetocallhomepodcast) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-place-to-call-home-podcast/ https://www.aplacetocallhome.com.au This episode of A Place to Call Home, is brought to you by Movember - https://au.movember.com/ Support the show…

A Place To Call Home with Sam Fryer

1
#44: Livestock are what they eat with Bronte Austin from Flock and Herd Nutrition 52:26

27 weeks ago52:26