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The Big Co-op Conversation

Future Proofing Aussie Food

Future Proofing Aussie Food


AIRDATE: Saturday, 22 May 2021, 12-2pm AEST (approx 90 mins)

Watch our broadcast from Primex 2021 on demand, Australia’s Sustainable Farming Expo, in Casino NSW where we spoke directly to farmers about their challenges and the opportunities in agriculture with a focus on how farmers control their supply chain from the paddock to the plate.

This is the grand finale of our Co-op conversations, the hugely successful live stream conversation focusing farmers who are successfully using co-operative farming business models.

Watch renowned agricultural journalist Michael Cavanagh, as he talks to producers in diary, horticulture, fishing & beef. Enjoy conversation and a birds eye view of Primex from our roving camera crew.

Hear from local MP’s, Directors and CEO’s of some of the countries most successful agriculture Co-operatives, including NORCO, Casino Food Co-op, OZ Group & Clarence River Fishing Co-op.

Farmers, fishers and foresters around the country can view the broadcast from anywhere via on demand on their mobile phone or other device.

Presenter: Michael Cavanagh

Guest Speakers:

  • The Hon David Littleproud MP, Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management
  • The Hon Kevin Hogan MP, Member for Page, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister
  • Melina Morrison, CEO, BCCM
  • Michael Hampson, CEO, NORCO
  • John Seccombe, Chair, Northern Co-operative Meat Company
  • Satpal Singh Gill, Chair, OzGroup Co-op
  • Larry McHugh, CEO, Marquis Macadamias
  • Danielle Adams, GM, Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-op
  • Kevin Franey, Partner, TNR
  • Russell Mehmet, Director, Willis Tower Watson
  • Nigel Semmens, Beef Product Manager, Australian Genetics

Watch The Big Co-op Conversation – Future Proofing Aussie Food on demand

Other Episodes

Episode 1: Growing Together
Could co-operative farming future proof Australian farmers?
DURATION: approx 30 mins
Hosted by renowned agricultural journalist Pete Lewis, the candid conversation begins with local and international co-op leaders, ag experts, and farmers debating and discussing the future of farming and why the co-operative business model could be an option to protect our home-grown agribusinesses. Expert panel guests including Fiona Simson NFF, Jimmy Wilson CEO CBH Group, Emma Thomas CEO Achmea and many more.
Episode 2 Part 1: Interview
Don't cry over spilt milk: The Mountain Milk Co-operative
DURATION: approx 45 mins
The Mountain Milk Co-operative: After the collapse and then demutualisation of the Murray Goulburn Co-operative, a group of Victorian dairy farmers wanted to secure the future of their community by working together in a co-operative business model. Today, the Mountain Milk Co-operative is proud to be one of Australia’s newest dairy businesses. This is the story of how you can go from the edge of disaster to creating a business direction the next generations will be inspired to follow. Join journalist Pete Lewis as he talks to Stuart Crosthwaite, Chairperson of Mountain Milk Co-operative about their interesting adventure in farming.
Episode 2 Part 2: Roundtable
Why do some co-operatives succeed while others fail?
DURATION: approx 60 mins
Join journalist Pete Lewis and our farmer panel as they discuss and explore the conditions and events that impact the rise and fall of agricultural co-operatives.
SEE ALL EPISODES