L: Thea Walker is a fourth-generation farmer from Manjimup, WA, where her family grows avocados, passionfruit, truffles, and raises livestock. With a Bachelor of Agribusiness from Curtin and experience on a Kimberley cattle station, she now works as a horticultural consultant with Planfarm. In 2023, she received the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant for her project addressing avocado food waste. Recently named the 2024 WA Rural Ambassador, Thea is passionate about advocating for sustainable practices and the future of Australian agriculture.

In this episode, cohost Kayla (IG: @kaylajaydee_), with nearly a decade of experience in agricultural workforce management, shares essential tips for farmers looking to improve their approach to managing on-farm employees. From better workforce planning and navigating employment fundamentals to mastering employee performance management and boosting retention, Kayla provides practical advice that helps build a more efficient, effective, and satisfied team. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed in managing your most valuable asset: your people.

Mia Ryan is the founder and creative force behind Howdy (IG: @howdy.global), a unique dating app designed to bridge the gap for those seeking genuine connections in rural Australia. At just 22, Mia launched Howdy to address the unique challenges of dating in the bush, where small-town dynamics and limited dating pools can make it tough to find a meaningful relationship. Raised on a farm herself, Mia understands firsthand the demands of agricultural life and the desire to connect with someone who truly understands rural values and lifestyle.

Mia’s journey began with her own frustrations with mainstream dating apps, which often focus on quantity over quality, catering poorly to rural communities. Driven to create a solution, she developed Howdy, an app that prioritises genuine connection and community. With thoughtful features like ‘I am a farmer’ and ‘I’m looking for a farmer’ options and a small subscription fee, Howdy has already built a reputation for attracting sincere users committed to real relationships. Since its launch, Howdy has grown rapidly, especially among women, and is already fostering long-distance romances across the country—including Mia’s own budding relationship with a farmer from Western Australia. Through Howdy, Mia is reshaping the rural dating experience, giving Australians in agriculture a place to connect and build lasting relationships on their terms.