Gippsland Learning Channel

In February 2025, the Gippsland Drought Resilience Plan took a bold step forward with the launch of the Digging Deeper – Ag Chats with Al podcast at the Gippsland Red Meat Conference. Designed by farmers for farmers, this initiative has become a cornerstone of the region’s agricultural communications strategy, offering timely and locally relevant insights to support innovation and profitability in farming.

What resilience topics are covered?

Hosted by Alistair Micallef (pictured above) from Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAgG), the podcast delivers weekly episodes that blend practical advice with expert commentary. Its success lies in its adaptability; each edition is tailored to address the evolving needs of the Gippsland farming community. Topics range from livestock nutrition and pasture management to business resilience and HR strategies, featuring trusted voices like Dr Chelsea Hair, Dr Enoch Bergman, Morgan Davies, and Sally Murfet.

A key learning from the project has been the importance of consistency and trust. By releasing episodes at the same time each week and maintaining a strong resilience narrative, the podcast has cultivated a loyal listener base. Regular guest presenters have added depth and credibility, helping producers take actionable steps after each session.

The podcast’s structure – clear, conversational, and community-focused, has received widespread praise. Listeners appreciate the variety of topics and authenticity of stories shared. As Jen Smith, General Manager at GAgG, noted, “storytelling is a powerful tool to show how people and communities can grow in the face of drought.”

Reflections from Food & Fibre Gippsland

By fostering engagement during good times, Digging Deeper ensures that the channel remains a reliable source of support when challenges arise. It’s more than a podcast, it’s a growing network of knowledge, resilience, and shared experiences.