Behind The Collective

In this episode of Behind the Collective host Holly Ludeman speaks with Barb Bishop and Stu Austin, two of the key facilitators of the inaugural Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association (KPCA) Head Stockpersons Leadership Forum, about developing the next generation of leaders in northern Australia's cattle industry.

From self-awareness and communication to productivity, accountability and workplace culture, Barb and Stu explore why leadership is about far more than technical skills. Through practical examples, Myers-Briggs personality insights and real stories from participants, they discuss how understanding people, building confidence and creating positive team cultures can transform both individuals and businesses.

The conversation also highlights the power of peer-to-peer learning, mentoring and industry collaboration, while reflecting on the importance of continuing to invest in leadership pathways for young people working in remote and regional cattle operations.

Whether you're an aspiring head stockperson, station manager or passionate about developing people in agriculture, this episode offers practical leadership lessons that extend well beyond the cattle yards.

Watch the full episode  - Behind the Collective - YouTube

The KPCA Head Stockpersons Leadership Forum series is proudly sponsored by Milne Feeds and produced by The Livestock Collective in collaboration with the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association.

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Acknowledgements

The KPCA gratefully acknowledges the organisations that partnered with and supported the inaugural Head Stockpersons Leadership Forum. Their investment in developing the next generation of leaders is helping build a stronger future for northern Australia's cattle industry.

Thank you to: Audacious Ag, Harvest Road, Yougawalla Pastoral Company, RTA, Alliance Ag, Datamars Livestock, Dechra (Tri-Solfen), Elanco, Northern Hub, Nutrien, Rio Tinto and SafeFarms WA.

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About Behind the Collective

Behind the Collective is the storytelling platform of The Livestock Collective, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering people working in and connected to Australian agriculture to communicate with confidence, share their stories and strengthen the future of our industry.

We believe authentic conversations build trust, celebrate the people behind agriculture and create stronger connections between our industry and the wider community.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it with your network. Every share helps us continue telling the stories behind Australian agriculture.

Interested in partnering with Behind the Collective or sharing your story? We'd love to hear from you.

🌐 thelivestockcollective.com.au
📱 @behind_the_collective

Great stockpeople aren't just built through practical skills, they're built through leadership, mentoring and the confidence to step forward.

That idea sits at the heart of the inaugural Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association (KPCA) Head Stockpersons Leadership Forum. As Lux Lethbridge reflects during this conversation, we can all do the blisters-on-our-hands work. The harder part is stepping forward, asking for guidance and learning how to lead people.

In the first episode of this four-part series, Holly Ludeman speaks with KPCA CEO Bron Christensen and KPCA Executive Committee member Lux Lethbridge to unpack the vision behind the forum, why it was needed, how it came together, and what they hope it means for the future of northern Australia's cattle industry.

Bron brings more than 25 years' experience across the beef industry and a passion for turning ideas into action through practical industry development. As CEO of the KPCA, she's leading initiatives that invest in people as much as production.

Lux is a fifth-generation grazier and, together with his wife Belinda, manages Warrawagine Cattle Company in Western Australia's Pilbara. A passionate advocate for developing people, Lux has been instrumental in bringing the Head Stockpersons Leadership Forum to life and believes the future of the industry depends on developing great people alongside great stockmanship.

Together, they discuss why technical skills alone aren't enough, the importance of investing in leadership, and how mentoring, industry networks and practical experience can help shape the next generation of leaders across northern Australia's cattle industry.

Whether you're an aspiring head stockperson, a station manager, or simply passionate about the future of Australian agriculture, this conversation is the perfect place to begin the series.

Watch the full episode - Behind the Collective - YouTube

The KPCA Head Stockpersons Leadership Forum series is proudly sponsored by Milne Feeds and produced by The Livestock Collective in collaboration with the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association.

----more----

Acknowledgements

The KPCA gratefully acknowledges the organisations that partnered with and supported the inaugural Head Stockpersons Leadership Forum. Their investment in developing the next generation of leaders is helping build a stronger future for northern Australia's cattle industry.

Thank you to: Audacious Ag, Harvest Road, Yougawalla Pastoral Company, RTA, Alliance Ag, Datamars Livestock, Dechra (Tri-Solfen), Elanco, Northern Hub, Nutrien, Rio Tinto and SafeFarms WA.

----more----

About Behind the Collective

Behind the Collective is the storytelling platform of The Livestock Collective, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering people working in and connected to Australian agriculture to communicate with confidence, share their stories and strengthen the future of our industry.

We believe authentic conversations build trust, celebrate the people behind agriculture and create stronger connections between our industry and the wider community.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it with your network. Every share helps us continue telling the stories behind Australian agriculture.

Interested in partnering with Behind the Collective or sharing your story? We'd love to hear from you.

🌐 thelivestockcollective.com.au
📱 @behind_the_collective

Tom Squiers is a passionate shearer and farmer. While he once thought a career in business finance was on the cards, Tom realised that shearing was the pathway he needed to pursue to build his future and follow his passion for the wool industry. He hasn't looked back since.

In this episode, Tom shares how he got his start in shearing, the opportunities the industry has provided, and the lessons he has learned along the way. We also discuss how his experiences in the shearing shed are shaping the farmer he hopes to become and his vision for the future of the wool industry.

Join us for a great chat about career pathways, personal growth, and the people and experiences that make the wool industry such a rewarding place to build a future.

The Value of the Merino: Why Are Merinos Important to Your Business?

This episode is a recording from the recent Value of the Merino webinar, delivered as part of The Livestock Collective and Australian Wool Innovation Partner Program.

Featuring Corey Dixon (Tammin), & Derek Curwen (South Stirling)

Two growers running Merinos in very different regions, share why sheep are an important part of their businesses. From containment feeding setups to the systems they wish they had implemented years earlier, they offer practical insights and honest experiences.

The conversation covers everything from pasture management and the role sheep play, to what day-to-day operations look like, advice for the family farm Whattsapp actually and how they keep track of sheep numbers.

They touch on the challenges they face while looking ahead with clear ambitions for the future.

Another great discussion between growers part of the AWI and TLC Partner Program.

The Value of the Merino: Why Are Merinos Important to Your Business?

This episode is a converted recording from the Value of the Merino webinar, delivered as part of The Livestock Collective and Australian Wool Innovation Partner Program.

The program is focused on connecting with and supporting WA wool growers through podcasts, webinars, field days, and events across the state. In this session, a panel of growers from different regions of Western Australia discuss their farming enterprises, the role Merinos play within their businesses, and how they are planning and positioning their operations for 2026 and beyond.

Featuring:

Hugh Morgan (Bencubbin)

Rivers Hyde (Ongerup)

Sascha Squiers (Quairading)