Profitable Farmer

Achieving a successful startup as a first-generation farmer is a tough assignment. On top of that, achieving a ‘direct to consumer, first generation farm’ is even harder. Tens of thousands, as you all know, have tried. Very few have succeeded.  Meet Tim and Hannah and The Food Farm.  Their story is remarkable. Their passion inspiring. Their determination unwavering.  5 years ago, Tim was a sole-operator contractor… surviving on borrowed machinery and blind faith. Hannah an opera singer from inner-Adelaide. Their first $2,000 came from a potato harvest festival that was nearly washed out by floods. It bought their first chicken caravan, towed home to New South Wales from Victoria.  Today, and where they've arrived to is something to be immensely proud of. Tim and Hannah now lead a team of ten, run their own on-farm butchery, and grow pasture-raised chicken that has been awarded at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show three times. Their organic, quality produce and endeavour even earned them a recent audience with our King!   Every week, 600 to 700 people sit down to beautiful produce grown by Tim, Hannah and their passionate team.  In this episode, Tim, Hannah and I explore:  the mindset shift that saw them focus and scale their revenues;  why direct-to-consumer farmers are really competing with their own self-worth, more so than the supermarkets;  the challenges of hiring (and firing) then building their now dedicated team, and learning to lead as young business owners; and  the personal development work that has underpinned their growth and success.  Entrepreneurship is ‘jumping off a cliff and building the parachute on the way down’. Tim and Hannah do that constantly and as their way of doing business… and now, as Hannah says, "we have built a business that can buy a farm."  So, a question for you: could it be more the internal battle-mindset, self-doubt and self-worth that is holding you back?  Thank you, Tim and Hannah, for sharing it all so openly - the wins, the hardships and challenges. Thank you also for championing for all Aussie farmers and for helping share a positive story for all that we all do on-farm. It has been an honour to be part of your journey.  To more young, brilliant and energetic first-generation farmers backing themselves!  We have your back.  Hutch & Team  P.S. Find out more about Tim and Hannah on The Food Farm website, and read their story here.  P.P.S It’s pretty special to think Tim and Hannah’s journey with us all started at TOP Producers. If you’re wondering what it could open up for you and your farm business, come and join us at the next one. 👉 Start building your Freedom Farm.

What if living longer had less to do with finding the perfect diet, supplement or exercise program… and more to do with how we live, what we believe and who we surround ourselves with? In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Marcus Pearce, a longevity strategist, speaker, author and host of 100 Not Out. Marcus recently joined us at our FOA Deep Dive Workshop, and I was struck again by the way he challenges so many of the assumptions we carry around health, ageing and what it means to live a genuinely exceptional life. We explore: Why purpose, physical activity and social connection are some of the strongest foundations for a long, high-quality life. What decades of interviewing centenarians and “exceptionals” have taught him about living well. The importance of protecting the parts of life that farming can easily crowd out such as health, friendships, family, fun and time away from the business. Marcus’ Exceptional Life Quiz, and why making your lowest-scoring area your highest priority can be a powerful place to start. Take the quiz here One of the biggest reminders from this conversation is that we often assume there will always be more time. More time to get fitter. More time to see our mates. More time to take the trip. More time to slow down and enjoy what we’ve built. But none of us really knows how much time we have. Make the important things urgent. Call that mate you haven’t spoken to for some time. Book that fishing trip. Make small steps to look after your personal health as a priority. Have dinner at the dining table. Tell those you care about you love them. Create something outside the farm that lights you up. And keep building a business that supports the life you want, rather than a life that exists purely to support the business you have. Marcus, thank you. I appreciate you positively re-framing the importance of longevity for us: it’s not about how long we can stay alive… but how strong, connected, purposeful and alive we can be, as we age. Here’s to living and farming well. Keep being incredible! Hutch & The Farm Owners Academy Team P.S. Marcus’ message is a great reminder that living well for longer isn’t just about health. It’s about having the freedom, energy and headspace to enjoy the life you’re building. If you’re running a farm and want more freedom, more control and more space to enjoy life beyond the farm, the TOP Producers Workshop is a great place to start. Find out more here.

Uncertainty Is the Only Certainty: Building Resilience with Psychologist Maria Ruberto Two hundred episodes in, and the thread running through nearly all of them is this: the numbers matter, but what's going on in our heads and hearts is what determines whether we thrive or just survive. So for this milestone, I wanted to talk human emotions properly, starting with the one none of us can avoid. Uncertainty is almost the only certainty we've got as farmers. But it isn't a sign that something's wrong with you. It's a normal state your brain moves into when it can't predict what happens next, and once you understand that, you can move through it with a lot more strength. That's exactly what we dig into today with psychologist Maria Ruberto. Maria Ruberto is a psychologist, certified applied Neuropsychotherapist and Founder of Salutegenics. With more than 30 years of experience across education, clinical practice, leadership and workplace wellbeing, Maria delivers science-backed training programs that help individuals, teams and organisations build resilience and strengthen their ability to support the wellbeing of others. Her approach focuses on understanding the powerful connection between biology, psychology and behaviour. In this Learning from Legends episode, we reconnect with Maria, who has previously presented to our FOA alumni and joined us on the podcast before, to unpack a topic every farmer knows intimately: uncertainty, and how we manage our exposure to it. We explore: Why uncertainty is a normal, biological state rather than a personal failing, and what happens in the brain the moment it can't predict what's coming next The truth about stress: why it's not the enemy, how it enables us to perform, and the point where sustained pressure tips into burnout Simple, science-backed ways to reset in under two minutes, including a slow out-breath technique and a head-turn technique that calms the nervous system Why connection with others isn't a nice-to-have but a biological imperative, and how the right people around us create real protection during hard times Five practical strategies for building our tolerance to uncertainty and distress, including agency mapping (what we can control, influence, and must let go of).   To connect with Maria, reach out directly at admin@salutegenics.com.au. Maria, thank you for the generosity of your time and for the clarity you bring to something so many of us feel but rarely have the language for. It was wonderful reflecting on how the mind works under pressure, and even better knowing there are real, practical tools we can put to work on-farm. Until next time, keep being incredible. Hutch & The Farm Owners Academy Team P.S. Scaling well takes energy, and burnout has a way of undoing all of it. If you're feeling the weight of workload, weather, or finances lately, grab our free Low Stress Farmer's Handbook to check where you sit on the burnout scale and pick up some practical strategies for building resilience. Download here.

AI is moving fast — incredibly fast — and whether we like it or not, the game has changed.  In this week’s episode, I sit down with Sam Johnsson, CEO of Farm Owners Academy. Sam, along with Michaela, Greg, and the broader FOA team, has been doing outstanding work in this space, not just exploring what AI can do, but figuring out how we can use it practically to build better businesses and better outcomes for farm owners.  We unpack what AI really means for agriculture and why I believe the opportunity in front of us is enormous.  From using ChatGPT or Claude as a smarter research partner, through to analysing data, improving decision-making, building systems, automating repetitive work and even capturing 40 years of knowledge from inside a farmer’s head, the capability is extraordinary.  But we also talk about the other side of it: security, accuracy, the risk of AI being “confidently wrong”, and why good judgement, trusted advisers and knowing what good looks like still matter enormously.  Sam also shares a really useful framework for understanding where you are on the AI journey, and, more importantly, how to take the next step without feeling like you need to become a technology expert overnight.  My encouragement is simple: don’t sit on the sidelines.  Get curious. Have a play. Start small. Because this technology is going to touch almost every part of business and life, and I think those who learn to use it well will have an extraordinary advantage.  I really enjoyed this conversation with Sam, and I hope it gives you the confidence and a few practical ideas to start putting AI to work in your business.  Keep winning!  Hutch & The Farm Owners Academy Team  P.S. If this episode has you thinking it's time to get more out of AI in your farm business, Sam is running a 90-minute live workshop on 21 & 22 October. You’ll learn how to spot the work where AI can create genuine leverage, then set it up with the context, standards and guardrails it needs to do that work properly in your operation. See the workshop and register here.

There is a question every farming family should be able to answer with confidence: How well is our farm business actually performing — and what is it truly capable of? Not just whether there’s cash in the bank. Not whether we’ve had a good season. And not whether we’re doing things a bit better than they’ve always been done. I mean really understanding the strength of the business model underneath it all. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been lucky enough to spend time on-farm with a number of our members, sitting around kitchen tables, driving around properties and getting deep into the numbers behind their businesses. And one exercise in particular has created some incredibly valuable conversations. It’s about reverse engineering the potential of the farm. In this episode, I want to take you through that same exercise, and I unpack some of the key numbers I use to stress test a farm business: Return on assets managed Net Profit as a percentage of income Appropriate levels of gearing Labour investment Interest cover I then use these to ask a much bigger question: Given the assets you have access to today, what level of income and profit should your business be capable of producing? Because for many farming families, the opportunity isn’t necessarily about buying the farm next door. It may be about getting far more from the farm you already have. I uncover why scale should be measured in revenue, not hectares, and the three ways you can build it: through simplification, intensification and, only then, expansion. I also consider the idea of getting a balance between business model, scale and gearing — and why getting those three things working together can completely change the financial strength of your farming business. This isn’t about chasing numbers for the sake of numbers. And it certainly isn’t about suggesting there’s one perfect enterprise or one perfect way to farm. It’s about knowing what good looks like. It’s about giving yourself and your family a clear set of targets, understanding the gap between where you are today and where the business could be, and then asking better questions about how you close that gap. So grab a pen and a piece of paper for this one. Work through the numbers for your own farm as we go, challenge a few assumptions, and perhaps uncover some of the latent income and profit sitting inside the business you already have - and if you'd like to go a bit deeper with your numbers & analysis, head to our website and grab your free copy of "The Profitable Farming Playbook" which will help you track the key targets that lead to stronger decisions, better profit, and long-term success. Because sometimes the greatest opportunity isn’t more land. It’s a stronger business model on the land you’re already farming. Keep winning! Hutch & The FOA Team   P.S. Knowing your numbers gives you a much clearer picture of what your farm business is capable of. If you want to go deeper, you can access our CFO Program for just $97 using promotional code PODCFO97 at checkout (usually $197) or book a Complimentary Coaching Call with our team to talk through your business and where you can improve performance.

Pat Barrett has spent nearly twenty years at Walsh & Blair, and before that he was playing regional rugby for the Wagga Waratahs, learning lessons about mateship, discipline, and common goals that he still leans on today when he sits across the table from farming families trying to navigate succession. In this episode, I sit down with Pat, director at Walsh & Blair and one of the most respected rural lawyers in the Riverina, to talk about what actually makes succession work. And what quietly wrecks it. We started with rugby, and the idea that not knowing the rules can get you hurt. So often we throw the next generation into farming with no rules, no structure, and no shared understanding of what success even looks like. Pat's seen that play out again and again, and had some really practical thinking on how to fix it. Here's what we got into: What happens when everyone in a family business is carrying a different version of the common goal, and why that's the difference between touch footy on the beach and playing for real The three stages of a proper transition: management, business, and land, and why trying to do all three at once is where things get messy and emotional Why bringing your accountant, banker, consultant, and lawyer into the same room beats passing messages between them like a game of Chinese whispers Why paying family members a market wage builds accountability instead of entitlement Pat's a straight shooter, and what got me thinking was his point about timing. He reckons the older generation has a window early on, while it's still exciting and before any history's built up, to get things agreed on properly. His advice to the next generation was the mirror image of that. It might feel awkward going in, but as Pat says it's "a lot more awkward later on down the track" if you don't. If you're the older generation holding on a bit too long, or the next generation wondering what you've actually agreed to, this one's worth your full attention. 👉 You can learn more about Pat and the team at Walsh & Blair at www.walshblair.com.au A huge thanks to Pat for his time and his candour, and for the impact he and his firm have had on hundreds of farming families across the Riverina and beyond. Here's to getting the agreements right, before you need them. Hutch & The Farm Owners Academy Team

If a plan only lives in your head, no one else can help you make it happen.  That's the line that sits at the heart of this conversation. Because so often on a family farm, there isn't one plan. There are two, or three, or four, each one living quietly inside a different family member's head, each one slightly different, and none of them written down anywhere everyone can see.  In this episode, I'm joined by two of our senior FOA coaches, Elle Webb and Kerrie Smith. Both started, in their own words, at a zero out of ten when it came to having a clear, documented, common plan for their farm businesses. Both now run their businesses off a simple two-page, Clarity Action Plan that keeps the whole family and team pointed at the same goal.  We explore:  What life actually looks like without a shared plan: reactive decisions, disorganisation, and family members quietly filling the information gap with their own version of the story  Why a BHAG (a big, hairy, audacious goal) needs to stretch 30, 50, even 80 years out, and how to break that down into 10-year, 3-year, and 1-year goals without getting stuck on the how  What a Brick List is (anything left undone, sitting in your head and weighing you down) and why simply writing it down and prioritising it is one of the fastest ways to free up headspace and get moving again  When and how to bring your employed team into the annual, quarterly, and weekly planning rhythm, and why that alignment is what turns individual effort into real momentum  What it means to have a coach as your "unreasonable friend," asking the questions you can't ask yourself or your own family, and why that discomfort is so often where the growth happens  It took Elle around 35 to 40 versions of her plan over three years before it finally clicked. And what came through clearly for both of them is that the ten-year goal was never just about a bigger business. It was about a business that could fund real holidays, hand genuine ownership to their kids, and give the whole family the freedom to build the life they actually wanted, not just the one the farm demanded of them.  If you'd like a copy of our Clarity Action Plan template or the five questions every strategic plan needs to answer, email us at support@farmownersacademy.com and we'll send it straight through.  Elle and Kerrie, thank you both for your honesty about where you started and for the wisdom and care you bring to our members every single day. You make an extraordinary team.  Till next time,   Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

What if the best investment you could make on your farm costs nothing extra to feed, never needs a day off, and compounds in value every single year?  That's the case Dr Mark Ferguson has been making for 30 years. And the numbers back him up.  Mark is a sheep geneticist turned ag tech founder who grew up on a family farm in the Victorian Mallee. After completing his PhD in Merino genetics, he founded neXtgen Agri to help sheep and beef producers across Australia and New Zealand breed better and build more profitable enterprises. He also heads up Genesmith, an AI-powered sheep facial recognition platform and hosts the Head Shepherd podcast.  In this episode, we reconnect to talk genetics, entrepreneurship and what it really takes to build a business that compounds in value over time.  We explore:  The research behind the modern Merino, how fat and muscle selection transformed lamb survival and what that means for your flock today  How to make genuinely objective breeding decisions and break free from the emotional, vision-driven choices that quietly hold most operations back  The kitchen table origins of neXtgen Agri, what a trip to Stanford University sparked, and the lessons Ferg learned building a 19-person trans-Tasman business  Genesmith: the AI-powered facial recognition platform trying to solve one of the sheep industry's oldest problems, dam-lamb matching at commercial scale, and what it needs to get there  How to attract and retain great people in ag, give them the freedom to grow and build a team that performs beyond any individual  To connect with Dr Mark Ferguson, visit www.nextgenagri.com or email mark@nextgenagri.com. The Genetic Plan and other resources are available at thehub.nextgenagri.com. If you are interested in Genesmith, whether as a supporter, partner or someone who wants to help drive the project forward, get in touch via the details above. And if you haven't already, search Head Shepherd wherever you listen to podcasts.  Ferg, thanks for your time, your openness and your complete dedication to helping farming families get more from their genetics. The industry is better for it.  It was great to re-connect again.

Some friendships change your life. This one changed Australia.  When Tracy Bevan met Jane McGrath at an airport café in 1996, they were simply two British women far from home, trying to find their place in a new country while their husbands travelled the world playing cricket.  What neither of them knew was that a friendship forged over cups of tea, loneliness, laughter and life's challenges would go on to impact hundreds of thousands of Australian families.  Tracy co-founded the McGrath Foundation with Jane in 2005. Two cricket wives, a kitchen table, no roadmap. Before Jane passed away in June 2008, Tracy made her a promise: to keep going, to honour what they had started together and to ensure no family would ever face cancer alone. She has spent nearly two decades since keeping that promise.  Today, 367 McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, 174,000+ families supported, and a mission that has changed what a cancer diagnosis looks like in Australia.  In this episode, Tracy shares the story behind one of Australia’s most loved charities - not from a corporate lens, but from the heart of a best friend who has spent nearly two decades honouring Jane’s legacy.  We explore:  How a difficult childhood taught Tracy resilience and the powerful lesson that helped her break free from the past  Jane McGrath’s breast cancer diagnosis that changed everything and how one moment between two best friends sparked a national movement  How one extraordinary nurse helped Jane navigate her darkest days and inspired a mission to ensure no family faces cancer alone  What it really takes to build a lasting organisation from scratch, growing from a kitchen-table idea to one of Australia's most trusted charities  Today, one in two Australians will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. You may already know someone who has.  It's a sobering reminder that the work of the McGrath Foundation is far from finished. Behind every diagnosis is a family navigating uncertainty, fear, and change and that's why the Foundation's support is needed now more than ever. To learn more, seek support, or contribute to this incredible mission, visit the McGrath Foundation website.  Tracy, thank you for keeping your promise to Jane and reminding us that one act of care can become a ripple that reaches families we may never meet, in places we may never see.  Sincerely,   Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

There’s an old saying that uncertainty creates opportunity.  But if you're a grain grower right now, uncertainty can also create confusion, hesitation, and some pretty costly decisions.  Over the past few years, we've seen massive swings in commodity prices, input costs, weather patterns, and global politics. For many farm businesses, it feels like the rules keep changing. One minute we're talking about record production and oversupply. The next, global conflict, fund money, and drought concerns are driving volatility back into the market.  In this episode, I'm joined by Market Check’s Managing Director and Founder, Brett Stevenson and CEO, Nick Crundall to unpack what has changed in global grain markets over the past nine months and what Australian grain growers need to be thinking about right now.  More importantly, we explore the mindset and disciplines that separate consistently successful grain marketers from everyone else.  We cover:  How global conflict, rising fertiliser costs, and speculative investment are influencing grain prices and market volatility.  Why global wheat stocks are tightening after record production years and what that means for the outlook for Australian growers.  Insights around hedging, forward selling and grain storage, including why many growers continue to leave money on the table despite producing excellent crops.   The common mistake of allowing tax planning and cash flow pressures to drive grain marketing decisions instead of following a clear strategy   Nick shares some compelling analysis comparing hedging versus traditional forward selling and the long-term performance difference between growers who actively manage risk and those who don't. You can access Market Check's analysis here.  This conversation also reinforces themes I explored with Jeff McDonald around financial clarity, proactive planning, and leading your business with confidence rather than reacting to circumstances. If you haven't listened to that episode yet, I'd encourage you to do so here.  Nick and Brett, thank you both for your time, your honesty, and your willingness to share what you've learned over many years working alongside growers.  Here's to a great season ahead,  Sincerely,  Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team.

In Part 1, John Fargher took us back to the beginning, exploring the early days of AgriWebb and the farming families who backed a young ag tech company long before the rest of the industry could see what it would become. If you haven't listened to that one yet, we recommend starting there.  In Part 2, the story gets bigger.  Because beneath the global partnerships and the rapid growth, this episode is really about how farming families move from recording the past to actually getting ahead of it.  At the centre of it all is still the farm business itself. The producer who knows their country better than anyone but is making critical decisions without the right information in front of them. The family navigating rising expectations around data, sustainability, succession, and performance, often without the tools or support to do it confidently.   John talks openly about the gap between what is possible and what most farming families are actually doing, and how AgriWebb's direct to farm model is closing that gap every day. Their collaboration with Figured takes it even further, finally connecting the operational and financial picture of a farm business in one place, so that the decisions being made on the ground are backed by the numbers that matter.  In this episode, we explore:  How AgriWebb's two-part business model works and why the enterprise model is unlocking value for farmers in ways the industry has never seen before  The Sainsbury's and ABP partnership, six years in, 500+ farms, and results th

John Fargher grew up on a remote family station in the Northern Flinders Ranges, where distance, drought, hard work and innovation were simply part of life. He saw first-hand how quickly farming can change. A station that once needed 40 people could later run with four or five. Horses gave way to motorbikes. Water runs that once took days could be done in hours by plane. Each shift changed what was possible, and left John asking one question: what is the next step change in livestock agriculture? That question became AgriWebb. In this episode, John Fargher, co-founder of AgriWebb, shares the story behind one of Australia’s great ag tech businesses, from a floppy disk sitting unused in a station office to a global platform now used across 28 countries, tracking more than 20 million head of livestock. He talks openly about the early days, the failed hardware ideas, the farmer who almost said no but then chose to back them, and why that moment still gets him emotional more than a decade later. We explore:  What AgriWebb is seeing across global agriculture and why Australian agribusiness may be slower to invest than other markets   How AI is shifting livestock management from recording what happened to forecasting what is coming  Why the future of farm data is about planning ahead, not just tracking the past  How AgriWebb now supports farmers across Australia, the UK, the US, Brazil and beyond   For farmers, this is more than a technology story. It is a reminder that progress rarely comes from one big leap. It comes from practical people backing better ways of working before the rest of the industry catches up. This is Part 1 of the AgriWebb story, with more to come in the next episode.  Thank you John, for sharing the story so openly, and for the work you and the AgriWebb team continue to do in helping move agriculture forward. Keep winning, Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

A good season can hide a lot. So can a strong balance sheet. But performing well on the surface does not always mean the business is built on the right foundation.  Risk builds quietly. Options narrow over time. And by the time most farm owners recognise it, they have less room to move than they thought.  In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Andy Fenton, Managing Director of Fenton Financial, who brings more than 20 years of experience across financial planning, funds management and investment banking, to unpack a confronting but important idea:  It can be our business structures that kill our farm businesses.  Not all at once. Not dramatically. But over time, through outdated structures, poor protection, limited leverage, unnecessary tax inefficiency, and too much control sitting with the bank.   Andy explains why so many farming businesses are still operating in structures that were inherited, kept because they were simple, or never reviewed as the business grew. He talks through what can go wrong when land, machinery and trading operations are tied together in the wrong way, and why that can leave farming families more exposed than they realise.   We cover:  why outdated structures can quietly hold a farm business back   the risks of having land and trading activities sitting together   how tax averaging and poor structuring can limit flexibility   why banks can gain too much control when security is not set up well   how better structures can improve protection, succession and wealth creation   We often see farming families operating in structures that no longer fit the business. That’s why conversations with specialists such as Andy matter. While Farm Owners Academy is not an accounting firm, we help members ask better questions, think more strategically, and strengthen the business behind the farm through the deeper support available in our 3-year comprehensive Platinum Mastermind program.     If this episode has raised questions about how your business is structured, you can learn more about Andy and his work at https://fentonfinancial.com.au/    Andy, thank you for bringing a clear and commercially grounded perspective to how structure, tax and leverage can shape the level of risk, control and succession in a farm business.    Till next time, Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team

Are you concerned by the uncertainty surrounding increased fuel prices?     Is the current global turmoil challenging your view on how to best navigate this season?    The biggest risk right now is not fuel, fertiliser, interest rates, or global instability. It's panic.   Uncertainty has a way of hijacking clear thinking. It pulls people into worst-case scenarios and pushes reactive decisions before the facts are fully in.   That is where the real damage starts. Not in the disruption itself, but in the response to it.  Because when something shifts, whether it is a headline, a price rise, or a disruption, the natural human response is not calm, measured thinking. It is alarm. It is projection. It is the tendency to ask, “What if this gets worse?” rather than, “What is actually true right now?”.  In this conversation, Sam Johnsson, Tracy Secombe and I unpack what it really looks like to lead through uncertainty, not just from a business perspective, but from a mindset and leadership standpoint.  We cover:  how to check your state first and move from angst and panic back to composure and optimism   why stepping away from drama, media, and negativity helps you come back to facts and make logical, informed decisions   how to use forecasting to assess worst case, average case, and best case, and adapt your approach accordingly   how practices like gratitude, exercise, and self-regulation help lift your mindset so you can lead your family and team more strongly  You do not need to pretend uncertainty is not there. You do need to lead yourself well enough that it does not make your decisions for you.  Sam and Tracy, thank you for the practical insight and steady perspective you’ve brought to this conversation on how to lead through uncertainty.  Navigating the financial side of the business in times like this can feel overwhelming, and you’re not alone. Many farm owners have felt that same pressure and have used the Cash Flow Optimiser to turn uncertainty into clearer thinking and more confident decisions. If that’s where you’re at right now, you can find out more here.    Keep winning,    Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

This week, Sam Johnsson hijacks the podcast while I’m off on a skiing holiday in Austria and he takes on a topic that might not sound flashy, but can quietly change everything in a farm business: building a strong financial system.    Because for a lot of farm owners, the numbers are still something that sit in the background until they become a problem.    And that’s a hard way to lead.    When the books are behind, the reporting is patchy, or the numbers only come out at tax time, it leaves people making big decisions without a clear view of where the business is actually at. That creates stress, second-guessing, and a constant sense of being on the back foot.    In this conversation, Sam is joined by Jayne Walsh, Tim Fowler, Renee Nicholls, and Bec Balfour to unpack what good financial management actually looks like in a real farm business.    Between them, they bring lived experience from multi-generational farming operations, succession, enterprise management, and bookkeeping support for rural businesses. And what comes through clearly is this: strong financial systems are not just about compliance. They are about clarity, confidence, and better decisions.    We explore the gap between “doing the books” and actually using your numbers to lead the business well. From clean data and simple chart-of-accounts structures, through to forecasting, enterprise analysis, cashflow visibility, and stronger conversations with banks, this is a practical discussion about getting out of reactive mode and into a much more proactive way of operating.    Here’s what we uncover:  Why weekly reconciliations and end-of-month processes create confidence in the numbers   How forecasting helps you adjust as the season changes instead of reacting too late   The value of enterprise-level reporting to understand what is and is not making money   Why banks and lenders respond better when your numbers are current, clear, and well presented   Practical first steps for farm businesses wanting to improve their financial systems this year    If you’ve ever felt like the financial side of the business is heavier than it should be, this episode is a good reminder that you’re not bad at business, you just might not have the right system yet.    Because the goal here is not to become an accountant.    It’s to build enough visibility and rhythm around the numbers that you can lead with more confidence, make better decisions earlier, and stop carrying that constant uncertainty in your head.    Bec Balfour from Rembiz Bookkeeping and Renee Nicholls from RN Business Consulting both work with rural businesses to bring more clarity, structure, and confidence to the numbers. You can reach Bec at rembiz.com.au or rebecca@rembiz.com.au, and Renee at rnbusinessconsulting.com.au or renee@rnbusinessconsulting.com.au.    Sam, Jayne, Tim, Renee, and Bec - thank you for a conversation that gets to the heart of what strong farm finance looks like. There’s real value in this one for any farm owner who wants to feel more in control of the business, rather than be overwhelmed by it.    Keep winning, Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

Selling the family farm can feel like the ultimate failure. For a lot of farming families, it can carry guilt, grief, and the sense that something precious has been lost.     But Mike Stephens challenges that story head-on.    Mike is the founder of Meridian Agriculture, one of Australia’s oldest and most  experienced agricultural consulting firms, and the author of Life After Farming. For decades, he has helped farming families navigate the people side of agriculture with practical support around succession, transition, and decision-making.     He argues the real measure of “successful succession” is not whether the land stays in the family, but whether the outcome meets the needs of the whole family, passes the fairness test, and protects relationships.    We explore why the “never sell” narrative adds pressure to families already carrying enough, how to get the right conversations on the table (early), and what it looks like when a family chooses a positive exit and thrives in the next chapter.    Here’s what we uncover:  Why selling the family farm is not a failure of succession  Why fairness is the hard but necessary test, especially between farming and non-farming siblings  The cost of staying in the game at all costs, including debt, pressure, and resentment  How to approach succession conversations properly, starting with confidential one-on-one input before bringing key issues to the family table  The power of starting early: it may be too early for a succession plan, but it’s never too early to plan for succession    If your family is carrying the weight of succession conversations, this episode offers a clearer reference point for what good decision-making can look like. Not perfect. Not painless. But fair, practical, and grounded in what matters most.  Mike, thank you for bringing such clarity and steadiness to one of the hardest conversations farming families ever face. Your perspective gives people permission to think more honestly about legacy, fairness, and what a good outcome really looks like.  In your corner,  Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

As we step into 2026, there’s a lot of noise out there.    Geopolitical tension. AI hype. Market highs. Media drama.   And if you’re a farm owner trying to make steady, strategic decisions in the middle of a tight season… it can feel like one more thing to carry.    In this episode, I sit down with my good mate Terry Tran, founder of Freedom Trader, to cut through the headlines and look at what the data is actually telling us.    Because while the media sells emotion, markets move on numbers.    And if you’re building off-farm wealth whether inside super, a managed fund, or direct equities, this matters.    We uncover:  What’s really driving the market surge (and why it’s not as broad as it looks)  Why AI investment is inflating valuations across tech  What Warren Buffett and other “smart money” investors are quietly doing  What questions you should be asking your advisor or super fund  And how to prepare so you’re not a spectator when opportunity returns    If you’re looking for a clear, practical framework to assess markets, filter quality investments, and build an off-farm portfolio with confidence, join Terry’s exclusive FOA webinar on March 17th at 7:20pm AEDT. Register here.  You can also learn more about Terry’s philosophy, real-money approach to risk management, and the Freedom Trader Blueprint program via his website here.  Thank you Terry for your generosity, your clarity, and for continuing to equip farming families with the tools to invest with confidence and discipline.  Yours in investing,  Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

What if the real constraint in your business isn’t effort, seasons, or skill, but the role you’re still stuck playing?    For Ben and Kate, this question didn’t arrive neatly. It crept in over time.    Their journey took them far from the farm first, through university, into investment banking in London, and straight into the pressure cooker of the GFC. Long hours. High stakes. A world where structure and accountability were non-negotiable.    Choosing to come home to the family farm wasn’t about escaping work. It was about building something of their own.    What they returned to was a third-generation Darling Downs farm growing irrigated silage for Wagyu feedlots. A good business, but one run largely from people’s heads, with no clear leadership role and a heavy reliance on who was on the ground each day.    Here’s what we explore:  What it really took to come home and spend years earning influence before having authority  Why their succession took close to two years, and why slowing it down led to better decisions and stronger relationships  The point where expanding pivots and working harder stopped delivering growth  What changed once Ben stepped out of daily operations and into a full-time CEO role  How simple rhythms now hold the business together, including weekly meetings, clear roles, and a 90-day operational focus    If you know your business could handle more, but not the way it’s currently being run, this conversation will give you a clearer reference point for the next shift.    Ben and Kate, thank you for sharing what leadership looks like when it’s intentional, well-timed, and anchored in long-term thinking. The clarity you’ve built into your roles, your team, and your systems is a benchmark for what’s possible when committed leaders give good decisions the space to compound.    Cass, thank you for walking alongside Ben and Kate as their coach. The decisions, structure, and confidence reflected here show what’s possible when farm businesses are supported, not left to figure it out alone.  Sincerely,   Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

There comes a moment in every farm business where the question isn’t how much more can we do, it’s what do we actually want to build?    For Simon and Naomi Goode, that moment came after years of doing everything: cropping, hay, livestock, all while raising four kids and managing 3,200 hectares in Victoria’s eastern Wimmera. They weren’t in crisis. In fact, from the outside, they were flying. But inside, they were carrying too much. Too many moving parts. Too many long days. Not enough space to step back, lead strategically, or live the life they were working so hard to create.    In this episode, their FOA Accountability Coach, Rick Morris sits down with Simon and Naomi to explore what it really looks like to evolve a fifth-generation family farm into a professionally run business without losing the heart of it.    From completing full succession to stepping into defined leadership roles, they share what it took to:  exit a legacy enterprise that no longer served them;  restructure the business and move Naomi into the CEO seat;  create a trusted “Core Four” advisory team to guide decisions;  redefine success around clarity, family time, and aligned growth.    You’ll hear Simon speak candidly about letting go of old work patterns, building a team he can trust, and learning to prioritise leadership over busyness. And Naomi with her background in public health and local government unpacks how she’s brought structure, financial discipline, and long-term planning into the heart of the business.    If you’re running a solid farm but craving more alignment… if you’re stuck in the weeds but ready to step up and lead… or if you simply want to see what’s possible when a couple gets clear, strategic, and intentional, this episode is for you.    Thank you Simon and Naomi for your candour, courage, and willingness to share the journey so generously. You are a brilliant example of what’s possible when structure meets heart, and business meets life. And Rick, thank you for being a steady guide and coach on their journey, and for holding this conversation with such care.    Here’s to more farmers leading like this.    Keep winning,   Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

There comes a point when the late nights, the mental load, and the constant pressure make you wonder... how much longer can we keep doing this?    Lachlan and Anna Sutton hit that point. Burnt out. Leasing land. Bucketing grain by hand while raising three young kids.    Then something shifted.    In this episode, their FOA Accountability Coach, Hayley Grosser speaks with Lachie and Anna, a couple who, in just 18 months, scaled from those long, heavy days to owning their first property, finishing over 20,000 lambs a year, launching a vertically integrated meat brand, Red Dirt Lamb, and holding a bold vision to build a $100M agribusiness that revitalises rural communities.    But this story isn’t just about scale. It’s about identity, grit, and the price of transformation.    We dive into:   how they scaled from $200K turnover to multi-million dollar growth in less than two years;  Anna’s leap from night shifts and nappies to launching a thriving farm-to-fork brand;  the cashflow squeezes, mental burnout, and mindset shifts they had to overcome with the FOA community in their corner; and  why their next chapter is about more than lambs on grain - it’s about building a team, backing people, and reigniting regional towns.    This is for anyone who’s been told it’s too hard to start from scratch. For the couple feeling the strain of burning both ends. For the farmer who lies awake wondering, “Is this all there is?”.     Lachie and Anna show us that it’s not just about working harder. It’s about changing the game, letting go of the rules, and building a farm that works for your life, not against it.    To learn more about their story or to order their pasture-raised lamb direct from the farm, head to reddirtlamb.com.au.    Thank you Lachie and Anna for reminding us that the strongest farms aren’t built on perfect conditions, but on heart, hard conversations, and a refusal to give up. And to Hayley, for not just guiding the story, but offering the right challenge and believing in them before the results were visible.    Until next time, all the very best!   Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team

What if the hardest seasons in your business turned out to be the ones that set you free?  In this deeply honest episode, Marina Gregor, one of our senior business coaches sits down with Andrew Graham, a cattle producer from southwest Victoria, to explore a powerful story of resilience, family, and business transformation.  Andrew was previously burnt out, juggling operations management for a large-scale dairy business while navigating succession plans for his own family farm. Fast forward to today, and his world looks remarkably different, with a thriving cattle operation with 2,500 head, family back on the land, systems in place, and a sense of balance he never thought possible.  This episode is a conversation about what happens when you step out of survival mode and into leadership with clarity and intention. It’s about letting go, backing yourself, and creating a business that truly works for you.  Together, they explore:  The messy reality of succession and how Andrew found clarity through it  How burnout showed up, and what it took to finally slow down  Why mindset, not just management, was the missing piece  What changed when Andrew started building the business around his life  The power of building a team and trusting them to lead  These small shifts might not look like much at first, but they’re where real change starts. On the farm, it’s the everyday choices including how you plan, how you work with others and how you set priorities that determine the outcome of the season. The same applies in leadership. Creating space to step back, adding structure to the work, trusting others to lead, and getting clear on roles and direction helped Andrew move from burnout to focus and confidence.  If you’re looking to do the same, now is the time to take stock. Block time early in the new year to step off-farm and get clear on your 12-month priorities, because without space, clarity rarely comes. Need help resetting your goals for the new year ahead? Our Ultimate 2026 Planning Guide can help. It’s a practical resource designed to support reflection, bring focus, and give you a framework to set clear, purposeful goals for the year ahead. Download the guide here.  Thank you Andrew for your openness, your wisdom, and your leadership. You’ve not only changed your business, you’re lighting the way for others too. And to Marina, thank you for stepping in to lead this conversation with insight and care. Your ability to support others to reflect, share honestly, and draw out lessons that others can learn from is what makes conversations like this truly valuable.  Sincerely,   Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team

As we reach the business end of the season for many, this episode offers a quiet reflection on some of the deeper and important challenges showing up for farming families and their business teams right across the country.    There’s no guest this time. Instead, I wanted to take a moment to share some of my learnings and observations over the year through coaching calls, leadership workshops, and time spent walking alongside farm owners who are doing their best to juggle family, team, operations, and future planning.    What continues to surface are three common forces quietly undermining even the most committed families. They don’t always get named, but they’re felt - in the tension, in the exhaustion, and in the weight that so many carry day to day.    Those three forces are confusion, conflict, and control.    In this episode, I explore what tends to happen when there’s no clear structure, when roles aren’t defined, and when everything rests on one or two people to hold it all together.     I also touch on something many find uncomfortable - the idea that succession might not in fact be the issue at all! Sometimes all that is missing can be a professional and practical business management framework. Without structure, succession becomes messy. With structure, it becomes manageable, and the potential for success through generations enhanced.    We will explore:  Why resourcing decisions have such a direct impact on freedom, stress, and family dynamics  The cost of carrying too much, and the long-term risk of building a business that depends on one person  What it means to lead professionally and put the right frameworks in place, from organisational charts and role clarity to strategic planning and operating rhythms  The career ladder model that helped one farming family move from tension to shared understanding  What high-performing teams have in common, and how they’re built with intention, not guesswork    This is an honest look at what it takes to lead well inside a complex family business. It’s not about having all the answers, but about making time to pause, reflect, and begin putting the right pieces in place.    As you think about what you want 2026 to look and feel like, this could be the right time to reset. Our TOP Producers Workshop offers space to slow down, take stock, and plan from a stronger base. If you’re looking to lead with more clarity and confidence next year, this 2-Day Workshop in February is a great place to start. We highly recommend it. More details here.   You can also book a free coaching call to assess what’s working, pinpoint bottlenecks, and walk away with a clear 3-step action plan for your business. Click here to lock in a time and date that suits you.    Thank you for your continued involvement with us and well done on everything each of you achieve for yourselves, your families, teams and communities. We're honoured to share this journey with you.    Wishing you a safe, restful break and the clarity to make 2026 your most aligned year yet.    Merry Christmas!    From Hutch & the entire FOA Team

Sam Whitelock knows pressure. He’s captained the All Blacks through some of rugby’s most intense moments. He’s made high-stakes decisions with the weight of a nation on his shoulders. And now, he’s turned that same grit and composure to life on the farm.  But here’s what Sam’s learned. Real leadership isn’t about powering through at all costs. It’s knowing when to push and when to pause. When to speak and when to listen. And how to look after yourself, so you can lead others well.  In this episode, Sam opens up about his transition from rugby to farming, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how the principles of leadership he honed on the field apply to farming life. From managing stress and communicating effectively to balancing the demands of family and business, Sam offers practical insights that can help anyone facing the pressures of modern-day farming.  We cover:  The parallels between leadership on the rugby field and managing a farming business, and how both environments require clear communication, calm decision-making, and showing up for your team.  The importance of staying grounded and managing stress in high-pressure situations.  The impact of Farmstrong, a wellness initiative supporting farmers' mental and physical health.  The challenges of farming and why building a support network and taking time off are key to long-term success.    Whether you’re managing a farm or a team, Sam’s reflections remind us that leadership is not just about being in control. It’s about being self-aware enough to step back and ensure your own well-being is a priority.    Sam, thank you for sharing your journey with us and for reminding us that good leadership starts with taking care of ourselves.    For all our listeners, if you’re looking for resources to support your mental and physical health, be sure to check out Farmstrong. And if you're in Australia, I encourage you to get involved with Active Farmers, a great initiative supporting rural communities.    Keep leading, keep caring, and keep supporting your mental well-being.    Sincerely,   Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

“You’re doing better than you think.” It’s the simple, powerful reminder that Tim and Cheryl Freak leave behind after every farm visit.   In this episode, I sit down with two of our long-time FOA members and coaches, Tim and Cheryl, who have spent the past three years deeply embedded in our community, supporting hundreds of farm businesses across Australia. This year alone, they’ve completed more than 50+ full day, in-person visits and share rare insight into what’s really going on in farming right now.   From drought-hit sheep properties in Victoria, to feedlot expansions in NSW, to cropping and irrigation operations in Queensland, they’ve sat at kitchen tables and walked paddocks, helping farming families align around a shared vision, map out their next steps, and reconnect with why they’re doing what they’re doing.   They bring a fresh perspective, often seeing things that others can’t because they’re too close to it. Whether it’s spotting simple changes, helping families refocus on what really matters, or gently challenging assumptions, their approach is grounded in experience and care.   In this episode, we unpack: The key themes from their farm visits, from confinement feeding and breed decisions, to water shortages, machinery investments and more How the most effective operators are thinking strategically, knowing their numbers, and making informed decisions even in tight seasons Succession planning, and the honest conversations that many families avoid but desperately need to have The power of having a clear Clarity Action Plan that brings the whole team into alignment, and maps a path forward Why investing in your people and seeing your team as an asset, not a cost, is key to building a business that lasts The importance of finding joy, creating harmony, and celebrating wins along the way   What Tim & Cheryl bring to these visits with fresh eyes, deep understanding, and a tonne of lived experience is gold.   They often walk into some homes where stress is written all over people’s faces and by the time they leave, there’s a visible shift. Shoulders ease. Confidence returns. People stand a little taller, not because everything’s perfect, but because they’re clearer, calmer, and more focused on what matters most.   Whether you’re a grazier in Victoria, a cropper in NSW, a dairy operator navigating burnout, or running a mixed-enterprise with a family team, there’s something in this one for you.   Tim and Cheryl, you have given yourselves fully and wholeheartedly to this community. You have helped families feel seen, supported, and stronger through some of their most challenging moments. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for the care, wisdom, and compassion you continue to share so generously.   Let’s get into it. Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

Australia’s wool sector is still feeling the pinch. There’s no doubt the last couple of years have been challenging, with recent decile two and three prices making it hard for many businesses to stay afloat. But despite these obstacles, the Swales of Woodlands set an example of resilience. They’re carrying 150 years of family heritage into the future, proving that even in the face of adversity, there are opportunities to adapt and thrive.  This week, I’m joined by Jamie & Will Swales both proud Platinum Mastermind Alumni from Woodlands, a 4,265 ha merino operation 55 km west of Armidale in NSW’s New England. This year marks 150 years of their family farming this property, with children Will, Georgia and Angus representing the sixth generation. Congratulations to Jamie, Angela, and their family on this incredible milestone.   In this conversation, we dig deep into: The significance of 150 years of family farming at Woodlands, discussing how the farm has evolved and the connection to family heritage. The current state of the wool industry, including the impact of falling production, shifts in global demand and the disconnect between auction room price signals and actual consumer uptake. Strategic responses to tough times, including pivoting to cattle during drought periods and focusing on merino genetics to improve wool production. The industry's need for action on mulesing, with Jamie and Will stressing the importance of addressing animal welfare practices and marketing efforts to meet consumer expectations and boost demand. Will also shares his personal journey into the wool export industry through Endeavour Wool Exports, a company that’s become one of Australia’s largest wool exporters in just a few short years, now exporting around 220,000 bales annually. Will's role at Endeavour involves helping farmers navigate the export process and connecting them to the global market, offering direct-to-farm services and auction support. You can learn more about Endeavour Wool Exports by visiting their website here or by emailing Will directly at william.s@ewexports.com.au.  Whether you’re a wool grower, a farmer considering merino, or someone keen to understand what levers can shift an entire industry, this episode is for you. BONUS: Get the exclusive! Hutch catches up with Will Swales 10 days later about his recent trip to China, where he joined a group of young wool producers to tour processing mills. Will shares his insights into the industry's future, with mills investing in state-of-the-art machinery and expanding production. He also talks about advocating for Australian wool growers at the Nanjing Wool Market Conference, highlighting the need for price adjustments as production continues to decline. Will’s message seemed to resonate, with the wool market rallying soon after. A huge thanks to Jamie & Will for sharing their industry knowledge and practical insights into sustainable farming, wool genetics, and navigating global market challenges. Your experience and forward-thinking approach are invaluable to anyone looking to understand where the wool sector is heading and how they can adapt for the future. Till next time, Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy TeamP.S. If you’re feeling the pressure of navigating industry challenges like falling wool prices, shifting demand, or tough times on the farm, the 2026 TOP Producers Workshop is tailored to help you tackle these hurdles head-on. We’ve created this workshop to address the unique challenges farmers like you face, so you can stay ahead in the game. Secure your spot here.

After more than 15 years of focused breeding, data collection, and persistence, Tom Bull and his team at LAMBPRO have achieved what many thought was impossible: the creation of KS7, a Marble Score 7 lamb, developed in partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia, Endeavour Meats, and chef Matt Moran.  This high-marbling lamb delivers the same eating quality, juiciness, and tenderness that consumers love in premium beef. But this story isn’t just about a product. It’s about the vision, innovation, and belief that Australian lamb can compete on the global stage for the most discerning markets.  Tom shares the journey from identifying high-marbling Hampshire Down genetics to developing grading technology that can now grade lambs accurately on the processing floor. He also reflects on what this means for producers and how the industry can evolve to attract young people, reduce labour, and build more efficient, profitable sheep enterprises.  Specifically during this episode, we unpack:  how genetic discovery and grading technology combined to deliver the world’s first Marble Score 7 lamb;  how labour efficiency and youth engagement are shaping the next era of sheep production; and  why Australia’s future lies in premium, not commodity markets, serving the “Uber-premium” consumer who values quality over quantity.  Tom Bull’s work is proof that persistence and vision can move an entire industry forward and that Australian producers are ready to lead the world in innovation and eating quality.   You can learn more about Tom and his work at https://www.lambpro.com.au/  A huge thanks to Tom Bull for his time, insight, and unwavering commitment to raising the bar for Australian lamb.  P.S. Innovation like Tom’s doesn’t happen by chance. It comes from clear goals, smart planning and bold action. The TOP Producers Workshop in Sydney on the 16th & 17th February 2026 will help you bring that same mindset to your farm business. Two days that change the way you lead, earn and grow. 🔥 Early bird tickets are on sale now for a limited time only! Click here to secure your spot.

Australian cattle and lamb markets are at a tipping point. Prices have surged to record highs, but according to leading analyst Simon Quilty, we’re about to hit what he calls “unsustainable pricing.”    Bringing over 30 years of hard-won market insight to the table, Simon Quilty has worked with top firms including Louis Dreyfus, ConAgra, DR Johnston, and FC Stone. Today, he helps large financial institutions and farmers alike make sense of the complex forces shaping the red meat sector.    In this episode, Simon delivers a no-nonsense forecast: cattle rallying up to 750c/kg before falling back to a new norm around 550… lambs peaking at 1350c/kg before settling at 950. These aren’t guesses. They’re grounded in global supply shocks, America’s herd liquidation, and the structural rebuild now underway in Australia.    We cut straight into the forces driving this market, including:  why America’s drought and Trump’s tariffs are reshaping global trade in our favour;  how the mass liquidation of the southern Angus herd has set the stage for a desperate chase for quality cattle;  the shift from wool into meat sheep and the rise of self-shedding breeds; and  how new global demand from China shutting out US beef to the Middle East’s booming chilled carcass trade is creating both opportunity and protection against future price crashes.    For producers, this conversation is a wake-up call. The highs won’t last forever. But there is a clear path forward. One built on understanding the new norms, preparing for volatility, and making confident decisions in a transformed market.    Simon Quilty’s analysis has never been more relevant. If you want to know where livestock pricing is really headed and how to position your business, this is essential listening.    👉 You can learn more about Simon and Global AgriTrends at www.agritrends.com    A huge thanks to Simon for his time, his candour, and his ongoing commitment to helping livestock producers navigate these markets with clarity and confidence. Simon, your insights are invaluable and we’re grateful to have your voice guiding us through such a pivotal moment for the red meat sector.    Here’s to strong seasons ahead.    Hutch & The Farm Owners Academy Team

At just two years old, Terry Tran fled Vietnam by boat with his parents, was rescued after days lost at sea, and spent months on a Malaysian refugee island. It was there, on Christmas Eve, that a storm claimed his father’s life, leaving his 21-year-old mother widowed with a toddler to raise.    From those humble beginnings, Terry has built a life of financial freedom, not through shortcuts but through patience, persistence and following a clear process. Along the way, he was also shaped by the kindness of others, a reminder that generosity can change lives.    In this conversation, Terry shares how he started from almost nothing, the mistakes he made chasing quick wins, and the principles he now follows to protect and grow wealth. He talks about the role of risk management and how the mindset farmers use to work through seasons is the same mindset needed to succeed as an investor.    We also explore Terry’s view on the global share markets. He explains why US-China tensions and trade tariffs have left markets sitting at unsustainable highs, why Australia may face deflation rather than inflation, and why he is holding larger cash positions to stay prepared. Most importantly, he reminds us that downturns, while uncomfortable, are often when the best opportunities appear.    Specifically, we explore:  Why managing risk and protecting your capital must always come first  How to avoid “get-rich-quick” traps and instead build wealth through discipline and compounding  How global tensions and tariffs are shaping markets, and why Australia may face deflation  Why downturns like the GFC and COVID-19 can be the best times to invest if you’re prepared     For farmers, this is both a story and a lesson. The same qualities that get you through tough seasons on-farm can also build lasting wealth off farm.    And there’s more. Terry is running an exclusive webinar for the Farm Owners Academy Community on Tuesday evening, 23rd September. This is your chance to go deeper, learn directly from him, and build the skills to invest safely and confidently.    Click the link to register your interest: https://www.thefreedomtrader.com/farmownersacademy/    Thank you, Terry, for sharing your journey and wisdom with such openness. Your generosity and guidance continue to inspire and support our FOA community.    Keep winning, Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

In recent years grain growers nationally have enjoyed an extended period of strong prices and favourable market conditions.  According to grain industry authority, Brett Stevenson, Managing Director of Market Check, this may well be all about to change.  Of the back of last month’s Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC), I invite Brett to once again join me to give us his expert insights to the new headwinds Aussie grain growers now face in coming years.  As grain prices face downward pressure, Brett Stevenson offers invaluable insight on navigating a challenging global market – it seems clear the good times we have enjoyed may now not last forever.   With over 30 years of industry-leading experience, Brett dives into the challenges of navigating a low-price environment and offers advice on risk management, grain marketing strategies, and why the next few years may likely be tougher than many expect.  In this episode, we explore:  the impact of geopolitical tensions and changing international supply dynamics;  the challenges of managing input costs while facing long-term low grain prices’  how to prepare for market fluctuations and manage your grain marketing more strategically; and  the importance of adapting your business model to ensure sustainability in uncertain times.  You can learn more about their services and advisory offerings by visiting Market Check, with a short overview of their capability here.  I would like to personally acknowledge, the long-standing and dedicated service Market Check provides many hundreds of grain growers across Australia. Their team is passionate about supporting farmers with practical, tailored and industry leading advice to help them navigate the complexities of grain marketing, ensuring long-term success, even during challenging times.  Now more than in recent years, we need to be taking complete responsibility for our risk management and grain marketing. Whether you’re looking for daily market updates or in-depth advisory services, we advocate for Brett and his team at Market Check to ensure you're making informed, proactive and strategic marketing decisions.   This conversation is a wake-up call for grain growers: it’s not just about weathering the storm, but making smart, strategic decisions to thrive in uncertain times. By preparing now, you can position your business for long-term success, no matter what the market brings.  A huge thanks to Brett for his candid insights and for stepping in to provide much-needed clarity at this pivotal point in the grain growing season. As harvest approaches, proactive grain marketing and financial planning will position Australian growers to navigate the challenges ahead and make the most of what’s to come.  All the best for the remainder of this season!    Keep winning. Hutch & The Farm Owners Academy Team

From growing up on a dairy farm in western Victoria with 12 siblings to the frontlines of one of the toughest fights in medical research, Sam McGuane’s story is one of resilience, service, and hope. As the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of The Brain Cancer Centre, and a key leader behind Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer, Sam is on a mission to transform the future of brain cancer research.  In this heartfelt episode, Sam opens up about how the values of gratitude, service, and hard work, ingrained in him growing up on the farm, have shaped his approach to both business and charity. These lessons, learned early in life, now fuel his leadership as he works to change the future of brain cancer research.  Brain cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children in Australia, with survival rates virtually unchanged for decades. Sam is determined to change that. He’s building a model that brings researchers together, fosters collaboration, and supports breakthroughs in treatment. The result? A research ecosystem focused on tangible progress, including one of the most significant brain cancer clinical trials in the world.  We discuss:  How the farm values of teamwork, generosity, and service shape his approach to tackling one of the toughest medical challenges.  The incredible success of Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer, which has raised over $27 million, a campaign born from Carrie Bickmore’s Logies speech and fuelled by the power of community.  Why the Brain Cancer Centre is changing the way research is done by focusing on sharing knowledge and working together to make real progress.  Sam’s story shows how small, everyday actions can lead to big change when fuelled by purpose and community. His mission is clear: No lives lost to brain cancer and he’s working tirelessly to make that a reality.  To all our listeners, you may or may not know someone affected by brain cancer, but imagine making a choice today that could change someone's future forever. You have the power to be the hope someone needs. Whether it's donating, sharing this message, or getting involved in any way you can, every step brings us closer to a cure.  To learn more about the incredible work Sam, Carrie, and their team are doing, and to contribute to this life-changing cause, visit Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer and The Brain Cancer Centre.  Sam, thank you for leading this vital cause with passion and purpose.  Sincerely,   Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

When you wear as many hats as our farming families do, time is one thing you never have enough of.    From the kitchen table to the paddock, we’re constantly making decisions, solving problems, and figuring out how to do more with less. What if there was a way to take some of that pressure off, without handing over the reins?    In this episode, I sit down with Dimity Smith, agri-business innovator, event leader, and one of the most refreshingly practical minds when it comes to tech in agriculture. Dimity runs tailored AI training sessions for farming families and small ag teams, helping them get started with tools like ChatGPT and put them to work in your business.     Together with Sam Johnsson, we dive into how AI is already helping farmers:  Draft job ads, safety procedures, and strategic plans,  Make grant writing quicker and less painful,  and even help with farm system reviews, one prompt at a time.     But more than the tools, this is about mindset. Dimity reminds us: AI is your co-pilot, not your competitor. It’s not here to replace your hard-earned wisdom, but to amplify it. And like any tool, it’s only as powerful as how you use it.    We also explore the fears many have about AI, and how simple curiosity might be the antidote to overwhelm.    Dimity puts it best, "You don’t have to be great at spelling, you don’t have to be techy, and you don’t need to have it all figured out.” She runs hands-on workshops through GRO Events Group and GRO Rural where she walks through it all slowly, answers your questions, and helps you use AI in a way that makes sense for your farm.  Join the 2-hour online workshop exclusive for Farm Owners Academy listeners:  Evening Session – Tuesday 12 August, 5.00 PM AEST (Register here)  Daytime Session – Wednesday 13 August, 11.00AM AEST (Register here)  For more information on all the workshop details and options, visit the workshop landing page here.   To get in touch, connect with Dimity via social media or head to https://www.groevents.com.au/  Dimity, thank you for showing us that you don’t need to be a tech expert to start using AI, you just need to be open and willing to learn. And Sam, appreciate the way you bring these conversations to life.    Here’s to staying curious, having a crack, and using whatever tools we can to make things just a bit easier, one step at a time.    Keep winning.  Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team

I really values the constructs that: ‘you cannot solve the problem you have created in the environment in which you created it’… and ‘many minds make for smarter work’.What could you see more clearly if you took time with key decision-makers away from your farm?How many more options and insights might you access if you more actively called on the collective wisdom of other high-performing farm owners? In this episode, Sam Johnsson speaks with FOA coaches Cassandra Kath, Elle Webb and Sam Pincott to unpack the powerful conversations and insights to come from our latest client conference, our ‘Organise Infrastructure’ Deep Dive. With more than 550 farm owners in the room, the focus was clear: how to optimise your investment in infrastructure, equipment and technologies in order to drive efficiency, productivity and farm performance. We all have a long-list of items we’d like to invest in to move our farm’s forward. At the same time there are a host of emerging technologies we need to be considering to help get it done. Getting the sequence for these investments, and structuring them in the right way is critical. Being cautious and under-investing can limit our progress. Being too bullish and over-investing can lock-up cashflow and capital and be the thing that brings us un-stuck.Are we allocating capital to the highest pay-off items?Are we making measured decisions based accurate due diligence?Are we working to a well-designed strategic plan, or making emotive and reactive investment decisions?For those who attended, breakthroughs came not from a spreadsheet, but from getting off-farm and into a room filled with open, like-minded growth-oriented peers. From sharing 250 tested infrastructure improvements to creating space for goal-setting, strategy and real connection, the impact was felt well beyond the conference content.In this interview, we cover: how a clear process helps avoid ‘wish-list’ investing; the value of stepping off-farm to reflect, reset, and return with focus; the impact of immersing yourself in a  high-performing  farm business community, with individuals open to sharing all of what underpins their success; and how clarity can often come from one honest and open conversation, or one small and meaningful action. You don’t need to have it all figured out. It’s about carving out time and space to slow-down, think, question, collaborate, reflect and reset your plan.Sam J, thank you for stepping in for this discussion while I take some time to be with my family.  Thank you Cass, Elle & Sam P for your reflections and insightful comments.Keep winning!Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team  P.S. Want to check the strength of your farm business model ?? Join us for the Future-Proof Workshop, a free and practical session designed to spot inefficiencies, set confident financial targets using your own numbers, and refocus on what matters most. 👉 Register here

What if the future isn’t something to fear but something we can prepare for, shape, and lead into with confidence?  For Simon Kuestenmacher, understanding what’s ahead isn’t guesswork. It’s grounded in data, demography and deep thinking. As co-founder of The Demographics Group, Simon helps leaders across the country make sense of the big forces shaping our communities, our economies and our businesses. In this conversation, he brings that lens directly to farming.  This is a full and generous exchange with someone who not only understands the numbers but deeply respects the people behind them. Simon doesn’t just talk about trends, he speaks to what they mean for farm owners, for regional Australia and for the next generation of workers we are all learning to lead.  And his message is simple. The world is changing fast, but if you are in farming, you are in the right place. The question is - are you setting your business and your people up to thrive in what comes next?  Specifically during this episode we explore:  What happens when the “tyranny of distance” becomes a strategic advantage  Why community and sport remain the glue in regional Australia  The real story behind generational shifts and what each cohort needs from its leaders  Why farmers are some of the most skilled professionals in the country   Whether it is about creating better housing options, sharing your values with new staff, or just understanding the long arc of change, this episode will help you see the road ahead with a little more certainty.  Simon, thank you for grounding the data in real meaning. And for reminding us that leading well today is still our best investment in tomorrow.  To every farm owner listening - stay curious. Build systems. Invest in people. Keep asking the questions that matter.  You are farming in the right country, in the right industry. And there is real opportunity ahead for those willing to prepare for it.  Sincerely,   Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team

What if we treated safety not as a box to tick, but as a culture to lead?    For Rebecca Fing, this isn’t a theoretical question — it’s the heart of her life’s work. From her base in Goondiwindi, Rebecca and her team at House Paddock Training & Consulting have spent two decades helping farm families lift their game in HR, business strategy, and importantly — work health and safety.    This episode is a full-bodied conversation with someone who’s been on over 600 farms and seen it all. Rebecca doesn’t just talk compliance — she talks culture. She doesn’t just talk paperwork — she talks people.    And the urgency is real. Agriculture employs just 3% of Australia’s workforce, yet accounts for 30% of all workplace fatalities. Even more sobering — 75% of those deaths involve machinery. These aren’t just numbers. They’re reminders that safety isn’t something we can afford to “get to later.” Because what’s at stake is far too important.    In a world where the urgent often crowds out the important, she makes a powerful case for choosing safety not someday, but today.    We cover:  How to make safety part of your everyday rhythm — not a once-a-year task  Why consistent follow-through matters more than a polished folder on a shelf  How a culture of confidence (not just compliance) can actually save lives  And practical tips on how to make a start today: Google free audits, borrow best practices from other industries, and stop trying to reinvent the wheel.    Rebecca speaks with the kind of clarity and conviction that only comes from lived experience. Her honesty is refreshing, her passion is contagious, and her message is simple: don’t wait for a crisis to care.    Whether you're leading a large team or running a family farm, this one will hit home. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about rules — it’s about responsibility. And creating a farm culture where everyone gets to go home safe.    Rebecca, thank you for showing us the heart behind the how-to. For reminding us that leading with care is the most powerful form of leadership there is.    To every farm owner listening: make a start. Sloppy success, as Rebecca says, is far better than perfect procrastination.    Keep caring. Keep leading. And keep making farms safer.    Sincerely,   Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

Every great innovation starts with a question — Could this be done better?    For Wayne Perkins, that question came in a wool shed, with a busted back, and a view of shearing that hadn’t changed in a century. He wasn’t looking to build a business. He was looking to fix a problem.    And in true agri-entrepreneur fashion, what followed was part invention, part persistence — and one heck of a story.    In this episode, we shine a light on the doers. The tinkerers. The farm-based problem-solvers who aren’t waiting for permission — they’re out there building something better.    Wayne Perkins is the founder of Perkinz, and the creator of the CrutchMaster and ShearMaster — two breakthrough systems in sheep handling that have become a lifeline for farmers and shearers across Australia and New Zealand. Backed by a background in shearing and solid grounding in farming, Wayne's story is a raw and real account of what it takes to create, adapt, and endure.    We explore:  Why practical farmer feedback — not engineering perfection — led to breakthroughs  What it’s like to lead a growing business when the industry you serve is under pressure  And why innovation sometimes starts with a hunk of steel and the belief that things can be better  Wayne has been through the wringer — financially, physically, emotionally. And yet, through all of it, he’s held onto a simple, powerful vision: make shearing better. He is one of the most determined, self-made thinkers in our space — and someone who reminds us all that real progress often starts with having a go.  If you’re an agri-entrepreneur forging your own path, this episode is for you. And if you're looking to reduce the strain and sharpen the system on your own farm, check out the Perkinz CrutchMaster and ShearMaster at perkinz.com.au.  Wayne — thank you for showing us what it means to stay the course, solve the real problems, and lead with vision (and a bit of good Kiwi cheek).  Here’s to every farmer and agri-entrepreneur asking that same question: Could this be done better?    Keep building. Keep asking. And keep believing in better.    Sincerely,  Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team    P.S. If you’ve got a spark of something — an idea, a side project, a better way — the challenge is keeping it alive while everything else demands your time. That’s where our planner comes in. In just 10 minutes, it will help farm owners like you, get back in control and keep your good ideas moving forward. 👉 Click here to download your free planner

Succession isn’t just a plan on paper — it’s a living, breathing conversation about legacy, leadership, and what we’re really passing on. And when it’s done well, it can strengthen not just the business, but the family behind it. This episode is a testament to that.Rob and Ainsley McArthur aren’t just managing a successful beef operation in central Queensland — they’re guiding a generational transition with intention, structure, and a whole lot of heart. Alongside their six children, they’ve created a culture of contribution, where ownership and responsibility are shared from the ground up.In this conversation, I am joined by the McArthur’s and their Platinum Mastermind coach Sam Pincott. Together we dive into the nuts and bolts of a family business that’s thriving because it’s been built on purpose and participation.Here’s what we explore:  How Rob and Ainsley stepped into leadership early and chose to rewrite the script on what succession could look like  Why they treat their kids as stakeholders — inviting them into planning, strategy, and even financial oversight from a young age  The real impact of strategic rhythm — from quarterly meetings to goal-setting retreats — in building trust and vision across generations  What it means to balance the “family business” with the “business of family” — and why both need attention  How FOA frameworks and lifelong learning have helped them shape a business that’s bigger than any one person  You’ll hear how their children have stepped up to run operations and organise camp drafts, and how strategic grazing lifted their carrying capacity from 1,500 to over 5,000 — all while staying true to their family-first values. But more than anything, you’ll feel the deep pride and strength that comes from leading a family, not just a farm.To any family listening — whether you’re navigating succession, shaping strategy, or simply wondering how to get your kids more involved — this episode is full of gentle guidance, real-world tools, and hope.Rob, Ainsley — thank you for showing us what’s possible when you lead with vision and raise the next generation to do the same.Sincerely, Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team  P.S. If this episode got you thinking about legacy, family alignment, or setting the next generation up well — and you know your finances could be more structured — the Cash Flow Optimiser course is a great first step. Designed for farming families, it offers practical tools to reduce stress, improve decision-making, and help you build a business that supports the future you’re all working toward. Take the step as a family — because the best legacies are built together. Right now, it’s on sale for just $9 (save $188) — and you’ll get the exact forecasting tools, templates, and budgeting systems used by top-performing farm businesses. You can apply them in just a few hours and start taking control of your numbers — fast. 👉Click here to learn more about the short course P.P.S. This is your FINAL chance to secure discounted tickets to our last TOP Producers 2-Day Workshop for the year!! Early bird tickets special closes TODAY at 7pm AEST – save a whopping $1,195 on tickets. Join us in person in June in Melbourne or online. If you have ever considered attending an event, don’t wait any longer. This is the exact event that has already changed the lives of hundreds of farming families across Australia and New ZealandClick here to secure your spot

Now and then, you get the chance to pause, look back, and really take stock. And when that moment rolls around, it can be quietly powerful.    That’s exactly what this episode is. A milestone. A moment. A celebration.    This year marks 10 years of Farm Owners Academy, and I wanted to sit down with two people who’ve been there from the start — FOA founder Greg Johnsson and our CEO Sam Johnsson — and reflect not just on where we’ve come from, but where we’re going.    In this one, we unpack the heart behind FOA, the thinking that shaped the Top Producers Program, and the impact it’s had on farming families across Australia and New Zealand.    But more than that, we talk about what truly sets top producers apart — and why, now more than ever, mindset, business acumen, and strategic focus are the critical tools for leading through uncertainty.    Because right now, volatility is the new normal.    Climate, markets, costs — they’re all shifting. And that means farming families need a stronger compass and clearer tools than ever before.    In this episode, we explore:  How FOA began, the purpose behind its creation, and the real-world gaps it was built to fill  The 9-step Top Producers Model — and how it’s helped thousands build more robust, profitable, and scalable farm businesses  How top producers use entrepreneurial thinking to stay ahead in uncertain times  The power of mindset — and how inner growth creates lasting, external transformation  Real-life examples of families who’ve doubled their scale, renegotiated better finance, and gained strategic clarity — all within months    So wherever you’re at — whether you’re in growth, in a rut, or somewhere in between — this episode is an invitation to step up, get clear, and take charge.    Our last Top Producers 2-Day Workshop for the year is happening June 23rd and 24th in Melbourne (or online if you can’t be there in person). And I can tell you, it’s two days that could completely change the trajectory of your business.    This is your chance to step out of the day-to-day and rebuild from the top down—with the same framework the top 20% of farmers are using to outperform, year after year.    We’ll walk you through how to transform your thinking, optimise your business model, and propel your farm forward—with clarity, purpose, and a clear plan in hand.    But here’s the truth: you’ve got to choose it.    Because the best businesses don’t happen by chance—they’re built by people who make time to grow, who lean in when it’s hard, and who say yes when most would sit back.    Get off the tools. Step out of the chaos. And create space to lead with purpose.  👉 Early bird tickets are available now — reserve your seat here!  Greg, Sam — thank you for the wisdom, leadership, and heart you’ve poured into this community.    And to every FOA member and listener — thank you for backing yourselves and walking this road with us.    Here’s to the next 10.    Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

The markets are rattled. The headlines are loud. And for farmers trying to plan ahead, it’s starting to feel a bit like trying to build a fence in shifting sand. That’s exactly why, in this episode of Profitable Farmer, I’ve invited back our trusted investment specialist, Terry Tran from Freedom Trader - because when the world gets noisy, Terry brings sharp thinking and clear-eyed strategy.  At present, we’re diving deep into one of the biggest economic curveballs we've seen in years — the Trump-imposed US tariffs. This conversation is as timely as it is important. We explore: What this means for Australia & NZ, for agriculture, and for the way we make decisions in uncertain times What these tariffs actually are, and how they were calculated The ripple effects on global trade, inflation, interest rates — and yes, our ag exports. Where the risks lie… and where the opportunities might just be hiding in plain sight. Smart, proactive strategies to help you safeguard your business and potentially thrive on the other side of this storm. Terry doesn’t sugarcoat it — and that’s what makes this episode so valuable. He brings the data, the insight, and most of all, a calm, measured voice in the middle of all the noise.  Whether you’re feeling rattled, curious, or fired up to adapt and invest wisely, this one’s worth your time.Because when everyone else is panicking, the best in the game are positioning.If you're wondering how to navigate the months ahead and where to look for your next smart move — tune in. And a reminder that Terry is running an exclusive Freedom Trader Webinar for our community. It’s designed to help you get ahead of the headlines and build real financial resilience for your future.👉 You can register for the webinar hereTerry, thank you for your wisdom and generosity. And to all of you listening — keep leaning in, keep learning, and above all, keep taking care of yourselves and each other. The times may be uncertain, but your next step doesn’t have to be. Just a quick note, this conversation is general in nature and reflects the personal opinions of our guest, Terry Tran. It does not constitute personal financial advice. So as always, take a moment to consider your own circumstances — and if needed, have a chat with a qualified advisor before making any big financial decisions. Keep winning, everyone.Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy TeamP.S. If this episode’s got you thinking more seriously about your finances — about how to protect what you’ve built and position yourself for what’s next, then we invite you to join us at the TOP Producers 2-day Workshop this June.It’s where strategy meets clarity. You’ll join hundreds of growth-minded farmers diving into what it really takes to build a financially strong, resilient, and scalable farm business. From managing volatility to creating consistent profits — this workshop is packed with the financial know-how and tools every modern farm needs.👉 Early bird tickets are available now – reserve your seat here!P.P.S. Got 60 seconds? That’s all it takes to help us make this podcast even more powerful — and go in the draw to win a $100 gift card.What resonated with you today? What do you want more of? Your feedback helps us improve our episodes and deliver exactly what you need to grow, lead, and thrive.We’d love it if you could take a moment to reflect and share. Your feedback helps guide where we take this next — and keeps the conversation meaningful and focused on what really matters. Take the quick survey here!

Let’s be honest - running a farm can feel like a never-ending list of things to do. The sun comes up, and we’re off… chasing the day, solving problems, making it all happen. But here’s the question we’re leaning into on this episode: What if the biggest breakthrough for your business isn’t out there in the paddock… but in here, inside you?  At Farm Owners Academy, we’ve learned time and again that real transformation - the kind that sticks - starts with mindset. When farmers turn the focus inward and start doing the inner work, everything shifts. And this episode of Profitable Farmer is a powerful reflection of just that.  We’re unpacking the theme: “Work harder on yourself than you do on your business.” It's a simple idea, but it cuts deep. And it’s at the very heart of what made our recent Tune In, Deep Dive event so special. Over 500 farmers joined us to dive into the mindset, wellbeing, and emotional intelligence tools that don’t just improve your business - they change your life.  I’m joined by two people I respect deeply - Tracy Secombe, our Head of Wellbeing, and David Westbrook (Westy), one of our most loved coaches and a farmer through and through. Together, we get real about:  Why mindset matters - and how looking inward can unlock better relationships, stronger leadership, and a more fulfilling life.  Breaking old habits - especially the tough-it-out, stoic mentality so many of us were raised with.  Simple, practical tools that build self-awareness and keep you grounded, even on the hardest days.  Real stories of transformation - Westy shares his own journey - raw, honest, and incredibly powerful - from living on autopilot to becoming intentional and aligned in life and business.  If you’re ready to lead with clarity, step into your potential, and show up as your best self - on the farm, at home, and in life - this episode is for you.  Tracy and Westy, thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences. To everyone listening - my hope is that something in this conversation stays with you, nudges you forward, and reminds you just how powerful you really are.  Keep winning everyone!   Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

As we reset for 2025, many are feeling the weight of a brutal 2024. And to be completely honest — when you're staring down a decile one year, it’s hard to know where to start.   How do you budget with confidence? How do you front up to your bank when the season doesn’t go your way?  So here is the truth: waiting it out isn’t a strategy. Hope isn’t a business plan. And if you want to lead your business forward, now is the time to level up how you turn up.  In this episode, I am joined again by Jeff McDonald, Founder & Director of RLS Agribusiness.   Born and bred on an irrigation property in Loxton, SA, Jeff stepped off the farm and into finance, spending 20 years inside a major bank before founding Riverland Lending Services.   Today, Jeff leads one of the largest Agri-finance brokerages in the country. His team settles over $200 million in Agri finance each year, and through RLS Agribusiness, he advises farm businesses on everything from strategy and succession to governance and growth.  Jeff has worked with hundreds of producers, and his insight is gold because it’s built on experience and not theory. He knows what banks are really looking for and how the best operators are preparing — strategically, financially, and emotionally — for what's next.  This episode is not about hype. It’s about truth. It’s about acumen. And it’s about how we all step forward, more commercially aware, more proactive, and more in control.  So, here’s your call to action:  If you’ve been flying under the radar... waiting to see how it all plays out... hoping the bank gives you another run  - I hope this episode provides insight into how to take a hard look at your business, forecast with clarity and lead with courage.  Sincerely,  Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team  P.S. Ready to take your leadership, financial clarity, and business strategy to the next level? Join us at the next TOP Producers event – live at the Melbourne Convention Centre or virtually on June 23 & 24. With early bird tickets on sale now and the last three events completely sold out, get in quick – secure your spot today and get ready to shift gears in your business.

Where have you learned leadership?  On the farm? In a day job? Inherited perhaps?  For most, NONE have learned the vital art and science of leadership.  It is a learned skill. One we can all commit to and master.   One we all need to be successful in life and business, and in succeeding in the pursuit of a family farm that can transcend generations…  It is a privilege to introduce Paul Ainsworth, Managing Partner of Lincoln Institute to you in this episode - one that speaks deeply to the heart of leadership, resilience, and the power of community.  Over 15 years, and after a decorated career in the Australian Army, Paul has helped shape leaders in the veterinary and agricultural industries. A graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Royal Military College Duntroon, Paul served as an Infantry Officer with international deployments across five foreign countries, culminating in a role as a military observer in the Middle East.   His leadership journey continued beyond the Army, first as the inaugural Director of ALDI Foods in Australia and then, as CEO and Board Chairman of Australia’s fastest-growing company in the energy sector.   Now, as the Founding Principal of the Lincoln Institute, Paul is dedicated to equipping veterinary and agricultural professionals with the leadership, management, and communication skills they need to thrive.   Leadership is more than just making decisions. It’s about connection. It’s about knowing when to step forward and when to step back. It’s about building a team that isn’t just technically strong but also aligned, empowered, and accountable.  Here Are Some of The Key Leadership Lessons from This Episode:  How self-aware are you as a leader? How you think you come across isn’t always how you do. Where might there be a gap between your intent and your impact?    Who’s in your corner? Isolation is the enemy—whether you’re a vet, a farmer, or a business owner. Who do you lean on? How are you building a strong support network?    Are you pushing yourself and your team to grow? Real learning happens outside the comfort zone. Where are you playing it too safe?    Are you empowering or micromanaging? Move from telling to coaching. Teach the standard, then trust your people to own it.    Do your people know what’s expected—before there’s a problem? The best way to avoid hard conversations is to set clear expectations from the start.     Are you creating clarity or confusion? Strong teams don’t need coddling—they need to know where they stand, what success looks like, and how to get there.  We are delighted that our FOA Platinum Mastermind & Alumni Members have access to the Lincoln Institute Emerging Leaders Programs. For more information about FOA’s programs and our connection with Lincoln, book a Complimentary Coaching Call here.  Paul and his team at Lincoln Institute have been working alongside farm owners, veterinarians, and business leaders for years—helping them not just lead, but lead well.   This is a conversation about what really makes a difference in leadership—the moments that test us, the decisions that define us.  A sincere thanks to Paul for joining us in this conversation. Your knowledge, wisdom and insights are so valuable and transferrable.     Sincerely,     Jeremy Hutchings and The Farm Owners Academy Team

Running a farm comes with its fair share of challenges, and it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day. But some of the biggest opportunities for growth come from stepping outside our own operations, connecting with others, and learning from those facing similar challenges. Stronger businesses, smarter decisions, and a more resilient industry all start with farmers coming together and sharing knowledge.    This episode is all about the power of grower groups - why they matter, the impact they have, and why getting involved can be a game-changer for your farm and business.    I'm joined by Pippa Jones, who, alongside her husband, runs a mixed farm near Goondiwindi, QLD. Beyond the farm, Pippa has played a key role in the Macintyre Ag Alliance, helping to drive innovation and support for local farmers. She also works as an extension officer with NSW Local Land Services and represents the Northern NSW Drought and Innovation Hub. On top of that, she’s a 2024 Nuffield Scholar, exploring how carbon farming can be both a profitable opportunity for farmers and better supported on a global scale.    Together, in this episode, we explore:  The critical role of grower groups like Macintyre Ag Alliance and the impact they're having in southern Queensland and northern NSW.  Why getting involved in these networks goes far beyond just improving technical farming skills.  How simplifying your farm business model can give you the time and space to pursue off-farm interests, leadership roles, and industry impact.  Why we should all back ourselves as leaders, even if we don't see ourselves that way just yet.    At Farm Owners Academy, we're proud to be partnering with Macintyre Ag Alliance and other grower groups across Australia to help farmers connect, learn, and thrive.    If you haven't yet, I encourage you to seek out your local grower groups and engage with your regional drought and innovation hubs-they offer invaluable resources and networks that can help you navigate challenges and future-proof your farm business.    You can access more information about the items discussed in the episode below:    Macintyre Ag Alliance – click here https://www.macintyreagalliance.com/   Drought and Innovation Hubs – click here https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/future-drought-fund/research-adoption-program/adoption-innovation-hubs   Nuffield Scholarships – click here https://www.nuffield.com.au/     Pippa, thank you for your time, your insights, and your leadership. I hope you all enjoy this conversation as much as I did.    Keep winning.    Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

If something happened to you tomorrow, would your farm keep running? Would your team know what to do? Would your business continue to operate, or does it all rely on you?It’s one of those things we don’t like to think about, but it’s critical — not just for succession planning or long-term growth, but for building a farm business that’s resilient and can operate without you.Today, I have the pleasure of sitting down with two of the best people to have this conversation with — Tim and Cheryl Freak.Tim and Cheryl have been with Farm Owners Academy from the very beginning. They’ve spent the last 10 years transforming their farm into a ‘Freedom Farm’ but also, travelling the country in the Farm Owners Academy caravan, working alongside farmers to help them create farm businesses that thrive without total dependence on them.This is a powerful conversation because it challenges the traditional mindset in farming — the idea that working harder is the only way forward. Tim and Cheryl show us the alternative way. In this episode, we unpack: How they transitioned from a business that was completely reliant on them to one that now operates smoothly without them being hands-on every day.   Why they chose to bring in business partners — giving key team members skin in the game, rather than just employing a farm manager.   How they’ve structured their operation with clear roles, responsibilities, and systems that ensure everything runs efficiently — whether they’re there or not.   The impact of their farm visits with FOA members — where they ask the tough questions and help these incredible people work through challenges that they often don’t talk about anywhere else. We also talk about Freedom Farming — what it really means and why it’s different for everyone.For Tim and Cheryl, their definition of freedom farming means they now have the flexibility to travel, spend quality time with family, and step into roles where they’re mentoring and coaching other farmers.There’s so much wisdom in this conversation, and if you’re feeling stuck — if you’re working harder but not seeing the freedom, security, or lifestyle you want to achieve — then this episode will give you plenty to think about.Sincerely,Jeremy Hutchings and The Farm Owners Academy TeamP.S. Inspired by Tim and Cheryl’s journey to creating a Freedom Farm? Ready to take your farm business to the next level? Our Complimentary Coaching Calls are designed to give you the clarity, tools, and strategies you need to succeed. Book your spot here and start making real progress today.

Farming is a beautiful and rewarding way of life, but as we know, it comes with its fair share of risks—some that we prepare for and others that shake us to the core.     In this episode, we dive into an extraordinary story of resilience, resourcefulness, and reinvention as we sit down with Matt and Hayley Watson, first-generation farmers who built a thriving free-range egg business, faced devastating adversity, and emerged stronger on the other side.    Matt and Hayley share their incredible journey—from building their egg operation to 9,000 birds, navigating one of the worst droughts in Australian history, and tackling the challenges of growth, to the devastating biosecurity crisis that forced them to start over.     Through all the setbacks, their determination, values, and ability to ask “unreasonable questions” of good people helped them rebuild their business in under 12 months and turn it into a more efficient, scalable operation; an outstanding result and credit to them both.     This conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons on managing adversity, knowing your numbers, and building a team and a business that can weather even the toughest storms. It’s also a reminder of the power of community, integrity, and daring to dream big, even when the odds are against you.    Stick around as Sam Johnson, CEO of Farm Owners Academy, leads this inspiring conversation with Matt, Haley, and their coach, Alison Hamilton. Whether you’re navigating challenges in your own farming business or simply looking for a fresh dose of inspiration, this episode is for you.    Sincerely,     Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team    P.S. To check out Watson Family Produce, click here. Or, if you are interested in egg production for Watson Family Produce click here.    P.P.S. Ready to take your farm business to the next level? Our Complimentary Coaching Calls are designed to give you the clarity, tools, and strategies you need to succeed. Book your spot here and start making real progress today.

Today, we’re diving into a cracker of a conversation with three of our incredible FOA business coaches—Rick Morris, Marina Gregor, and Jack Owen. They not only run their own successful farming enterprises but also help guide others in our FOA community to achieve remarkable results.  In this episode, we reflect on the wins, challenges, and insights that shaped 2024. You’ll hear how these coaches, through bold decisions and a deep understanding of their numbers, transformed their farms by simplifying operations and finding focus. They share firsthand how these changes have driven profitability and reduced overwhelm—an approach that’s reshaping the mindset around diversification in farming.  Before we get into it, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jack, Marina, and Rick for joining me in this episode. Your dedication, commitment, and input to this community are deeply valued. The way you lead by example and share your stories with such authenticity is inspiring. It’s people like you who make this community what it is, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have you as part of the Farm Owners Academy team.  It’s not just about numbers though. This conversation also highlights the role of mindset, strategic planning, and community in navigating tough seasons and setting the stage for success. Whether it’s embracing the three Rs—rest, reflect, reset, or having those all-important planning days off-farm, I hope you’ll leave inspired to tackle 2025 with purpose and clarity.  If you want to set yourself up for success in 2025, The Ultimate 2025 Planning Guide is packed with tools to help you map out your best year yet. Don’t wait – get your hands on it today. You can download it here. Thank you Jack, Marina and Rick for joining me in this episode.   I hope this conversation brings you value and wish you all the best for the year ahead.   Sincerely,  Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team   P.S. Don’t miss out! The early bird sale for the Top Producers Program ends on the 20th of January 2025 (This Monday!). If you’ve been thinking about joining us to take your farm business to the next level and connect with like-minded producers, now’s the time. Secure your tickets today before the sale closes – we’d love to see you there! Secure your spot here.

As we near the end of another whirlwind year, it’s a chance to reflect, reset, and recharge. The festive season brings its own flurry of busyness, but before we all step into some well-deserved downtime, I wanted to bring you a conversation packed with insight and inspiration to help you wrap up 2024 with purpose and head into 2025 with clarity.  In this episode, I’m joined by Farm Owners Academy’s CEO, Sam Johnson. Together, we dive deep into the year that was — exploring the highlights, hurdles, and lessons learned across our farming community.   We unpack practical ways to stress-test your business model, navigate challenges like rising interest rates and tough seasons, and build resilience into your farm and family operations. We also delve into the important interplay between scale, gearing, and business model and how to assess your farm’s performance against several critical measures.  Sam shares a special reflection on his personal journey this year, showing how resilience isn’t just a business strategy but a life skill, too.  We also celebrate the incredible work of the FOA team — our analytics professionals, coaching leaders, and operational champions — who have supported farming families across the country to benchmark, plan, and grow stronger farming businesses. Thank you, team, we are so grateful for the dedication and ‘above and beyond’ support you consistently provide to our members and community.  Whether you’re looking to refine your vision, strengthen your business, or just find fresh motivation for the year ahead, I hope this episode will help in some way or another.   So grab a cuppa, or keep the tractor running, and join us for a conversation that could set the tone for your best year yet.  Thank you for tracking with us this year. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and festive season.   Hutch and the Farm Owners Academy team.   P.S. If you know someone who would make an excellent guest for the Profitable Farmer Podcast, you can nominate them by providing their name, contact details and an outline as to why you feel they’d be a cracking guest by emailing us at support@farmownersacademy.comResources mentioned in the episode:   Complimentary Coaching Call: If you would like to find out more about our Platinum Mastermind – business coaching and mastermind program – and whether this is a good fit for you and your business, you can book your one-on-one coaching call with a member of our business coaching team here. Book your call today.   Cash Flow Optimiser: This short course is designed to help make your financial planning more straightforward and effective. Discover how to turn your farm into a highly profitable business by choosing the right model, leveraging the Profit First Farm Business Model Analyser Tool, and mastering accurate forecasting. Uncover the seven steps to effective business model forecasting (BMF), the difference between budgeting and forecasting, and equip yourself with strategies to benchmark, stress test, and project cash flow with precision. Plus, gain invaluable insights from bonus training and real-world case studies that show what it takes to thrive, even in tough seasons. Check it out here.  TOP Producers Program: If you are ready to elevate your farming operation to unprecedented levels of productivity and profitability, the TOP Producers 2-day workshop is designed specifically for forward-thinking Australian farmers like you, who are motivated to scale up, earn more money, and run a better farm business. Discover innovative ideas, practical strategies, and the latest insights, all tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of Australian agriculture. We have two events in 2025, attend virtually or in person – dates and locations here.  Ultimate 2025 Planning Guide: this FREE planning guide is here to help you refocus, set meaningful goals, and build a clear plan for a more profitable, sustainable farm business. Reflect on 2024, follow along with templates and to

Today’s conversation is one of those deep dives into leadership, resilience, and navigating the complexities of life—whether that’s on the farm, in the boardroom, or out on the footy field.    Joining me is Cameron Schwab, a man who, at just 24, stepped into the CEO role of an elite AFL club, and over the years has learned not only what leadership demands of us but how it shapes us.    Cameron is the real deal—a thinker, a mentor, and someone who’s walked the path of success, failure, and reinvention. Now founder and CEO of designCEO, Cameron leverages his extensive leadership experience in professional sport and business to mentor and support CEOs, senior and emerging leaders, and their organisations across various industry sectors. You can find more information about Cameron and his offerings on his website here.    In this episode, we unpack what it takes to show up as a leader when the pressure’s on, how to navigate those “what am I doing here?” moments, and why the quiet, reflective times when no one’s watching might just be the most important moments of all.    Cameron’s insights, from his experiences in elite sports to his work now coaching leaders across business and community, are so relatable and deeply impactful.   We explore what it means to create the right conditions for people to thrive, how to reframe your story when it’s holding you back, and why leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with courage, humility, and a deep sense of purpose.    I hope you enjoy as we dive into this thoughtful and inspiring conversation.    Cameron, thank you for sharing your wisdom, heart, and valuable practical tools that we can all takeaway.     Sincerely,   Hutch     P.S

Often, the journey of personal development can be misunderstood or even dismissed- many might view it as unnecessary or even indulgent. As we explore in this episode, it is not about ‘fixing’ yourself or chasing perfection… it’s about choosing who you want to become, letting go of old stories, and moving towards a more authentic, abundant version of yourself.     In this episode, I am delighted to once again speak with Tracy Secombe, our Director of Wellbeing at Farm Owners Academy, and someone who helps our community open-up to and embrace conversations about personal development and mindset.     In challenging times and an ever-changing world, for mine, this shift is more important than ever.    Tracy and I explore how to reframe challenges, embrace emotions without judgment, and navigate the highs and lows of personal growth.    Tracy shared a perspective that I’d describe as seeing life through a glass-half-full lens: “There’s plenty more where that came from.” It’s a simple yet powerful phrase, and when you really reflect on it, it represents a mindset shift—from focusing on scarcity and limitations to embracing abundance and possibility.    We unpack how to manage emotional triggers, find clarity during tough times, and step into a mindset of growth and abundance—even when the world feels heavy. Tracy’s take on shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance is not just inspiring; it’s transformative.    I hope this conversation will leave you with fresh perspectives and valuable tools to take into your own life and business.     So grab a cuppa, take a moment for yourself, and settle in for a heartfelt conversation that’s sure to challenge and inspire.     Let’s dive in.    Hutch and the FOA Team

I have heard it said that “doing a traditional thing in a traditional industry may no longer be relevant.”   I have also heard it said that the point of entrepreneurship is to “create a legacy”…. that is to create something that makes an impact of significance in the market, that will last beyond your life-time.   Certainly there are great examples of individuals and teams out there daring enough to be highly entrepreneurial, deeply strategic and very innovative in finding ways to ‘get it done’.   For mine, Liam Leneghan and his GO.Farm Story presents an outstanding example of this, in modern day Australian Agriculture.   Just over 10 years ago, GO.Farm Australia was simply an idea in the mind of a very credible and progressive Australian Agriculturalist.   Today, GO.FARM’s vision for transforming Australian agriculture has driven the development and management of $1.2B worth of agricultural assets, including 96,000ha of farmland producing high-value crops such as almonds, mandarins, tomatoes, winegrapes, grains, pulses and oilseeds.   With a strong focus on innovation through a Responsible Agriculture lens, GO.FARM’s investment strategies deliver a positive impact for its environments and local communities, while generating significant wealth for its investors.   From an idea, combined with a deep determination to transform Australian farmland… GO.Farm is now a growing team of over 250 people, committed to this vision.   It is a truly compelling story, that I feel we can all learn from. Through this I am reminded of the benefits of being unconventional; that leadership starts with making informed and risk-aware predictions about the future; that business ownership is about being courageous and dertermined; of the power of having conviction; of learning from mistakes and ‘going again’; of the value in making unreasonable request of people with influence; of the importance of a commitment to our own learning and growth; and the importance of surrounding yourself in high-calibre people on this journey we all play in business.   Some individuals are simply truly pioneering and daring to make an impact.   Liam, I commend you on your courage, deep conviction and your modern-day pioneering. I hope our conversation pays some tribute to your impressive career, and the successes of GO.Farm and your team.   Congratulations mate.   Hutch & the FOA Team

In this episode, I speak with Tim McGavin, Founder and Managing Director of Laguna Bay, one of the largest privately owned agricultural investment funds globally.    Reflecting on his farming background and extensive career, we explore life growing up on a station west of Barcaldine, QLD alongside his ‘bushy’ father and family. We explore Tim’s early years through school, his journey into agriculture and the intriguing and unique pathway he has taken to achieve significant success within our industry.    Our conversation touches on the pivotal role of Marcus Oldham in shaping the next generation of Australian agricultural leaders. We explore its innovative approach to education, its extensive Alumni network and its influential impact on the industry.    Importantly, we speak of Marcus Minds, a new initiative developed to help farm owners learn the key principles of high performance. This collaboration between Laguna Bay and Marcus Oldham draws upon the expertise of leading specialists and focuses on helping people overcome personal challenges, pursuing mindset mastery, pathways for self-development, a higher quality of life and building resilience.    Much like the personal development and entrepreneurial principles taught at Farm Owners Academy, Marcus Minds is bringing an important new way of thinking and leading into our industry.     Tim and I both acknowledge that farming can be a lonely and challenging environment in which to live and operate. Yet, we agree that to achieve the highest level, we must first master the mind.    To quote Tim, “I’ve learnt that if you get the inside right, the outside falls into place.”    Marcus Minds is a free resource available to all, and I recommend checking it out.    Congratulations Tim, on your pioneering of this project and congratulations on a fascinating career. Thank you for sharing your story and insights for success in this conversation so openly.     And thank you for helping us highlight the great work of both Marcus Minds and Marcus Oldham Agricultural College in supporting excellence in Australian agriculture.    And what a story it is.    Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

As always, it is great to speak with Terry Tran and get an update on what is happening across our economy and the global investment landscape.In this episode, and 6 months after our last update from Terry, we cover all things interest rates, inflation, commodities outlooks, exchange rates and economies.We get Terry’s valued insight across the USA, China, Russia/Ukraine and other global developments, and how these might impact equity investment decisions in the near and long term.We are excited to bring another exclusive Freedom Trader investment webinar to the Farm Owners Academy community at 7:20 pm (AEDT) on Tuesday, 5th November, details are here.If you are interested in exploring world-class coaching on how to invest successfully in the global market, then we recommend this webinar and Terry’s Freedom Trader program, details here.Thank you, Terry. Congratulations on the work you do supporting so many families to pursue and achieve financial freedom.I look forward to a beer on your new veranda and to enjoying the view across Sydney’s incredible cityscape very soon!Sincerely,Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy TeamP.S. If you're also looking to tackle stress and improve your well-being, our FREE 2024 Edition of The Low-Stress Farmer’s Handbook is now available. Discover essential strategies for reducing stress, avoiding burnout, and building resilience. It's packed with practical advice tailored to farmers' unique challenges. Click here to get your copy now: Download the Handbook.

We all have a role to play in inspiring our next generation of farmers – now there is a compelling program and pathway to make this happen.In this episode, Hutch speaks with Chloe Smart, Training and Career Development Coordinator at AgCareerStarts. As Chloe explains, AgCareerStarts provides on-farm employment opportunities for 17 to 24 year olds interested in pursuing a career in agriculture. Backed by the National Farmers Federation (NFF), the initiative provides the link between a recent school leaver or ag college/university graduate with a professional farm business owner, keen to nominate themselves as an AgCareerStarts Host Farmer.In addition, we speak with Host Farmer Simon Cameron, a fine wool merino producer from the Northern Midlands of Tasmania. Simon’s farm, ‘Kingston’ comprises 3125 ha of which about 12% is developed with introduced grasses. The rest is split between lightly timbered bush country and native grasslands. Their wool production is accredited under SustainaWOOL Gold and the Responsible Wool Standard, making Simon a great example of the on-farm opportunities we can create for young people wanting to forge a career in our industry.Post university, Chloe travelled across Northern SA and Western NSW as a contract musterer and senior station hand on a 280,000-acre Merino Sheep property in Hay, NSW. She understands on-farm roles and the challenges associated with farm life, as well as how difficult it can be for young people to shape their early careers in our industry.This is an important and highly professional initiative I am only too happy to advocate for.I commend Chloe and her team and NFF for pioneering this initiative, and congratulate the many host farmers already active in helping our next generation to positively enter our industry.For more information, click here.The deadline for applying to secure an AgCareerStarts Team Member for 2025 is Friday 4th October 2024.I am sure Chloe and her team will be only too happy to speak with you and answer any questions you have.Thank you, Simon, for sharing your experience, and congratulations to Chloe and your team on the great work that you do!!Here’s to the next generation!Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy TeamP.S. If you're also looking to tackle stress and improve your well-being, our FREE 2024 Edition of The Low-Stress Farmer’s Handbook is now available. Discover essential strategies for reducing stress, avoiding burnout, and building resilience. It's packed with practical advice tailored to farmers' unique challenges. Click here to get your copy now: Download the Handbook.

‘Farm Systems’ or ‘Grower Groups’ play a pivotal part in our farming landscape.  Of these, Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) is the pinnacle.  Providing large-scale, in-season crop & pasture production trials, the latest research intelligence and important production improvement training to progressive farmers across Victoria’s Wimmera & Mallee for over 30 years, BCG is one of our nation’s major contributors to in-paddock production advancement.  Perhaps equally important is the community assembled, the farm management support provided, the collaboration now possible, and the knowledge-sharing and the boundary-pushing outcomes achieved for bringing many hundreds of passionate, forward-thinking farm owners together.  In this episode, I speak with Harm van Rees, a legend and gentleman of our industry, who has been part of the BCG story since its inception.  With BCG Founders Ian McLelland and John Ferrier, and as an independent agronomist for over 30 years, Harm has pioneered countless research and extension projects that help farming families push the boundaries of production. He has consulted directly to many hundreds of farming families over his career, and travelled the world on behalf of GRDC, CSIRO and other research institutes always with a dedication to pushing production boundaries.  Farm Owners Academy is proud to be partnering with leading Grower Groups across Australia, and bringing our business education and coaching capability to their communities. If you are part of a leading Grower or Farming Systems Group in Australia or New Zealand, please reach out to us here to explore opportunities to collaborate.  I hope this discussion with Harm van Rees does both his important career and the BCG story justice.  To CEO Fiona Best and the entire BCG team, and on behalf of our industry (if I may be so bold), I want to say thank you, well done and congratulations on your passion, dedication and support to Australian Farming Families.  Thank you Harm, wonderful to connect, and here’s to a positive finish to this production season!  Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team  P.S. If you're looking to tackle stress and improve your well-being, we have just released our FREE 2024 Edition of The Low-Stress Farmer’s Handbook. Discover essential strategies for reducing stress, avoiding burnout, and building resilience. It's packed with practical advice tailored to farmers' unique challenges . Click here to get your copy now: Download the Handbook.

It’s incredible seeing the results members of our Platinum Mastermind are achieving, their commitment to the program and the progression of their business and personal development.   FOA Alumni Members David (Diesel) & Rhianne Low, make a great example of this.   Commencing the program in July 2017, Diesel & Rhianne have become valued members and real contributors to our growing community. Starting as a mixed farm struggling for profitability, the operation was completely dependent on them, with Diesel typically working 80 hours per week. It is fair to say that they have completely transformed their business and lives.   Benchmarking and the support of our Analytics Team helped them decide to focus on ONE enterprise to achieve more focus and scale.   Forecasting and Decision Support Tools have allowed them to set down a financial roadmap that provides them more confidence in the resilience and performance of their business model for years to come.   Their 2 Page Strategic Plan helps them remain aligned and focused together as they prioritise business improvement through structured annual and quarterly meetings.   Having a Business Coach dedicated to their success has helped them navigate some challenging business and personal times, and consistently held them accountable for the implementation of their plan and toward their compelling goals.   FOA’s Personal Development Training has helped them together move from a mindset of blame, lack and hardship to one of positivity, abundance and gratitude.   The Business Development Training has supported them to set down structures, systems and professional disciplines that drive on-farm efficiency, and support an on-farm team that helps them get it done and enjoy more balance, fun and freedom in their lives.   Last, but certainly not least, the friendships and the community they are now part of is a highlight of their 7-year journey with FOA.   The FOA Team are delighted to welcome Rhianne Low into our Team as an Accountability Coach. We also highly value Diesel’s contribution as a mentor to others in the program. Diesel & Rhianne, thank you for your positivity and for being such dedicated members of the FOA Alumni & Community. And thank you for sharing your story and FOA journey with us.   Simply, incredible.   Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team

In this episode, I am delighted to introduce to you Zoe Lamont, owner of Farm Door Riverina, a growing regional food business providing ready-made, wholesome meals to busy families, retirees and the elderly across Australia. Growing up on a farm near Junee, Zoe has deep ties to the land and a vision for bringing high-quality, wholesome, locally sourced food to families across Australia. Zoe shares her journey from farm life to buying and then building a highly successful business, with her husband Frank, that not only supports local producers but also brings the best of what we grow directly to people's tables. We explore: • The origins of Farm Door Riverina• Frank & Zoe's mission to bridge the gap between farm and table• The challenges and triumphs of scaling a food business• The importance of innovating and adapting your business models in order to grow• How Farm Door is providing wholesome food solutions to busy urban families, retirees and the elderly alike. A team now of over 30 providing over 3,000 meals per day, Zoe & Frank’s story is a powerful reminder of how good quality food can change lives and bring happiness and wellness to households across Australia.  It is also a reminder to us all to stay true to our values, even when the chips are down, and put integrity and a commitment to quality at the forefront of everything we do. If you are looking to provide farm produce more directly to the consumer or explore new ways to diversify your farm's income, this episode will leave you inspired to think bigger about the impact you can have. More information about Frank, Zoe and the Farm Door story can be found here: https://farmdoor.com.au/pages/our-story Thank you, Frank, Zoe and your team for all you do. I appreciate you sharing your story. Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team

In complement to our last two episodes that focus on on-farm culture and team, in this episode, I explore a question we receive often:            When is the right time and how do we best establish an Advisory Board?   There is an important set of business practices and disciplines that need to be in place and effective prior to establishing a Board. It is important that as business owners we retain ownership and full responsibility for key elements of our businesses’ strategic plan, performance analysis, budgets and operational plans. It is important we have reasonable expectations of Board Members and do not expect them to do the ‘hard work’ on these important elements of business leadership for us. It is also important to be very careful who we invite onto our Board, and what we should reasonably expect from them.   Let’s be real for a moment, farm business ownership is a very complex assignment. We are exposed to the vagaries of the season and the markets. We run complex businesses in isolated settings with our families.   To be in the top 20% of our industry – like the elite athletes we see achieving so much presently at the Olympics – it is important that we have the right advisers around us and that we engage with them in a proactive and highly professional way. It is also important that we immerse ourselves with peers and in a community that is growth-oriented, open-minded and committed to excellence.   I feel privileged to be part of the Farm Owner Academy team and community, and I thank all of our Platinum Mastermind and Alumni Members for their contribution to our elite and high-performing community of farming families.   I hope this episode adequately answers these important questions, and challenges you to ensure you have the people you most need around you to support your success.Keep winning!   Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team

CULTURE - we all have one, whether we like it or not. Within our business, our family, even our community.   Leaving our culture unchecked can be a disaster. Accepting a sub optimal culture can be destroying... for you AND those around you.   At Farm Owners Academy, we believe deeply in creating high-performing teams and cultures, both in family AND business.   Once again giving you special insight into our Platinum Mastermind program, this episode is an excerpt from a previous 'Growth Call' webinar that I run monthly with our members.   In this particular coaching call, I call on my old mate and past business partner, Simon Harris to dive deep into the essential elements of building a thriving culture within your farm business. Si brings a wealth of experience and insights into creating an environment where your team can excel and your business can flourish.   Specifically, we explore:   What is company culture What are the 6 types of cultures How does your culture rate What we can do to improve the culture of the companies we lead, and The unique set of 'SOFT & FLUFFY RITUALS' that can be the key to the foundations of a great team and high-performance culture.   Throughout our conversation, we emphasise the impact that a positive culture can have on overall business performance. From increased employee engagement to improved operational efficiency, creating the right culture is a game-changer for any farm business. Si provides actionable tips and real-world examples that you can implement in your own operations to start seeing immediate benefits.   Whether you're struggling with team dynamics or looking to take your farm's culture to the next level, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in to discover how you can create a thriving culture that drives success in your farming business.   Enjoy!   Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team

It is clear to me that so many of us are under-resourced.   As such, we dedicate 20-40 hours per week to low-value farm activity, often at the expense of CEO-level tasks. For me, this continued focus on low-value activity might save a wage, but it's costing you a FORTUNE. This episode is all about how to break free from that cycle and step into the role of a true business leader.   Giving you special insight into our Platinum Mastermind program, this episode is an excerpt from a previous 'Growth Call' webinar that I run monthly with our members.   During this call, I am joined by Farm Owners Academy CEO, Sam Johnson, and we have an open conversation with our members about:   Identifying where and why we are under-resourced. Shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of growth and abundance, which allows us to see the value in investing in our teams. Practical steps to justify the financial investment in new hires and the long-term benefits this brings. Strategies for recruiting effectively, even in a challenging job market and how to build a team that supports your vision. Creating a clear organisational structure that defines roles and responsibilities, ensuring everyone is aligned and working towards common goals.   Thank you, Andrew Driscoll, for sharing your experience in this area, and thank you all for your involvement in this important conversation. Andrew's journey from feeling overwhelmed to strategically resourcing his farm provides a real-world example of the transformation possible when we back ourselves and our vision.   To have a FREEDOM FARM, we need to build out our dream team. Let's back ourselves to each get on and get this done!   Keep winning.   Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team

Nuffield International’s vision is to inspire people to make a difference in the world of agriculture.   It is fair to say this great organisation is truly achieving it’s global vision- directly as a result of the many great leaders of Nuffield, like Jim Geltch, who have committed much of their careers to making this happen.   It was a privilege for me to speak this week with a fellow scholar and good friend of my father’s, Jim Geltch about the Nuffield farming scholarship program and the significant impact this unique and very special organisation has had on our industry, both locally and globally. For more information on how to apply for a Nuffield Scholarship, click here   Jim started farming in 1971 in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area at Whitton growing rice, row cropping and ultimately into tomato production. This led him to later taking up a leadership position managing the Australian operations for New Zealand’s tomato processing company, Cedenco.   As a long-serving guardian of the Nuffield farming scholarship program, Jim served as CEO Nuffield Australia 2005-2016, Nuffield International CEO 2008-2020, having completed a Nuffield Scholarship tour himself in 1986.   Over that time Nuffield expanded to be a truly international foundation and a greatly expanded global community of scholars.   Jim has since been awarded an Australian Order for Services to Agriculture, and the Rabobank Leadership Award recognising the fundamentally important role he had played developing upcoming leadership in the Australian and New Zealand food, fibre & agribusiness sector.   It is my hope, through this interview, that we advocate for the Nuffield farming scholarship program and that we honour the immense contribution that Jim has had made to this organisation and it’s community of industry leaders.   Thank you Jim for a career advocating for the next generation of leaders in our industry, and for your immense contribution to Nuffield and to Australian Agriculture.   Sincerely,   Jeremy

Imagine losing your arms, legs, body and your entire outlook on life… at age 19.   Imagine being in the prime of your life, only to have it all taken away.   Imagine having to start over, come to terms with that hardship, yet find the determination to get on with life.   Imagine how hard it would be to ‘stand back up’ and turn up to life again.   Then, imagine successfully re-creating yourself, finding the woman of your dreams and excelling in a 35-plus-year career as a successful farm business owner.   Imagine finding a way to farm, ski, drive, fly and so much more again!   Imagine complementing all of this with a 20-plus year career on the speaking and education circuit; dedicating your life to helping and inspiring men & women and children of all ages to face adversity, overcome their hardship and live their best lives.   Ladies & Gentlemen, meet Sam & Jenny Bailey.   For me, this conversation was a genuine privilege.I love the opportunity I have to share great Australian stories.   Sam & Jenny, you are truly wonderful, on so many levels. You are a great example of companionship, determination, courage and true grit.   We look forward to having you with us at our next FOA event, and to welcoming you into our community.   For anyone wanting to connect directly with Sam & Jenny, you can find them here.   For anyone wanting to read or share their book ‘Head Over Heels’, you can access it here.   And for anyone wanting to help Sam on his mission to be the world’s first quadriplegic helicopter pilot!! you can learn more and do that here.   Thank Sam & Jenny, for helping us all keep perspective and be appreciative in times of need.   Hutch & Farm Owners Academy Team   P.S. Would you like to take advantage of a 60-minute coaching session with one of our leading coaches at Farm Owners Academy?   We are currently offering 15 free sessions to our podcast listeners where you will be able to sit down, overcome obstacles and gain clarity in your farming business with guidance from an experienced coach. Click here to book your session before spots fill out.

In this episode, it was great to connect with the impressive Sam Johnsson, CEO of Farm Owners Academy. During our discussion we:  reflected on his 3 years with us, acknowledged the incredible Farm Owners Academy team and community, discussed the importance of the CEO role in any business, explored the power of focusing team members toward ‘their genius’ within a clear and well-documented structure, and the value this can bring to growing teams, explored ‘The Gap and The Gain’, and how this important concept can help us transform team cultures, enhance confidence in individuals, and underpin high-performing teams, and, revisited the value of strong cash flow modelling in farm business management to help stress-test your business model in the current climate. It is always good to connect with Sam on the Profitable Farmer Podcast. He has developed such valuable insights from his time leading Farm Owners Academy’s growth by supporting members of our Platinum Mastermind and Alumni Community in their farm expansion decision-making.To access the Cashflow Optimiser Program, (currently on sale for just $9) click here.To access our Farm Financial Framework training, click here.To book your tickets to our upcoming TOP Producers 2-day Workshop (attend in person on the Sunshine Coast, or virtually) click here.A massive shout-out from Sam J & me to our incredible coaching, analytics and business support team. Your dedication and commitment to Farm Owners Academy’s growth and this community is immense and greatly appreciated. Thank you sincerely, for all you do.Keep being incredible.Hutch & Farm Owners Academy TeamP.S. Would you like to take advantage of a 60-minute coaching session with one of our leading coaches at Farm Owners Academy?We are currently offering 15 free sessions to our podcast listeners where you will be able to sit down, overcome obstacles and gain clarity in your farming business with guidance from an experienced coach. Click here to book your session before spots fill out.

For so many of us, so often our self-confidence and sense of self go up and down with the seasons. We feel good about ourselves when times are good, and we are intently hard on ourselves, and even think we are failing, when the season, the conditions or the markets go against us.   Before Christmas we saw a shock hit the sheep-meat market, impacting meat producers at that time significantly. In many areas of our country, we see farming families navigating extended flood events, and in others extended dries.   In this podcast I invite Tracy Secombe- Director Well-being & Coaching at FOA- to join me and explore this issue, and how- as a farm business owner- we can overcome it and rise above it.   Ladies & gentlemen, we are not our bank account balance. We are so much more than ‘just farmers’ and ‘just farmers wives’. We are leaders of families and great businesses. We are citizens in communities and valued friends to so many. We are good, hard-working, dependable, capable humans doing very good work and making very real differences in so many ways.   As we explore in this important discussion, we have the opportunity to take ownership of OUR IDENTITY. We have the opportunity to change our personal story and realise that farming is what we do, it is NOT who we are.   In the episode, Tracy shares some tips on how to expand our identity, to include all the important roles we play; how to find a greater sense of balance between them; and how to also shift our sense of self to ‘who we are’ rather than ‘what we do’.   Tracy also helps us understand how can best navigate those moments in life when our Identity needs to shift from an active farmer into retirement; from technical farmer to farm business owner; from ‘farmers wife’ to ‘partner in a successful family business’ and from career person to being a Mum & Dad for the first time…   Changing our story and embracing practices that support a strpgner sense- of self and a well-rounded IDENTITY is fundamental in the pursuit of growth and expansion in any area of life.   Elite athletes, musicians, artists and professionals all get coaching on this – Australian Rugby Captain Michael Hooper’s interview with Ben Crowe on his podcast ‘Car Chats with Crowey’ being a great example. Good enough for them, equally important for us.   Thank you Tracy for your time and for your insights on such an important topic at this time.   Thank you.   Hutch & Team

I have said before that there is so much we can learn from business leaders and entrepreneurs outside of our industry.   In this episode, I interview Jim Gall, now CEO of RB Sellars.   There is no doubt that RB Sellars has been established as an iconic brand across our landscape. Jim reminds us that success in business doesn’t happen overnight and that the strong position they have developed in the market has come from a leadership team with a clear focus. Focusing on a sustainable commitment to a consistent and high-quality product range with outstanding service has led the brand to where they are today.   Jim also reminds us of the importance of creating a culture of trust, creativity and innovation to inspire our teams to be actively in pursuit of continuous improvement.   He emphasises the importance of encouraging a culture of radical candour, where teams feel safe and empowered to speak their truth and contribute fully and openly at every opportunity.   Have you created a culture and focus like this in your business? Besides Jim’s current contribution at RB Sellars, his entrepreneurial back story is just as impressive.   Raised on a family farm near Euroa in Victoria, Jim’s enthusiasm to share his family’s farming story led him to establish Redhanded Creative, a national marketing, communication & advertising agency for Australia’s regional and agri-businesses. 12 years on, Redhanded Creative was acquired by global marketing agency, Clemenger. In the ensuing years, Jim established himself as a natural leader in the company, taking over the CEO role at Clemenger Australia & New Zealand.   On his journey through Australia’s Corporate landscape, serving and growing many of the major agribusiness brands we now interact with, Jim has always retained his humility, authenticity and connection to his farming routes.   It was wonderful to connect with Jim again after so many years and to have the opportunity to share his insights into our industry, our people and all things leadership.   I feel the iconic RB Sellars business and brand are in good hands.   Thank you, Jim.   Hutch & the Farm Owners Academy Team

In my last episode introduction I asked - who here has felt real financial duress and overwhelming stress or hardship in this game called farming?   In this episode, I explore this theme further with an in-depth interview with Sarah Crossthwaite. Sarah lives and works with her husband and family on a dairy farm in Northeast Victoria. She has an impressive career as an accredited mental health social worker, actively supporting men and women of our industry through times of hardship.   Recently Sarah made the decision to complete a Nuffield Scholarship, and embark on a global research project exploring the impact that financial duress, market volatility and government interventions can have on the mental health and well-being of farming families.   To say this is an important research piece is an understatement, and I commend Sarah for her dedication and commitment as an advocate for the mental strength and well-being of our industry and rural communities.   In this podcast, we explore what it is Sarah sees, what it is she is hoping to achieve through this research, and the impact she hopes her research might have.   The Nuffield Foundation is an incredible organisation and global network, committed to supporting research projects like this one that can have an impact of significance on the farming sector – both locally and globally.   In this podcast we also explore the process that Sarah has moved through to be accepted as a Nuffield Scholar, and what it is like to be part of that great organisation and global network.   You can learn about Sarah’s research project here.   You can learn more about and apply for a Nuffield Scholarship here.   Also, for support more personally around mental health and well-being – for you or someone you know – we provide some links that might help you:   TIACS : https://www.tiacs.org/ Rural Health Connect : https://ruralhealthconnect.com.au/ Rural Aid : https://www.ruralaid.org.au/counsellors/     Congratulations Sarah, thank you for your time, and I look forward to a follow-up conversation once your research and global tour on this topic is complete.     Sincerely,   Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team     Here are the show notes for the podcast episode: Sarah Crosthwaite, a mental health social worker and dairy farmer, shares her journey and passion for supporting the wellbeing of farming communities. As a Nuffield scholar, she is researching how financial stress, climate variability, and government policies impact the mental health of farmers and their families.   Sarah reflects on her transition from dairy farming to social work, driven by her interest in understanding human development, trauma, and the power of listening without judgment. She discusses the rewarding yet challenging experience of supporting farmers during the 2019-2020 Australian bushfires, emphasizing the need to focus on people's strengths rather than just promoting resilience.   Through her Nuffield project, Sarah aims to explore how other countries address mental health challenges in agriculture and uncover best practices to improve support for Australian farmers and rural communities. She shares insights into the rigorous application process, the supportive Nuffield network, and her research focusing on key themes like financial stress, unpredictable weather, and regulatory changes.   Sarah also discusses the importance of financial literacy for farmers, as those with better understanding are better equipped to navigate stressful events. She is working to synthesize her findings and present a report to share insights on enhancing mental health support and financial education for the agricultural sector.   The 3 key learnings that are likely surprising to the reader are: Sarah Crosthwaite, a mental health social worker, is also a dairy farmer, highlighting the unique challenges and perspectives she brings to her research.   She is advocating for sustainable practices and holistic approache

Who here has felt real financial duress and overwhelming stress and hardship in this game called farming? I feel this is relevant and real for so many - it isn’t always an easy game to play.   In this podcast it gives me great pleasure to interview FOA Alumni Members Cassandra & Andrew (Rusty) Kath.   From start-up to established, from 50 cows to 500 cows, and from financially and personally broken to a professional and lasting success, the Kathleigh Farms story is now just as much one to watch as it is one to appreciate for their achievement so far.   Years ago, Andrew & Cassandra found themselves in a destructive share-farming relationship, placing immense pressure them financially and personally. At rock-bottom, Andrew & Cass dug-deep, focused on themselves and on making meaningful change. They made a massive commitment to join the FOA Community, and with grit, learning and determination have transformed their business and lives.   Over the last 5 years, we have seen Kathleigh Farms grow from humble beginnings to being a truly high-performing and professional farm business. We now see this emerging business with the systems, business model, foundations and team to support continued profitability and sustained growth.   In this interview we explore: the importance of focusing on our MINDSET as farmers; how scarcity and fear-based thinking can limit us; why doing business with people with similar values is so important; how surrounding yourself with good people can be a catalyst for change; and how making our own growth can change everything for the better.   We are proud of the resilience, optimism and confidence Andrew & Cassandra both now enjoy, the way in which they have overcome adversity on their journey, and the results they now enjoy.   In this interview there is mention of Mark Kluwer’s ‘Breath & Breakthrough’ Men’s Retreat and Tracy Secombe’s Soul Pleaser Program – two programs we recommend to those interested.   Thank you Cass & Rusty for your openness and willingness to share. We feel fortunate to have you such active and generous members of the FOA Community, and such valued members of the FOA Team.   There are some incredible insights in this – for the first generation farmer and for those feeling real stress and pressure in terms of your reality right now.   Use this as inspiration that with focus, better thinking and deep determination good things can come.   Sincerely, Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team

So many farming families we meet have businesses that are completely dependent on them. In addition, so many farm owners across Australia’s have business models that are not risk-aware, sufficiently profitable, sustainable, or optimal over time.   Is your business model delivering you the outcomes you want from your farm?   So often we see farmers ‘rinsing and repeating’ business models that have worked in the past, only to find they are not optimal or even relevant in our current economic climate.   To quote Einstein: “Doing the same thing over and again and expecting a different result, is the definition of insanity.”   With inflation, increased interest rates and softening commodity prices, it has never been more important to actively stress-test the potential and resilience of the business model you have, then seek to refine, re-engineer and adapt it to ensure it is profitable long-term AND relevant in the current economic climate.   The question is, HOW?   In this podcast, I speak to this, then advocate for a 90-minute webinar that Farm Owners Academy developed, revealing, “Simple Budgeting for a Profitable Farm”.   For anyone wanting to learn how to review, critique and refine their business model… AND master the key skills needed to set down a meaningful budget or cashflow forecast for their business, then click here and watch (a recording of) this webinar:   www.farmownersacademy.com/businessmodelling   There were over 1,100 farmers registered for this event, and so I feel it is relevant for so many of you right now!   Thank you to Greg Johnsson, Sam Johnsson and the FOA Team for the significant effort you have put into making this webinar possible.   Enjoy, and I look forward to hearing the change you make on the other side of this significant session.   Here’s to the crafting of new, current, and winning farm business models across this community!   Sincerely,   Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team   P.S. Did you know that our core program – the Platinum Mastermind was created to help you maximise the profitability of your farm? We now benchmark over $2bn in farm assets annually and we work with over 150 farm owners to help them improve their financials. Please email support@farmownersacademy.com or head to our website https://www.farmownersacademy.com/ for more information

I love the concept that perhaps our subconscious programming is the thing that is holding us back.   I also like the concept that money is just a tool to give us what we want in life.   However, I believe that many of us have a SCARCITY or ABUNDANCE mindset toward money.   I like the idea of visualising money as ‘fun tickets’ to be used and enjoyed for me and others, now and in the future.   Throughout my journey, I have gotten comfortable with the fact that money:   Is not hard to come by Is not beyond my control Is not the ‘root of all evil’ and that it CAN ‘grow on trees!’   How is your mindset toward money serving you?   In this episode, I call on Investment Specialist and Freedom Trader Terry Tran, to explore:   How his attitude toward money has changed. Where the previous money mindset he inherited might have taken him. How to think like an INVESTOR rather than a worker. His beliefs around and approach to making money and investing now. What it means to create a truly abundant, fulfilled and wealthy life.   As a first-generation Aussie who came here as a refugee on a boat as a child, I feel Terry is a true example of how we CAN change our lives by changing our psychology. He has a great insight into what is holding the ‘average Aussie farmer’ back from creating off-farm wealth.   Terry has a FREE LIVE online training exclusive for our Farm Owners community called ‘How to Create Off-Farm Wealth Consistently and Safely’ on Tuesday the 5th of March. I recommend you make this a priority – register here: https://www.thefreedomtrader.com/farmownersacademy/   It is always great to connect with Terry, have him on our podcast, and see him support farming families across our community. I hope there is something in this episode of substance for those of you who enjoy it with us.   Thank you.   Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team   P.S. - a reminder about Terry’s upcoming webinar ‘How to Create Off-Farm Wealth Consistently and Safely’ - register here: https://www.thefreedomtrader.com/farmownersacademy/   P.P.S - We warmly invite you to join us for our FREE webinar “Simple Budgeting for a Profitable Farm” on the 13th of March to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge for creating an accurate budget - that you can actually stick to! Reserve Your Seat Now. https://www.farmownersacademy.com/simple-budgeting-for-a-profitable-farm

When people succeed at the highest level, often all we see of them is their endeavour and their achievement.   We never really get to hear of the challenge, the hardship or the immense struggle that is behind the enduring success.   There can be so many lessons relevant to how, as farmers, we can better face the challenges that come our way and overcome adversity and change.   In this episode, I feel deeply privileged to interview Anna Meares – 11-time world champion and the greatest female track cyclist of all time.   Throughout Anna’s sporting career, she achieved:   2 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze over four consecutive Olympics 11 gold, 10 silver, 6 bronze at World Championships 5 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze at Commonwealth Games   Anna also has many titles including the Institute of Sport’s "Best Of The Best" inductee and is a Hall of Fame recipient, flag-bearer and Captain at our 2016 Olympic Games. She is now a 2024 Chef de Mission, coach, mentor and teacher to our current era of Olympian legends...   What impressed me the most about my time with Anna was her courage, grit, strength and sheer determination. With all of this, I am in awe of her humility, her generousness, her vulnerability, and her authenticity.   After an unmatched career as an athlete, Anna now finds joy and fulfilment in her endeavour to stand behind people, be in service and support others to achieve at their highest levels.   So many great lessons for all of us on what it takes to lock in meaningful goals and achieve our best.   Thank you, Anna, you are truly a great Australian.   Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team   P.S. We warmly invite you to join us for our FREE webinar “Simple Budgeting for a Profitable Farm” on the 13th of March to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge for creating an accurate budget - that you can actually stick to!   Click HERE to Reserve Your Seat Now.

Throughout our lives, and often at this time of year, we can find ourselves reflecting and asking important questions like; Why am I here? What am I doing this for? What is it that is my purpose in life? What do I want for my life? How do I want to be remembered? Over my business journey, I have been lucky enough to study with and learn from one of the great business minds of our time, Marshall Thurber. In his teachings, Marshall emphasises that there are universal laws (laws of nature) that, when applied to our businesses and lives, can offer us so much certainty and confidence and set a robust foundation on which to see our results grow exponentially. In this episode, and in my attempt to answer these questions, I offer an insight into the Law of Precession - how we can apply it to our lives, how to set down major, definite goals, and make a more meaningful impact as leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs.   Linked with this, I share some lessons learned from one of my favourite books, “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill – a read I recommend highly to you.   From these teachings, I believe that we all have the opportunity to tap into a higher universal power if we are open. We all have access to infinite intelligence. This can help us achieve ‘more with less’, experience abundance (over scarcity), and, importantly, make more of an impact with the time we have - in family, community and industry.   I hope you find my ramblings and reflections in this episode valuable. I hope it helps you answer these questions and set compelling goals for your new year. I look forward to hearing from you and receiving your feedback.   To one unsuspecting Farm Owners Academy farmer member… thank you for this question, which prompted this episode.   As we arrive at a new year, I want to thank you for tracking with us and for your loyalty to this podcast. It is a privilege for us to provide it.   If you know someone we should interview, let us know via the Profitable Farmer Facebook Group or by emailing support@farmownersacademy.com.   What we can achieve for our families and in our lives can be beyond our comprehension if we learn and apply the generalised principles…!   With gratitude,   Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

As farm business owners, we can often be operating at intense and unsustainable levels for extended periods of time. Many times, the farm comes first, and so many other important things take the back seat.   Our farms can be under-resourced, our teams insufficient, our realities out of control and operations completely dependent upon us. Our plans are in our heads, marriages out of alignment - husbands, wives and families missing out on what life and family are truly meant to be about.   That is where Platinum Mastermind members Sam & Carla Armytage found themselves.   Let’s be very real for a minute: the pressures of owning and running a significant farm business can be immense. Even for the super-human, at times, this can all become too much.   In sharing their genuinely inspirational story, in their usual humble and understated ways, Sam & Carla explain where their life was at, consumed by the pressures of putting the farm first. They outline the very real impact this was having on their marriage and family.   To their credit, and 5 years on, Sam & Carla have completely transformed their business, farm, team and lives. They own and manage a truly successful and highly scalable business with the capacity to grow and support their next generation of passionate young farmers in Charlotte, Will & James.   Breakthroughs can follow breakdowns. Transformation can come from acknowledging burn-out and then giving yourself permission to take a break, re-claim perspective and go again with renewed energy, different priorities and a more meaningful and common plan.   Sometimes, we need education and support to change direction, not motivation to speed up.   I want to acknowledge you, Sam & Carla, for your willingness to share your journey and for the immense, often quiet and in-the-background contribution you make to other members of our Farm Owners Academy community.   Well done for the grit and sheer commitment you have led with, the love and loyalty you consistently extend to each other, and congratulations on the transformations you have achieved – personally, as a couple, as parents and as business leaders – for your commitment to change and your success truly now speaks for itself.   For all the challenges and hardships, we are all so very proud of you and excited for you.   Here’s to a very bright future!   Hutch & the Farm Owners Academy Team

As the finish line to another calendar year arrives, I cherish the opportunity to share the stories of some of our incredible community members - to celebrate their success in all they do as business owners and farmers.   Martin & Hayley Grosser own and operate MHG Farming Enterprises, a mixed sheep and dryland cropping operation at Kaniva in Victoria’s Western Wimmera. Their success in farming over the past 10 years, to say the least, is deeply impressive.     From a standing start to over 5,000 acres under management, Martin & Hayley have been stand-out members and incredible contributors to the Farm Owners Academy community.   In this interview, we share their story and reflect and celebrate:   the courage they have shown to scale in today’s climate successfully; their ability to back themselves and make bold growth decisions; the importance of strong financial acumen AND a positive money mindset; the value of benchmarking and regular farm performance analysis; the power of a concise strategic plan and feeling aligned as a family and on-farm team; and the confidence that strong mentors, coaches and community can play in supporting your success.   Whilst very different in personality, I am always so impressed by the love and strength shared between Hayley & Marty. They truly make a fantastic team.   Marty & Hayley, congratulations on your success over the last 5 years, for your courage, optimism and determination. You deserve all the success that comes your way.   Your comments in this podcast are worthy of bottling and will offer genuine inspiration to so many husband & wife farm teams across our industry.   Thank you for your openness and reflecting with me on your journey.   We value you greatly and cannot wait to see what the future brings as you build from the incredible farming platform and leadership capability you have created.   Congratulations, and thank you.   To your success,   Hutch & Team

We can survive 3 weeks without food...   3 days without water…   But only 3 minutes without breathing.   As for parenting, our body, mind and many other critical life functions, we have never been taught HOW TO BREATHE.   As a result, and over time, most of us are immensely inefficient with our breathing, leading us to a long list of health conditions that keep us from living our best lives.   In this episode, I speak with my wonderful wife, mother of four, high-performance physiotherapist, and now breathing re-training specialist, Jane Hutchings -  to explore the importance of LEARNING TO BREATHE WELL.   Anxiety, stress, depression, asthma, hay fever, insomnia, sleep apnoea, restless legs, snoring, excess sweating, brain fog, mental fatigue and burnout are just some of the conditions we face when we breathe poorly.   Rather than medication or physical interventions, focusing on learning to breathe properly can see all these health challenges vastly improved and even overcome for any or all of us.   With a 25-year+ high-performance physiotherapy career, 6 years of focused training & research, Founder - Mint Condition Breathing Retraining, and facilitator of a proven short course now available to everyone, I find it incredible the results Jane is achieving with boys & girls and men & women of all ages across Australia and beyond.   I see so many farmers struggling to sleep well. I see so many farmers fatigued by the stress and pressure of this game we choose to play. I also see so many in our families challenged by hay fever, asthma and related respiratory conditions.   For more information on Jane and her programs, go here: www.mintcond.com.au   Jane & I truly believe that breathing well is the essential piece that links a commitment to fitness, mindset, diet, learning, entrepreneurship… and achieving a balanced, healthy, high-quality life.   Jane, congratulations on the difference you make to so many.   We are very proud of you.   Jeremy & the Farm Owners Academy team   P.S. Tracy Secombe & I are hosting a free webinar on Wednesday, 29th November, on ‘Beating Burnout & Increasing Resilience’ – I hope to see you online for this important topic. You can secure your seat here: https://learning.farmownersacademy.com/burnout

Leadership is about giving those around you certainty.    Making strong predictions based on quality information and taking proactive action in tough times is a hallmark of strong leadership.   Many Aussie farmers have experienced a marked drop in meat prices in recent months, impacting their realities and outlook significantly.   As in Episode 121 with Grain & Oilseeds Lead Analyst - Stefan Vogel, I once again call on the elite Rabobank Research team and Senior Analyst – Animal Proteins Angus Gidley-Baird to help us understand what has happened and what to expect in the red meat markets in the near to medium term.   In addition, I call on the experience of Farm Owners Academy Co-founder and Director Greg Johnsson to offer his insights on this important topic and some guidance on where we need to focus as farmers to best navigate this period in our industry strongly and strategically.   In this episode, Angus, Greg & I explore:   what has happened; why it has happened; recent supply chain dynamics; consumption trends, locally and globally; how this will impact us; meat price predictions; and where we should be focusing as farmers.   It is time to focus on what we can control, accept what we cannot, and be proactive in challenging our business models, our production costs, and their suitability for what lies ahead.   We need to be right on top of our budgets and cashflows and proactive in our conversations with suppliers, clients and financiers.   I hope insights from this interview support you to make clear predictions, take decisive action and look for the opportunities available to us all at this time.   All the best, and sincerely,   Hutch & Team

At Farm Owners Academy, we are big believers that our mental well-being is closely linked to our physical health AND positive social interactions.    I am delighted to interview Active Farmer Founder and Director Ginny Stevens in this episode. Over eight years, Active Farmers has grown from an idea and one weekly fitness class in Mangoplah, NSW, to a significant and important national charity supporting thousands of farmers' physical health and mental well-being across 65 rural communities.    It is an incredible story, and one Ginny Stevens, her family, and her team can feel immensely proud of.    Now, with a team of 40 fitness trainers, an operational unit of 6 supported by a compelling board and a long list of sponsors and partners, Active Farmers is poised for its next growth step and the opportunity to make an even greater impact on the resilience of our great industry.    In this episode, I ask Ginny to share her back story and offer an insight into the Active Farmers journey.    For me, it is a healthy reminder of the importance of making a stand for what you believe in - finding a meaningful social problem to solve, having the courage to pursue your greatest passion, setting down a selfless and inspiring vision, backing yourself… and then just the sheer grit, persistence and determination needed to create something meaningful.     When we do these things, the ‘universe’ can conspire in our favour, we attract all the people and resources we need, and the impact we can together have can be beyond our comprehension.    Ginny, thank you for Active Farmers. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to your cause over 8+ years. Thank you for the genuine impact you and your team are having on the health and well-being of Australian farmers AND the impact you are having on the resilience and vibrancy of our rural communities.    www.activefarmers.com.au    I look forward to tracking with you and supporting your next chapter across our Australian Farming Landscape.    Sincerely,    Hutch & the FOA Team

One of the best bits about being part of Farm Owners Academy is the life-long friendships we see being fostered across our incredible and growing community.   One of the greatest privileges of being a Coach is supporting great people to make meaningful and lasting changes in their personal and business development journeys.   Our members achieve huge amounts in their 3-year Platinum Mastermind journey. Sure, their business profitability grows, their farms expand, their families become more aligned, and they set up teams and more professionally lead their farms.   But what inspires me the most is seeing the personal growth that so many individual members achieve and how this can completely change their lives.   In this episode, I am pleased to introduce you to Peter Moloney, one of our recent Platinum Mastermind graduates. Peter, his wife Kate and their 3 young men own and operate a 50,000 acre property and successful beef operation at Auguthella, north of Charleville in Western Queensland.   In this episode, and from his speech at our recent graduation ceremony in front of 400 people, we learn about Peter’s life-long struggle with dyslexia. We learn how this has limited him, impacted him and challenged his sense of self and mental well-being. We learn how he did all he could for over 40 years of his life to keep this a secret from everyone in his world, ashamed and in fear of being called ‘dumb’ and made ‘look stupid.’   More importantly, in this conversation, we see how – with courage and a commitment to deeper self-work – Peter has shown the courage to be vulnerable about his reality, face his fears, overcome limiting childhood conditioning, let go of ego, realise he had more potential, face head-on all that was holding him back, change some limiting beliefs, create a new and more meaningful personal story and ultimately find a level of peace and happiness he has strived for, for so long.   Peter, I commend you on the strength you have shown through this process and the courage you show now in standing up in front of hundreds and thousands and sharing your story in the hope it might just make a positive difference to someone who might hear it.   You are a good man, Pete. An inspiration. Thank you, and well done.   Here’s to a very bright future full of love and happiness.   In friendship,   Hutch & the Farm Owners Academy team.

Often, it is my observation that succession is made to be a bigger and more complex issue than it needs to be. Often, in my opinion, good business practice applied to family business can be the key to aligning a family to a common goal and plan; creating meaningful, regular and proactive communications; providing financial clarity and control for all parties; delivering structures and systems to support all team members in their roles; and helping ensure all expectations relating to succession are understood and clear. Let me be clear, I am not saying succession is easy. What I am saying, is that the timely and proactive application of good business practices have proven to help farm business families be more effective, and then make succession a more palatable and constructive process. Four weeks ago I was asked to be part of the Annual Pooginook Client Field Day, and be interviewed alongside succession specialist Isobel Knight, Proagtive on the topic of Business & Succession, by interviewer and journalist David Cussons. Such an important topic, and I hope you find this valuable. I commend the Pooginook Team, led by John Sutherland (Genetics & Sales Manager) and Andrew Glover (Station Manager), for both the genetic and productive performance advancements they are making for the dual-purpose merinos of Australia, AND also for the innovation they show in facilitating conversations like this one so relevant for their extensive, national client base and so many in our industry. Based in the Riverina NSW, Pooginook Merino and Poll Stud is one of Australia’s largest and most innovative producers of advanced, highly productive, dual-purpose, mules-free merinos, backed by +80 years of breeding experience and data.  www.pooginoook.com.au  To the Pooginook Team, thank you for having Isobel & I – a compelling event for all attending. Well done on your pioneering and leadership, and a special thank you to David Cussons (Director, Cussons Media) for your approach to this interview, and to John Sutherland (Genetics & Sales Manager, FocusAg) for making this happen. To all, be kind to each other in this process, and be open to doing the deeper work personally, so you can arrive to succession with the compassion, love and respect that each of our families deserve. Sincerely,   Hutch & Team   P.S. For those who are interested, we will be hosting a free webinar on September 20th – all about how to create a winning team. You can register for the webinar here: Team Webinar Registration

Farmers can be a humble bunch, perhaps in part a function of a certain ‘tall poppy syndrome’ that exists across our landscape. As a result, as well as the fact that most of us are production-focused and not necessarily marketing-trained, we are not always great at telling our unique stories or promoting our own business ‘brand.’   Taking this further, globally, there seems to be an ever-increasing gap and misunderstanding between the food consumer and the farmer producer.   Simply, there are so many great Australian agricultural stories that need to be shared and so many good things happening in our industry that our food-consuming society needs to hear, understand, and appreciate.   Farmers, if we don’t tell our story, someone else will be…   In this episode, I am pleased to spend time with the Founder of Humans of Agriculture, Oli Le Lievre. Oli & his team are dedicated to bridging this gap and walking alongside people in our industry to help them uncover and share their unique stories.   Personally, I feel this is important work on so many levels. I commend Oli & his team for their endeavour, commitment and pioneering.   Whilst a new and emerging project for our industry, it is my prediction that the Humans of Agriculture movement will make an impact of significance for farming families, for food supply chains and in enhancing both awareness and appreciation for the good work we all do in helping to ‘feed the world.’   For our listeners, who do you have around you helping to uncover your uniqueness – as a business, family, employer and contributor?   www.humansofagriculture.com   Well done, Oli. Keep up the great work, and thank you for all you do!   Keep making great stories.   Hutch

We find ourselves in an economic environment very different to 12 months ago - now characterised by high inflation, rising interest rates and an uplift in unemployment in most of our trading nations across the globe.    On the back of a compelling quarterly economic review to our Members, I have invited Terry Tran – Freedom Trader – to join me again to make sense of it all. To give us a no BS take on what is happening in our world, what it means, how to play (as an investor), and to understand where the opportunities (in the investment landscape) lay.    Terry now predicts a high chance of global recession, resulting from a marked economic slowdown in the USA, Europe and China. This requires us all to think deeply about our business models and our approach to business and investing in the years to come.    Overnight the US has seen a credit downgrade - it’s first since 2011 following a close call on a debt ceiling default. This follows its 11th consecutive rate rise since March 2022 to a 22-year high, forcing other countries, including Australia, to follow suit to maintain strength in our domestic currency.    A change in the company regulatory environment and a policy reversal directly impacts foreign investment inflows into China, sparking a slowdown in the Chinese economy.    And a disparate and fragmented Europe is likely the major trading nation to be most adversely impacted in years to come...    It’s refreshing to sit with Terry and have him lay it all out for us and offer a view of the globe we can all make some sense of.    It’s compelling to sit with Terry and explore what this means and where the opportunities are for the proactive and strategic investor.    While Ted Lasso is telling us to ‘be the goldfish’… Terry recommends we ‘be the whale’.    Thank you for your brilliance, Terry.    Enjoy everyone.     Hutch    PS – To learn how to take advantage of our new reality as investors, join Terry for a FREE & FOA EXCLUSIVE INVESTMENT MASTERCLASS Wednesday, 23rd August… register now: https://www.thefreedomtrader.com/farmownersacademy

What does moving from a ‘start-up’ to ‘significance’ as an entrepreneur take? Let’s find out. In this episode, I am delighted to reconnect with my past business coaching client, now successful entrepreneur Steven Mirtschin. Leaving a successful banking career to back himself in business, Steven now leads over 13 businesses and a team of over 150. Over 15 years, Steven has successfully scaled a combination of franchise-based businesses in the fitness and hospitality sectors. He has sought out team members and others to partner with, created immense opportunities for those within his team, established a small business empire that delivers first-class service to those he serves, and proven results for all involved. There are so many insights to come from this discussion. For me, Steven shows us that successfully scaling up in business requires: a shift in mindset from an operator to manager and strong leader; a long-term commitment to a clear and compelling vision; constant adaptation to your business model; immense persistence despite obstacles; a willingness to invest in and build people up; and a genuine care & concern for the opportunities you can create for those you employ. Steven has always been an impressive, confident, humble, and thoughtful business leader. He is also a deep-thinking and highly strategic business mind. Working with him over 13 years ago was a pleasure, and it is no surprise that Steven now arrives to lead a group of high-performing businesses that prides itself on excellence and growth. It is also great to see him turn his attention back to agriculture and to helping families become more aligned as they consider succession and their business improvement. Thank you, Steven. Some cracking insights within this conversation, and well done on all it is you have achieved. Sincerely, Hutch

You don’t achieve greatness without first being a very special individual.   In this episode, I am pleased to introduce to you Aussie sporting icon Trevor Hendy, renowned as the greatest ironman on earth.   A former professional athlete having won six Australian Open Ironman titles and four consecutive World Ironman titles, Trevor has become a coach, role model, teacher and mentor to sporting and business elite across Australia and worldwide.   Now a member of the Order of Australia and an inductee into the World Surf Life Saving, Australian Life Saving and Australian Sporting Halls of Fame, Trevor has become as revered as much for the impact he has made to helping people live their best life, as he has as a sporting great.   What I love about Trevor is his openness and his willingness to share his experiences, his successes and challenges, in his heart-filled intention to selflessly serve others and teach those he connects with how to find calmness, contentment, presence, fulfilment and joy in our lives.   In this episode, Trevor reminds us that we are spiritual beings living a human experience.   He shares his tips on how we can pursue our potential, get out of our heads, let go of EGO, remove judgement and comparison, find peace in the moment, and accept and take responsibility for our reality to find more joy and happiness in our busy lives.   He speaks of his experiences of burnout, anxiety and depression and offers up some tips on how to navigate these life challenges and move forward strongly.   It is a privilege to come to know Trevor and to have him now contributing to our community.   This is a conversation that could have lasted for days. It is my hope we can extend on this with a follow-up with Trevor at another time. For now, enjoy this for what it is – an incredible, heartfelt, spiritual conversation.   Thank you to David Westbrook for making this possible and for being part of this conversation.   If open and willing, I encourage you to listen to this 2-3 times - to take the lessons and apply them to your life.   I believe we all have more potential within us and perhaps a bigger game to play. I hope this inspires you to be courageous and responsible in pursuit of your best life.   Thank you, Trevor.   What a truly great Australian.   Keep being incredible.   Hutch & Team

We all now know that safety on-farm is an important issue. We also know that most farm businesses have more to do in this area, and it is pleasing to see so many farming families prioritising farm safety as a core part of the business improvement strategies.   SafeAg System is presently leading the way in helping farming families create safer and more professional workplaces; their App & offering are now in place on over 15,000 farms in Australia and overseas.   What I like most about SafeAg Systems is that their solution also helps farm teams operate more effectively AND be safer. Their platform caters for machinery maintenance scheduling, inventory management, human resource management, contractor management, on-farm communications and systems improvement, AS WELL AS safety practices. This App solves a real business management and HR problem for farming businesses, large and small… almost as if a safer farm becomes the outcome.   For more information, click here: www.safeagsystems.com   In this episode, it is great to connect with CEO & Founder Katy Landt. I appreciate her openness and the opportunity to share the entrepreneurial back story to the growth of the SafeAg Systems business.   Succeeding in the tech start-up space is incredibly challenging. Now seven years old and with a dedicated team of over 25 employees, Safe Ag System looks toward its first capital raise and next expansion step.   We can learn so much from people who are courageous and determined enough to pursue this path.   The SafeAg Systems story is compelling and a real credit to Katy, her husband Drew, and her co-founding parents Mark & Caroline. Katy confirms that entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted. However, with deep determination, sheer ‘stubbornness’ (as she puts it!) and a genuine passion to make an impact, anything is possible.   Congratulations, Katy and the SafeAg Team. Keep up the great work.   Stay safe, everyone! Hutch & Team

I have always been intrigued by Rabobank as a business.   A 120-year-old Dutch cooperative founded by farmers for farmers, now a global sensation specialising in agribusiness lending from over 1,000 offices across 38 countries, serving over 9 million customers... I think their Australasian Team are to be commended on the passion, dedication and quality support they provide to farming families across our region.   Just as interesting is the fact that their global research team spans over 140 leading analysts… all focused on finance and agri-markets… imagine the intelligence and insights available on navigating our local and international trading landscape!   In this episode, I am pleased to welcome Stefan Vogel, General Manager – RaboResearch, Australia & New Zealand, to our podcast.   I knew this would be a compelling conversation… but Stefan’s commentary and global perspective completely exceeded my expectation in so many ways.   Thank you, Stefan, for your openness and your insight as we explore:   global and local grain production estimations; the interplay of our overseas competitors; impediments and challenges we collectively face; the impact of trade barriers into China; the potential implication of an El Nino weather event; expectations given the Ukraine – Russia situation and current trade deal negotiations… and so much more.   Insightful is an understatement… valuable? ABSOLUTELY.   Stefan and his team host their own podcast – simply search “RaboResearch” on all major podcasting platforms to start listening.   In addition, their recently released 2023/24 Grain Production Outlook is a valuable resource and can be found HERE.   The next few years will likely differ greatly from those we have just experienced. We need to adapt accordingly. I hope this interview provides a compelling global perspective for those of you on tractors as we get our new season underway.   All the best for this season, given the global market in which we operate.   Best,   Hutch & Team

For many, the last few years have been unique and positive – resulting from low inflation, low-interest rates, above-average commodity prices and above-average production.   Now, our current reality is very different.   We will likely see an extended period of increased inflation, increasing interest rates and softening commodity prices. In addition, from a production standpoint, there is talk of El Nino weather patterns ahead…   The question we should ALL be asking is: Can my farm business model handle this new reality?   In this episode, I call on the “Brains Trust”, inviting Farm Owners Academy Co-Founder Greg Johnsson and Executive Director at RLS Agribusiness Jeff McDonald to join me to explore this question in detail.   We discuss the importance of:   knowing your numbers; presenting proactively to your bank; developing a compelling economic model for your farm; stress-testing your farming system based on long-term average yield & prices; knowing your ‘new’ cost of production; and being financially strong as a farm business owner.   In this, we share 2-3 key performance ratios we each need to be aiming for and emphasise the importance of considering these in confirming you have a business model that is agile, flexible, profitable (in most years) and resilient.   For more on this important topic, join Greg Johnsson & me on Wednesday 7th, June for a 90-minute webinar where we will dive deep into the core numbers you need to know and insight into what the top 20% of farmers are doing differently to adapt and thrive in this new agri-economic climate. For more information or to secure your seat, click here.   As always, a compelling conversation when I bring these two incredible minds together.   Enjoy, and all the best as you stress-test the strength of your business model.   Best,   Hutch & Team

At Farm Owners Academy, we help farming families create FREEDOM FARMS – that is a highly profitable business with the systems, structures, team AND performance to be able to work without dependence on you!As a team, we feel proud of the results that hundreds of farming families are achieving in their pursuit of this reality. Over the coming months, I will share some of these outstanding stories with you.   In this episode, I speak with Marina Gregor, who, along with her husband Brett, run a high-performing wool sheep enterprise ‘Willandra’ on Kangaroo Island, about their journey to create a FREEDOM FARM. We explore the wins, challenges and numerous changes they have made along the way as well as how the FOA Community & Team have helped them. We also explore how benchmarking, budgeting, a shift in mindset and business coaching have helped them drive the performance of their farm and build out their business and on-farm team.   Eight years ago, Marina and Brett set down a Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal (BHAG):             Four months living as a family in Canada.   I am delighted to share that this interview is an international one! Navigating a 14-hour time difference as I speak with Marina, she is now two weeks into that four-month family holiday… their farm is under management and functioning strongly while they are away.   It is a great story and, importantly, a real example of what is possible when we get our mindset right and truly commit to a significant and meaningful goal.   Congratulations, Marina and Brett, on achieving a significant life-long dream.   I get that the road has not always been easy and that you have had to overcome some real challenges in pursuit of the goals & dreams you now enjoy.   Marina, we are delighted now to have you as an Accountability Coach on our team, sharing your experience and helping others achieve the success you now enjoy.   On behalf of the FOA Team, we are proud of all you have achieved.   To an incredible time for you and your family, and to realising important dreams!   Thank you. Hutch & Team

In life, we have the opportunity to meet some remarkable people. Those individuals are often quietly determined to serve others and make a meaningful impact.   I met Mike Stephens, Founder, Director and Lead Consultant of Meridian Agriculture, as an overly enthusiastic and bullish 25-year-old. I have regarded him as a role model and mentor ever since.   One of Australian agriculture’s truly great personalities, Mike has dedicated his career to farmers, to families getting on and to effective farm succession. Two and a half years ago, he completed the largest piece of research into farm succession globally. The insights from this are significant, and Mike shares some of them with us in this interview.   Combined with this is Mike’s incredible ability to communicate and facilitate. As others committed to helping with succession, the depth and accuracy of the questions he asks of individuals and families and the process he takes you through to optimise a succession outcome for you is deeply impressive.   Mike and his team at Meridian Ag are experts in this space and are available to help you move through the succession planning process.   You can find them here: https://meridian-ag.com.au/   I think it is fair to say he and they are qualified to do so!   Congratulations, Mike, on a lifetime of work helping farming families across Australia and overseas to create legacies that can transcend generations. Congratulations also on 40 years in farm consultancy.   For an article overviewing Mike’s findings, click here.   Thank you for your contribution, hard work and quiet, respectful determination to make an impact.   It is always great to connect with those that have in some way shaped you.   To all of you, I hope that this serves you.   Hutch & Team

So many farming families I meet feel completely REACTIVE in managing their farms. On so many levels, we often are left feeling like the business is running you, not you it. With all that is going on in a typical week, the long list of improvements to make, the complexities of programs and rotations, the changes of the season… for me, it is easy to see why so many arrive here.   One of my favourite quotes is from global personal performance expert Brian Tracy:   “We feel good about ourselves to the exact degree we feel in control of our lives.”   Three questions for you:  Are you feeling reactive or proactive in your leadership? Out of 10, how much control do you feel you have over the improvement of your plan? Out of 10, how aligned are your family & team to a common goal and clear plan? In this episode, I speak with Farm Owners Academy CEO Sam Johnsson. Sam commenced with us two years ago, following a highly successful corporate leadership career in a large design & engineering consultancy.   In this episode, we explore: why people are feeling so reactive in their farms right now; where staying this way can take us; and the exact process we use and recommend to help people shift to proactive and take control.    The power of a concise, agile and actionable STRATEGIC PLAN is key in helping farming families make the shift.   The Farm Owners Academy team recently met in the Barossa Valley for two days to reset our Strategic Plan. During our conversation, we share the process we went through, the same process we coach EVERY farm business that commits to our three-year Platinum Mastermind Program.   To download a copy of our 3 Page Planning Template - Click here.   To learn how to nail this - Click here.   To book a free Strategic Roadmap Call to get direct support specific to your business from a Farm Owners Academy Coach - Click here.   We care deeply about seeing farming families feeling aligned, in control, and working toward one clear, impactful plan.   Thank you, Sam, as always – you are a genius in this space.   Enjoy.   Hutch & Team

Technology can be pretty incredible. With its exponential advancement, there is no doubt we are on the cusp of unprecedented change on-farm and across our industry.   Our game is rapidly changing, allowing us to achieve much more with much less.   For me, our future is very exciting. In this episode, I invite you to join me and an audience of 350 progressive, growth-oriented and passionate farmers at one of our Deep Dive conferences (usually exclusively for our Platinum Mastermind members).   In this, Matthew Prior (Managing Partner – Tenacious Ventures) and I interview the impressive CEO and Founder of SwarmFarm Robotics – Andrew Bate. Based on-farm near Emerald in Queensland, Andrew and his family run a highly efficient, large-scale broad-acre cropping operation. In 2012, as a ‘side-hustle’ to their farm, SwarmFarm Robotics was created. Now, some 13 years later, this incredible Ag Tech business employs over 25 staff and is firmly placed as one of the pioneers and world leaders in Autonomous Vehicle platforms for Agriculture.Enjoy this interview, with questions coming from many of our Platinum Mastermind audience members throughout.Undoubtedly, Andrew Bate and his team are transforming how we think about how we farm. To frame up this interview, you can watch this short video (also shared within the podcast) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqfA-nlj29s&t=32sI encourage you to check out their website: www.swarmfarm.com and consider how their technology might have a place on your farm sometime soon! Congratulations, Andrew and team, for your pioneering and for the contribution you make to our industry.   Wow.   Hutch & the FOA Team   When you’re ready to take the next step and work with us, here are three things you can do:   1. Subscribe to our ‘Profitable Farmer’ podcast  This free audio podcast delivers ideas to help you run a great business, leading to more profit, control and freedom – Click here. 2. Join the Farm Owner Academy’s closed Facebook group ‘Profitable Farmer’  Our new Facebook community is where smart farm owners learn how to get more profit, control and freedom, and you can connect with like-minded farm owners – Click here to join   3. Work with us privately  If you’d like our team to help you scale up your farming business or create a ‘freedom farm’ just email us at support@farmownersacademy.com and put “Private” in the subject line… tell me a little about your business and what you’d like to improve and I’ll send you the information you need to get started!

Throughout each year, I value the opportunity to invite our Investment Specialist Terry Tran to join us on Profitable Farmer.   With rising inflation, increasing interest rates, ongoing supply issues and softening commodity prices we are potentially entering a new agri-economic landscape, different from all we have experienced in recent years.   In this podcast we explore how Terry sees the investment landscape at this time. We discuss the important of being proactive and creating diversification with a strong, well-structured, risk-aware off-farm investment portfolio, especially on the back of strong on-farm results.   We discuss in detail Terry’s investment philosophy, his track-record, and how he helps hundreds of farmers and investors across Australia to learn important, value-based investment skills, then take control of their investment portfolios.   Importantly, we explore Robert Kiyasaki’s Cashflow Quadrant (from the book ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’) and how each of us can create more wealth with a move over-time from being Employed or Self-Employed to being leveraged and focused as Business Owners and Investors.   For those interested, Terry will be running an Investment Masterclass from 7:30pm on Wednesday 5th April, exclusively for our FOA Community.   You can register for this here: https://www.thefreedomtrader.com/farmownersacademy/   As Founder & CEO to his business Freedom Trader, Terry is a great example of how to create financial freedom and an incredible leveraged lifestyle through strategic investing. We recommend Terry & the Freedom Trader program highly, and encourage you to make this training a priority.   Thank you, and enjoy.   Hutch & the FOA Team

It is so easy in this game to constantly put in massive hours, ensure everyone around you has what they need, and focus intently on getting the job done. An extended finish, a challenging season and ALREADY the urgent requirement to get set to ‘go again’… I hear of many farming families feeling they must sacrifice their holiday plans to stay on top of production imperatives. Right now, it is critical we stop, take stock, and be reminded of the importance of putting ourselves first. Following a cracking session with Andrew Roberts last episode, I am delighted to invite Farm Owners Academy’s Director of Well-being and Mindset Specialist, Tracy Secombe, to once again join me on the Profitable Farmer Podcast. In this episode, we explore: what is well-being, and what are the key elements; the importance of well-being for each of us; how we can make this a priority, even in intently busy times; and the significant impact this can have on your overall ability to function, lead and succeed. We also discuss three valuable programs that support this: Tracy’s People Pleaser to Soul Pleaser Program Tracy’s 7-Day Calmness Code Challenge Farm Owners Academy’s Take Control Program We recommend these programs to you… highly. Tracy, we are delighted to have your involvement with us expanded and taken the lead in supporting the overall well-being of our team, our members and our entire community. I cannot think of a more perfect person to take on this role with us all. Thank you once again. In putting ourselves first… Enjoy. Hutch & the FOA Team

So often in this game, we attend only the training put on by the R&D extension agencies or free events by our advisers.So often, we wait for a grant to become available before we commit to a course, or we focus on improving our skills ONLY when there is a subsidy or sponsorship toward the funding of it. My point is: So many farmers don’t invest enough in themselves!In this episode, Andrew ‘Robbo’ Roberts (Farm Owners Academy Co-Founder) & I re-connect and focus on the impact of making a significant investment in your own development. We reflect on how a commitment of $25,000 toward a business coaching certificate changed everything for each of us.In farming, we will buy flashy cars, new Utes and all the plant & equipment we might need, yet neglect one of the single best investments we can make!In this episode, Robbo & I explore the following: the importance of investing in ourselves; why people don’t do this and what this can mean; why people can be closed to learning new concepts & principles; why we seem to prefer to ‘defend what we know’; the value of making this your priority; and the results that can come in so doing. We also talk about the TAKE CONTROL Program, why we created it, and the campaign we are running now for our 2023 intake. Information here for those interestedI am constantly so immensely impressed by the investment our Farm Owners Academy Members make in their own development - time & money. I respect just how committed they are to their own growth and improvement. The results they achieve truly speak for themselves.Make an investment of significance in your own growth this year - I promise, the rest will take care of itself!!In learning & growth …Hutch & the FOA Team

There are some genuinely impressive Australian stories of entrepreneurial success in our industry — true, unsung, modern examples of courage, initiative, determination and pioneering.   For me, Dwain Duxson and the Farm Tender story is one of those.   Founded in March 2012, Farm Tender is Australia’s pre-eminent online buying and selling marketplace for farmers and associated agricultural companies, facilitating sales of grain, hay, farm machinery and agricultural equipment.   With over 62,000 farming members, Farm Tender transacted sales of over 100 million in the 2022 calendar year, providing a valuable, efficient, dependable service to our industry.   Success like this doesn’t come easy. Achievement of this sort follows countless mistakes, multiple failures, immense effort and sheer determination.   From humble farm beginnings to real momentum in the online, two-sided marketplace space, Dwain and his team offer us inspiration as to what is possible when as business leaders, we see a small opportunity, commit completely and then determine personally to succeed no matter what.   My key takeaways from my time with Dwain:   back yourself on your ideas – perhaps playing it safe ‘isn’t it’ be willing to try, and fail, on multiple ideas until you find the one that will thrive genuinely care for your people and look for the one-percenters that will support your culture invest intently in your network, actively nurture relationships and build trust with people be passionate about what you do, and be determined to stay the course.     For more information about Farm Tender and DelayPay CLICK HERE.   To register for Farm Tenders annual conference, ‘The Business of Farming’ in Bendigo on Friday 3rd, March, CLICK HERE.   Congratulations, Dwain, on all you have achieved. Well done on the service you provide to our industry and the genuine, high-quality way you deliver it.   Your story is one worthy of sharing – I just hope we have done it justice.   Hutch & the Farm Owners Academy Team

We are excited to be kicking off our first podcast of 2023, we hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year break. May 2023 be your best year yet!   One of the great things about this time of year is friends dropping in on their holiday travels.   There truly is nothing like old friendships. Whilst visiting us, I am delighted to once again welcome great mate James Kelly to our podcast. As Managing Director to Alchimie Management Consulting, James and his team dedicate much of their focus to helping high-performing teams overcome communication challenges and aligning executive teams leading major construction and corporate projects.   The other great thing about this time of year, is the opportunity to reflect on the season just gone, and then dedicate real time to setting down the plan for the new year.   In this podcast, and over a coffee, he and I explore the importance of planning, and the keys to aligning a team to a common plan.   At FOA, we recommend getting off-site for ideally two full days, with a clear agenda, and all key decision-makers. We see this as a critical step in moving from reactive to proactive in your business leadership. This brings on-farm business teams together and on to the same page.   In this interview, James shares some compelling insights as to how he facilitates workshops designed to overcome relationship issues, help team members see a higher perspective, and re-align common goals.   There are so many insights here, especially for those working with that important on-farm blend of family and non-family teams.   Enjoy, and share with me your insights in our Profitable Farmer Facebook Group.     Sincerely,   Hutch

Business can be a very lonely place. Farming can be isolating.  Sometimes… no, often… we can feel like we are ‘going it alone’.  Our challenges, failings, and issues can feel unique to us.  In my experience, when you commit to joining a Mastermind Group, everything can change. There is much wisdom to call on from those around us, and we quickly realise we are not alone and our issues are not our own.  In a Mastermind, we get to surround ourselves with like-minded, growth-oriented peers. We get to stand on the sturdy shoulders of giants.  As we arrive at the end of 2022, it gives me great pleasure to reflect on the year that was with four incredible families and Platinum Mastermind Members.  In this episode, I invite Michael & Simone Hughes, James & Kylie Armstrong, Luke & Betty-Lou Haydon and Luke & Danielle Wiese to join me for a chat and to reflect on their journey with Farm Owners Academy so far.  Four great Australian families and four simple questions:  Where were you, and where are you now?  What have you achieved?  What are you most proud of?  How has the Farm Owners Academy community helped you?   … and so many great lessons and incredible insights.  Simply, Business Coaching works. Accountability helps. Being part of a Mastermind Group can change everything.  We are proud of what our members achieve, and these members are no exception. Congratulations to you all.  Enjoy hearing this episode's stories and how being part of our program and community can genuinely help you thrive.  For those interested in commencing a journey with Farm Owners Academy in 2023, our TOP Producers Program 2-Day workshop is a great place to start. We highly recommend this to you.  This will be our last podcast for 2022. We will be back for more from January 15, 2023, after a well-earned break for our entire team.  Thank you all for being so loyal to our podcast. Thank you for all you do and for the contribution you each make to our industry and our rural communities.  All the best for the end of this season, for a wonderful Christmas and a rich and rewarding festive season. I hope Santa is kind to you.  Merry Christmas,From Hutch & the entire FOA Team

It has once again been a unique farming season - perhaps one like no other!   In this episode, and once again, I call on Brett Stevenson, Managing Director & Founder of Market Check – the most influential, independent grain marketing and education service for Australian farmers.   Together we explore: an assessment of the current season; advice on the importance of proactive grain marketing at this time; an estimation of short-term grain price movements; a perspective on medium and longer-term price expectations; a view on the key influencers right now for local and global grain markets; and a reminder of the importance of thoughtful price discovery, offering a commodity at a value and then asking the buyer to arrive to it.   Brett provides some incredible insights, which confirms for me why Market Check continues to be the most respected and credible grain marketing firm in Australia.   In the closing, we touch on Brett’s personal story of adversity. Through this, Brett offers us some important comments on what can help support us through times of challenge, how to keep a deep sense of personal strength and how to find positivity through periods of challenge.   Brett, thank you for your time and generosity. As always, an absolute pleasure.   All the best to you as we move into a harvest season like no other!Sincerely,   Hutch

Right now, there are many farming families facing real challenges.Extended rains, widespread flooding, the prospect of failed crops, wet paddocks and the complexities all this brings for hay carting, harvest and the end of our season.   A season that promised so much.   A cost-base inflated by the aftermath of a global pandemic.   Seven years ago, Platinum Mastermind members Troy and Nette Fisher, Ashmore Rams (Woolshed, SA) were decimated by the Pinery Fires.   Three years ago, Farm Owners Academy Coach David ‘Westy’ Westbrook dedicated months on Kangaroo Island, supporting fire-affected members of our community with their recovery efforts.   I asked them to join me for this episode to offer some hope and inspiration to those experiencing challenges and their own version of adversity – large or small.   In this episode, I reflect with Troy and Nette on where they have arrived to on the other side of their adversity. I also ask Westy to reflect on what our Farm Owners Academy community on Kangaroo Island did in the weeks and months that followed the fires that not only inspired him, but allowed them to recover and thrive.   Where Troy and Nette’s business Ashmore Rams is now, is incredible. Their mindset, determination, decision-making and their results speak for themselves. For more information on Ashmore Rams, Click Here.   I hope the insights shared in this episode on gratitude, perspective, calmness, kindness, planning, decision-making, and massive action offer some clarity and direction for all of you as we arrive at the end of a very unique season.   Troy & Nette remind me that there is always a silver lining and that ‘good’ things can come from the ‘bad’ if you stay the course and choose to own the situation we find ourselves in.   Thank you, Troy, Nette and Westy – an uplifting and important conversation.   Be kind, everyone, and let’s nail the end to this season!   Best,   Hutch

Dave ‘Westy’ Westbrook here – and I have hijacked this episode of the Profitable Farmer Podcast!   For me, true wealth is about the inner success or the ‘inner hero’ that we all have inside us, and, at the end of the day, our farming businesses are tools to help us create the life we desire.   I am so incredibly excited to welcome three special guests to the podcast - Ironman world champion Trevor Hendy, AFL legend Kane Johnson and breath and Ice bath guru Mark Kluwer.   Recently, 16 men from our Platinum Mastermind community and I attended the “Breath and Break Through Retreat” hosted by Mark, Trevor and Kane at Elevated Springs in Hepburn, Victoria. It was an incredible few days together, focusing on self-awareness, connection, personal growth and a deeper understanding of yourself.   “We want to call ourselves successful, but to be successful requires strength and courage, and the biggest strength and courage we can have, is to be our true self.”   In this episode, we explore some important themes in more depth on creating the life you desire, including:   It’s not what you do but who you are that matters. How vulnerability opens you up to new opportunities. Why most of us are in burnout. Breathing and how it scientifically impacts us. How to stay calm in high-stress environments. Plus much more…   Make sure you stick around to the end, where we run an activity to help you identify and make desired changes in your life.   We hope you enjoy this episode!   Thanks again for having me,   Westy   P.S. Find out more about Mark Kluwer & upcoming retreats at Elevated Springs by clicking here.

As Part III on the important topic of RESILIENCE, I speak with the incredible Maria Ruberto – specialist in the neuroscience and deep psychology of human resilience.   Her official definition: Advancing despite adversity.   Love this.   I find how our mind works so fascinating. Recent advances in neuroscience continue to help us more deeply understand this area and seem to favour the more innate and humanistic practices advocated for mental well-being, personal development, self-awareness and emotional intelligence.   In fact, there is now a transformational model – the PR6 FACTOR – that outlines the six core domains underpinning human resilience… who knew!!     In this episode, Maria and I explore:   what is it to be resilient; how the mind works from a scientific standpoint; how our mind, when left unchecked, can work against us; how we automatically respond when faced with adversity; how we can self-regulate in order to enhance our response & realities; how big of an issue mental ‘ill-health’ (as the opposing side to resilience) is for us as a community; and how resilience is something we can work on and build over time.   This podcast references Episode #104 ‘What is it to be resilient’, and connects with Episode #105 ‘Resilience in Family Relationships.’ I encourage you to listen to these prior to enjoying this one.   Importantly, and as Maria suggests, be kind to yourself as you listen to this. If you feel these podcasts ‘trigger you’ or raise issues for you, we urge you to reach out and speak to a professional on any one of these related support lines:   Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 Mensline: 1300 789 978 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380   Resilience is an immensely important topic - especially as farmers and valued participants in families and rural communities.   For those interested in deepening your ability in this area, please consider Maria’s training series: Resilience First Aid – click here to discover more!   Thank you, Maria, for the work you do, for your commitment, and for your unwavering dedication to helping individuals, families, and teams be better – for themselves and each other.   I so very much value your time and insights in this conversation.   Be well, everyone and thank you!   Sincerely,   Hutch & Team   P.S. Discover more about the six domains of resilience – click here   P.P.S. Find out more about Maria Ruberto and her incredible work – click here P.P.P.S. If you think this episode or podcast series would benefit someone else, please forward this on to them!

To speak plainly, family relationships need to be resilient in family business.   To be honest - so often, behind closed doors, simply, they are not.   As Part II on the topic of RESILIENCE, I speak with Farm Owners Academy Director and Soul Pleaser Program Founder, Tracy Secombe – our resident authority on this topic.   In this episode, Tracy & I more deeply explore: how families can compromise an individual’s resilience; how we can improve family relationships and strengthen their resilience; and for family relationships to change, first, I must change how I turn up to those relationships.   So often, we find ourselves in an unhealthy dynamic, whereby the strength of family relationships are left unchecked.   Tracy is a true genius in supporting individuals to reflect on, review and transform important family relationships. Her program “People Pleaser to Soul Pleaser”, and now her recently released best-selling book, is dedicated to helping people do the deeper work on this - creating opportunities for new, vibrant and more resilient family relationships.   To support our discussion, please find a related article from Tracy that might assist you – Click Here to access.   Tracy, on behalf of our entire community, thank you for all you do and your support in helping people foster stronger and more resilient family relationships. Farm Owners Academy is lucky to have you.   Enjoy this podcast and use it as your opportunity to make meaningful changes for the better within your families.   With respect,   Hutch

With R U OK Day taking place last week, I wanted to take a few moments to share a business coaching principle that changed my life.   In my younger years, I constantly struggled with poor self-esteem, low confidence, anxiety and, at times, depression. In addition, I was plagued by an active mindset of sabotaging my own sense of self.   Left unchecked, I hate to think where life might have taken me and where I might be right now.   One of the greatest gifts in my life has been to learn how to do ‘the deeper work’. Focusing on changing my psychology, strengthening my resolve and building my resilience has been an active process that has helped me immensely for over 20 years. In this episode, I share the concept of the IDENTITY ICEBERG and (hopefully) provide you with a model and process that you can work through to help build your resilience and be at your best.   I talk about the self-development work we need to do around the skills, values, priorities, beliefs and identity that define who we are and who we strive to become. This is my way of reaching out to our loyal listeners.   I value you greatly, and ask R U OK?   Take care, stay strong and thank you.   Hutch & team   When you’re ready to take the next step and work with us, here are three things you can do: 1. Subscribe to our ‘Profitable Farmer’ podcast This free audio podcast delivers ideas to help you run a great business, leading to more profit, control and freedom – Click here. 2. Join the Farm Owner Academy’s closed Facebook group ‘Profitable Farmer’ Our new Facebook community is where smart farm owners learn how to get more profit, control and freedom, and you can connect with like-minded farm owners – Click here to join   3. Work with us privately If you’d like our team to help you scale up your farming business or create a ‘freedom farm’ just email us at support@farmownersacademy.com and put “Private” in the subject line… tell me a little about your business and what you’d like to improve and I’ll send you the information you need to get started!