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 thro…

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 …

“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 Aus…

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 futu…

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 …

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, …

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 f…

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 …

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 …

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 do…

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…

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 shap…

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 import…

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,…

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 centra…

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 founde…

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 bri…

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 …

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 b…

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 …

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…

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 …

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 t…

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 …

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…

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 dem…

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 o…

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 …

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 …

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…

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 …

‘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 3…

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 …

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 sou…

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 impo…

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 bu…

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 r…

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…

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, ima…

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 gen…

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 …

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…

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 impre…

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 c…

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 ‘rin…

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 m…

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 overcom…

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…

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 ar…

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 Victori…