Profitable Farmer

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 commen

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 di

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

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

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

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 s

Hi [First Name], In leadership, sometimes it pays to take the highest perspective possible. Today, as we find ourselves navigating global political unrest, war, pandemic recovery, disease threat, rising interest rates, inflation and significant seasonal volatility, this has never been more important. For an incredibly insightful global perspective and a highly considered and passionate interpretation tailored just for us – as Australian Farmers – it gives me great pleasure to introduce one of the most brilliant individuals I have ever met! Simon Kuestenmacher is the Co-founder and Director of The Demographics Group based in Melbourne, Australia. Simon holds degrees in geography from leading universities in Berlin and Melbourne and has worked as a business consultant with KPMG Australia for several years. In 2017 Simon, with Bernard Salt, co-founded The Demographics Group. The group provides specialist advice on demographic, consumer and social trends for business. Simon has presented to numerous corporate

As our world continues to change, our commodity and investment markets continue to be impacted by an ongoing series of externalities. To help us understand the current market conditions and to offer direction on navigating a significant recent market correction, I invite our resident investment specialist, Terry Tran, back to the Profitable Farmer Podcast. As always, it is great to connect with Terry and, importantly, understand: what’s happening in the equities markets at present; how best to navigate a current market correction; what’s driving this, political pressures from major global players; and how to make the most of the opportunities presented. As leaders, business owners, investors and exporters, it is important to take a global perspective and understand the new dynamics at play. From Ukraine & Russia to Taiwan, China & the USA, increasing interest rates, inflation, currency and COVID, as always, Terry, it is so valuable to get your insight across all things impacting the investm

Succession is often described as a complex, challenging, confronting, highly emotional and intense process.   At its worst, succession can tear families apart, damage relationships and be the demise of significant farming dynasties. We have all seen this.   In this podcast, I interview succession specialist and ProAgtive Co-Founder Isobel Knight, for another look at this important topic.   “Done well, and applying sound business management fundamentals, succession can be a very positive and creative problem-solving process… one that creates very real and significant opportunities for all involved.”   This is how succession should be.   Over the past 18 years, I have always admired Isobel and the quiet determination she has extended in making a difference for Australian farming families around succession.   I love Isobel’s perspective on succession and how she reminds us to focus on the future and create new opportunities for all involved - finding a way to be respectful, empathetic and grateful in how we arri

Growing up, like most kids, I had three heroes: Mel Gibson, Greg Norman, and Phil Kearns.   All Aussies. All champions in their own way in their chosen field.   To celebrate our 100th Profitable Farmer Podcast episode, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Wallaby great Phil Kearns (OAM).   Phil is without question one of Australia’s greatest ever Rugby Union players. With 67 tests as #2 for the Australian Wallabies,10 as Captain and 73 games for the NSW Waratahs, Phil was a key contributor to 3 successful Rugby World Cup campaigns, including the memorable 1991 and 1999 victories over England and New Zealand, respectively.   Beyond Rugby, Phil is a thoughtful, composed and genuine leader. A true gentleman of sport, business and philanthropy.   I was lucky enough to meet Phil recently when he opened the new clubhouse at the local Cootamundra Rugby grounds. The time he openly shared with my family, the kids of the Club and their families was incredible.   His passion for Australian Rugby, grass-roots footy,

Eight years ago, Farm Owners Academy (FOA) was just an idea shared by two incredible visionaries, Greg & Deb Johnsson.   Six months later, and following some time with Business Coach Andrew Roberts, the business we see and cherish today was born.   And the rest, as they say, is history.   As this is our 99th Profitable Farmer Podcast, I thought it appropriate to reflect on this journey with FOA Co-Founders Greg Johnsson & Andrew Roberts.   From that initial idea, now to an incredible community of over 500 farm businesses progressing through our various programs and a team of 20 dedicated business coaches and highly professional support personnel, the FOA Story is one worthy of sharing.   As a team and community, we can all be proud of what we have together created. I personally feel this project will make an impact of significance on our industry, as it has for the hundreds of farming families who have already completed our various programs.   I’d like to dedicate this interview to Greg, Deb and Robbo

Let me be straight for a moment.   Many of us are making tax ‘minimisation’ decisions at tax time that constrict our growth.   Many of us are expecting more of our Accountants than they are equipped to offer.   Finally, many of us do not have the people around us that can truly support our professional and business advancement.   These three things, especially at tax time, can be costing us a fortune.   In this episode, I welcome farm finance specialist Jeff McDonald, Executive Director at RLS Agribusiness, back to the show. I also speak with two FOA Platinum Mastermind graduates and leading farm financial controllers, Emma Strong and Mel Crockett. They share how investing in their financial development has forever changed their farm business performance.   In this important conversation, we explore:   how Super, FMD’s and spending money at tax time can, in fact, impede your progress; how to turning a profit and paying tax is a good thing (that should be celebrated); how as farm owners, WE need to TAKE RESPON

It is always a pleasure to catch up, shoot the breeze and reflect on all things finance, farming and family with Tony Catt, Director at Catapult Wealth.   Tony and the team at Catapult Wealth specialise in accounting, wealth creation and succession planning for Australian farming families. As one of FOA’s referral partners AND as our resident succession planning specialist, we recommend Tony and his team highly.   In this podcast, Tony and I take the opportunity to re-connect and reflect on a range of important topics impacting farming families, including:   the current state of our economy, interest rate expectations & inflation, property prices & land value, financing, funding & the banks, professionalism in farming, families in farming, and Tony’s latest thoughts & insights on navigating succession in this new climate.   Tony is a rare and engaging individual with a deep passion for helping farming families create wealth and thrive!   It’s always a lot of fun and incredibly insightful shar

For a vision to be compelling AND create meaningful change, it has to enrol and inspire. Well-designed, a compelling vision can align people from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds, varying persuasions, and even competing preferences. To me, it seems that for Australian Agriculture, this has been achieved thanks to Tony Mahar and the National Farmers Federation (NFF). In 2018, NFF sought to prepare a shared vision for Australian Agriculture. A sixth-month consultation process with the industry, some deep thinking, a host of critical conversations and input from key players, and a supporting roadmap to 2030 was born. Within it, an overview of important mega-trends to impact us all, five pillars to focus their effort, and a shortlist of major projects to initiate and impact. NFF’s 2030 Vision and Roadmap can be found by clicking here. I speak with Tony Mahar, CEO of National Farmers Federation in this podcast. We explore what is unique about the economic climate of today and the vision and roadmap t

You will have heard me say this before: Time is our greatest asset.   So many of us feel SO BUSY. We operate in CHAOS. We are REACTIVE rather than proactive.   There is just not enough time in the day!   Putting it simply, I believe that farmers (as a rule) DO NOT VALUE THEIR TIME.   So many of us are STUCK in our business - ‘saving a wage’ by doing the LOW-VALUE tasks on our farm. And this is ‘costing us a fortune.’   In this podcast, I speak with two of the most professional and highly effective individuals I know – FOA’s General Manager, Sam Johnsson and FOA’s Business & Administration Manager, Michaela Malicki.   In this podcast, we explore how they manage their time and the tips & tactics they recommend to help you become more effective. We discuss email management, diary management, scheduling, planning, to-do lists, meeting management and quarterly planning.   In life, no one (necessarily) has any more time than anyone else. We all experience time the same way.   The key to TAKING CONTROL and b

Once again, we are reminded that no two seasons are the same.   Distinct from prior seasons, we find ourselves in a new business environment where, like diesel prices, the cost of many farm inputs has increased by 30% plus.   The result of COVID and fuel prices on freight, combined with the Russia - Ukraine conflict, we may be looking at a situation where some inputs are in short supply at the farm gate.   In this podcast, and on the back of a local meeting with a buying group I am part of, I invite local Cootamundra Nutrien Branch Manager, Timothy Callan, to join Greg Johnsson and me to discuss this issue.   In this, we explore: what Nutrien are seeing in terms of input pricing and availability; what is causing these issues; where the problems are (Urea in particular); what is the outlook for this, and how long might it last; and what to do about it.   In addition, I ask FOA Co-Founder Greg Johnsson to discuss: the mindset we need to have around this; the need to keep perspective and see the whole picture w

Let’s be real for a moment; business ownership is one of the world's toughest assignments. Even more so is farm business ownership, with its numerous complexities and subtleties. At the same time, business ownership AND farming can be very lonely places.   In our roles on-farm, and as we all know, we have “ups and downs”.   And so, my question is:   who do you have in your corner?   … who do you have around you helping you be at your best? … who do you call on to ensure you are resilient, confident and competent?   Engaging a psychologist was a turning point for me - one of the greatest choices and changes I have made. Truly a life-or-death decision. A very real ‘sliding doors moment’ for me.   As a result of my decision to seek professional help and get my head right, my life now is beyond my wildest dreams.   Given this, it gives me great pleasure to welcome Dr Dave Anthony to our podcast.   Dave is a registered psychologist with an impressive list of qualifications, affiliations and experience under his

Once again, our world has taken a surprising and unprecedented turn - on the back of fires, COVID, floods… and now war.    After a period of economic expansion and optimism, we now find ourselves experiencing a global shift to the market we operate in.    To explain and explore this highly significant shift, I am delighted to welcome back our resident investment specialist Terry Tran, founder of The Freedom Trader.    In this episode, we explore the likely combined impacts of: inflation, interest rates, recent government stimulus, gross indebtedness, corporate earnings activities, and the liquidity cycle.   Importantly, and as Terry does so well, we unpack what this means for you as an investor in the stock market. How to be proactive in reviewing and re-shaping your off-farm investment portfolio, and how to position yourself to take advantage of the very real opportunities that now present.    For those wanting more in-depth insight and training on this topic, as well as strategies for crea

In this Podcast, I am delighted to interview my good friend and FOA Business Coach Sam Pincott, sharing with you the story of Holbrook Paddock Eggs.   With so many emerging businesses, especially those that dare to be different, we face a multitude of headwinds, challenges and even criticism. In their careers, Sam and his wife Prue have faced their fair share of all of these. I have genuinely admired the true commitment, determination and persistence they have shown over their 13-year journey.   It is an absolute credit to them to now see their business is really hitting its straps. With a dedicated and loyal team, a strong brand and client base, a scalable business model supported by strong systems, Holbrook Paddock Eggs is now firmly placed as a great example of the ‘paddock to plate’ concept we so often hear about.   With over 15,000 free-range chooks and leading a team of 10, Sam and Prue are a great example of a farming family who have dared to be different while remaining true to their values and

Some important constructs that have changed my life:  “A business will never out-grow its owner”; “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you’ve always got”; “For things to change, FIRST I must change”; “The hardest part to learning is letting go of what you think you know”; “Thoughts are things, and it is in taking control of our mind, that personal transformation can occur”; and “Work harder on yourself, than you do on your ‘JOB’”  This morning I arrive back to my farm and office, having had a week away, at a resort on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, hosting both our 2 Day TOP Producers Workshop, and then one of FOA’s Deep Dive Conferences with over 300 of our Platinum Mastermind Members.    What an event! What an incredible community. What a life-changing experience for so many farming families.    To see so many farm owners so completely engaged, so committed to their own growth, and so open to personal development and a focus on mindset mastery, was incredible.    To all o