GRDC in Conversation: James Hillcoat
From GRDC Podcast by Grains Research and Development Corporation
May 5, 2026 · 54 min
About this episode
James Hillcoat discusses the dynamics of high-performing farm businesses and the role of communication and emotion in family enterprises.
James Hillcoat didn’t grow up on a farm. His journey began cycling five miles to a Lincolnshire farm in England, evolved through painting houses and teaching sailing in France, and eventually led him to Australian grain consulting via Marcus Oldham. Today, as a Partner at Pinion Advisory, his work sits at the intersection of profit, people and perspective. In this conversation, James shares what truly drives high-performing farm businesses, why communication is the hidden lever in family enterprises, and how emotion, succession and robotics will shape the next era of Australian grain. This episode explores: ● What separates the top 20% of grain businesses ● Why technical skill is only 30% of modern consulting ● Emotion in family farming – and how to harness it productively ● Lessons from the Country Fire Service on leadership under pressure ● The succession challenge facing Australian agriculture ● What “Consultant 3.0” looks like Watch this episode as a video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bdIpp-iCacE Watch highlights from this episode as a video on YouTube: More information James Hillocat, Pinion Advisory: https://www.pinionadvisory.com/…
People in this episode
Guest: James Hillcoat
Topics covered
- grain consulting
- family enterprises
- high-performing farm businesses
- leadership
- succession in agriculture
- emotional intelligence
- robotics in farming
Keywords
- grain consulting
- family farming
- leadership
- succession
- robotics
- agriculture
- high performance
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Pinion Advisory, Marcus Oldham, Country Fire Service, Grains Research and Development Corporation
Places: Lincolnshire, Australia, France
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