Profitable Farmer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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