Profitable Farmer

# 171 - The Value Of Getting Away From Your Farm For Inspiration And Clarity – lessons from a recent FOA client conference

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

# 170 - How Demographics Can Shape Smarter Farm Decisions with Simon Kuestenmacher

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 

# 169 - Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Care — A Real Talk on Farm Safety with Rebecca Fing

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 

# 168 - A Shout-Out to the Great Work of Agri-Entrepreneurs - The Wayne Perkinz Story

 
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
 

# 167 - Enrolling the next generation - the McArthur Family Story

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

# 166 - The TOP Producers Workshop: 10 Years In The Making

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 

# 165 - Tariffs, Turbulence & Tough Decisions: How Farmers and Investors Can Navigate Economic Uncertainty

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!

# 164 - Work Harder On Yourself Than You Do In Your Business

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 

# 163 - Is your greatest opportunity buried inside your toughest season? with Jeff McDonald, RLS Agribusiness

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.

# 162 - Vital Leadership Lessons Learned on the Battlefield - with Paul Ainsworth, Lincoln Institute

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