Profitable Farmer

# 63 - A helicopter view of the current grain market

A mate of mine described Brett Stevenson as ‘a legend in our industry’.In 1996, Brett founded Market Check, now Australia’s most highly respected and widely used independent grain marketing company for Australian farmers. Having navigated 3 years of very challenging seasons, like many farming families, Market Check is now a growing team of 15+ representatives supporting a client base of over 1,000 farming families – equally one of Australia’s real recent success stories.In this interview with Brett, we get his helicopter view of how harvest is unfolding across Australia; what prices have done and will do; the impact of China at this time; his view on global grain production this year; and what all that might mean for farming families this year and into the new season.With a successful career as Founder & Managing Director to Market Check, Brett is sharing his reflections and some valuable insights on his last 25 years in building that national & independent business and team, and how they have navigated the volatility and vagaries of domestic and global commodity markets.Resilience personified. Business and life.In 2010, Brett’s life changed forever, when on a beach family holiday, he dived into the ocean and broke his neck. Brett is generous enough to share his personal story of overcoming that significant adversity, and how perhaps that challenge has played its part in underpinning his life and business over the last decade.Some valuable business insights, and a wonderful discussion, with a modest and very impressive Australian Business Leader. Brett, I thank you for your time.  To find out more about Market Check, visit their website: www.marketcheck.com.auSincerely,JeremyPS - tickets for our TOP Producers Workshops next year are filling up fast! Secure yours now by clicking here: TOP Producers Program 2-Day Workshop

# 62 - Because it costs nothing to dream!

Hi [First Name],12 years ago, as I hung my shingle as the first business coach in regional Australia, Danny Russell, then a 28-year-old budding entrepreneur with a small cleaning company knocks on my door to tell me he is going to be my first client!…and the rest is history.A cracking entrepreneur and now emerging property developer, Danny & his wife Jill, have become life-long friends and truly inspirational peers and mentors to both Jane & I.In this episode, Danny and I discuss:
the humblest of beginnings
a global search
finding family
valuing the little things
being grateful for what we have
nailing entrepreneurship
being resilient and stating the course
fearlessness & being courageous
playing the long game
leadership
making a difference - to your team and to the community you serve
During our business coaching journey together, Danny has taught me so much more than I have him… of that I am sure.For me, he is the most inspirational ‘cleaner’ in Australia.Simply put, Danny Russell is a wonderful human, making a difference through business. It gives me great pleasure to share Danny’s story and link it back to leadership lessons for farming families.Thank you all once again and enjoy. Sincerely,JeremyPS - tickets for our TOP Producers Workshops next year are filling up fast! Secure yours now by clicking here: TOP Producers Program 2-Day Workshop

# 61 - A new spin on leadership and driving efficiency

Leadership according to one of the all-time greats…In this podcast, I share some of the most compelling business leadership training I have ever learned. Several years ago (and 7 times since!), I attended an incredible Entrepreneurial Training Program called ‘Money & You’.It was here that I was first introduced to W. Edward Deming.  Deming was once the revered global authority on driving efficiency and quality in business.Many of the greatest companies in the world today are underpinned by Deming Leadership Principles.If these Leadership Principles are good enough for big-players like Toyota, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Ford and Gillette, then perhaps they are equally relevant for our family farming businesses?They certainly underpin the key principles we now teach at Farm Owners Academy, and I will welcome your feedback on the key points I cover.So join me on this episode as I reveal a different spin on leadership, and perhaps a new place to focus, as you embark on truly scaling your farm business over time.Enjoy!Jeremy
PS -  Know of someone worth interviewing? This podcast is all about uncovering the very best business principles to support success and growth in your farm business. Please email us at support@farmownersacademy.com if you have success stories in your network who you think would be great for Jeremy to interview. Thank you!

# 60 - Everything Will Be OK

Hello and welcome to our 60th episode!WOW! We are so proud to reach this milestone in the Profitable Farmer journey. 
 
Over the past 3 years, the previous 59 Profitable Farmer episodes have been downloaded over 151,000 times and we have steadily built up a loyal fanbase and thousands of subscribers.  The topics we discuss each fortnight are even appealing to listeners outside of agriculture, which is surprising and reaffirming all at once.Thank you for the support, feedback and reviews you have provided along the way.
 
As the traditional gift given to celebrate a 60th anniversary is diamond, we have lined up a true Aussie diamond to commemorate this milestone.
 
In this special edition podcast, we are joined by self-proclaimed “ordinary Aussie”, this man is grounded, humble, and a true gent… Michael Crossland.Michael has lived a life full of adversity, pain and suffering yet is one of the most positive people I have ever encountered.
 
In today’s episode, Michael shares his unbelievable story from surviving a rare form of aggressive, life-threatening cancer as a child and spending a quarter of his life in hospital to becoming a professional sportsman, businessman, one the most in-demand and highly respected speakers in Australia, and now a number 1 bestselling author across 6 different countries.
 
Despite repeatedly being told what he would never be able to do, Michael continues to defy the odds and show the world absolutely everything that he can accomplish.
 
Michael’s raw story will bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your heart as he discusses the keys to success, the importance of embracing change and the mindset needed to achieve your goals. Once you hear him speak, you will have a renewed perspective on life (and you’ll discover that you have little to complain about ever again).
 
If you would like to find out more about Michael Crossland, or purchase his new book ‘Everything Will Be OK’ please visit: https://michaelcrossland.com/
 
We hope you enjoy this podcast as much as our Platinum Mastermind members enjoyed Michael’s key-note at a recent Deep Dive.  It is nothing short of electrifying – be prepared for goosebumps! 
 
‘When you become a diamond, you’ll see why life had to pressure you’
 
Enjoy.
Sincerely,
Jeremy
 
PS – We have just 6 spaces remaining in our Platinum Mastermind Program this year! Applications will close on 31st October or when these last 6 spots are filled.
 
To learn more, go to https://www.farmownersacademy.com/platinum-mastermind/

# 59 - The Women of FOA

In the second of this important two-part series, I interview another small group of Farm Owners Academy Platinum Mastermind Members.
This time the wonderful Women of FOA....
Across our community there are some incredible transformations occurring, and some incredible results being achieved – be they financial, on-farm, in-family or individually.
It truly is a unique, positive, supportive and completely dedicated community of over 120 like-minded, growth-oriented farming families, each intently committed to an intensive 3-year business & personal development journey, and on making more money, building better businesses, stronger teams and achieving more fulfilment in their families and lives.
In this podcast interview, I speak with Carissa Schneider, Marion Drew and Shaana Williams and ask them to share:
their wins,
their challenges,
the results they’re getting,
what they like most,
what they value most, and
why they joined in the first-place.
As we invite just 12 more farming families to join our Platinum Mastermind Program this year, I felt it timely and valuable for you to hear straight from the horse’s mouth what our Members are valuing and achieving from their significant time and money investment within the Platinum Mastermind Program.
Applications close on 31st October or when the remaining spaces are filled.  At the time of publishing this episode, there are only 12 spots left.
To learn more, go to:https://www.farmownersacademy.com/platinum-mastermind/
To hear more case studies, go to:https://www.farmownersacademy.com/reviews/
To any listeners wanting to level-up, we welcome your application before 31st October.
I hope you enjoy these discussions.
Sincerely,Jeremy

# 58 - The Men of FOA

In an important two-part series, I interview two small groups of Farm Owners Academy Platinum Mastermind Members.
 
Firstly, the Men of FOA, and then the Women of FOA.
 
Across our community there are some incredible transformations occurring, and some incredible results being achieved – be they financial, on-farm, in-family or individually.
 
It truly is a unique, positive, supportive and completely dedicated community of over 120 like-minded, growth-oriented farming families, each intently committed to an intensive 3-year business & personal development journey, and on making more money, building better businesses, stronger teams and achieving more fulfilment in their families and lives.
 
In this first podcast interview, I speak with Nick Cook, Ben Taylor and Mark Carter and ask them to share:
their wins,
their challenges,
the results they’re getting,
what they like most,
what they value most, and
why they joined in the first-place.
 
As we invite just 25 more farming families to join our Platinum Mastermind Program this year, I felt it timely and valuable for you to hear straight from the horse’s mouth what our Members are valuing and achieving from their significant time and money investment within the Platinum Mastermind Program. 
 
Applications close on 31st October or when the remaining spaces are filled.
 
To learn more, go to https://www.farmownersacademy.com/platinum-mastermind/
 
To hear more case studies, go to https://www.farmownersacademy.com/reviews/
 
To any listeners wanting to level-up, we welcome your application before 31st October.
 
And… on a promise to Nick Cook: a massive shout-out and endorsement to Kingsway Welding for their incredible Agri - innovation – I recommend these guys highly!
 
 
Celebrating a Kingsway-built FOA Sign and an example of Kingsway Welding world-class
I hope you enjoy these discussions.
 
Sincerely,
Jeremy
 

# 57 - Coaching Elite Business Teams for Results - James Kelly

How important is your language as a farmer?
 
And how important are your words in enrolling your family & team to achieve all you hope & dream of in your life?
 
Have you ever really stopped to think about it?
 
In this episode, I interview another great mate of mine, James Kelly.  ‘JK’ is Managing Director of Alchimie – a global management consulting and leadership training organisation.
 
Having worked in, coached and trained the pinnacle of leadership teams within some of the largest construction projects across Australia and oversees, he is more than qualified to speak about how each of us can better communicate as leaders.
 
What JK shares with us is equally applicable within our farming teams, just as much as it is at the highest levels of commerce.
 
In this interview, JK & I explore:
how to align teams to a common goal,
how to bring multiple families and businesses together,
what tangible things we need to do in order to make our future a reality, and
how to engage with our team deeply, and lead with conviction.
Importantly, we explore how to change our language as leaders, in order to inspire better outcomes, and the importance of accountability (and being coached!) in delivering an effective business result.
 
We also explore how the mind works, scientifically, and how we can train it to perform better under pressure and be more effective in truly connecting with our people.
 
For me, this has been one of the most enlightening podcasts I have recorded to date. The fact that this is with my best mate is a true privilege.
I hope you enjoy listening to this interview as much as I did creating it.
 
Sincerely,
Jeremy

# 56 - What does an ARROW & COMPANY CULTURE have in common?

Out of 10, how do you rate your company’s culture, and what do you do in order to enhance & optimise it?
Team and family culture is at the essence of how well our farming teams perform and achieve.
Team and family culture can be the thing that truly sets you apart as a business in both your area and market.
It’s ultimately an extension of you, and a legacy you can leave.
At the same time, culture is intangible, and as a result so often neglected in our own leadership.
In this podcast, we give you a taste of the type of training we provide to our clients as we take a sneak peek into our Take Control Program monthly business coaching session.  This month, we explored:
 
– what is team and family culture; 
– how good is your culture; 
– how do we rate it; 
– what are the 4 core strategies you can focus on to enhance it; and 
– what can be done to see you create a truly high-performing team and environment.
 
There are 4 core areas of business that can set the foundations for a great company and truly unique family and team culture.
You can download the handouts I refer to in this recording by clicking here.
 
I hope you enjoy this rare insight into our clients monthly training session and learn how to bring these ideas to life for you and your business.
Thank you!
Jeremy

# 55 - Mindfulness and it’s Place in Business Leadership

I used to think being a leader meant that I had to know it all, have all the answers, control every decision, and work the hardest. I used to think leadership was an ‘intellectual game’ and mindfulness had no place in business… or leadership… or success in most things for that matter.I certainly didn’t make any time for it…how wrong I was!  On my journey in business and leadership, I now understand that our mental health and strength is of the utmost importance. I appreciate that removing the busyness, being able to truly focus, quietening the mind and looking after my mental wellbeing and mindset is fundamental to being a composed, confident and successful leader.In this podcast, I interview FOA Business Coach and founder of the Soul Pleaser Program, Tracy Secombe who is an irrefutable authority on this topic. I am also joined by FOA Platinum Mastermind Member and founder of The Abundant Farmer, Hayley Grosser who is an equally capable mentor and educator in this space. Together, we discuss the importance of MINDFULNESS in farming and business leadership.To explore the topic of ‘mindfulness’ further, Tracy Secombe is launching a 7 Day Calmness Code Challenge on Wednesday 13th August 2020.This program is designed to give us all a head start in becoming mindful, and to help busy people feel calmer - to worry, stress and overthink less in their roles and in their lives.Tracy and her programs are highly recommended amongst the FOA community. For more information, and to register for Tracy’s 7 Day Calmness Code Challenge, please click here. For now, enjoy exploring the benefits of a more conscious approach to business and leadership, and all things mindfulness.
Kind Regards,
Jeremy

# 54: Pushing Yourself - The Mindset of the Elite with Ricky Dumigan

We all have 2 or 3 people who truly inspire us, for me Ricky Dumigan is one of those people.An incredibly disciplined, dedicated, and resilient high-performance specialist; Ricky has trained elite military teams, the highest echelons of rugby and sport and some of the most significant executive leadership teams in our country.He is passionate about what it takes to nurture and create true cohesion and alignment within elite teams, and he has a wonderful ability to condense that down into bite-size chunks for people to learn from and use.Equally, he has achieved some amazing life challenges, including running Kokoda, kayaking Sydney to Brisbane, running marathons and extensive remote leadership retreats.In all of his accomplishments, Ricky has established a determination and mindset that supports incredible achievement for himself as a human.It is with real pleasure that I introduce a very good friend of mine to you, where we chat about what it takes to be at your best and lead great teams.Enjoy!Kind Regards,
Jeremy