Profitable Farmer

Podcast 117 - Are you Proactive or Reactive in Your Management?

So many farming families I meet feel completely REACTIVE in managing their farms. On so many levels, we often are left feeling like the business is running you, not you it. With all that is going on in a typical week, the long list of improvements to make, the complexities of programs and rotations, the changes of the season… for me, it is easy to see why so many arrive here.
 
One of my favourite quotes is from global personal performance expert Brian Tracy:
 
“We feel good about ourselves to the exact degree we feel in control of our lives.”
 
Three questions for you: 
Are you feeling reactive or proactive in your leadership?
Out of 10, how much control do you feel you have over the improvement of your plan?
Out of 10, how aligned are your family & team to a common goal and clear plan?
In this episode, I speak with Farm Owners Academy CEO Sam Johnsson. Sam commenced with us two years ago, following a highly successful corporate leadership career in a large design & engineering consultancy.
 
In this episode, we explore:
why people are feeling so reactive in their farms right now;
where staying this way can take us; and
the exact process we use and recommend to help people shift to proactive and take control. 
 
The power of a concise, agile and actionable STRATEGIC PLAN is key in helping farming families make the shift.
 
The Farm Owners Academy team recently met in the Barossa Valley for two days to reset our Strategic Plan. During our conversation, we share the process we went through, the same process we coach EVERY farm business that commits to our three-year Platinum Mastermind Program.
 
To download a copy of our 3 Page Planning Template - Click here.
 
To learn how to nail this - Click here.
 
To book a free Strategic Roadmap Call to get direct support specific to your business from a Farm Owners Academy Coach - Click here.
 
We care deeply about seeing farming families feeling aligned, in control, and working toward one clear, impactful plan.
 
Thank you, Sam, as always – you are a genius in this space.
 
Enjoy.
 
Hutch & Team

Episode 116 - Robotic Agriculture is now very much a reality

 
Technology can be pretty incredible. With its exponential advancement, there is no doubt we are on the cusp of unprecedented change on-farm and across our industry.
 
Our game is rapidly changing, allowing us to achieve much more with much less.
 
For me, our future is very exciting.
In this episode, I invite you to join me and an audience of 350 progressive, growth-oriented and passionate farmers at one of our Deep Dive conferences (usually exclusively for our Platinum Mastermind members).
 
In this, Matthew Prior (Managing Partner – Tenacious Ventures) and I interview the impressive CEO and Founder of SwarmFarm Robotics – Andrew Bate.
Based on-farm near Emerald in Queensland, Andrew and his family run a highly efficient, large-scale broad-acre cropping operation. In 2012, as a ‘side-hustle’ to their farm, SwarmFarm Robotics was created. Now, some 13 years later, this incredible Ag Tech business employs over 25 staff and is firmly placed as one of the pioneers and world leaders in Autonomous Vehicle platforms for Agriculture.Enjoy this interview, with questions coming from many of our Platinum Mastermind audience members throughout.Undoubtedly, Andrew Bate and his team are transforming how we think about how we farm. To frame up this interview, you can watch this short video (also shared within the podcast) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqfA-nlj29s&t=32sI encourage you to check out their website: www.swarmfarm.com and consider how their technology might have a place on your farm sometime soon!
Congratulations, Andrew and team, for your pioneering and for the contribution you make to our industry.
 
Wow.
 
Hutch & the FOA Team
 
When you’re ready to take the next step and work with us, here are three things you can do:
 
1. Subscribe to our ‘Profitable Farmer’ podcast 
This free audio podcast delivers ideas to help you run a great business, leading to more profit, control and freedom – Click here. 2. Join the Farm Owner Academy’s closed Facebook group ‘Profitable Farmer’ 
Our new Facebook community is where smart farm owners learn how to get more profit, control and freedom, and you can connect with like-minded farm owners – Click here to join
 
3. Work with us privately 
If you’d like our team to help you scale up your farming business or create a ‘freedom farm’ just email us at support@farmownersacademy.com and put “Private” in the subject line… tell me a little about your business and what you’d like to improve and I’ll send you the information you need to get started!

Episode 115 - Thinking like an Investor…

Throughout each year, I value the opportunity to invite our Investment Specialist Terry Tran to join us on Profitable Farmer.
 
With rising inflation, increasing interest rates, ongoing supply issues and softening commodity prices we are potentially entering a new agri-economic landscape, different from all we have experienced in recent years.
 
In this podcast we explore how Terry sees the investment landscape at this time. We discuss the important of being proactive and creating diversification with a strong, well-structured, risk-aware off-farm investment portfolio, especially on the back of strong on-farm results.
 
We discuss in detail Terry’s investment philosophy, his track-record, and how he helps hundreds of farmers and investors across Australia to learn important, value-based investment skills, then take control of their investment portfolios.
 
Importantly, we explore Robert Kiyasaki’s Cashflow Quadrant (from the book ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’) and how each of us can create more wealth with a move over-time from being Employed or Self-Employed to being leveraged and focused as Business Owners and Investors.
 
For those interested, Terry will be running an Investment Masterclass from 7:30pm on Wednesday 5th April, exclusively for our FOA Community.
 
You can register for this here: https://www.thefreedomtrader.com/farmownersacademy/
 
As Founder & CEO to his business Freedom Trader, Terry is a great example of how to create financial freedom and an incredible leveraged lifestyle through strategic investing. We recommend Terry & the Freedom Trader program highly, and encourage you to make this training a priority.
 
Thank you, and enjoy.
 
Hutch & the FOA Team

Episode 114 - Prioritising BEING WELL

It is so easy in this game to constantly put in massive hours, ensure everyone around you has what they need, and focus intently on getting the job done.
An extended finish, a challenging season and ALREADY the urgent requirement to get set to ‘go again’… I hear of many farming families feeling they must sacrifice their holiday plans to stay on top of production imperatives.
Right now, it is critical we stop, take stock, and be reminded of the importance of putting ourselves first.
Following a cracking session with Andrew Roberts last episode, I am delighted to invite Farm Owners Academy’s Director of Well-being and Mindset Specialist, Tracy Secombe, to once again join me on the Profitable Farmer Podcast.
In this episode, we explore:
what is well-being, and what are the key elements;
the importance of well-being for each of us;
how we can make this a priority, even in intently busy times; and
the significant impact this can have on your overall ability to function, lead and succeed.
We also discuss three valuable programs that support this:
Tracy’s People Pleaser to Soul Pleaser Program
Tracy’s 7-Day Calmness Code Challenge
Farm Owners Academy’s Take Control Program
We recommend these programs to you… highly.
Tracy, we are delighted to have your involvement with us expanded and taken the lead in supporting the overall well-being of our team, our members and our entire community.
I cannot think of a more perfect person to take on this role with us all. Thank you once again.
In putting ourselves first…
Enjoy.
Hutch & the FOA Team

Episode 113 - Invest in YOURSELF

So often in this game, we attend only the training put on by the R&D extension agencies or free events by our advisers.So often, we wait for a grant to become available before we commit to a course, or we focus on improving our skills ONLY when there is a subsidy or sponsorship toward the funding of it. My point is: So many farmers don’t invest enough in themselves!In this episode, Andrew ‘Robbo’ Roberts (Farm Owners Academy Co-Founder) & I re-connect and focus on the impact of making a significant investment in your own development. We reflect on how a commitment of $25,000 toward a business coaching certificate changed everything for each of us.In farming, we will buy flashy cars, new Utes and all the plant & equipment we might need, yet neglect one of the single best investments we can make!In this episode, Robbo & I explore the following:
the importance of investing in ourselves;
why people don’t do this and what this can mean;
why people can be closed to learning new concepts & principles;
why we seem to prefer to ‘defend what we know’;
the value of making this your priority; and
the results that can come in so doing.
We also talk about the TAKE CONTROL Program, why we created it, and the campaign we are running now for our 2023 intake. Information here for those interestedI am constantly so immensely impressed by the investment our Farm Owners Academy Members make in their own development - time & money. I respect just how committed they are to their own growth and improvement. The results they achieve truly speak for themselves.Make an investment of significance in your own growth this year - I promise, the rest will take care of itself!!In learning & growth …Hutch & the FOA Team

Episode 112 - Back yourself – the Farm Tender story

There are some genuinely impressive Australian stories of entrepreneurial success in our industry — true, unsung, modern examples of courage, initiative, determination and pioneering.
 
For me, Dwain Duxson and the Farm Tender story is one of those.
 
Founded in March 2012, Farm Tender is Australia’s pre-eminent online buying and selling marketplace for farmers and associated agricultural companies, facilitating sales of grain, hay, farm machinery and agricultural equipment.
 
With over 62,000 farming members, Farm Tender transacted sales of over 100 million in the 2022 calendar year, providing a valuable, efficient, dependable service to our industry.
 
Success like this doesn’t come easy. Achievement of this sort follows countless mistakes, multiple failures, immense effort and sheer determination.
 
From humble farm beginnings to real momentum in the online, two-sided marketplace space, Dwain and his team offer us inspiration as to what is possible when as business leaders, we see a small opportunity, commit completely and then determine personally to succeed no matter what.
 
My key takeaways from my time with Dwain:
 
back yourself on your ideas – perhaps playing it safe ‘isn’t it’
be willing to try, and fail, on multiple ideas until you find the one that will thrive
genuinely care for your people and look for the one-percenters that will support your culture
invest intently in your network, actively nurture relationships and build trust with people
be passionate about what you do, and be determined to stay the course.
 
 
For more information about Farm Tender and DelayPay CLICK HERE.
 
To register for Farm Tenders annual conference, ‘The Business of Farming’ in Bendigo on Friday 3rd, March, CLICK HERE.
 
Congratulations, Dwain, on all you have achieved. Well done on the service you provide to our industry and the genuine, high-quality way you deliver it.
 
Your story is one worthy of sharing – I just hope we have done it justice.
 
Hutch & the Farm Owners Academy Team

Episode 111 - Aligning Your Team To A Plan

We are excited to be kicking off our first podcast of 2023, we hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year break. May 2023 be your best year yet!
 
One of the great things about this time of year is friends dropping in on their holiday travels.
 
There truly is nothing like old friendships. Whilst visiting us, I am delighted to once again welcome great mate James Kelly to our podcast. As Managing Director to Alchimie Management Consulting, James and his team dedicate much of their focus to helping high-performing teams overcome communication challenges and aligning executive teams leading major construction and corporate projects.
 
The other great thing about this time of year, is the opportunity to reflect on the season just gone, and then dedicate real time to setting down the plan for the new year.
 
In this podcast, and over a coffee, he and I explore the importance of planning, and the keys to aligning a team to a common plan.
 
At FOA, we recommend getting off-site for ideally two full days, with a clear agenda, and all key decision-makers. We see this as a critical step in moving from reactive to proactive in your business leadership. This brings on-farm business teams together and on to the same page.
 
In this interview, James shares some compelling insights as to how he facilitates workshops designed to overcome relationship issues, help team members see a higher perspective, and re-align common goals.
 
There are so many insights here, especially for those working with that important on-farm blend of family and non-family teams.
 
Enjoy, and share with me your insights in our Profitable Farmer Facebook Group.
 
 
Sincerely,
 
Hutch

Episode 110 - Reflecting on our shared success

Business can be a very lonely place. Farming can be isolating.  Sometimes… no, often… we can feel like we are ‘going it alone’.  Our challenges, failings, and issues can feel unique to us.  In my experience, when you commit to joining a Mastermind Group, everything can change. There is much wisdom to call on from those around us, and we quickly realise we are not alone and our issues are not our own.  In a Mastermind, we get to surround ourselves with like-minded, growth-oriented peers. We get to stand on the sturdy shoulders of giants.  As we arrive at the end of 2022, it gives me great pleasure to reflect on the year that was with four incredible families and Platinum Mastermind Members.  In this episode, I invite Michael & Simone Hughes, James & Kylie Armstrong, Luke & Betty-Lou Haydon and Luke & Danielle Wiese to join me for a chat and to reflect on their journey with Farm Owners Academy so far.  Four great Australian families and four simple questions: 
Where were you, and where are you now? 
What have you achieved? 
What are you most proud of? 
How has the Farm Owners Academy community helped you?  
… and so many great lessons and incredible insights.  Simply, Business Coaching works. Accountability helps. Being part of a Mastermind Group can change everything.  We are proud of what our members achieve, and these members are no exception. Congratulations to you all.  Enjoy hearing this episode's stories and how being part of our program and community can genuinely help you thrive.  For those interested in commencing a journey with Farm Owners Academy in 2023, our TOP Producers Program 2-Day workshop is a great place to start. We highly recommend this to you.  This will be our last podcast for 2022. We will be back for more from January 15, 2023, after a well-earned break for our entire team.  Thank you all for being so loyal to our podcast. Thank you for all you do and for the contribution you each make to our industry and our rural communities.  All the best for the end of this season, for a wonderful Christmas and a rich and rewarding festive season. I hope Santa is kind to you.  Merry Christmas,From Hutch & the entire FOA Team

Episode 109 – A Season Like No Other

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 comments on what can help support us through times of challenge, how to keep a deep sense of personal strength and how to find positivity through periods of challenge.
 
Brett, thank you for your time and generosity. As always, an absolute pleasure.
 
All the best to you as we move into a harvest season like no other!Sincerely,
 
Hutch

Episode 108 - There is always a silver lining

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 did in the weeks and months that followed the fires that not only inspired him, but allowed them to recover and thrive.
 
Where Troy and Nette’s business Ashmore Rams is now, is incredible. Their mindset, determination, decision-making and their results speak for themselves. For more information on Ashmore Rams, Click Here.
 
I hope the insights shared in this episode on gratitude, perspective, calmness, kindness, planning, decision-making, and massive action offer some clarity and direction for all of you as we arrive at the end of a very unique season.
 
Troy & Nette remind me that there is always a silver lining and that ‘good’ things can come from the ‘bad’ if you stay the course and choose to own the situation we find ourselves in.
 
Thank you, Troy, Nette and Westy – an uplifting and important conversation.
 
Be kind, everyone, and let’s nail the end to this season!
 
Best,
 
Hutch