Boots Off Log On!™

Episode 60: Episode replay – What you need to know about grain marketing with Ten Tigers

In this episode replay, we speak to Chris Tonkin about all things grain marketing.
Chris grew up on the family farm at Coomberdale in the wheatbelt of Western Australia. He’s been immersed in the grains industry since 1995 and has held numerous roles in research, extension, sales, marketing, and consultancy. With a deep knowledge and passion for the grains industry and a solid reputation for working for farmers, Tonks founded Ten Tigers in 2004 as a dedicated grain marketing advisory business.
We unpack the complexity of the global grain trade and how this can affect the prices you receive, how to put together a good grain marketing strategy, why you should account for basis in your cash flow budget, the important interaction between your cash flow budgeting, tax strategy and how changing global conditions and government foreign policy can directly affect your price.
Chris talks about removing emotion from your grain marketing strategy and how to use it to underpin your short-term cost of production and long-term debt.  
We also cover some important do's and don'ts of grain marketing and why the whole family must be part of the grain marketing strategy.
If you are a grain grower or in the grains industry, this conversation is for you. Hope you enjoy it.

Episode 59: Hope is not a winning strategy – The AgriCoach Podcast reshare

In this episode, our joint CEO, David Egerton-Warburton, sits down in the guest chair for a change with Ben Law from the AgriCoach podcast and dives into why bookkeeping is your greatest ally.
David shares his journey from farming in Western Australia to the early days of Agrimaster. Our chats go into why many producers tend to avoid their bookkeeping and only do it for tax purposes. We dive into how and why they need to change their mindset. We also get into demystifying the difference between budgets and financial models and reveal what top producers do differently to manage their businesses effectively. Plus, David outlines the key habits every producer should adopt to succeed.
The difference between those who succeed and those who do not lies in their habits, not aspirations.
Join us as we break down how you can elevate your agricultural business and build strong financial habits today!

Episode 58: Fifty years of farm business knowledge with Lachlan Polkinghorne

Join us as we dive into the world of farm business management with Lachlan Polkinghorne, a respected farm management advisor with a career spanning over three decades. From his roots on a family farm to his role as Director of Farm Business Management at Marcus Oldham College, Lachlan has become a trusted advisor to both corporate and family farming businesses across Australia.
In this episode, Lachlan shares his journey and reflects on the cultural differences in farming between low and high rainfall regions. We discuss the evolving challenges farmers face, the changing landscape of consulting practices, and the critical skills of resilience and adaptability.
Lachlan also offers a candid perspective on farm succession, unpacking the complexities and hurdles unique to family farming. He emphasises the significance of leadership, mentorship, and knowledge transfer in ensuring the future success of farming businesses.
Tune in to explore his story and gain valuable takeaways for navigating the ever-changing world of farming.

Episode 57: Is growing Australian coffee right for you? With Jos Webber and David Peasley

In this episode of Boots Off Log On!, we’re excited to welcome two special guests, farmers Jos Webber and David Peasley. They share their firsthand experiences of cultivating coffee in Australia, taking us through the unique challenges and rewards of the industry. Based in New South Wales, Jos and David offer insights into their journey of building a reputation for Aussie-grown coffee.
They also introduce us to the Australian Coffee Growers' Manual, a guide they created to help other growers—new and experienced alike—learn the ropes of coffee farming. With practical advice on everything from picking the best location to keeping pests in check, their manual aims to make coffee farming easier and more successful.
Throughout the conversation, Jos and David open up about what sets Australian coffee apart and its distinctive qualities. They also discuss the potential for this industry to expand and become a part of the Australian agricultural landscape. Tune in for a fascinating look at how innovation and determination are driving the Australian coffee industry forward.

Episode 56: Incorporating active honey production on your farm with Damian Green

Step into the fascinating world of beekeeping and sustainable agriculture with Damian Green, founder of Bee Central, in this episode of Boots Off Log On! Damian shares his journey from bee enthusiast to visionary leader, founding Bee Central to partner with farmers and repurpose unused land by planting tea trees, which help bees produce premium activated medicinal honey.
With bees responsible for pollinating 40% of the food we eat, Damian underscores just how vital bees are—not only to agriculture but also to humanity’s survival. He discusses their indispensable role in Australian agriculture, enhancing pollination and bolstering food production, and educates listeners on the unique properties of activated honey.
Throughout the episode, Damian also discusses the pressing issues facing the bee industry, from biosecurity threats to the need for community action to preserve bee populations. He emphasises the importance of education and public involvement in supporting bee health and sustainability.
Whether you’re interested in agriculture, environmental sustainability, or the marvels of bees, this episode provides inspiring insights into how Bee Central’s work enhances land use and contributes to the future of sustainable agriculture through the production of high-quality honey.

Episode 55: The farming game with Bill Malcolm

In this episode, we are joined by Professor Bill Malcolm, a longstanding leader in Australian agricultural economics and education, and Professor at The University of Melbourne. Since the 1980s, Bill has played a pivotal role in shaping farm management thinking across the industry.
Bill is also co-author of the widely recognised textbook 'The Farming Game', which has become an essential resource for agribusiness students all across Australia.
During our discussion, Bill shares his insights on navigating the unpredictable nature of farm planning, making informed risk management decisions, and understanding the evolving landscape of carbon farming. He also touches on the fast-changing dynamics that farmers encounter today.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Bill’s approach to farm management, developed through decades of experience, and how these strategies can help address the ongoing challenges of modern agriculture. Tune in to explore Bill’s perspective on driving farm success.

Episode 54: Cultivating a positive money mindset for farmers with Hayley Grosser

In this episode, we’re joined by Hayley Grosser from The Abundant Farmer, a money coach with a passion for helping farmers take control of their finances. Hayley shares her journey to becoming a money coach and highlights the financial gaps she discovered in her own farming business.
The conversation delves into the importance of building a positive relationship with money, with Hayley explaining how budgeting and cash flow planning can be powerful tools for better resource management and outcomes. She also stresses the value of approaching financial decisions with a mindset of possibility, rather than letting emotions dictate actions.
Hayley underscores the need for farmers to treat farming as a business, making strategic financial decisions and viewing money as a tool to drive success. The episode also touches on the challenges of generational succession, with Hayley advocating for open communication and understanding between generations to better manage farm finances.
Tune in for practical insights on how to cultivate strong financial habits and take a proactive approach to managing your farm’s finances.

Episode 53: Lab grown meat with George Peppou

In this episode, George Peppou, co-founder and CEO of Vow, shares how his innovative food tech startup is transforming the future of meat production. With a background as both a scientist and former chef, George explains the cutting-edge process behind producing cultured meat and its potential to meet growing global food demands.
He explores the science behind cultivating animal cells, how Vow’s products are designed to offer unique sensory experiences, and the promising future of sustainable food production. George also explains how Vow is working alongside traditional meat sources to create a more balanced food system.
Tune in to explore the exciting world of cultured meat and the possibilities it holds for the future of food.

Episode 52: Sustainability and profitability in the beef supply chain with Ben Dwyer

In this episode, Ben Dwyer from Harvest Road Group shares his insights on balancing sustainability and profitability in the beef supply chain. With years of experience in livestock production, Ben delves into the strategies that successful producers are embracing to optimise both environmental and financial outcomes.
Key topics include the challenges of managing livestock in Australia's unique environment, the importance of animal welfare for both ethical and economic reasons, and how producers can adapt their operations to achieve better outcomes for their animals, their business, and the planet.
Tune in for practical insights on how to align sustainability with profitability in livestock production.

Episode 51: Breaking the 3 generation curse with Ben Law

In this episode, Ben Law from AgriCoach shares his extensive experience in wealth and succession planning for farming families. With over 20 years of advising rural producers, Ben offers a deep dive into the strategies and processes essential for effective farm financial management.
The discussion reveals that while wealth can create opportunities, it also brings its own set of challenges. Ben addresses the "three generation curse" and emphasises the importance of proactive wealth management to avoid common pitfalls. The conversation explores how farmers can look beyond immediate farm operations to focus on long-term family wealth, tackling succession and wealth transfer issues before they arise.
Key topics include the impact of communication breakdowns, the importance of preparing the next generation, and the need for a unified strategic plan to ensure successful transitions. Ben also highlights the crucial role of family values and leadership in navigating these complex issues.
Tune in to gain practical insights and actionable advice on managing wealth and succession for your farming business.