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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.

Episode 50: You are not your farm with Jack Owen

In this insightful episode, Jack Owen, a farmer and author, shares his unique journey from the fields to the world of self-improvement literature. Jack brings a fresh perspective to the agricultural sector, focusing on the often-overlooked aspects of personal growth and well-being in farming.
Jack discusses the critical importance of vulnerability, purpose, and gratitude in the farming industry, highlighting how these elements can lead to a more fulfilling and successful farming life. He underscores the significance of networking, continuous learning, and embracing innovation, urging farmers to focus on personal development alongside their professional endeavours.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of self-awareness and balance in farming. The conversation covers essential topics such as finding balance between hustle and self-care, and the need for a growth mindset in farming.
Tune in to learn from Jack Owen's transformative perspectives and discover practical advice on embracing vulnerability, fostering a growth mindset, and achieving personal fulfilment alongside professional success in your farming journey.

Epiosde 49: Smart risk taking in the Australian farming game with Eric Nankivell

In this insightful episode, Eric Nankivell, an experienced farm consultant, shares his journey in the agricultural sector and the unique challenges and opportunities of farming across Australia. 
Eric discusses the critical role of consultants and advisors in the farming industry, highlighting how they provide validation and support for better decision-making. He underscores the significance of incremental improvements in profit and cost reduction, urging farmers to focus on increasing income and profitability through informed and strategic decisions.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of understanding all components of a farm business. Eric explains how analysing income, yield, and cost structures can uncover opportunities for improvement. The conversation covers essential topics such as benchmarking, managing increasing costs, and the need for strategic business management in farming.
Tune in to learn from Eric Nankivell's extensive experience and discover practical advice on balancing costs, making strategic decisions, and tracking key performance metrics to enhance your farming operations.

Episode 48: Data driven farm management with Justin Webb from AgriWebb

Join us as we sit down with Justin Webb to learn about his journey from the world of hedge funds to the fields of agritech. In this episode, Justin shares his fascinating transition from a high-flying career in finance, including stints at Harvard and Oxford, to embracing his family's farming legacy in Australia.
Discover how his data-driven mindset and passion for technology led to the creation of AgriWebb, a pioneering platform that empowers farmers to make informed, impactful decisions.
Learn about the historical parallels of technological advancements in agriculture and the critical role of data in today's farming practices. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, an agritech enthusiast, or simply interested in innovative solutions, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of farming.
Gain a deeper understanding of how data and technology can enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability in agriculture, and be inspired by Justin Webb’s journey of turning a personal challenge into a global mission to advance the agricultural sector.
Tune in to learn more about the intersection of finance and farming, the power of data-driven decisions, and the future of agriculture as seen through the eyes of a visionary entrepreneur.

Episode 47: Don't be a price taker this season with Nathan Cattle from Clear Grain Exchange

Join us for a deep dive into the world of grain markets with Nathan Cattle, a seasoned expert and manager at Clear Grain Exchange. Nathan shares invaluable insights into the intricacies of the grain industry, focusing on pricing strategies, market dynamics, and the evolving role of growers in shaping market trends.Throughout the conversation, Nathan emphasises the importance of growers taking control of their pricing strategies and actively engaging in the market. He discusses the significance of researching market information sources to understand pricing dynamics and shares practical advice on how growers can participate in price discovery.
Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of current market conditions, including factors such as planting expectations, global supply, and demand dynamics. Nathan delves into the impact of market sentiment on prices and the challenges growers face in managing risk amidst market fluctuations.The discussion also addresses common myths in the industry, such as the perception of growers as "price takers," highlighting the collaborative nature of pricing determination and risk management within the grain market ecosystem.
Beyond the professional realm, Nathan provides insights into his personal life, discussing the importance of work-life balance and family priorities while managing a successful business.
Whether you're a seasoned industry professional or an enthusiast eager to learn about grain market intricacies, this podcast episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical wisdom from Nathan Cattle's extensive experience in the grain industry.

Episode 46: Episode replay – Power of budgets with Natalie Egerton-Warburton

In this episode, David and Natalie Egerton-Warburton, joint-CEOs of Agrimaster, discuss the vital role budgets play in maintaining healthy cash flow and achieving financial goals. As we near the end of the financial year, they highlight key strategies for creating and managing budgets, emphasising the importance of planning and foresight. Drawing from their extensive experience in financial management, David and Natalie share invaluable tips on managing cash flow and creating effective budgets. This episode serves as a timely reminder of the power of budgeting in ensuring the sustainability and growth of your business. We delve into the critical role of budgeting during challenging times, specifically focusing on managing finances during a low rainfall season in Western Australia. With the delayed rainfall impacting crop and livestock farming this year, financial resilience is more crucial than ever.