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Episode 27: Unveiling the complex world of Agtech with Sarah Nolet

In this podcast episode, Sarah Nolet sheds light on the topic of Agtech and its impact on the agricultural industry. She begins by discussing how Agtech has become a hot topic at farming events and in the farming media. However, she emphasizes that Agtech is not just limited to apps, IoT, and equipment for tractors, as it is a deep and complex field that is having an impact across the entire agricultural supply chain.As the Co-Founder and General Partner of Tenacious Ventures, a Venture Capital and Private Equity firm focused on Agritech, and the CEO of Agthentic, an advisory firm, Sarah has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this field. She debunks the myth that Agtech is only focused on the beginning and end of the supply chain and highlights that much of the action is in the middle of the supply chain.Sarah also discusses climate-focused Agritech, which is an increasingly important area of focus in the industry. She shares her vision of what a Digitally Native Agriculture looks like, which involves a fully integrated, tech-driven, and sustainable agricultural system.Finally, Sarah provides tips for farmers on evaluating Agtech for their businesses. She highlights the importance of understanding their specific needs and goals and how Agtech can help them achieve those goals. By doing so, farmers can make informed decisions about which Agtech solutions to invest in and which ones to avoid.This episode provides an insightful and comprehensive overview of Agtech and its impact on the agricultural industry. It is a must-listen for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

Episode 26: Farming beyond family - How to employ people successfully with Danielle McNamee

Welcome to our latest podcast episode, where we'll be addressing one of the biggest challenges facing farm businesses today: employing people. As farms grow bigger, they need more hands on deck, and many farmers are discovering that managing people is a very different skill set from managing a farm. In fact, good people management can mean the difference between success and failure for a farm business.In the next few episodes, we'll be tackling this issue head-on, covering everything from recruitment to HR management and OH&S. Our guest today is Danielle McNamee, the founder of Processworx, has been helping farm businesses manage this increasingly complex area of their business for over 10 years.In our conversation, we'll cover the essential aspects of employing people on a farm, including contracts, safety, duty of care, and correct payment practices. We'll also discuss how to identify and manage risks on the farm, the difference between contractors and employees, the importance of inductions, and the growing problem of fatigue and accidents.Danielle will also share how good HR and OH&S systems can attract and retain good staff in your farm business. If you're struggling with employee management or OH&S on your farm, or you just want to see if you're on the right track, then this conversation is for you.

Episode 25: Rejuvenating rural communities with Sam Marwood

Welcome to our latest podcast episode, where we have the pleasure of speaking with Sam Marwood, the co-founder of Cultivate Farms. Founded with his good friends Tim and Tegan Hicks, who share the same vision of “rejuvenating rural communities”. In this episode, we'll explore the innovative solutions Cultivate Farms offers to address the age-old problem of retiring farmers who want to retain ownership of their business while passing the reins to a younger generation of farmers.Cultivate Farms helps match retiring farmers who want to maintain ownership of their business with young, talented, and enthusiastic farm business managers. These managers do not own land yet but are interested in investing in farming and have long-term careers as farm managers. By offering a unique and ground-breaking solution to this issue, Cultivate Farms is revitalizing rural communities by nurturing a new generation of farmers.In a world where selling or leasing appears to be the only feasible option for aging farmers, Cultivate Farms has opened up a whole new realm of opportunities for aspiring farmers who never saw farm ownership as a realistic option before.Join us as Sam shares his fascinating insights into the future of farming, farm communities, and careers in agriculture. Whether you're an experienced farmer looking to pass on your legacy or a young, ambitious, and aspiring farmer seeking to make your mark in the world of agriculture, this conversation is bound to inspire you.

Episode 24: The Unbreakable Farmer with Warren Davies

Join us on this inspiring journey as we delve into the remarkable story of Warren Davies, also known as "The Unbreakable Farmer." Our conversation today centres on the critical topic of rural mental health, and Warren brings a unique perspective to this important issue.Warren's journey took a turn when the harsh realities of farming took a toll on his mental health, leading him to walk away from his passion. Despite facing an identity crisis and struggling to find his place in the world, Warren's unwavering resilience, persistence, and determination drove him to rebuild his life and career and created the foundation for what he teaches, preaches and lives today. Through his experiences, Warren now shares his story and imparts his skills to inspire others to overcome their challenges. One of the tools he shares is the "Unbreakable Wheel of Wellbeing," which emphasizes the importance of communication, connection, and seeking help. We can all benefit from these vital lessons, regardless of where we live.During our discussion, we explore key topics such as authentic leadership, mental health and wellbeing, building strong communities, and the importance of resilience, persistence, and determination in the face of adversity. Tune in to gain valuable insights and learn from Warren's remarkable journey of self-discovery and success. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn about rural mental health and find ways to support themselves and their communities.Resources:www.lifeline.org.au 24/7 crisis support: 13 11 14www.tiacs.org https://www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au/The Unbreakable Farmer’s Socials:https://www.facebook.com/TheUnbreakableFarmerhttps://www.instagram.com/theunbreakablefarmer/https://twitter.com/Warra67https://www.linkedin.com/in/theunbreakablefarmer/

Episode 23: The economic and agricultural outlook for 2023 with Stefan Vogel

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Stefan Vogel, the General Manager of Rabo Research in Australia and New Zealand. We are discussing Rabobank's latest industry report, on the day of its release: "Australia Agribusiness Outlook 2023: Continuing on a successful path".Stefan is an excellent resource to guide us through this report, as he possesses the ability to simplify complex concepts related to agri-economics and the global agricultural industry. With nearly two decades of experience in the food and agribusiness sector, Stefan brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. He has worked in various capacities, including global commodity market research, and as a grain sector strategist for grains and oilseeds with Rabobank in London.During our discussion, we delve into many of the key findings from the report, including the outlook for commodity prices in 2023 and the important changes that have taken place in the fertilizer outlook for the upcoming season compared to 2022. We also touch upon the various global headwinds and tailwinds, both political and economic, that could impact farmers in Australia.According to Rabobank's report, the Australian agricultural sector is in a strong position for the year ahead, with record-high farm incomes across the country. However, Rabobank warns against expecting a repeat of last year's exceptional conditions and predicts that a global recession and elevated costs may result in "good, but not record-breaking" prices.This conversation is essential for those who are planning for the 2023 season, and we hope you will find it informative and enjoyable.

Episode 22: Diversity in agriculture with Simone Cameron

In this episode, we speak to Simone Cameron, Director of Regions and Projects for NT Farmers. Simone is a teacher and an agronomist who is a passionate advocate for agriculture in the Northern Territory and is committed to promoting research and extension in the sector.Simone is a finalist for the 2022 NT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award for connecting innovative technology with the farming sector to support the sustainable diversification of development opportunities across the North of Australia. She is one of only twelve women in Australia to be selected to complete the 2022 NFF Diversity in Agriculture program.We discuss the importance of diversity in the Agricultural industry and her experience of being recognized as a leader in the sector. She shares her advice to women pursuing a career in Ag and relates to her own real-life experiences. Simone also dives into her vision for sustainable and sensitive diversification and development opportunities.

Episode 21: Building horticultural business capacity with Bronson Gledhill

In this episode, we speak to Bronson Gledhill about growers’ innovative business improvements and benchmarking programs to help them in the race to stay profitable in the face of rising costs. Bronson is a Partner at Ag consulting firm Planfarm; he dives into key learnings after over five years of benchmarking and how you, as a vegetable or a pome grower, can lift your profitability and optimise your revenue. Bronson talks about how the top 25% are driving an increase in revenue through long-term top management and operational strategies rather than cutting down costs. We also cover how you can apply these learnings to your business to be more financially successful than ever before, in addition to:1. Painting a picture of the horticulture industry2. Insights from the 2020-21 annual reports3. Operating expense differences between the top and bottom producers4. Exploring the management practices of the top 25%5. Profitability drivers in horticulture6. Recommend financial and business practices for new horticultural clientsA not to miss episode for all vegetable and pome growers with key business lessons for all farmers in any industry.

Episode 20: Succession and empowering the next generation with Jill Fotheringhame

We speak to Jill Fotheringhame about how she and her husband Keith grew their farm from a small sheep and wheat farm in the late 1980s to the large and successful cattle feedlot and grain business today.Jill owns and manages a beef feedlot and grain enterprise with her husband and son Todd in Karlgarin, Western Australia.Jill provides practical advice on the following:- Managing high-interest rates- The changes in farm technology- How to autosteer phone calls from brothers- Beneficial financial management habits and routines - Succession and allowing the next generation to run the show.Jill believes that good family relationships are the cornerstone of a successful farm business and that it is all about “relationships, communication, and involvement.”Sit back where ever you are listening and enjoy Jill’s story and wisdom.

Episode 19: What you need to know about Grain Marketing with Ten Tigers

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.

Episode 18: Accounting firms can successfully migrate to advisory with Profitable Partners

Rob needs little introduction to the accounting firms of Australia, as he has been working to help improve the profit of accounting firms for nearly 30 years.Rob is passionate about accounting firms, and as the one trusted adviser every business needs, they are leaving profit on the table.Rob talks about the simple things rock star accounting firms do differently from the others that deliver them real wealth creation and very happy sticky clients.We talk about the double edge sword of increasing automation technology in the accounting profession, how it is driving up productivity and lowering firm costs, yet it could result in a race to the bottom as it risks lowering an accountant’s understanding of their client’s business and therefore their real needs. Rob says: 87% of the revenue of firms is all about historical services – or writing up history. Only 13% of accounting firms’ revenue comes from proactive advisory services.Rob shares with us practical ways that you as a firm can start the journey from reactive tax & audit-dominated services to proactive services like cash flow, profit & management accounting, providing increased client value and firm profit.This is a must-listen for any accounting firm, with a high level of wisdom and advice per minute. To quote Rob: “If you are part of their cost, they can easily get rid of you, but If you are part of their profit, then they can’t get enough of you”This is the link to Profitable Farmers Free Resources.