Profitable Farmer

Farm Owners Academy

This show is all about increasing the profitability of your farm so you work smarter and not harder. Your host, Andrew Roberts from the Farm Owners Academy reveals the best farming business tips for more leverage in your farm business.

  • 51 minutes 26 seconds
    Episode 141 - You Are Not Your Bank Balance

    For so many of us, so often our self-confidence and sense of self go up and down with the seasons. We feel good about ourselves when times are good, and we are intently hard on ourselves, and even think we are failing, when the season, the conditions or the markets go against us.

     

    Before Christmas we saw a shock hit the sheep-meat market, impacting meat producers at that time significantly. In many areas of our country, we see farming families navigating extended flood events, and in others extended dries.

     

    In this podcast I invite Tracy Secombe- Director Well-being & Coaching at FOA- to join me and explore this issue, and how- as a farm business owner- we can overcome it and rise above it.

     

    Ladies & gentlemen, we are not our bank account balance. We are so much more than ‘just farmers’ and ‘just farmers wives’. We are leaders of families and great businesses. We are citizens in communities and valued friends to so many. We are good, hard-working, dependable, capable humans doing very good work and making very real differences in so many ways.

     

    As we explore in this important discussion, we have the opportunity to take ownership of OUR IDENTITY. We have the opportunity to change our personal story and realise that farming is what we do, it is NOT who we are.

     

    In the episode, Tracy shares some tips on how to expand our identity, to include all the important roles we play; how to find a greater sense of balance between them; and how to also shift our sense of self to ‘who we are’ rather than ‘what we do’.

     

    Tracy also helps us understand how can best navigate those moments in life when our Identity needs to shift from an active farmer into retirement; from technical farmer to farm business owner; from ‘farmers wife’ to ‘partner in a successful family business’ and from career person to being a Mum & Dad for the first time…

     

    Changing our story and embracing practices that support a strpgner sense- of self and a well-rounded IDENTITY is fundamental in the pursuit of growth and expansion in any area of life.

     

    Elite athletes, musicians, artists and professionals all get coaching on this – Australian Rugby Captain Michael Hooper’s interview with Ben Crowe on his podcast ‘Car Chats with Crowey’ being a great example. Good enough for them, equally important for us.

     

    Thank you Tracy for your time and for your insights on such an important topic at this time.

     

    Thank you.

     

    Hutch & Team

     

    10 May 2024, 3:32 am
  • 58 minutes 42 seconds
    Episode 140 – Leadership lessons with Jim Gall - CEO RB Sellars

    I have said before that there is so much we can learn from business leaders and entrepreneurs outside of our industry.

     

    In this episode, I interview Jim Gall, now CEO of RB Sellars.

     

    There is no doubt that RB Sellars has been established as an iconic brand across our landscape. Jim reminds us that success in business doesn’t happen overnight and that the strong position they have developed in the market has come from a leadership team with a clear focus. Focusing on a sustainable commitment to a consistent and high-quality product range with outstanding service has led the brand to where they are today.

     

    Jim also reminds us of the importance of creating a culture of trust, creativity and innovation to inspire our teams to be actively in pursuit of continuous improvement.

     

    He emphasises the importance of encouraging a culture of radical candour, where teams feel safe and empowered to speak their truth and contribute fully and openly at every opportunity.

     

    Have you created a culture and focus like this in your business?

    Besides Jim’s current contribution at RB Sellars, his entrepreneurial back story is just as impressive.

     

    Raised on a family farm near Euroa in Victoria, Jim’s enthusiasm to share his family’s farming story led him to establish Redhanded Creative, a national marketing, communication & advertising agency for Australia’s regional and agri-businesses. 12 years on, Redhanded Creative was acquired by global marketing agency, Clemenger. In the ensuing years, Jim established himself as a natural leader in the company, taking over the CEO role at Clemenger Australia & New Zealand.

     

    On his journey through Australia’s Corporate landscape, serving and growing many of the major agribusiness brands we now interact with, Jim has always retained his humility, authenticity and connection to his farming routes.

     

    It was wonderful to connect with Jim again after so many years and to have the opportunity to share his insights into our industry, our people and all things leadership.

     

    I feel the iconic RB Sellars business and brand are in good hands.

     

    Thank you, Jim.

     

    Hutch & the Farm Owners Academy Team

    23 April 2024, 2:05 pm
  • 51 minutes 53 seconds
    Episode 139 - How Does The Stress Of Farming Impact Our Mental Well-Being

     

    In my last episode introduction I asked - who here has felt real financial duress and overwhelming stress or hardship in this game called farming?

     

    In this episode, I explore this theme further with an in-depth interview with Sarah Crossthwaite. Sarah lives and works with her husband and family on a dairy farm in Northeast Victoria. She has an impressive career as an accredited mental health social worker, actively supporting men and women of our industry through times of hardship.

     

    Recently Sarah made the decision to complete a Nuffield Scholarship, and embark on a global research project exploring the impact that financial duress, market volatility and government interventions can have on the mental health and well-being of farming families.

     

    To say this is an important research piece is an understatement, and I commend Sarah for her dedication and commitment as an advocate for the mental strength and well-being of our industry and rural communities.

     

    In this podcast, we explore what it is Sarah sees, what it is she is hoping to achieve through this research, and the impact she hopes her research might have.

     

    The Nuffield Foundation is an incredible organisation and global network, committed to supporting research projects like this one that can have an impact of significance on the farming sector – both locally and globally.

     

    In this podcast we also explore the process that Sarah has moved through to be accepted as a Nuffield Scholar, and what it is like to be part of that great organisation and global network.

     

    You can learn about Sarah’s research project here.

     

    You can learn more about and apply for a Nuffield Scholarship here.

     

    Also, for support more personally around mental health and well-being – for you or someone you know – we provide some links that might help you:

     

    TIACS : https://www.tiacs.org/

    Rural Health Connect : https://ruralhealthconnect.com.au/

    Rural Aid : https://www.ruralaid.org.au/counsellors/

     

     

    Congratulations Sarah, thank you for your time, and I look forward to a follow-up conversation once your research and global tour on this topic is complete.

     

     

    Sincerely,

     

    Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team

     

     

    Here are the show notes for the podcast episode:

    Sarah Crosthwaite, a mental health social worker and dairy farmer, shares her journey and passion for supporting the wellbeing of farming communities. As a Nuffield scholar, she is researching how financial stress, climate variability, and government policies impact the mental health of farmers and their families.

     

    Sarah reflects on her transition from dairy farming to social work, driven by her interest in understanding human development, trauma, and the power of listening without judgment. She discusses the rewarding yet challenging experience of supporting farmers during the 2019-2020 Australian bushfires, emphasizing the need to focus on people's strengths rather than just promoting resilience.

     

    Through her Nuffield project, Sarah aims to explore how other countries address mental health challenges in agriculture and uncover best practices to improve support for Australian farmers and rural communities. She shares insights into the rigorous application process, the supportive Nuffield network, and her research focusing on key themes like financial stress, unpredictable weather, and regulatory changes.

     

    Sarah also discusses the importance of financial literacy for farmers, as those with better understanding are better equipped to navigate stressful events. She is working to synthesize her findings and present a report to share insights on enhancing mental health support and financial education for the agricultural sector.

     

    The 3 key learnings that are likely surprising to the reader are:

    • Sarah Crosthwaite, a mental health social worker, is also a dairy farmer, highlighting the unique challenges and perspectives she brings to her research.

     

    • She is advocating for sustainable practices and holistic approaches to mental health care, rather than just traditional methods.

     

    • She has launched a counseling service specifically tailored for rural communities, recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by farmers and rural Australians.

     

    Chapters:

    00:00:00 - Exploring Farming Family Resilience

    00:05:16 - From Dairy Farm to Social Work: Sarah's Journey

    00:10:07 - Exploring Mental Wellbeing Support for Farmers

    00:14:26 - Exploring Agriculture Through Nuffield Scholarship

    00:18:28 - The Nuffield Network: A Supportive Family for Farmers

    00:25:13 - Improving Financial Literacy for Farmers

    00:32:48 - Overcoming Barriers to Strategic Farming

    00:37:25 - Adapting to Technology for Mental Health Support in Rural Communities

    00:43:01 - Addressing Concerns with Compassion

    00:45:07 - Overcoming the Fear of Reaching Out for Support

    00:50:10 - Persevere Through Challenges: Overcoming Dyslexia and Achieving Dreams

     

    Summary:

    Sarah Crosthwaite, a mental health social worker and dairy farmer, has committed to a Nuffield scholarship to research the impact of financial stress, climate variability, and government intervention on the mental health and well-being of farming families. As a farmer representative on the National Centre for Farmer Health Advisory Board, Sarah advocates for sustainable practices and holistic approaches to mental health care. She has recently launched her own counseling service tailored specifically for farmers, their families, and farm workers, aiming to bridge the gap between mental health support and rural communities. Sarah, a social worker and counselor, shares how she transitioned from a dairy farm background to pursuing a career in social work. She found her passion in understanding human development, trauma, and the importance of listening to people's stories without judgment. Sarah reflects on the rewarding yet challenging experience of supporting farming communities during the 2019-2020 bushfires in Australia, highlighting the resilience and strength of these individuals. She emphasizes the need to focus on people's abilities and strengths rather than just telling them to be more resilient. Sarah's interest in research and a Nuffield project stemmed from her desire to better understand the wider community's perceptions of farmers and their experiences. Sarah, a healthcare professional, was curious about the availability of mental health services for farmers and rural communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. She felt there was support available, but wondered if people were not reaching out or if the services were not being promoted well enough. Intrigued by this, Sarah applied for the prestigious Nuffield Scholarship, which will allow her to travel internationally and explore how other countries are addressing mental health challenges in agriculture. Her goal is to uncover insights and best practices that can be applied to improve mental wellbeing support for farmers and rural Australians. Sarah, a Nuffield Scholar, shares her experiences navigating the rigorous application process, which involved state and national interviews, networking with other scholars, and attending conferences. She highlights the supportive Nuffield network, which has provided her with opportunities to travel and conduct research on her topic of mental health and wellbeing in farming communities. Despite the initial challenge of feeling responsible for solving the mental health crisis in regional Australia, Sarah has focused her research on key themes such as financial stress, unpredictable weather, and changes in government regulations, and their impact on farmers. The Nuffield program has been a transformative experience, allowing Sarah to build connections, explore new perspectives, and pursue her research goals. The speaker discusses their research into the connections between mental health, financial literacy, and supporting farmers. They have been interviewing a range of people to understand the major issues and ways to address the accumulated stress that can arise from financial situations or changes in rules and regulations. The speaker highlights the importance of financial literacy, noting that many farmers lack a strong understanding of their business finances. They've found that farmers with better financial literacy are better equipped to respond to stressful events in a more positive way, as they have the knowledge and plans in place to navigate challenges. The speaker is now working to synthesize their findings into a report to be presented at an upcoming conference. The speakers discuss the importance of financial literacy and support for farmers, particularly in New Zealand and Australia. They note that while some farmers struggle with financial management, there are initiatives underway to provide education and one-on-one assistance to help them better understand their finances and make more informed decisions. The speakers emphasize the need to continue addressing this challenge, as improved financial literacy can lead to better relationships, less stress, and more successful farming operations. The discussion highlights the importance of balancing the practical and strategic aspects of farm management. While bookkeeping and compliance tasks are necessary, the speakers suggest that farmers should delegate these to specialists, allowing them to focus on higher-value activities like budgeting, benchmarking, and strategic decision-making. This can help farmers develop their leadership skills and move their businesses forward. Additionally, the speakers acknowledge the need to support farmers' mental health, noting that while awareness has improved, the delivery of mental health services in rural communities remains a challenge that requires further attention. The speakers discuss the challenges of accessing mental health services in regional and rural communities, where there is often a lack of consistent healthcare providers and limited local resources. They highlight the potential of telehealth and technology to improve access, but acknowledge that barriers still exist, especially for those with poor connectivity. The speakers emphasize the importance of promoting and raising awareness of the mental health services that are available in local communities, tailored to the unique needs and experiences of farmers and rural residents. Overall, the discussion focuses on finding innovative ways to better support the mental health and wellbeing of people living in regional and rural areas. The speakers emphasize the critical importance of supporting the people who work in the agriculture industry, as they are the industry's most valuable asset. They note that while technology and mechanization can help, human labor and expertise are essential for the industry to thrive. The speakers encourage more collaboration and open dialogue across the agriculture sector to better support farmers, farm workers, and others, as this will benefit the entire industry and the country as a whole. They also provide advice for individuals who may be struggling, encouraging them to reach out for help and support, even if it's difficult to do so within their immediate circle. Sarah, a guest on the podcast, shares her inspiring story of overcoming dyslexia to pursue challenging research work. Despite the difficulties, she has embraced her learning difference as a strength, finding great reward in pushing herself to achieve her goals. Sarah encourages others with learning challenges to not let them hold them back, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and the sense of accomplishment that comes from facing and overcoming obstacles. The host expresses admiration for Sarah's commitment and looks forward to discussing the key insights from her research project in the future. Sarah Crosswhite, a pioneering researcher, discusses the critical issue of mental health and well-being among farmers. The podcast explores how financial stress, climatic variability, and government regulations impact the lives of farmers. Sarah's work aims to provide valuable insights and support to this essential community, and the host looks forward to a follow-up discussion to share key takeaways from the ongoing research. The episode encourages listeners to engage with the Profitable Farmer podcast and community to continue the important conversation around supporting the mental health and success of farmers.

    11 April 2024, 5:44 am
  • 1 hour 15 minutes
    Episode 138 - From Rock-Bottom to Sustained Success

    Who here has felt real financial duress and overwhelming stress and hardship in this game called farming? I feel this is relevant and real for so many - it isn’t always an easy game to play.

     

    In this podcast it gives me great pleasure to interview FOA Alumni Members Cassandra & Andrew (Rusty) Kath.

     

    From start-up to established, from 50 cows to 500 cows, and from financially and personally broken to a professional and lasting success, the Kathleigh Farms story is now just as much one to watch as it is one to appreciate for their achievement so far.

     

    Years ago, Andrew & Cassandra found themselves in a destructive share-farming relationship, placing immense pressure them financially and personally. At rock-bottom, Andrew & Cass dug-deep, focused on themselves and on making meaningful change. They made a massive commitment to join the FOA Community, and with grit, learning and determination have transformed their business and lives.

     

    Over the last 5 years, we have seen Kathleigh Farms grow from humble beginnings to being a truly high-performing and professional farm business. We now see this emerging business with the systems, business model, foundations and team to support continued profitability and sustained growth.

     

    In this interview we explore:

    • the importance of focusing on our MINDSET as farmers;
    • how scarcity and fear-based thinking can limit us;
    • why doing business with people with similar values is so important;
    • how surrounding yourself with good people can be a catalyst for change; and
    • how making our own growth can change everything for the better.

     

    We are proud of the resilience, optimism and confidence Andrew & Cassandra both now enjoy, the way in which they have overcome adversity on their journey, and the results they now enjoy.

     

    In this interview there is mention of Mark Kluwer’s ‘Breath & Breakthrough’ Men’s Retreat and Tracy Secombe’s Soul Pleaser Program – two programs we recommend to those interested.

     

    Thank you Cass & Rusty for your openness and willingness to share. We feel fortunate to have you such active and generous members of the FOA Community, and such valued members of the FOA Team.

     

    There are some incredible insights in this – for the first generation farmer and for those feeling real stress and pressure in terms of your reality right now.

     

    Use this as inspiration that with focus, better thinking and deep determination good things can come.

     

    Sincerely,

    Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team

    27 March 2024, 2:00 pm
  • 13 minutes 52 seconds
    Episode 137 - It Is Our BUSINESS MODEL That Can Set Us Free

    So many farming families we meet have businesses that are completely dependent on them. In addition, so many farm owners across Australia’s have business models that are not risk-aware, sufficiently profitable, sustainable, or optimal over time.

     

    Is your business model delivering you the outcomes you want from your farm?

     

    So often we see farmers ‘rinsing and repeating’ business models that have worked in the past, only to find they are not optimal or even relevant in our current economic climate.

     

    To quote Einstein: “Doing the same thing over and again and expecting a different result, is the definition of insanity.”

     

    With inflation, increased interest rates and softening commodity prices, it has never been more important to actively stress-test the potential and resilience of the business model you have, then seek to refine, re-engineer and adapt it to ensure it is profitable long-term AND relevant in the current economic climate.

     

    The question is, HOW?

     

    In this podcast, I speak to this, then advocate for a 90-minute webinar that Farm Owners Academy developed, revealing, “Simple Budgeting for a Profitable Farm”.

     

    For anyone wanting to learn how to review, critique and refine their business model… AND master the key skills needed to set down a meaningful budget or cashflow forecast for their business, then click here and watch (a recording of) this webinar:

     

    www.farmownersacademy.com/businessmodelling

     

    There were over 1,100 farmers registered for this event, and so I feel it is relevant for so many of you right now!

     

    Thank you to Greg Johnsson, Sam Johnsson and the FOA Team for the significant effort you have put into making this webinar possible.

     

    Enjoy, and I look forward to hearing the change you make on the other side of this significant session.

     

    Here’s to the crafting of new, current, and winning farm business models across this community!

     

    Sincerely,

     

    Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team

     

    P.S. Did you know that our core program – the Platinum Mastermind was created to help you maximise the profitability of your farm? We now benchmark over $2bn in farm assets annually and we work with over 150 farm owners to help them improve their financials. Please email [email protected] or head to our website https://www.farmownersacademy.com/ for more information

    15 March 2024, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 14 minutes
    Episode 136 - Is It My Money Mindset Holding Me Back

    I love the concept that perhaps our subconscious programming is the thing that is holding us back.

     

    I also like the concept that money is just a tool to give us what we want in life.

     

    However, I believe that many of us have a SCARCITY or ABUNDANCE mindset toward money.

     

    I like the idea of visualising money as ‘fun tickets’ to be used and enjoyed for me and others, now and in the future.

     

    Throughout my journey, I have gotten comfortable with the fact that money:

     

    • Is not hard to come by
    • Is not beyond my control
    • Is not the ‘root of all evil’ and
    • that it CAN ‘grow on trees!’

     

    How is your mindset toward money serving you?

     

    In this episode, I call on Investment Specialist and Freedom Trader Terry Tran, to explore:

     

    • How his attitude toward money has changed.
    • Where the previous money mindset he inherited might have taken him.
    • How to think like an INVESTOR rather than a worker.
    • His beliefs around and approach to making money and investing now.
    • What it means to create a truly abundant, fulfilled and wealthy life.

     

    As a first-generation Aussie who came here as a refugee on a boat as a child, I feel Terry is a true example of how we CAN change our lives by changing our psychology. He has a great insight into what is holding the ‘average Aussie farmer’ back from creating off-farm wealth.

     

    Terry has a FREE LIVE online training exclusive for our Farm Owners community called ‘How to Create Off-Farm Wealth Consistently and Safely’ on Tuesday the 5th of March. I recommend you make this a priority – register here: https://www.thefreedomtrader.com/farmownersacademy/

     

    It is always great to connect with Terry, have him on our podcast, and see him support farming families across our community.

    I hope there is something in this episode of substance for those of you who enjoy it with us.

     

    Thank you.

     

    Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team

     

    P.S. - a reminder about Terry’s upcoming webinar ‘How to Create Off-Farm Wealth Consistently and Safely’ - register here: https://www.thefreedomtrader.com/farmownersacademy/

     

    P.P.S - We warmly invite you to join us for our FREE webinar “Simple Budgeting for a Profitable Farm” on the 13th of March to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge for creating an accurate budget - that you can actually stick to! Reserve Your Seat Now. https://www.farmownersacademy.com/simple-budgeting-for-a-profitable-farm

    27 February 2024, 2:00 pm
  • 1 hour 15 minutes
    Episode 135 - What It Takes To Achieve Greatness - Lessons From A World Champion

    When people succeed at the highest level, often all we see of them is their endeavour and their achievement.

     

    We never really get to hear of the challenge, the hardship or the immense struggle that is behind the enduring success.

     

    There can be so many lessons relevant to how, as farmers, we can better face the challenges that come our way and overcome adversity and change.

     

    In this episode, I feel deeply privileged to interview Anna Meares – 11-time world champion and the greatest female track cyclist of all time.

     

    Throughout Anna’s sporting career, she achieved:

     

    • 2 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze over four consecutive Olympics
    • 11 gold, 10 silver, 6 bronze at World Championships
    • 5 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze at Commonwealth Games

     

    Anna also has many titles including the Institute of Sport’s "Best Of The Best" inductee and is a Hall of Fame recipient, flag-bearer and Captain at our 2016 Olympic Games. She is now a 2024 Chef de Mission, coach, mentor and teacher to our current era of Olympian legends...

     

    What impressed me the most about my time with Anna was her courage, grit, strength and sheer determination. With all of this, I am in awe of her humility, her generousness, her vulnerability, and her authenticity.

     

    After an unmatched career as an athlete, Anna now finds joy and fulfilment in her endeavour to stand behind people, be in service and support others to achieve at their highest levels.

     

    So many great lessons for all of us on what it takes to lock in meaningful goals and achieve our best.

     

    Thank you, Anna, you are truly a great Australian.

     

    Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team

     

    P.S. We warmly invite you to join us for our FREE webinar “Simple Budgeting for a Profitable Farm” on the 13th of March to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge for creating an accurate budget - that you can actually stick to!

     

    Click HERE to Reserve Your Seat Now.

    13 February 2024, 2:01 pm
  • 37 minutes 49 seconds
    Episode 134 - What Is My Purpose In Life?

    Throughout our lives, and often at this time of year, we can find ourselves reflecting and asking important questions like;

    • Why am I here?
    • What am I doing this for?
    • What is it that is my purpose in life?
    • What do I want for my life?
    • How do I want to be remembered?

    Over my business journey, I have been lucky enough to study with and learn from one of the great business minds of our time, Marshall Thurber. In his teachings, Marshall emphasises that there are universal laws (laws of nature) that, when applied to our businesses and lives, can offer us so much certainty and confidence and set a robust foundation on which to see our results grow exponentially.

    In this episode, and in my attempt to answer these questions, I offer an insight into the Law of Precession - how we can apply it to our lives, how to set down major, definite goals, and make a more meaningful impact as leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs.

     

    Linked with this, I share some lessons learned from one of my favourite books, “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill – a read I recommend highly to you.

     

    From these teachings, I believe that we all have the opportunity to tap into a higher universal power if we are open. We all have access to infinite intelligence. This can help us achieve ‘more with less’, experience abundance (over scarcity), and, importantly, make more of an impact with the time we have - in family, community and industry.

     

    I hope you find my ramblings and reflections in this episode valuable. I hope it helps you answer these questions and set compelling goals for your new year. I look forward to hearing from you and receiving your feedback.

     

    To one unsuspecting Farm Owners Academy farmer member… thank you for this question, which prompted this episode.

     

    As we arrive at a new year, I want to thank you for tracking with us and for your loyalty to this podcast. It is a privilege for us to provide it.

     

    If you know someone we should interview, let us know via the Profitable Farmer Facebook Group or by emailing [email protected].

     

    What we can achieve for our families and in our lives can be beyond our comprehension if we learn and apply the generalised principles…!

     

    With gratitude,

     

    Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

    6 February 2024, 4:07 am
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    Episode 133 - Making a farm completely professional, Sam & Carla Armytage

    As farm business owners, we can often be operating at intense and unsustainable levels for extended periods of time. Many times, the farm comes first, and so many other important things take the back seat.

     

    Our farms can be under-resourced, our teams insufficient, our realities out of control and operations completely dependent upon us. Our plans are in our heads, marriages out of alignment - husbands, wives and families missing out on what life and family are truly meant to be about.

     

    That is where Platinum Mastermind members Sam & Carla Armytage found themselves.

     

    Let’s be very real for a minute: the pressures of owning and running a significant farm business can be immense. Even for the super-human, at times, this can all become too much.

     

    In sharing their genuinely inspirational story, in their usual humble and understated ways, Sam & Carla explain where their life was at, consumed by the pressures of putting the farm first. They outline the very real impact this was having on their marriage and family.

     

    To their credit, and 5 years on, Sam & Carla have completely transformed their business, farm, team and lives. They own and manage a truly successful and highly scalable business with the capacity to grow and support their next generation of passionate young farmers in Charlotte, Will & James.

     

    Breakthroughs can follow breakdowns. Transformation can come from acknowledging burn-out and then giving yourself permission to take a break, re-claim perspective and go again with renewed energy, different priorities and a more meaningful and common plan.

     

    Sometimes, we need education and support to change direction, not motivation to speed up.

     

    I want to acknowledge you, Sam & Carla, for your willingness to share your journey and for the immense, often quiet and in-the-background contribution you make to other members of our Farm Owners Academy community.

     

    Well done for the grit and sheer commitment you have led with, the love and loyalty you consistently extend to each other, and congratulations on the transformations you have achieved – personally, as a couple, as parents and as business leaders – for your commitment to change and your success truly now speaks for itself.

     

    For all the challenges and hardships, we are all so very proud of you and excited for you.

     

    Here’s to a very bright future!

     

    Hutch & the Farm Owners Academy Team

     

    22 December 2023, 4:41 am
  • 1 hour 19 minutes
    Episode 132 - FOA Members Success Story - Martin & Hayley Grosser

    As the finish line to another calendar year arrives, I cherish the opportunity to share the stories of some of our incredible community members - to celebrate their success in all they do as business owners and farmers.

     

    Martin & Hayley Grosser own and operate MHG Farming Enterprises, a mixed sheep and dryland cropping operation at Kaniva in Victoria’s Western Wimmera. Their success in farming over the past 10 years, to say the least, is deeply impressive.

     

     

    From a standing start to over 5,000 acres under management, Martin & Hayley have been stand-out members and incredible contributors to the Farm Owners Academy community.

     

    In this interview, we share their story and reflect and celebrate:

     

    • the courage they have shown to scale in today’s climate successfully;
    • their ability to back themselves and make bold growth decisions;
    • the importance of strong financial acumen AND a positive money mindset;
    • the value of benchmarking and regular farm performance analysis;
    • the power of a concise strategic plan and feeling aligned as a family and on-farm team; and
    • the confidence that strong mentors, coaches and community can play in supporting your success.

     

    Whilst very different in personality, I am always so impressed by the love and strength shared between Hayley & Marty. They truly make a fantastic team.

     

    Marty & Hayley, congratulations on your success over the last 5 years, for your courage, optimism and determination. You deserve all the success that comes your way.

     

    Your comments in this podcast are worthy of bottling and will offer genuine inspiration to so many husband & wife farm teams across our industry.

     

    Thank you for your openness and reflecting with me on your journey.

     

    We value you greatly and cannot wait to see what the future brings as you build from the incredible farming platform and leadership capability you have created.

     

    Congratulations, and thank you.

     

    To your success,

     

    Hutch & Team

    20 December 2023, 9:13 am
  • 38 minutes 52 seconds
    Episode 131 - The Missing Link in Life - Your Breath

    We can survive 3 weeks without food...

     

    3 days without water…

     

    But only 3 minutes without breathing.

     

    As for parenting, our body, mind and many other critical life functions, we have never been taught HOW TO BREATHE.

     

    As a result, and over time, most of us are immensely inefficient with our breathing, leading us to a long list of health conditions that keep us from living our best lives.

     

    In this episode, I speak with my wonderful wife, mother of four, high-performance physiotherapist, and now breathing re-training specialist, Jane Hutchings -  to explore the importance of LEARNING TO BREATHE WELL.

     

    Anxiety, stress, depression, asthma, hay fever, insomnia, sleep apnoea, restless legs, snoring, excess sweating, brain fog, mental fatigue and burnout are just some of the conditions we face when we breathe poorly.

     

    Rather than medication or physical interventions, focusing on learning to breathe properly can see all these health challenges vastly improved and even overcome for any or all of us.

     

    With a 25-year+ high-performance physiotherapy career, 6 years of focused training & research, Founder - Mint Condition Breathing Retraining, and facilitator of a proven short course now available to everyone, I find it incredible the results Jane is achieving with boys & girls and men & women of all ages across Australia and beyond.

     

    I see so many farmers struggling to sleep well. I see so many farmers fatigued by the stress and pressure of this game we choose to play. I also see so many in our families challenged by hay fever, asthma and related respiratory conditions.

     

    For more information on Jane and her programs, go here: www.mintcond.com.au

     

    Jane & I truly believe that breathing well is the essential piece that links a commitment to fitness, mindset, diet, learning, entrepreneurship… and achieving a balanced, healthy, high-quality life.

     

    Jane, congratulations on the difference you make to so many.

     

    We are very proud of you.

     

    Jeremy & the Farm Owners Academy team

     

    P.S. Tracy Secombe & I are hosting a free webinar on Wednesday, 29th November, on ‘Beating Burnout & Increasing Resilience’ – I hope to see you online for this important topic. You can secure your seat here: https://learning.farmownersacademy.com/burnout

    14 November 2023, 2:00 pm
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