As we reach the business end of the season for many, this episode offers a quiet reflection on some of the deeper and important challenges showing up for farming families and their business teams right across the country. 

There’s no guest this time. Instead, I wanted to take a moment to share some of my learnings and observations over the year through coaching calls, leadership workshops, and time spent walking alongside farm owners who are doing their best to juggle family, team, operations, and future planning. 

What continues to surface are three common forces quietly undermining even the most committed families. They don’t always get named, but they’re felt - in the tension, in the exhaustion, and in the weight that so many carry day to day. 

Those three forces are confusion, conflict, and control. 

In this episode, I explore what tends to happen when there’s no clear structure, when roles aren’t defined, and when everything rests on one or two people to hold it all together.  

I also touch on something many find uncomfortable - the idea that succession might not in fact be the issue at all! Sometimes all that is missing can be a professional and practical business management framework. Without structure, succession becomes messy. With structure, it becomes manageable, and the potential for success through generations enhanced. 

We will explore: 

• Why resourcing decisions have such a direct impact on freedom, stress, and family dynamics 

• The cost of carrying too much, and the long-term risk of building a business that depends on one person 

• What it means to lead professionally and put the right frameworks in place, from organisational charts and role clarity to strategic planning and operating rhythms 

• The career ladder model that helped one farming family move from tension to shared understanding 

• What high-performing teams have in common, and how they’re built with intention, not guesswork 

This is an honest look at what it takes to lead well inside a complex family business. It’s not about having all the answers, but about making time to pause, reflect, and begin putting the right pieces in place. 

As you think about what you want 2026 to look and feel like, this could be the right time to reset. Our TOP Producers Workshop offers space to slow down, take stock, and plan from a stronger base. If you’re looking to lead with more clarity and confidence next year, this 2-Day Workshop in February is a great place to start. We highly recommend it. More details here.  

You can also book a free coaching call to assess what’s working, pinpoint bottlenecks, and walk away with a clear 3-step action plan for your business. Click here to lock in a time and date that suits you. 

Thank you for your continued involvement with us and well done on everything each of you achieve for yourselves, your families, teams and communities. We're honoured to share this journey with you. 

Wishing you a safe, restful break and the clarity to make 2026 your most aligned year yet. 

Merry Christmas! 

From Hutch & the entire FOA Team 

Sam Whitelock knows pressure. He’s captained the All Blacks through some of rugby’s most intense moments. He’s made high-stakes decisions with the weight of a nation on his shoulders. And now, he’s turned that same grit and composure to life on the farm. 

But here’s what Sam’s learned. Real leadership isn’t about powering through at all costs. It’s knowing when to push and when to pause. When to speak and when to listen. And how to look after yourself, so you can lead others well. 

In this episode, Sam opens up about his transition from rugby to farming, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how the principles of leadership he honed on the field apply to farming life. From managing stress and communicating effectively to balancing the demands of family and business, Sam offers practical insights that can help anyone facing the pressures of modern-day farming. 

We cover: 

• The parallels between leadership on the rugby field and managing a farming business, and how both environments require clear communication, calm decision-making, and showing up for your team. 

• The importance of staying grounded and managing stress in high-pressure situations. 

• The impact of Farmstrong, a wellness initiative supporting farmers' mental and physical health. 

• The challenges of farming and why building a support network and taking time off are key to long-term success. 

Whether you’re managing a farm or a team, Sam’s reflections remind us that leadership is not just about being in control. It’s about being self-aware enough to step back and ensure your own well-being is a priority. 

Sam, thank you for sharing your journey with us and for reminding us that good leadership starts with taking care of ourselves. 

For all our listeners, if you’re looking for resources to support your mental and physical health, be sure to check out Farmstrong. And if you're in Australia, I encourage you to get involved with Active Farmers, a great initiative supporting rural communities. 

Keep leading, keep caring, and keep supporting your mental well-being. 

Sincerely, 

 
Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team 

“You’re doing better than you think.” It’s the simple, powerful reminder that Tim and Cheryl Freak leave behind after every farm visit.

In this episode, I sit down with two of our long-time FOA members and coaches, Tim and Cheryl, who have spent the past three years deeply embedded in our community, supporting hundreds of farm businesses across Australia. This year alone, they’ve completed more than 50+ full day, in-person visits and share rare insight into what’s really going on in farming right now.

From drought-hit sheep properties in Victoria, to feedlot expansions in NSW, to cropping and irrigation operations in Queensland, they’ve sat at kitchen tables and walked paddocks, helping farming families align around a shared vision, map out their next steps, and reconnect with why they’re doing what they’re doing.

They bring a fresh perspective, often seeing things that others can’t because they’re too close to it. Whether it’s spotting simple changes, helping families refocus on what really matters, or gently challenging assumptions, their approach is grounded in experience and care.

In this episode, we unpack:

• The key themes from their farm visits, from confinement feeding and breed decisions, to water shortages, machinery investments and more
• How the most effective operators are thinking strategically, knowing their numbers, and making informed decisions even in tight seasons
• Succession planning, and the honest conversations that many families avoid but desperately need to have
• The power of having a clear Clarity Action Plan that brings the whole team into alignment, and maps a path forward
• Why investing in your people and seeing your team as an asset, not a cost, is key to building a business that lasts
• The importance of finding joy, creating harmony, and celebrating wins along the way

What Tim & Cheryl bring to these visits with fresh eyes, deep understanding, and a tonne of lived experience is gold.

They often walk into some homes where stress is written all over people’s faces and by the time they leave, there’s a visible shift. Shoulders ease. Confidence returns. People stand a little taller, not because everything’s perfect, but because they’re clearer, calmer, and more focused on what matters most.

Whether you’re a grazier in Victoria, a cropper in NSW, a dairy operator navigating burnout, or running a mixed-enterprise with a family team, there’s something in this one for you.

Tim and Cheryl, you have given yourselves fully and wholeheartedly to this community. You have helped families feel seen, supported, and stronger through some of their most challenging moments. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for the care, wisdom, and compassion you continue to share so generously.

Let’s get into it.

Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team 

Australia’s wool sector is still feeling the pinch. There’s no doubt the last couple of years have been challenging, with recent decile two and three prices making it hard for many businesses to stay afloat. But despite these obstacles, the Swales of Woodlands set an example of resilience. They’re carrying 150 years of family heritage into the future, proving that even in the face of adversity, there are opportunities to adapt and thrive.
 

This week, I’m joined by Jamie & Will Swales both proud Platinum Mastermind Alumni from Woodlands, a 4,265 ha merino operation 55 km west of Armidale in NSW’s New England. This year marks 150 years of their family farming this property, with children Will, Georgia and Angus representing the sixth generation. Congratulations to Jamie, Angela, and their family on this incredible milestone.

In this conversation, we dig deep into:

• The significance of 150 years of family farming at Woodlands, discussing how the farm has evolved and the connection to family heritage.
• The current state of the wool industry, including the impact of falling production, shifts in global demand and the disconnect between auction room price signals and actual consumer uptake.
• Strategic responses to tough times, including pivoting to cattle during drought periods and focusing on merino genetics to improve wool production.
• The industry's need for action on mulesing, with Jamie and Will stressing the importance of addressing animal welfare practices and marketing efforts to meet consumer expectations and boost demand.
  
  

Will also shares his personal journey into the wool export industry through Endeavour Wool Exports, a company that’s become one of Australia’s largest wool exporters in just a few short years, now exporting around 220,000 bales annually. Will's role at Endeavour involves helping farmers navigate the export process and connecting them to the global market, offering direct-to-farm services and auction support. You can learn more about Endeavour Wool Exports by visiting their website here or by emailing Will directly at [email protected].
 

Whether you’re a wool grower, a farmer considering merino, or someone keen to understand what levers can shift an entire industry, this episode is for you.

BONUS: Get the exclusive! Hutch catches up with Will Swales 10 days later about his recent trip to China, where he joined a group of young wool producers to tour processing mills. Will shares his insights into the industry's future, with mills investing in state-of-the-art machinery and expanding production. He also talks about advocating for Australian wool growers at the Nanjing Wool Market Conference, highlighting the need for price adjustments as production continues to decline. Will’s message seemed to resonate, with the wool market rallying soon after.

A huge thanks to Jamie & Will for sharing their industry knowledge and practical insights into sustainable farming, wool genetics, and navigating global market challenges. Your experience and forward-thinking approach are invaluable to anyone looking to understand where the wool sector is heading and how they can adapt for the future.

Till next time,

Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team


P.S. If you’re feeling the pressure of navigating industry challenges like falling wool prices, shifting demand, or tough times on the farm, the 2026 TOP Producers Workshop is tailored to help you tackle these hurdles head-on. We’ve created this workshop to address the unique challenges farmers like you face, so you can stay ahead in the game. Secure your spot here.

After more than 15 years of focused breeding, data collection, and persistence, Tom Bull and his team at LAMBPRO have achieved what many thought was impossible: the creation of KS7, a Marble Score 7 lamb, developed in partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia, Endeavour Meats, and chef Matt Moran. 
 
This high-marbling lamb delivers the same eating quality, juiciness, and tenderness that consumers love in premium beef. But this story isn’t just about a product. It’s about the vision, innovation, and belief that Australian lamb can compete on the global stage for the most discerning markets. 
 
Tom shares the journey from identifying high-marbling Hampshire Down genetics to developing grading technology that can now grade lambs accurately on the processing floor. He also reflects on what this means for producers and how the industry can evolve to attract young people, reduce labour, and build more efficient, profitable sheep enterprises. 
 
Specifically during this episode, we unpack: 

• how genetic discovery and grading technology combined to deliver the world’s first Marble Score 7 lamb; 

• how labour efficiency and youth engagement are shaping the next era of sheep production; and 

• why Australia’s future lies in premium, not commodity markets, serving the “Uber-premium” consumer who values quality over quantity. 

Tom Bull’s work is proof that persistence and vision can move an entire industry forward and that Australian producers are ready to lead the world in innovation and eating quality.  
 
You can learn more about Tom and his work at https://www.lambpro.com.au/ 
 
A huge thanks to Tom Bull for his time, insight, and unwavering commitment to raising the bar for Australian lamb. 
 
P.S. Innovation like Tom’s doesn’t happen by chance. It comes from clear goals, smart planning and bold action. The TOP Producers Workshop in Sydney on the 16th & 17th February 2026 will help you bring that same mindset to your farm business. Two days that change the way you lead, earn and grow. 🔥 Early bird tickets are on sale now for a limited time only! Click here to secure your spot.

Australian cattle and lamb markets are at a tipping point. Prices have surged to record highs, but according to leading analyst Simon Quilty, we’re about to hit what he calls “unsustainable pricing.” 

Bringing over 30 years of hard-won market insight to the table, Simon Quilty has worked with top firms including Louis Dreyfus, ConAgra, DR Johnston, and FC Stone. Today, he helps large financial institutions and farmers alike make sense of the complex forces shaping the red meat sector. 

In this episode, Simon delivers a no-nonsense forecast: cattle rallying up to 750c/kg before falling back to a new norm around 550… lambs peaking at 1350c/kg before settling at 950. These aren’t guesses. They’re grounded in global supply shocks, America’s herd liquidation, and the structural rebuild now underway in Australia. 

We cut straight into the forces driving this market, including: 

• why America’s drought and Trump’s tariffs are reshaping global trade in our favour; 

• how the mass liquidation of the southern Angus herd has set the stage for a desperate chase for quality cattle; 

• the shift from wool into meat sheep and the rise of self-shedding breeds; and 

• how new global demand from China shutting out US beef to the Middle East’s booming chilled carcass trade is creating both opportunity and protection against future price crashes. 

For producers, this conversation is a wake-up call. The highs won’t last forever. But there is a clear path forward. One built on understanding the new norms, preparing for volatility, and making confident decisions in a transformed market. 

Simon Quilty’s analysis has never been more relevant. If you want to know where livestock pricing is really headed and how to position your business, this is essential listening. 

👉 You can learn more about Simon and Global AgriTrends at www.agritrends.com 

A huge thanks to Simon for his time, his candour, and his ongoing commitment to helping livestock producers navigate these markets with clarity and confidence. Simon, your insights are invaluable and we’re grateful to have your voice guiding us through such a pivotal moment for the red meat sector. 

Here’s to strong seasons ahead. 

Hutch & The Farm Owners Academy Team 

At just two years old, Terry Tran fled Vietnam by boat with his parents, was rescued after days lost at sea, and spent months on a Malaysian refugee island. It was there, on Christmas Eve, that a storm claimed his father’s life, leaving his 21-year-old mother widowed with a toddler to raise. 

From those humble beginnings, Terry has built a life of financial freedom, not through shortcuts but through patience, persistence and following a clear process. Along the way, he was also shaped by the kindness of others, a reminder that generosity can change lives. 

In this conversation, Terry shares how he started from almost nothing, the mistakes he made chasing quick wins, and the principles he now follows to protect and grow wealth. He talks about the role of risk management and how the mindset farmers use to work through seasons is the same mindset needed to succeed as an investor. 

We also explore Terry’s view on the global share markets. He explains why US-China tensions and trade tariffs have left markets sitting at unsustainable highs, why Australia may face deflation rather than inflation, and why he is holding larger cash positions to stay prepared. Most importantly, he reminds us that downturns, while uncomfortable, are often when the best opportunities appear. 

Specifically, we explore: 

• Why managing risk and protecting your capital must always come first 

• How to avoid “get-rich-quick” traps and instead build wealth through discipline and compounding 

• How global tensions and tariffs are shaping markets, and why Australia may face deflation 

• Why downturns like the GFC and COVID-19 can be the best times to invest if you’re prepared  

For farmers, this is both a story and a lesson. The same qualities that get you through tough seasons on-farm can also build lasting wealth off farm. 

And there’s more. Terry is running an exclusive webinar for the Farm Owners Academy Community on Tuesday evening, 23rd September. This is your chance to go deeper, learn directly from him, and build the skills to invest safely and confidently. 

Click the link to register your interest: https://www.thefreedomtrader.com/farmownersacademy/ 

Thank you, Terry, for sharing your journey and wisdom with such openness. Your generosity and guidance continue to inspire and support our FOA community. 

Keep winning, 
Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team 

In recent years grain growers nationally have enjoyed an extended period of strong prices and favourable market conditions. 

According to grain industry authority, Brett Stevenson, Managing Director of Market Check, this may well be all about to change. 

Of the back of last month’s Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC), I invite Brett to once again join me to give us his expert insights to the new headwinds Aussie grain growers now face in coming years. 

As grain prices face downward pressure, Brett Stevenson offers invaluable insight on navigating a challenging global market – it seems clear the good times we have enjoyed may now not last forever.  

With over 30 years of industry-leading experience, Brett dives into the challenges of navigating a low-price environment and offers advice on risk management, grain marketing strategies, and why the next few years may likely be tougher than many expect. 

In this episode, we explore: 

• the impact of geopolitical tensions and changing international supply dynamics; 

• the challenges of managing input costs while facing long-term low grain prices’ 

• how to prepare for market fluctuations and manage your grain marketing more strategically; and 

• the importance of adapting your business model to ensure sustainability in uncertain times. 

You can learn more about their services and advisory offerings by visiting Market Check, with a short overview of their capability here. 

I would like to personally acknowledge, the long-standing and dedicated service Market Check provides many hundreds of grain growers across Australia. Their team is passionate about supporting farmers with practical, tailored and industry leading advice to help them navigate the complexities of grain marketing, ensuring long-term success, even during challenging times. 

Now more than in recent years, we need to be taking complete responsibility for our risk management and grain marketing. Whether you’re looking for daily market updates or in-depth advisory services, we advocate for Brett and his team at Market Check to ensure you're making informed, proactive and strategic marketing decisions.  

This conversation is a wake-up call for grain growers: it’s not just about weathering the storm, but making smart, strategic decisions to thrive in uncertain times. By preparing now, you can position your business for long-term success, no matter what the market brings. 

A huge thanks to Brett for his candid insights and for stepping in to provide much-needed clarity at this pivotal point in the grain growing season. As harvest approaches, proactive grain marketing and financial planning will position Australian growers to navigate the challenges ahead and make the most of what’s to come. 

All the best for the remainder of this season! 

Keep winning. Hutch & The Farm Owners Academy Team 

From growing up on a dairy farm in western Victoria with 12 siblings to the frontlines of one of the toughest fights in medical research, Sam McGuane’s story is one of resilience, service, and hope. As the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of The Brain Cancer Centre, and a key leader behind Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer, Sam is on a mission to transform the future of brain cancer research. 

In this heartfelt episode, Sam opens up about how the values of gratitude, service, and hard work, ingrained in him growing up on the farm, have shaped his approach to both business and charity. These lessons, learned early in life, now fuel his leadership as he works to change the future of brain cancer research. 

Brain cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children in Australia, with survival rates virtually unchanged for decades. Sam is determined to change that. He’s building a model that brings researchers together, fosters collaboration, and supports breakthroughs in treatment. The result? A research ecosystem focused on tangible progress, including one of the most significant brain cancer clinical trials in the world. 

We discuss: 

• How the farm values of teamwork, generosity, and service shape his approach to tackling one of the toughest medical challenges. 

• The incredible success of Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer, which has raised over $27 million, a campaign born from Carrie Bickmore’s Logies speech and fuelled by the power of community. 

• Why the Brain Cancer Centre is changing the way research is done by focusing on sharing knowledge and working together to make real progress. 

Sam’s story shows how small, everyday actions can lead to big change when fuelled by purpose and community. His mission is clear: No lives lost to brain cancer and he’s working tirelessly to make that a reality. 

To all our listeners, you may or may not know someone affected by brain cancer, but imagine making a choice today that could change someone's future forever. You have the power to be the hope someone needs. Whether it's donating, sharing this message, or getting involved in any way you can, every step brings us closer to a cure. 

To learn more about the incredible work Sam, Carrie, and their team are doing, and to contribute to this life-changing cause, visit Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer and The Brain Cancer Centre. 

Sam, thank you for leading this vital cause with passion and purpose. 

Sincerely,  
 
Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team  

When you wear as many hats as our farming families do, time is one thing you never have enough of. 

From the kitchen table to the paddock, we’re constantly making decisions, solving problems, and figuring out how to do more with less. What if there was a way to take some of that pressure off, without handing over the reins? 

In this episode, I sit down with Dimity Smith, agri-business innovator, event leader, and one of the most refreshingly practical minds when it comes to tech in agriculture. Dimity runs tailored AI training sessions for farming families and small ag teams, helping them get started with tools like ChatGPT and put them to work in your business.  

Together with Sam Johnsson, we dive into how AI is already helping farmers: 

• Draft job ads, safety procedures, and strategic plans, 

• Make grant writing quicker and less painful, 

• and even help with farm system reviews, one prompt at a time.  

But more than the tools, this is about mindset. Dimity reminds us: AI is your co-pilot, not your competitor. It’s not here to replace your hard-earned wisdom, but to amplify it. And like any tool, it’s only as powerful as how you use it. 

We also explore the fears many have about AI, and how simple curiosity might be the antidote to overwhelm. 

Dimity puts it best, "You don’t have to be great at spelling, you don’t have to be techy, and you don’t need to have it all figured out.” She runs hands-on workshops through GRO Events Group and GRO Rural where she walks through it all slowly, answers your questions, and helps you use AI in a way that makes sense for your farm. 

Join the 2-hour online workshop exclusive for Farm Owners Academy listeners: 

• Evening Session – Tuesday 12 August, 5.00 PM AEST (Register here) 

• Daytime Session – Wednesday 13 August, 11.00AM AEST (Register here) 

For more information on all the workshop details and options, visit the workshop landing page here.  

To get in touch, connect with Dimity via social media or head to https://www.groevents.com.au/ 

Dimity, thank you for showing us that you don’t need to be a tech expert to start using AI, you just need to be open and willing to learn. And Sam, appreciate the way you bring these conversations to life. 

Here’s to staying curious, having a crack, and using whatever tools we can to make things just a bit easier, one step at a time. 

Keep winning. 

Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team 

I really values the constructs that: ‘you cannot solve the problem you have created in the environment in which you created it’… and ‘many minds make for smarter work’.

What could you see more clearly if you took time with key decision-makers away from your farm?

How many more options and insights might you access if you more actively called on the collective wisdom of other high-performing farm owners? In this episode, Sam Johnsson speaks with FOA coaches Cassandra Kath, Elle Webb and Sam Pincott to unpack the powerful conversations and insights to come from our latest client conference, our ‘Organise Infrastructure’ Deep Dive. With more than 550 farm owners in the room, the focus was clear: how to optimise your investment in infrastructure, equipment and technologies in order to drive efficiency, productivity and farm performance. We all have a long-list of items we’d like to invest in to move our farm’s forward. At the same time there are a host of emerging technologies we need to be considering to help get it done. Getting the sequence for these investments, and structuring them in the right way is critical. Being cautious and under-investing can limit our progress. Being too bullish and over-investing can lock-up cashflow and capital and be the thing that brings us un-stuck.

Are we allocating capital to the highest pay-off items?

Are we making measured decisions based accurate due diligence?

Are we working to a well-designed strategic plan, or making emotive and reactive investment decisions?

For those who attended, breakthroughs came not from a spreadsheet, but from getting off-farm and into a room filled with open, like-minded growth-oriented peers. From sharing 250 tested infrastructure improvements to creating space for goal-setting, strategy and real connection, the impact was felt well beyond the conference content.

In this interview, we cover:

• how a clear process helps avoid ‘wish-list’ investing;
• the value of stepping off-farm to reflect, reset, and return with focus;
• the impact of immersing yourself in a  high-performing  farm business community, with individuals open to sharing all of what underpins their success; and
• how clarity can often come from one honest and open conversation, or one small and meaningful action.
  
  

You don’t need to have it all figured out. It’s about carving out time and space to slow-down, think, question, collaborate, reflect and reset your plan.

Sam J, thank you for stepping in for this discussion while I take some time to be with my family.  Thank you Cass, Elle & Sam P for your reflections and insightful comments.

Keep winning!

Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team  

P.S. Want to check the strength of your farm business model ?? Join us for the Future-Proof Workshop, a free and practical session designed to spot inefficiencies, set confident financial targets using your own numbers, and refocus on what matters most. 👉 Register here