Profitable Farmer

As we reset for 2025, many are feeling the weight of a brutal 2024. And to be completely honest — when you're staring down a decile one year, it’s hard to know where to start.   How do you budget with confidence? How do you front up to your bank when the season doesn’t go your way?  So here is the truth: waiting it out isn’t a strategy. Hope isn’t a business plan. And if you want to lead your business forward, now is the time to level up how you turn up.  In this episode, I am joined again by Jeff McDonald, Founder & Director of RLS Agribusiness.   Born and bred on an irrigation property in Loxton, SA, Jeff stepped off the farm and into finance, spending 20 years inside a major bank before founding Riverland Lending Services.   Today, Jeff leads one of the largest Agri-finance brokerages in the country. His team settles over $200 million in Agri finance each year, and through RLS Agribusiness, he advises farm businesses on everything from strategy and succession to governance and growth.  Jeff has worked with hundreds of producers, and his insight is gold because it’s built on experience and not theory. He knows what banks are really looking for and how the best operators are preparing — strategically, financially, and emotionally — for what's next.  This episode is not about hype. It’s about truth. It’s about acumen. And it’s about how we all step forward, more commercially aware, more proactive, and more in control.  So, here’s your call to action:  If you’ve been flying under the radar... waiting to see how it all plays out... hoping the bank gives you another run  - I hope this episode provides insight into how to take a hard look at your business, forecast with clarity and lead with courage.  Sincerely,  Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team  P.S. Ready to take your leadership, financial clarity, and business strategy to the next level? Join us at the next TOP Producers event – live at the Melbourne Convention Centre or virtually on June 23 & 24. With early bird tickets on sale now and the last three events completely sold out, get in quick – secure your spot today and get ready to shift gears in your business.

Where have you learned leadership?  On the farm? In a day job? Inherited perhaps?  For most, NONE have learned the vital art and science of leadership.  It is a learned skill. One we can all commit to and master.   One we all need to be successful in life and business, and in succeeding in the pursuit of a family farm that can transcend generations…  It is a privilege to introduce Paul Ainsworth, Managing Partner of Lincoln Institute to you in this episode - one that speaks deeply to the heart of leadership, resilience, and the power of community.  Over 15 years, and after a decorated career in the Australian Army, Paul has helped shape leaders in the veterinary and agricultural industries. A graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Royal Military College Duntroon, Paul served as an Infantry Officer with international deployments across five foreign countries, culminating in a role as a military observer in the Middle East.   His leadership journey continued beyond the Army, first as the inaugural Director of ALDI Foods in Australia and then, as CEO and Board Chairman of Australia’s fastest-growing company in the energy sector.   Now, as the Founding Principal of the Lincoln Institute, Paul is dedicated to equipping veterinary and agricultural professionals with the leadership, management, and communication skills they need to thrive.   Leadership is more than just making decisions. It’s about connection. It’s about knowing when to step forward and when to step back. It’s about building a team that isn’t just technically strong but also aligned, empowered, and accountable.  Here Are Some of The Key Leadership Lessons from This Episode:  How self-aware are you as a leader? How you think you come across isn’t always how you do. Where might there be a gap between your intent and your impact?    Who’s in your corner? Isolation is the enemy—whether you’re a vet, a farmer, or a business owner. Who do you lean on? How are you building a strong support network?    Are you pushing yourself and your team to grow? Real learning happens outside the comfort zone. Where are you playing it too safe?    Are you empowering or micromanaging? Move from telling to coaching. Teach the standard, then trust your people to own it.    Do your people know what’s expected—before there’s a problem? The best way to avoid hard conversations is to set clear expectations from the start.     Are you creating clarity or confusion? Strong teams don’t need coddling—they need to know where they stand, what success looks like, and how to get there.  We are delighted that our FOA Platinum Mastermind & Alumni Members have access to the Lincoln Institute Emerging Leaders Programs. For more information about FOA’s programs and our connection with Lincoln, book a Complimentary Coaching Call here.  Paul and his team at Lincoln Institute have been working alongside farm owners, veterinarians, and business leaders for years—helping them not just lead, but lead well.   This is a conversation about what really makes a difference in leadership—the moments that test us, the decisions that define us.  A sincere thanks to Paul for joining us in this conversation. Your knowledge, wisdom and insights are so valuable and transferrable.     Sincerely,     Jeremy Hutchings and The Farm Owners Academy Team    

Running a farm comes with its fair share of challenges, and it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day. But some of the biggest opportunities for growth come from stepping outside our own operations, connecting with others, and learning from those facing similar challenges. Stronger businesses, smarter decisions, and a more resilient industry all start with farmers coming together and sharing knowledge.    This episode is all about the power of grower groups - why they matter, the impact they have, and why getting involved can be a game-changer for your farm and business.    I'm joined by Pippa Jones, who, alongside her husband, runs a mixed farm near Goondiwindi, QLD. Beyond the farm, Pippa has played a key role in the Macintyre Ag Alliance, helping to drive innovation and support for local farmers. She also works as an extension officer with NSW Local Land Services and represents the Northern NSW Drought and Innovation Hub. On top of that, she’s a 2024 Nuffield Scholar, exploring how carbon farming can be both a profitable opportunity for farmers and better supported on a global scale.    Together, in this episode, we explore:  The critical role of grower groups like Macintyre Ag Alliance and the impact they're having in southern Queensland and northern NSW.  Why getting involved in these networks goes far beyond just improving technical farming skills.  How simplifying your farm business model can give you the time and space to pursue off-farm interests, leadership roles, and industry impact.  Why we should all back ourselves as leaders, even if we don't see ourselves that way just yet.    At Farm Owners Academy, we're proud to be partnering with Macintyre Ag Alliance and other grower groups across Australia to help farmers connect, learn, and thrive.    If you haven't yet, I encourage you to seek out your local grower groups and engage with your regional drought and innovation hubs-they offer invaluable resources and networks that can help you navigate challenges and future-proof your farm business.    You can access more information about the items discussed in the episode below:    Macintyre Ag Alliance – click here https://www.macintyreagalliance.com/   Drought and Innovation Hubs – click here https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/future-drought-fund/research-adoption-program/adoption-innovation-hubs   Nuffield Scholarships – click here https://www.nuffield.com.au/     Pippa, thank you for your time, your insights, and your leadership. I hope you all enjoy this conversation as much as I did.    Keep winning.    Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team 

If something happened to you tomorrow, would your farm keep running? Would your team know what to do? Would your business continue to operate, or does it all rely on you?It’s one of those things we don’t like to think about, but it’s critical — not just for succession planning or long-term growth, but for building a farm business that’s resilient and can operate without you.Today, I have the pleasure of sitting down with two of the best people to have this conversation with — Tim and Cheryl Freak.Tim and Cheryl have been with Farm Owners Academy from the very beginning. They’ve spent the last 10 years transforming their farm into a ‘Freedom Farm’ but also, travelling the country in the Farm Owners Academy caravan, working alongside farmers to help them create farm businesses that thrive without total dependence on them.This is a powerful conversation because it challenges the traditional mindset in farming — the idea that working harder is the only way forward. Tim and Cheryl show us the alternative way. In this episode, we unpack: How they transitioned from a business that was completely reliant on them to one that now operates smoothly without them being hands-on every day.   Why they chose to bring in business partners — giving key team members skin in the game, rather than just employing a farm manager.   How they’ve structured their operation with clear roles, responsibilities, and systems that ensure everything runs efficiently — whether they’re there or not.   The impact of their farm visits with FOA members — where they ask the tough questions and help these incredible people work through challenges that they often don’t talk about anywhere else. We also talk about Freedom Farming — what it really means and why it’s different for everyone.For Tim and Cheryl, their definition of freedom farming means they now have the flexibility to travel, spend quality time with family, and step into roles where they’re mentoring and coaching other farmers.There’s so much wisdom in this conversation, and if you’re feeling stuck — if you’re working harder but not seeing the freedom, security, or lifestyle you want to achieve — then this episode will give you plenty to think about.Sincerely,Jeremy Hutchings and The Farm Owners Academy TeamP.S. Inspired by Tim and Cheryl’s journey to creating a Freedom Farm? Ready to take your farm business to the next level? Our Complimentary Coaching Calls are designed to give you the clarity, tools, and strategies you need to succeed. Book your spot here and start making real progress today.

Farming is a beautiful and rewarding way of life, but as we know, it comes with its fair share of risks—some that we prepare for and others that shake us to the core.     In this episode, we dive into an extraordinary story of resilience, resourcefulness, and reinvention as we sit down with Matt and Hayley Watson, first-generation farmers who built a thriving free-range egg business, faced devastating adversity, and emerged stronger on the other side.    Matt and Hayley share their incredible journey—from building their egg operation to 9,000 birds, navigating one of the worst droughts in Australian history, and tackling the challenges of growth, to the devastating biosecurity crisis that forced them to start over.     Through all the setbacks, their determination, values, and ability to ask “unreasonable questions” of good people helped them rebuild their business in under 12 months and turn it into a more efficient, scalable operation; an outstanding result and credit to them both.     This conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons on managing adversity, knowing your numbers, and building a team and a business that can weather even the toughest storms. It’s also a reminder of the power of community, integrity, and daring to dream big, even when the odds are against you.    Stick around as Sam Johnson, CEO of Farm Owners Academy, leads this inspiring conversation with Matt, Haley, and their coach, Alison Hamilton. Whether you’re navigating challenges in your own farming business or simply looking for a fresh dose of inspiration, this episode is for you.    Sincerely,     Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team    P.S. To check out Watson Family Produce, click here. Or, if you are interested in egg production for Watson Family Produce click here.    P.P.S. Ready to take your farm business to the next level? Our Complimentary Coaching Calls are designed to give you the clarity, tools, and strategies you need to succeed. Book your spot here and start making real progress today.