What if the future isn’t something to fear but something we can prepare for, shape, and lead into with confidence? For Simon Kuestenmacher, understanding what’s ahead isn’t guesswork. It’s grounded in data, demography and deep thinking. As co-founder of The Demographics Group , Simon helps leaders across the country make sense of the big forces shaping our communities, our economies and our businesses. In this conversation, he brings that lens directly to farming. This is a full and generous exc...
Jul 04, 2025•57 min•Ep. 170
What if we treated safety not as a box to tick, but as a culture to lead? For Rebecca Fing, this isn’t a theoretical question — it’s the heart of her life’s work. From her base in Goondiwindi, Rebecca and her team at House Paddock Training & Consulting have spent two decades helping farm families lift their game in HR, business strategy, and importantly — work health and safety. This episode is a full-bodied conversation with someone who’s been on over 600 farms and seen it all. Rebecca does...
Jun 19, 2025•58 min•Ep. 169
Every great innovation starts with a question — Could this be done better? For Wayne Perkins, that question came in a wool shed, with a busted back, and a view of shearing that hadn’t changed in a century. He wasn’t looking to build a business. He was looking to fix a problem. And in true agri-entrepreneur fashion, what followed was part invention, part persistence — and one heck of a story. In this episode, we shine a light on the doers. The tinkerers. The farm-based problem-solvers who aren’t ...
Jun 06, 2025•58 min•Ep. 168
Succession isn’t just a plan on paper — it’s a living, breathing conversation about legacy, leadership, and what we’re really passing on. And when it’s done well, it can strengthen not just the business, but the family behind it. This episode is a testament to that. Rob and Ainsley McArthur aren’t just managing a successful beef operation in central Queensland — they’re guiding a generational transition with intention, structure, and a whole lot of heart. Alongside their six children, they’ve cr...
May 22, 2025•59 min•Ep. 167
Now and then, you get the chance to pause, look back, and really take stock. And when that moment rolls around, it can be quietly powerful. That’s exactly what this episode is. A milestone. A moment. A celebration. This year marks 10 years of Farm Owners Academy, and I wanted to sit down with two people who’ve been there from the start — FOA founder Greg Johnsson and our CEO Sam Johnsson — and reflect not just on where we’ve come from, but where we’re going. In this one, we unpack the heart behi...
May 09, 2025•53 min•Ep. 166
The markets are rattled. The headlines are loud. And for farmers trying to plan ahead, it’s starting to feel a bit like trying to build a fence in shifting sand. That’s exactly why, in this episode of Profitable Farmer, I’ve invited back our trusted investment specialist, Terry Tran from Freedom Trader - because when the world gets noisy, Terry brings sharp thinking and clear-eyed strategy. At present, we’re diving deep into one of the biggest economic curveballs we've seen in years — the Trump-...
Apr 24, 2025•36 min•Ep. 165
Let’s be honest - running a farm can feel like a never-ending list of things to do. The sun comes up, and we’re off… chasing the day, solving problems, making it all happen. But here’s the question we’re leaning into on this episode: What if the biggest breakthrough for your business isn’t out there in the paddock… but in here, inside you? At Farm Owners Academy, we’ve learned time and again that real transformation - the kind that sticks - starts with mindset. When farmers turn the focus inward...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 164
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 M...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 163
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 lead...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 162
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 hav...
Feb 28, 2025•43 min•Ep. 161
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 Fr...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 160
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—f...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 159
Today, we’re diving into a cracker of a conversation with three of our incredible FOA business coaches—Rick Morris, Marina Gregor, and Jack Owen. They not only run their own successful farming enterprises but also help guide others in our FOA community to achieve remarkable results. In this episode, we reflect on the wins, challenges, and insights that shaped 2024. You’ll hear how these coaches, through bold decisions and a deep understanding of their numbers, transformed their farms by simplify...
Jan 16, 2025•50 min•Ep. 158
As we near the end of another whirlwind year, it’s a chance to reflect, reset, and recharge. The festive season brings its own flurry of busyness, but before we all step into some well-deserved downtime, I wanted to bring you a conversation packed with insight and inspiration to help you wrap up 2024 with purpose and head into 2025 with clarity. In this episode, I’m joined by Farm Owners Academy’s CEO, Sam Johnson. Together, we dive deep into the year that was — exploring the highlights, hurdles...
Dec 19, 2024•47 min•Ep. 157
Today’s conversation is one of those deep dives into leadership, resilience, and navigating the complexities of life—whether that’s on the farm, in the boardroom, or out on the footy field. Joining me is Cameron Schwab, a man who, at just 24, stepped into the CEO role of an elite AFL club, and over the years has learned not only what leadership demands of us but how it shapes us. Cameron is the real deal—a thinker, a mentor, and someone who’s walked the path of success, failure, and reinvention....
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 156
Often, the journey of personal development can be misunderstood or even dismissed- many might view it as unnecessary or even indulgent. As we explore in this episode, it is not about ‘fixing’ yourself or chasing perfection… it’s about choosing who you want to become, letting go of old stories, and moving towards a more authentic, abundant version of yourself. In this episode, I am delighted to once again speak with Tracy Secombe, our Director of Wellbeing at Farm Owners Academy, and someone who ...
Nov 21, 2024•59 min•Ep. 155
I have heard it said that “doing a traditional thing in a traditional industry may no longer be relevant.” I have also heard it said that the point of entrepreneurship is to “create a legacy”…. that is to create something that makes an impact of significance in the market, that will last beyond your life-time. Certainly there are great examples of individuals and teams out there daring enough to be highly entrepreneurial, deeply strategic and very innovative in finding ways to ‘get it done’. For...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 154
In this episode, I speak with Tim McGavin, Founder and Managing Director of Laguna Bay , one of the largest privately owned agricultural investment funds globally. Reflecting on his farming background and extensive career, we explore life growing up on a station west of Barcaldine, QLD alongside his ‘bushy’ father and family. We explore Tim’s early years through school, his journey into agriculture and the intriguing and unique pathway he has taken to achieve significant success within our indus...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 153
As always, it is great to speak with Terry Tran and get an update on what is happening across our economy and the global investment landscape. In this episode, and 6 months after our last update from Terry, we cover all things interest rates, inflation, commodities outlooks, exchange rates and economies. We get Terry’s valued insight across the USA, China, Russia/Ukraine and other global developments, and how these might impact equity investment decisions in the near and long term. We are excite...
Oct 11, 2024•41 min•Ep. 152
We all have a role to play in inspiring our next generation of farmers – now there is a compelling program and pathway to make this happen. In this episode, Hutch speaks with Chloe Smart, Training and Career Development Coordinator at AgCareerStarts. As Chloe explains, AgCareerStarts provides on-farm employment opportunities for 17 to 24 year olds interested in pursuing a career in agriculture. Backed by the National Farmers Federation (NFF), the initiative provides the link between a recent sch...
Sep 27, 2024•42 min•Ep. 151
‘Farm Systems’ or ‘Grower Groups’ play a pivotal part in our farming landscape. Of these, Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) is the pinnacle. Providing large-scale, in-season crop & pasture production trials, the latest research intelligence and important production improvement training to progressive farmers across Victoria’s Wimmera & Mallee for over 30 years, BCG is one of our nation’s major contributors to in-paddock production advancement. Perhaps equally important is the community assemb...
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 150
It’s incredible seeing the results members of our Platinum Mastermind are achieving, their commitment to the program and the progression of their business and personal development. FOA Alumni Members David (Diesel) & Rhianne Low, make a great example of this. Commencing the program in July 2017, Diesel & Rhianne have become valued members and real contributors to our growing community. Starting as a mixed farm struggling for profitability, the operation was completely dependent on them, ...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 149
In this episode, I am delighted to introduce to you Zoe Lamont, owner of Farm Door Riverina, a growing regional food business providing ready-made, wholesome meals to busy families, retirees and the elderly across Australia. Growing up on a farm near Junee, Zoe has deep ties to the land and a vision for bringing high-quality, wholesome, locally sourced food to families across Australia. Zoe shares her journey from farm life to buying and then building a highly successful business, with her husba...
Aug 16, 2024•55 min•Ep. 148
In complement to our last two episodes that focus on on-farm culture and team, in this episode, I explore a question we receive often: When is the right time and how do we best establish an Advisory Board? There is an important set of business practices and disciplines that need to be in place and effective prior to establishing a Board. It is important that as business owners we retain ownership and full responsibility for key elements of our businesses’ strategic plan, performance analysis, bu...
Aug 02, 2024•36 min•Ep. 147
CULTURE - we all have one, whether we like it or not. Within our business, our family, even our community. Leaving our culture unchecked can be a disaster. Accepting a sub optimal culture can be destroying... for you AND those around you. At Farm Owners Academy, we believe deeply in creating high-performing teams and cultures, both in family AND business. Once again giving you special insight into our Platinum Mastermind program, this episode is an excerpt from a previous 'Growth Call' webinar t...
Jul 18, 2024•49 min•Ep. 146
It is clear to me that so many of us are under-resourced. As such, we dedicate 20-40 hours per week to low-value farm activity, often at the expense of CEO-level tasks. For me, this continued focus on low-value activity might save a wage, but it's costing you a FORTUNE. This episode is all about how to break free from that cycle and step into the role of a true business leader. Giving you special insight into our Platinum Mastermind program, this episode is an excerpt from a previous 'Growth Cal...
Jul 05, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 145
Nuffield International’s vision is to inspire people to make a difference in the world of agriculture. It is fair to say this great organisation is truly achieving it’s global vision- directly as a result of the many great leaders of Nuffield, like Jim Geltch, who have committed much of their careers to making this happen. It was a privilege for me to speak this week with a fellow scholar and good friend of my father’s, Jim Geltch about the Nuffield farming scholarship program and the significan...
Jun 20, 2024•58 min•Ep. 144
Imagine losing your arms, legs, body and your entire outlook on life… at age 19. Imagine being in the prime of your life, only to have it all taken away. Imagine having to start over, come to terms with that hardship, yet find the determination to get on with life. Imagine how hard it would be to ‘stand back up’ and turn up to life again. Then, imagine successfully re-creating yourself, finding the woman of your dreams and excelling in a 35-plus-year career as a successful farm business owner. I...
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 143
In this episode, it was great to connect with the impressive Sam Johnsson, CEO of Farm Owners Academy. During our discussion we: reflected on his 3 years with us, acknowledged the incredible Farm Owners Academy team and community, discussed the importance of the CEO role in any business, explored the power of focusing team members toward ‘their genius’ within a clear and well-documented structure, and the value this can bring to growing teams, explored ‘The Gap and The Gain’, and how this import...
May 23, 2024•45 min•Ep. 142
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 exten...
May 10, 2024•51 min•Ep. 141
