Profitable Farmer

• # 166 - The TOP Producers Workshop: 10 Years In The Making

  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 Johnson and our CEO Sam Johnson — and reflect not just on where we’ve come from, but where we’re going.    In this one, we unpack the heart behind FOA, the thinking that shaped the Top Producers Program, and the impact it’s had on farming families across Australia and New Zealand.    But more than that, we talk about what truly sets top producers apart — and why, now more than ever, mindset, business acumen, and strategic focus are the critical tools for leading through uncertainty.    Because right now, volatility is the new normal.    Climate, markets, costs — they’re all shifting. And that means farming families need a stronger compass and clearer tools than ever before.    In this episode, we explore:  How FOA began, the purpose behind its creation, and the real-world gaps it was built to fill  The 9-step Top Producers Model — and how it’s helped thousands build more robust, profitable, and scalable farm businesses  How top producers use entrepreneurial thinking to stay ahead in uncertain times  The power of mindset — and how inner growth creates lasting, external transformation  Real-life examples of families who’ve doubled their scale, renegotiated better finance, and gained strategic clarity — all within months    So wherever you’re at — whether you’re in growth, in a rut, or somewhere in between — this episode is an invitation to step up, get clear, and take charge.    Our last Top Producers 2-Day Workshop for the year is happening June 23rd and 24th in Melbourne (or online if you can’t be there in person). And I can tell you, it’s two days that could completely change the trajectory of your business.    This is your chance to step out of the day-to-day and rebuild from the top down—with the same framework the top 20% of farmers are using to outperform, year after year.    We’ll walk you through how to transform your thinking, optimise your business model, and propel your farm forward—with clarity, purpose, and a clear plan in hand.    But here’s the truth: you’ve got to choose it.    Because the best businesses don’t happen by chance—they’re built by people who make time to grow, who lean in when it’s hard, and who say yes when most would sit back.    Get off the tools. Step out of the chaos. And create space to lead with purpose.  👉 Early bird tickets are available now — reserve your seat here!  Greg, Sam — thank you for the wisdom, leadership, and heart you’ve poured into this community.    And to every FOA member and listener — thank you for backing yourselves and walking this road with us.    Here’s to the next 10.    Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team 

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• # 165 - Tariffs, Turbulence & Tough Decisions: How Farmers and Investors Can Navigate Economic Uncertainty

  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-imposed US tariffs. This conversation is as timely as it is important. We explore: What this means for Australia & NZ, for agriculture, and for the way we make decisions in uncertain times What these tariffs actually are, and how they were calculated The ripple effects on global trade, inflation, interest rates — and yes, our ag exports. Where the risks lie… and where the opportunities might just be hiding in plain sight. Smart, proactive strategies to help you safeguard your business and potentially thrive on the other side of this storm. Terry doesn’t sugarcoat it — and that’s what makes this episode so valuable. He brings the data, the insight, and most of all, a calm, measured voice in the middle of all the noise.  Whether you’re feeling rattled, curious, or fired up to adapt and invest wisely, this one’s worth your time. Because when everyone else is panicking, the best in the game are positioning. If you're wondering how to navigate the months ahead and where to look for your next smart move — tune in. And a reminder that Terry is running an exclusive Freedom Trader Webinar for our community. It’s designed to help you get ahead of the headlines and build real financial resilience for your future. 👉 You can register for the webinar here Terry, thank you for your wisdom and generosity. And to all of you listening — keep leaning in, keep learning, and above all, keep taking care of yourselves and each other. The times may be uncertain, but your next step doesn’t have to be.   Just a quick note, this conversation is general in nature and reflects the personal opinions of our guest, Terry Tran. It does not constitute personal financial advice. So as always, take a moment to consider your own circumstances — and if needed, have a chat with a qualified advisor before making any big financial decisions.  Keep winning, everyone. Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team P.S. If this episode’s got you thinking more seriously about your finances — about how to protect what you’ve built and position yourself for what’s next, then we invite you to join us at the TOP Producers 2-day Workshop this June. It’s where strategy meets clarity. You’ll join hundreds of growth-minded farmers diving into what it really takes to build a financially strong, resilient, and scalable farm business. From managing volatility to creating consistent profits — this workshop is packed with the financial know-how and tools every modern farm needs. 👉 Early bird tickets are available now – reserve your seat here! P.P.S. Got 60 seconds? That’s all it takes to help us make this podcast even more powerful — and go in the draw to win a $100 gift card. What resonated with you today? What do you want more of? Your feedback helps us improve our episodes and deliver exactly what you need to grow, lead, and thrive. We’d love it if you could take a moment to reflect and share. Your feedback helps guide where we take this next — and keeps the conversation meaningful and focused on what really matters. Take the quick survey here!

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• # 164 - Work Harder On Yourself Than You Do In Your Business

  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 and start doing the inner work, everything shifts. And this episode of Profitable Farmer is a powerful reflection of just that.  We’re unpacking the theme: “Work harder on yourself than you do on your business.” It's a simple idea, but it cuts deep. And it’s at the very heart of what made our recent Tune In, Deep Dive event so special. Over 500 farmers joined us to dive into the mindset, wellbeing, and emotional intelligence tools that don’t just improve your business - they change your life.  I’m joined by two people I respect deeply - Tracy Secombe, our Head of Wellbeing, and David Westbrook (Westy), one of our most loved coaches and a farmer through and through. Together, we get real about:  Why mindset matters - and how looking inward can unlock better relationships, stronger leadership, and a more fulfilling life.  Breaking old habits - especially the tough-it-out, stoic mentality so many of us were raised with.  Simple, practical tools that build self-awareness and keep you grounded, even on the hardest days.  Real stories of transformation - Westy shares his own journey - raw, honest, and incredibly powerful - from living on autopilot to becoming intentional and aligned in life and business.  If you’re ready to lead with clarity, step into your potential, and show up as your best self - on the farm, at home, and in life - this episode is for you.  Tracy and Westy, thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences. To everyone listening - my hope is that something in this conversation stays with you, nudges you forward, and reminds you just how powerful you really are.  Keep winning everyone!    Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team 

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• # 163 - Is your greatest opportunity buried inside your toughest season? with Jeff McDonald, RLS Agribusiness

  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.

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• # 162 - Vital Leadership Lessons Learned on the Battlefield - with Paul Ainsworth, Lincoln Institute

  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    

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