Profitable Farmer

• # 181 - The 3 Secret Killers of Family Farming Businesses Confusion, Control and Conflict, with Jeremy Hutchings

  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 

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• # 180 - Leadership Lessons From Elite Rugby and Dairy Farming With Sam Whitelock

  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 

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• # 179 - Touring to 50+ FOA Farms Across Australia with Tim and Cheryl Freak

  “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 

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• # 178 - What Is The Future For? Wool Can It Survive? With Jamie & Will Swales

  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.

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• # 177 - Premium, High Marbling Lamb Is Here. With Tom Bull from LAMBPRO

  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.

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