Profitable Farmer – Details, episodes & analysis

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 Team P.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.

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 school leaver or ag college/university graduate with a professional farm business owner, keen to nominate themselves as an AgCareerStarts Host Farmer. In addition, we speak with Host Farmer Simon Cameron, a fine wool merino producer from the Northern Midlands of Tasmania. Simon’s farm, ‘Kingston’ comprises 3125 ha of which about 12% is developed with introduced grasses. The rest is split between lightly timbered bush country and native grasslands. Their wool production is accredited under SustainaWOOL Gold and the Responsible Wool Standard, making Simon a great example of the on-farm opportunities we can create for young people wanting to forge a career in our industry. Post university, Chloe travelled across Northern SA and Western NSW as a contract musterer and senior station hand on a 280,000-acre Merino Sheep property in Hay, NSW. She understands on-farm roles and the challenges associated with farm life, as well as how difficult it can be for young people to shape their early careers in our industry. This is an important and highly professional initiative I am only too happy to advocate for. I commend Chloe and her team and NFF for pioneering this initiative, and congratulate the many host farmers already active in helping our next generation to positively enter our industry. For more information, click here. The deadline for applying to secure an AgCareerStarts Team Member for 2025 is Friday 4th October 2024. I am sure Chloe and her team will be only too happy to speak with you and answer any questions you have. Thank you, Simon, for sharing your experience, and congratulations to Chloe and your team on the great work that you do!! Here’s to the next generation! Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team P.S. If you're also looking to tackle stress and improve your well-being, our FREE 2024 Edition of The Low-Stress Farmer’s Handbook is now available. Discover essential strategies for reducing stress, avoiding burnout, and building resilience. It's packed with practical advice tailored to farmers' unique challenges. Click here to get your copy now: Download the Handbook.

Hello and welcome to our 60th episode! WOW! We are so proud to reach this milestone in the Profitable Farmer journey. 

Over the past 3 years, the previous 59 Profitable Farmer episodes have been downloaded over 151,000 times and we have steadily built up a loyal fanbase and thousands of subscribers.  The topics we discuss each fortnight are even appealing to listeners outside of agriculture, which is surprising and reaffirming all at once. Thank you for the support, feedback and reviews you have provided along the way.

As the traditional gift given to celebrate a 60th anniversary is diamond, we have lined up a true Aussie diamond to commemorate this milestone.

In this special edition podcast, we are joined by self-proclaimed “ordinary Aussie”, this man is grounded, humble, and a true gent… Michael Crossland. Michael has lived a life full of adversity, pain and suffering yet is one of the most positive people I have ever encountered.

In today’s episode, Michael shares his unbelievable story from surviving a rare form of aggressive, life-threatening cancer as a child and spending a quarter of his life in hospital to becoming a professional sportsman, businessman, one the most in-demand and highly respected speakers in Australia, and now a number 1 bestselling author across 6 different countries.

Despite repeatedly being told what he would never be able to do, Michael continues to defy the odds and show the world absolutely everything that he can accomplish.

Michael’s raw story will bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your heart as he discusses the keys to success, the importance of embracing change and the mindset needed to achieve your goals. Once you hear him speak, you will have a renewed perspective on life (and you’ll discover that you have little to complain about ever again).

If you would like to find out more about Michael Crossland, or purchase his new book ‘Everything Will Be OK’ please visit: https://michaelcrossland.com/

We hope you enjoy this podcast as much as our Platinum Mastermind members enjoyed Michael’s key-note at a recent Deep Dive.  It is nothing short of electrifying – be prepared for goosebumps! 

‘When you become a diamond, you’ll see why life had to pressure you’

Enjoy.

Sincerely,

Jeremy

PS – We have just 6 spaces remaining in our Platinum Mastermind Program this year! Applications will close on 31st October or when these last 6 spots are filled.

To learn more, go to https://www.farmownersacademy.com/platinum-mastermind/

In the second of this important two-part series, I interview another small group of Farm Owners Academy Platinum Mastermind Members.

This time the wonderful Women of FOA....

Across our community there are some incredible transformations occurring, and some incredible results being achieved – be they financial, on-farm, in-family or individually.

It truly is a unique, positive, supportive and completely dedicated community of over 120 like-minded, growth-oriented farming families, each intently committed to an intensive 3-year business & personal development journey, and on making more money, building better businesses, stronger teams and achieving more fulfilment in their families and lives.

In this podcast interview, I speak with Carissa Schneider, Marion Drew and Shaana Williams and ask them to share:

• their wins,
• their challenges,
• the results they’re getting,
• what they like most,
• what they value most, and
• why they joined in the first-place.

As we invite just 12 more farming families to join our Platinum Mastermind Program this year, I felt it timely and valuable for you to hear straight from the horse’s mouth what our Members are valuing and achieving from their significant time and money investment within the Platinum Mastermind Program.

Applications close on 31st October or when the remaining spaces are filled.  At the time of publishing this episode, there are only 12 spots left.

To learn more, go to: https://www.farmownersacademy.com/platinum-mastermind/

To hear more case studies, go to: https://www.farmownersacademy.com/reviews/

To any listeners wanting to level-up, we welcome your application before 31st October.

I hope you enjoy these discussions.

Sincerely, Jeremy

In an important two-part series, I interview two small groups of Farm Owners Academy Platinum Mastermind Members.

Firstly, the Men of FOA, and then the Women of FOA.

Across our community there are some incredible transformations occurring, and some incredible results being achieved – be they financial, on-farm, in-family or individually.

It truly is a unique, positive, supportive and completely dedicated community of over 120 like-minded, growth-oriented farming families, each intently committed to an intensive 3-year business & personal development journey, and on making more money, building better businesses, stronger teams and achieving more fulfilment in their families and lives.

In this first podcast interview, I speak with Nick Cook, Ben Taylor and Mark Carter and ask them to share:

• their wins,
• their challenges,
• the results they’re getting,
• what they like most,
• what they value most, and
• why they joined in the first-place.

As we invite just 25 more farming families to join our Platinum Mastermind Program this year, I felt it timely and valuable for you to hear straight from the horse’s mouth what our Members are valuing and achieving from their significant time and money investment within the Platinum Mastermind Program. 

Applications close on 31st October or when the remaining spaces are filled.

To learn more, go to https://www.farmownersacademy.com/platinum-mastermind/

To hear more case studies, go to https://www.farmownersacademy.com/reviews/

To any listeners wanting to level-up, we welcome your application before 31st October.

And… on a promise to Nick Cook: a massive shout-out and endorsement to Kingsway Welding for their incredible Agri - innovation – I recommend these guys highly!

Celebrating a Kingsway-built FOA Sign and an example of Kingsway Welding world-class

I hope you enjoy these discussions.

Sincerely,

Jeremy

How important is your language as a farmer?

And how important are your words in enrolling your family & team to achieve all you hope & dream of in your life?

Have you ever really stopped to think about it?

In this episode, I interview another great mate of mine, James Kelly.  ‘JK’ is Managing Director of Alchimie – a global management consulting and leadership training organisation.

Having worked in, coached and trained the pinnacle of leadership teams within some of the largest construction projects across Australia and oversees, he is more than qualified to speak about how each of us can better communicate as leaders.

What JK shares with us is equally applicable within our farming teams, just as much as it is at the highest levels of commerce.

In this interview, JK & I explore:

• how to align teams to a common goal,
• how to bring multiple families and businesses together,
• what tangible things we need to do in order to make our future a reality, and
• how to engage with our team deeply, and lead with conviction.

Importantly, we explore how to change our language as leaders, in order to inspire better outcomes, and the importance of accountability (and being coached!) in delivering an effective business result.

We also explore how the mind works, scientifically, and how we can train it to perform better under pressure and be more effective in truly connecting with our people.

For me, this has been one of the most enlightening podcasts I have recorded to date. The fact that this is with my best mate is a true privilege.

I hope you enjoy listening to this interview as much as I did creating it.

Sincerely,

Jeremy

Out of 10, how do you rate your company’s culture, and what do you do in order to enhance & optimise it?

Team and family culture is at the essence of how well our farming teams perform and achieve.

Team and family culture can be the thing that truly sets you apart as a business in both your area and market.

It’s ultimately an extension of you, and a legacy you can leave.

At the same time, culture is intangible, and as a result so often neglected in our own leadership.

In this podcast, we give you a taste of the type of training we provide to our clients as we take a sneak peek into our Take Control Program monthly business coaching session.  This month, we explored:

– what is team and family culture; 

– how good is your culture; 

– how do we rate it; 

– what are the 4 core strategies you can focus on to enhance it; and 

– what can be done to see you create a truly high-performing team and environment.

There are 4 core areas of business that can set the foundations for a great company and truly unique family and team culture.

You can download the handouts I refer to in this recording by clicking here.

I hope you enjoy this rare insight into our clients monthly training session and learn how to bring these ideas to life for you and your business.

Thank you!

Jeremy

I used to think being a leader meant that I had to know it all, have all the answers, control every decision, and work the hardest. I used to think leadership was an ‘intellectual game’ and mindfulness had no place in business… or leadership… or success in most things for that matter. I certainly didn’t make any time for it…how wrong I was!   On my journey in business and leadership, I now understand that our mental health and strength is of the utmost importance. I appreciate that removing the busyness, being able to truly focus, quietening the mind and looking after my mental wellbeing and mindset is fundamental to being a composed, confident and successful leader. In this podcast, I interview FOA Business Coach and founder of the Soul Pleaser Program, Tracy Secombe who is an irrefutable authority on this topic. I am also joined by FOA Platinum Mastermind Member and founder of The Abundant Farmer, Hayley Grosser who is an equally capable mentor and educator in this space. Together, we discuss the importance of MINDFULNESS in farming and business leadership. To explore the topic of ‘mindfulness’ further, Tracy Secombe is launching a 7 Day Calmness Code Challenge on Wednesday 13th August 2020. This program is designed to give us all a head start in becoming mindful, and to help busy people feel calmer - to worry, stress and overthink less in their roles and in their lives. Tracy and her programs are highly recommended amongst the FOA community. For more information, and to register for Tracy’s 7 Day Calmness Code Challenge, please click here. For now, enjoy exploring the benefits of a more conscious approach to business and leadership, and all things mindfulness.

Kind Regards,

Jeremy

We all have 2 or 3 people who truly inspire us, for me Ricky Dumigan is one of those people. An incredibly disciplined, dedicated, and resilient high-performance specialist; Ricky has trained elite military teams, the highest echelons of rugby and sport and some of the most significant executive leadership teams in our country. He is passionate about what it takes to nurture and create true cohesion and alignment within elite teams, and he has a wonderful ability to condense that down into bite-size chunks for people to learn from and use. Equally, he has achieved some amazing life challenges, including running Kokoda, kayaking Sydney to Brisbane, running marathons and extensive remote leadership retreats. In all of his accomplishments, Ricky has established a determination and mindset that supports incredible achievement for himself as a human. It is with real pleasure that I introduce a very good friend of mine to you, where we chat about what it takes to be at your best and lead great teams. Enjoy! Kind Regards,

Jeremy