The three-generation curse. Perhaps you've heard this ominous phrase before. Farming families know the reality all to well that their land and careers are built over generations. So why is it so common to hear stories of how quickly all that hard work can become undone?  And is it possible to avoid this curse?

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, we sit down with Ben Law, a former financial advisor who had enough of the fluff and became "The Financial Bloke" and founder of AgriCoach. Ben shares growing up on a New South Wales cattle farm to build a successful financial advice practice and ultimately stepping away to focus on his passion for empowering farming families.

Now he helps families navigate the complexities of succession planning, protect generational wealth, and avoid the "three-generation curse." Ben reveals his approach to fostering high-performing families and discusses balancing financial strength with strong family relationships.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• How Ben’s early experiences on his family farm shaped his career path.
• The pivotal moments that inspired him to leave financial advising and start his own business.
• Insights into the "three pillars" of successful succession: wealth, wisdom, and wellness.
• The role of education, alignment, and planning in preparing families for succession.

About Ben Law: Ben Law is the founder of AgriCoach and the voice behind The Financial Bloke Podcast. With over 20 years of experience as a financial advisor, Ben now focuses on helping farming families build and protect their wealth while fostering strong family dynamics to ensure success across generations.

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James Wagstaff reflects on his 20-year career with The Weekly Times, one of the most consumed print news publications among ag folks. It can feel like print is in flux thanks to the shift to digital platforms and indie social media content creators. However, with a focus on quality over quantity, James shares the big stories that have shaped the agricultural space, his life as a journalist, and the readers who keep coming back for more.

In this episode, Oli sits down with James Wagstaff, the editor of The Weekly Times. They have a chat about James's experience covering big Aussie agriculture stories and discuss highlights from 2024's news scene. There has been some big news this year; Land ownership shake-ups, sustainability pushes, economic uncertainty, supermarket supply chain turmoil, and heartfelt stories of legacy and challenge. Finally, what does a year ahead look like with so many moving parts hitting the newswire?

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• James Wagstaff looks back on his 20-year career with The Weekly Times.
• Hindsight on big Australian news stories such as 'Who owns Australia.'
• How print media is adapting to the digital age.
• Impacts of sustainability initiatives on agricultural families and operations.
• How infrastructure, Donald Trump's election, and trade with China may affect the Australian Agricultural landscape.
• Advice for the next generation interested in agriculture and journalism.

Uncertainty of reaching the finish line is always on the mind of an ultra-marathon runner like Michael Crowley. But by pushing through, you can make the unbelievable possible. Such is the story for Australian agriculture and the long future ahead of it.

In this episode, Oli sits down with Michael Crowley who recently took up the top job with Meat and Livestock Australia. They dive into Michael's history with AG, the time he ran 100 km for mental health, and his dream of passing on a sense of stewardship to the next generation. He's a big-picture guy. As Managing Director, he is privy to talks around tech in Australian farming, trade relationships, and developing sustainable practices for the future.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Michael Crowley discusses his history working in Europe with Meat and Livestock Australia, becoming the CEO of Herefords Australia, before returning to Meat and Livestock Australia.
• Michael shares his passion for running and raising funds for the 'How's Your Mate?' charity in a 100 km marathon.
• Michael discusses the opportunities and challenges facing the future of Australian ag to meet sustainability efforts and the complex trade landscape.
• He provides valuable insight for those operating in the agriculture sector and those just starting.

Picture Credit: Meat and Livestock Australia

Welcome to part 2 of our mini-series, which we partnered with Legacy Livestock to create.

Many unforeseen factors can shake up things on the farm. Drought, disease, or uncertain family farm succession are just a few in the mix. So how can folks and ag take a long-term view to prepare for those moments, or pull themselves out of it through the assistance of financing?

In episode 2, Oli sits down with Richard Brimblecombe, Legacy Livestock's CEO, to explore the role of financing solutions in supporting Australian farmers. Richard shares insights into the agricultural finance landscape, the unique challenges Australian farmers boldly face, and how Legacy Livestock empowers resilience and continuity in farming operations.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Richard shares insights from his career and role as CEO of Legacy Livestock.
• Discussion on navigating issues like drought, disease, and family loss that impact Australian farmers.
• How financing can serve as a lifeline for farmers in difficult times.
• The Legacy Livestock’s approach in supporting farmers for their future goals regardless of circumstance.
• Exploring sustainable strategies and innovations for Australian farming’s future.

Get in Touch with Legacy Livestock:
To learn more about how Legacy Livestock can support your farming aspirations, visit their website at legacylivestock.com.au or call them directly at 1300 965 683. Their team of experts is ready to assist you in unlocking the full potential of your agricultural business.

We're back with a three-part series that we have partnered with Legacy Livestock to bring to life.

Many folks in agriculture have spoken with us about the challenges and rewards of building their dream life. We can empathize with wanting to build a legacy. In this episode Oli shares that dream. He asks how do you bring that dream into reality.

In episode 1 we get to know Richard Brimblecombe, CEO of Legacy Livestock. He shares his journey from growing up on a mixed farming property in Queensland to his career in agricultural finance and ultimately being a co-founder of Legacy Livestock. 

Richard’s passion for agriculture and his insights into the evolving landscape of farm financing are invaluable, especially for those navigating the challenges of starting or growing a farming operation. We dive into his background, career, and the unique perspective he brings to livestock finance.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Richard’s upbringing and lifelong connection to agriculture.
• The challenges and opportunities in Australian farming today.
• Chatting about Oli's hypothetical sheep and wool farm.
• How Legacy Livestock helps producers maximize the potential of their paddocks.
• Practical advice for farmers looking to grow their businesses.

Get in Touch with Legacy Livestock:
To learn more about how Legacy Livestock can support your farming aspirations, visit their website at legacylivestock.com.au or call them directly at 1300 965 683. Their team of experts is ready to assist you in unlocking the full potential of your agricultural business.

We're sitting down with Jo Palmer, co-founder of The Connection Table. After returning to her rural roots in The Rock, New South Wales, following a stint in Singapore, Jo reflects on her journey and her latest endeavour with co-founder Julia Spicer. The Connection Table is a professional network aiming to elevate rural Australians into decision-making roles across government, industry, and community.

Jo shares her insights on the barriers rural Australians face in securing leadership positions and the innovative solutions The Connection Table is offering. From professional development opportunities to fostering networks and advocating for greater rural representation, this initiative is set to transform how rural voices are heard at leadership tables.

Episode Highlights:

• The Connection Table's Purpose: A digital platform designed to centralise and connect rural talent with leadership and decision-making opportunities.
• The Rural Leadership Gap: Despite significant investment in rural leadership development, the transition to actual leadership roles remains limited. The Connection Table aims to bridge this gap.
• Jo’s Reflection on Starting Again: Lessons learned from her first startup, Pointer Remote, and how launching The Connection Table has been a more deliberate and collaborative process.
• Breaking Down Silos: The need for a broader representation of rural Australia beyond agriculture, including mining, environment, and migrant communities.
• Support for Emerging Leaders: Offering training, governance skills, and network-building resources to empower individuals at all stages of their leadership journey.
• Unique Features of The Connection Table: Monthly Lunch with Friends networking sessions, board and panel opportunity feeds, and a focus on underrepresented voices in regional Australia.

Mid this year we were at the Aussie Cotton Conference and it sparked a curiousity into who the big players are, where are they going and what impact is that having for Australian cotton growers.

I grabbed Paul Joules from Rabobank to discuss the current state of the cotton market and farm inputs. Paul shares insights from his experience in global agricultural commodities, particularly focusing on cotton production, demand dynamics, and the impact of global events on prices. The conversation also delves into the volatility of farm inputs, especially fertilisers, and the importance of staying informed as a farmer in a rapidly changing landscape.

In this conversation, Sabrina Davies shares her journey of living on Kangaroo Island, the impact of the Black Summer bushfires, and her initiative, Humans of Kangaroo Island, which aims to tell the stories of the local community. She discusses the challenges of rebuilding after losing her home, the importance of community support, and her reflections on loss and recovery. Sabrina emphasises the beauty of Kangaroo Island and the unique lifestyle it offers, while also providing insights into her personal growth and the lessons learned through adversity.

Pic Credit: Australian Rural Leadership Foundation

Kangaroo Island, community, bushfires, storytelling, resilience, recovery, nature, Humans of Kangaroo Island, personal journey, support

This episode was recorded on the 9th of October and that might add a bit of context to the conversation!

Tom & Mick are back to sit down with Scott Bremner from McCulloch Agencies to chat all things Livestock.

Takeaways

• Scotty Bremner has a long history in the livestock industry.
• Feedlot procurement is about turnover and continuity of supply.
• Mobile phones have changed accessibility in agency life.
• Market trends are influenced by weather and supply.
• Lamb and mutton markets are currently stable and sustainable.
• Cattle market dynamics are affected by female slaughter rates.
• Trading strategies should focus on doing the opposite of the majority.
• The future of feedlotting requires more processing facilities.
• Wool market predictions are uncertain but influenced by global economies.
• Heifers are a good investment due to quick turnover.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Scotty Bremner
03:06 Scotty's Career Journey in Livestock
05:56 Insights on Feedlot Procurement
08:49 Market Trends and Seasonal Insights
12:12 Lamb and Mutton Market Analysis
15:00 Cattle Market Dynamics
17:51 Trading Strategies and Market Sentiment
21:05 Future of Feedlotting and Processing Facilities
23:55 Wool Market Overview and Predictions

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, Richie Kirkland shares his love of popping off on the buggies, hunting rabbits, and enjoying the life afforded as a farm boy in South Australia. His father showed him how to shear and he quickly realized how wool spun into a nice chunk of change for his teen years. Life in the business has had its highs and lows and he’s realized the importance of a forward mindset in the industry. By focusing on sustainability, innovations, and engaging with the community, Richie believes storytelling and sharing thoughtful perspectives will lead to a more resilient wool sector.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the shifts over the decades in the shearing business shows pivotal moments of what direction the industry has taken.
• Sustainability and Environmental Practices are important to ensure long-term productivity and environmental health.
• Technology and innovation in modern farming will help to meet industry demands and address challenges.
• Community, collaboration, and storytelling foster resilience within agricultural communities.
• Resilience and adaptation during tough seasons are essential for navigating the agriculture sector.
• Support and training for agricultural workers and those new to the industry is crucial in the future of the industry.

LivestockSA Partnership:
Today's episode is part of our partnership with Livestock SA's AgRi-Silience program, designed to improve strategic planning and long-term resilience for forward-looking South Australian livestock and broadacre enterprises.

Participants of the program get one-on-one coaching, tailored advice from a consultant and get the chance to meet a network of other farmers enabling long term strategic planning to sustain your business into the future.

Funded by the Australian Government and the Government of South Australia as part of the Future Drought Fund’s Farm Business Resilience Program, AgRi-Silience has already helped over 1000 South Australian farmers build financial literacy, confidence in decision-making, and essential resilience skills.

You can secure your place and take the next step towards a more resilient future by visiting the AgRi-Silience page on the Livestock SA website www.livestocksa.org.au.