In this second episode of our AgRi-silience series, Jono Mudge gives a glimpse into the realities of stepping up as the next generation in a family business. 

It hasn't been an easy run of seasons for mixed farmers in South Australia's mid-north, but the AgRi-silience program came at the perfect time for Jono - deflecting his attention away from the seemingly endless dust, to what he can control.

From the humble workshop whiteboard to navigating new apps, Jono explains how simple tools are leading him to better communicate with family members and a smoother operation of his business day-to-day.

Jono's renewed sense of enthusiasm to improve his business is worth sharing.  Here's his story.

Key takeaways:

• Engaging outside experts was key in shifting Jono's mindset and setting strategic goals 
• Professional development is a crucial part of building a sustainable and resilient business
• Planning family time before farm expansion helps maintain a healthy work-life balance 

Chapters:

02:59 How AgRi-silience has helped combat farming challenges

06:05 The importance of mentorship in agriculture

11:50 Setting goals for business and family life

14:55 Understanding the corner stones of financials and business management

17:52 Stress management and finding work-life Balance

23:46 Succession planning and future outlook

About AgRi-silience
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.com.au.

Cut out dinner
It's a challenging time for many. The AgRi-Silience Cut Out dinner is a great opportunity to pause, reset and come together to gain collective strength from shared stories and ideas. Book your seat at the AgRi-silience Cut Out Dinner at Sunnybrae Estate in Adelaide on June 20th.  Tickets are just $65 for alumni and $80 for industry participants.

You can hear more episodes of Humans of Agriculture here.

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EvokeAG 2026:
I'm excited to be one of the MC's for evokeAG in 2026. This event is unlike any other in Aussie agriculture and brings together the brightest minds from across the AgriFood ecosystem focused on solutions to some of our planets biggest challenges. Get your tickets at evokeAG.com