Farms Advice Podcast

Welcome to the Farms Advice Podcast with your host Jack Cresswell. In this episode, we explore the power of social media advocacy, the importance of education in farming, and the evolving landscape of agriculture in the US and Australia. Listen to how influential farmers and advocates are shaping perceptions, policy, and the future of farming globally.

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Key Topics:

Michelle shares her journey from fashion to farming and becoming a leading ag advocate.
The impact and potential of social media for farm advocacy and product marketing.
How misconceptions about farming practices can be debunked through education.
Differences in farming scales and policy challenges between Australia and the US.
The role of celebrities, influencers, and media in shaping agricultural narratives.
Strategies to enhance farm visibility and attract next-generation talent.
The cowboy culture and the influence of popular media like Yellowstone on farm perceptions.
How policy patchwork and water rights issues affect farmers across US states.
The importance and impact of precise, science-backed messaging in agricultural communication.
Success stories of farm advocacy, including impactful campaigns like Burger King’s retracted ad.
Future goals of elevating agricultural voices in mainstream media and policy arenas.
The significance of humility, confidence, and unapologetic storytelling in farming.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Michelle’s background from fashion industry mogul to farm advocate
00:37 - The influence of social media in farm marketing and advocacy
01:07 - Advice for farmers: Never underestimate your voice
01:44 - Building awareness about farming practices through media
02:23 - Connecting with farm followers via social platforms
03:08 - Michelle’s international advocacy journey and journey from city to farm
03:44 - Australian farmers' feedback mechanisms and consumer insights
04:01 - Walking a day in farmers' shoes to bridge understanding
04:38 - Challenges of policy and chemical use in farming
05:44 - Organic vs conventional farming misconceptions
06:09 - Educating consumers on the realities of agriculture
07:03 - The importance of early education in agriculture
07:26 - The role of social media influencers and celebrities in farm education
08:55 - The disparity in advocacy budgets between mainstream industry and activist groups
09:16 - The significance of engaging youth programs like FFA
10:23 - Harnessing entertainment media, like Yellowstone, for farm education
11:54 - Reflecting on lessons learned over a decade in agriculture advocacy
12:26 - Impact of social media campaigns like Burger King ad reversal
13:52 - The influence of influential farmers and social media in policy change
14:49 - The importance of building relationships and trust for advocacy
15:45 - Addressing misconceptions around farm size and profitability
16:07 - Internal growth and scale strategies for family farms
17:47 - Embracing confidence and promoting farm success stories
20:42 - The future of American farming and advocacy goals
23:04 - Labels, misinformation, and the importance of science-based food choices
26:16 - How to measure success in advocacy efforts
30:16 - Lessons from COVID-19 on supply chains and consumer behavior
33:42 - The global perspective: learning from farmers across continents
36:07 - Making farming attractive and rebranding it as a modern, cool industry
38:15 - Breaking down industry stereotypes and embracing authenticity
39:11 - The importance of storytelling, transparency, and social media presence
40:03 - Closing remarks on advocating for the next generation of farmers

Resources & Links:
Michelle - Farm Babe | Instagram | thefarmbabe.com
Burger King's Cow's Menu Ad (search for the ad to view)
Scientific American Podcast
FFA - Future Farmers of America
Make America Healthy Again

Keep on farming! Leave us feedback at hello@farmsadvice.com
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Discover the inspiring story of Audrey, a young woman passionate about agriculture, who shares her experiences navigating university, farming, and community engagement. This episode explores the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping today's agricultural industry, especially for the next generation.

In this episode:
Audrey’s journey from Hunter Valley to Armadale and her decision to study at UNE
The importance of connecting students with agriculture through initiatives like Farming Futures
How university and industry events foster career opportunities and community engagement
The rising role of social media in promoting agriculture careers and building personal brands
The significance of mental health, grief, and mental resilience in farming communities
The future of Australian agriculture focusing on technology, sustainability, and diversification
Practical advice for young people considering careers in agriculture: say yes, be optimistic, and leverage networks

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Audrey's background and involvement with Farming Futures
02:00 - How university experiences shape agricultural careers
04:00 - Connecting students to opportunities through industry events
06:00 - The power of social media in farming and branding
08:00 - Challenges faced by rural youth, including mental health and grief
10:00 - The evolution of Australia's agricultural industry—technology and sustainability focus
12:00 - Key lessons on resilience, purpose, and community engagement
14:00 - How to get involved with agricultural organizations and events
16:00 - The importance of mentorship and continuous learning
18:00 - Future career aspirations: teaching, innovation, and leadership in agriculture
20:00 - Final advice: embracing change, saying yes, and building networks

Stay connected, share your story, and continue to support and grow the future of agriculture!
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For more like this go to https://farmsadvice.com.au

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Welcome to episode 287 of the Farms Advice Podcast with Jack Cresswell. Shaping the Future of Sheep Production at LambEx 2026 with Mark Ferguson. Join us as Ferg shares cutting-edge innovations, industry trends, and the mindset shifts transforming sheep farming that will be at LambEx 26. This episode highlights how technology, collaboration, and continuous learning are paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous industry.

Key topics:
The role of AI and automation in sheep farming
Industry collaboration and peer-to-peer learning at LambEx
Genetic advancements and data-driven decision making
Monitoring technologies like virtual fencing and carcass data integration
Building resilience and efficiency for future generations

In this episode:

The significance of LambEx as a hub for innovation and networking (0:00)
How the sheep industry is benefitting from current high prices and market confidence (1:27)
Market outlook: demand vs supply, and the long-term price outlook (2:22)
The impact of genetic tools and data in improving flock productivity (4:51)
The importance of peer learning and networking to drive industry change (6:36)
Innovations in carcass evaluation and objective data collection (9:41)
The future of automation, monitoring, and AI in sheep production (17:50)
How technology such as virtual fencing and GPS will evolve (18:13)
The integration of AI, augmented reality, and real-time data feeds (20:38)
Maintaining success through profitability, efficiency, and continuous improvement (24:23)
The cultural shift needed for industry-wide adoption of new tools (26:08)

Buy tickets to LambEx 2026

Join us to explore how innovation and collaboration at events like LambEx are shaping the sheep industry's future. Whether you're on farm or behind the scenes, these insights can help you stay ahead in this vibrant sector.
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For more like this go to https://farmsadvice.com.au

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Welcome to the Farms Advice Podcast. As most farmers are overwhelmed, underwhelmed and everything in between by the recent tax reforms and uncertain future legislation. But what if the key to safeguarding your farm and growing wealth is understanding the upcoming changes—and knowing when to act?

This episode dives into the complex world of new trust and CGT laws, revealing how they could impact your family farm's structure, succession plans, and asset protection strategies.

Join us as we break down the proposed 30% trust taxation minimum, the potential for increased capital gains taxes, and the implications for trust structures used in agriculture.

Brian Wray, a seasoned tax advisor at Boyce Brian Ray, shares concrete insights into how these reforms could reshape your financial and estate planning. You'll discover how primary production income might be carved out versus other income streams, and what that means for your assets and legacy.

We explore practical strategies, including the timing of restructuring, the best structures for asset protection, and the importance of aligning your goals with evolving legislation.

Whether you're contemplating purchase decisions, succession planning, or asset transfers, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make informed, confident choices before new laws take effect—potentially as early as 2027.

Why does this matter? Because acting too soon or too late could cost you dearly, especially given the uncertain political landscape and the possibility of policy reversals. Get ahead of the curve with expert insights that help you navigate structural risks, maximize your tax benefits, and secure your farm’s future. Perfect for farmers, landowners, and agricultural families looking to safeguard their legacy amid shifting legislation—this episode is your essential guide to future-proofing your farm business.

Stay informed, stay strategic, and keep your farm thriving. Brian Wray is head of tax advisory at Boyce Brian Ray, with over 15 years of experience helping farmers navigate complex tax and succession issues, making him a trusted voice in agricultural finance.

Head to Boyce for more information about your scenario or your own accountant/advisors.
https://www.boyceca.com/

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For more like this go to https://farmsadvice.com.au

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Welcome to the Farms Advice Podcast. Sales shows up everywhere in agriculture and even on farm. That's why we got Georgia on to see how it's done. Understanding the Power of Sales in Agriculture with Georgia Stormont. Discover how sales principles can transform your farm business and industry relationships in this insightful episode featuring Georgia Stormont, sales coach and agri-industry expert. Whether you’re in the paddock or the boardroom, learn practical tips on connection, understanding customer needs, and evolving your sales approach to enhance profitability and trust.

In this episode:
The importance of sales across all farm activities, from livestock to grain presentation
Georgia’s background: from city suburbs to agriculture and her journey into farming sales
The common struggles farmers face with sales, including the fear of rejection and the need for relationship building
How understanding your own sales flow and personality can increase confidence
The significance of connecting with customers’ emotional drivers and end goals
Strategies for effective follow-up, including CRM use and personal touches like notes
Building trust through consistent presence at industry events and farm visits
Key mental models like curiosity, vulnerability, and self-awareness, to enhance sales and relationships
The role of intentional daily routines and setting boundaries to avoid burnout
The value of investing in team skills, including AI and ongoing training
Practical tips for farm-to-farm sales: asking open-ended questions, understanding personalities, and making it a reciprocal relationship
Dispel common sales myths, emphasizing that product knowledge alone doesn’t create great salespeople
The importance of showing up, authentic engagement, and continuous relationship nurturing

Resources & Links:
Selling in the Paddock Book
Georgia Stormont on LinkedIn
Connect with Georgia Stormont:
LinkedIn

Timestamps:
00:01 - Sales’s vital role on farm and industry relationships
01:30 - Georgia Stormont’s background and journey into agriculture sales
06:25 - Common fears in agricultural sales and how to overcome them
10:11 - The importance of self-awareness and understanding your sales flow
14:03 - Connecting with customer needs through personality profiling
19:57 - Building trust and rapport during farm visits and industry events
23:44 - Asking effective questions to uncover customer values and needs
28:23 - Following up diligently to nurture ongoing relationships
34:29 - Setting the right tone in communications with the right language
39:59 - Strategies for farm-to-farm sales and the importance of relationship over transaction
49:06 - The core value of being people-first in sales and life
52:56 - Key takeaways: Confidence, vulnerability, and continuous learning
55:47 - The power of simple gestures: notes and personal touches
60:14 - Celebrating sales as a way to motivate and build team culture

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For more like this go to https://farmsadvice.com.au

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