Profitable Farmer

• # 176 - Will Red Meat Prices Crash or Hold With Expert Analyst Simon Quilty

  Australian cattle and lamb markets are at a tipping point. Prices have surged to record highs, but according to leading analyst Simon Quilty, we’re about to hit what he calls “unsustainable pricing.”    Bringing over 30 years of hard-won market insight to the table, Simon Quilty has worked with top firms including Louis Dreyfus, ConAgra, DR Johnston, and FC Stone. Today, he helps large financial institutions and farmers alike make sense of the complex forces shaping the red meat sector.    In this episode, Simon delivers a no-nonsense forecast: cattle rallying up to 750c/kg before falling back to a new norm around 550… lambs peaking at 1350c/kg before settling at 950. These aren’t guesses. They’re grounded in global supply shocks, America’s herd liquidation, and the structural rebuild now underway in Australia.    We cut straight into the forces driving this market, including:  why America’s drought and Trump’s tariffs are reshaping global trade in our favour;  how the mass liquidation of the southern Angus herd has set the stage for a desperate chase for quality cattle;  the shift from wool into meat sheep and the rise of self-shedding breeds; and  how new global demand from China shutting out US beef to the Middle East’s booming chilled carcass trade is creating both opportunity and protection against future price crashes.    For producers, this conversation is a wake-up call. The highs won’t last forever. But there is a clear path forward. One built on understanding the new norms, preparing for volatility, and making confident decisions in a transformed market.    Simon Quilty’s analysis has never been more relevant. If you want to know where livestock pricing is really headed and how to position your business, this is essential listening.    👉 You can learn more about Simon and Global AgriTrends at www.agritrends.com    A huge thanks to Simon for his time, his candour, and his ongoing commitment to helping livestock producers navigate these markets with clarity and confidence. Simon, your insights are invaluable and we’re grateful to have your voice guiding us through such a pivotal moment for the red meat sector.    Here’s to strong seasons ahead.    Hutch & The Farm Owners Academy Team 

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• # 175 - From Refugee To Financial Freedom - The Terry Tran Story

  At just two years old, Terry Tran fled Vietnam by boat with his parents, was rescued after days lost at sea, and spent months on a Malaysian refugee island. It was there, on Christmas Eve, that a storm claimed his father’s life, leaving his 21-year-old mother widowed with a toddler to raise.    From those humble beginnings, Terry has built a life of financial freedom, not through shortcuts but through patience, persistence and following a clear process. Along the way, he was also shaped by the kindness of others, a reminder that generosity can change lives.    In this conversation, Terry shares how he started from almost nothing, the mistakes he made chasing quick wins, and the principles he now follows to protect and grow wealth. He talks about the role of risk management and how the mindset farmers use to work through seasons is the same mindset needed to succeed as an investor.    We also explore Terry’s view on the global share markets. He explains why US-China tensions and trade tariffs have left markets sitting at unsustainable highs, why Australia may face deflation rather than inflation, and why he is holding larger cash positions to stay prepared. Most importantly, he reminds us that downturns, while uncomfortable, are often when the best opportunities appear.    Specifically, we explore:  Why managing risk and protecting your capital must always come first  How to avoid “get-rich-quick” traps and instead build wealth through discipline and compounding  How global tensions and tariffs are shaping markets, and why Australia may face deflation  Why downturns like the GFC and COVID-19 can be the best times to invest if you’re prepared     For farmers, this is both a story and a lesson. The same qualities that get you through tough seasons on-farm can also build lasting wealth off farm.    And there’s more. Terry is running an exclusive webinar for the Farm Owners Academy Community on Tuesday evening, 23rd September. This is your chance to go deeper, learn directly from him, and build the skills to invest safely and confidently.    Click the link to register your interest: https://www.thefreedomtrader.com/farmownersacademy/    Thank you, Terry, for sharing your journey and wisdom with such openness. Your generosity and guidance continue to inspire and support our FOA community.    Keep winning,  Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team 

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• # 174 - Nothing Beats High Prices like High Prices with Brett Stevenson, Market Check

  In recent years grain growers nationally have enjoyed an extended period of strong prices and favourable market conditions.  According to grain industry authority, Brett Stevenson, Managing Director of Market Check, this may well be all about to change.  Of the back of last month’s Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC), I invite Brett to once again join me to give us his expert insights to the new headwinds Aussie grain growers now face in coming years.  As grain prices face downward pressure, Brett Stevenson offers invaluable insight on navigating a challenging global market – it seems clear the good times we have enjoyed may now not last forever.   With over 30 years of industry-leading experience, Brett dives into the challenges of navigating a low-price environment and offers advice on risk management, grain marketing strategies, and why the next few years may likely be tougher than many expect.  In this episode, we explore:  the impact of geopolitical tensions and changing international supply dynamics;  the challenges of managing input costs while facing long-term low grain prices’  how to prepare for market fluctuations and manage your grain marketing more strategically; and  the importance of adapting your business model to ensure sustainability in uncertain times.  You can learn more about their services and advisory offerings by visiting Market Check, with a short overview of their capability here.  I would like to personally acknowledge, the long-standing and dedicated service Market Check provides many hundreds of grain growers across Australia. Their team is passionate about supporting farmers with practical, tailored and industry leading advice to help them navigate the complexities of grain marketing, ensuring long-term success, even during challenging times.  Now more than in recent years, we need to be taking complete responsibility for our risk management and grain marketing. Whether you’re looking for daily market updates or in-depth advisory services, we advocate for Brett and his team at Market Check to ensure you're making informed, proactive and strategic marketing decisions.   This conversation is a wake-up call for grain growers: it’s not just about weathering the storm, but making smart, strategic decisions to thrive in uncertain times. By preparing now, you can position your business for long-term success, no matter what the market brings.  A huge thanks to Brett for his candid insights and for stepping in to provide much-needed clarity at this pivotal point in the grain growing season. As harvest approaches, proactive grain marketing and financial planning will position Australian growers to navigate the challenges ahead and make the most of what’s to come.  All the best for the remainder of this season!    Keep winning. Hutch & The Farm Owners Academy Team 

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• # 173 - Beating Brain Cancer with Sam McGuane

  From growing up on a dairy farm in western Victoria with 12 siblings to the frontlines of one of the toughest fights in medical research, Sam McGuane’s story is one of resilience, service, and hope. As the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of The Brain Cancer Centre, and a key leader behind Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer, Sam is on a mission to transform the future of brain cancer research.  In this heartfelt episode, Sam opens up about how the values of gratitude, service, and hard work, ingrained in him growing up on the farm, have shaped his approach to both business and charity. These lessons, learned early in life, now fuel his leadership as he works to change the future of brain cancer research.  Brain cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children in Australia, with survival rates virtually unchanged for decades. Sam is determined to change that. He’s building a model that brings researchers together, fosters collaboration, and supports breakthroughs in treatment. The result? A research ecosystem focused on tangible progress, including one of the most significant brain cancer clinical trials in the world.  We discuss:  How the farm values of teamwork, generosity, and service shape his approach to tackling one of the toughest medical challenges.  The incredible success of Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer, which has raised over $27 million, a campaign born from Carrie Bickmore’s Logies speech and fuelled by the power of community.  Why the Brain Cancer Centre is changing the way research is done by focusing on sharing knowledge and working together to make real progress.  Sam’s story shows how small, everyday actions can lead to big change when fuelled by purpose and community. His mission is clear: No lives lost to brain cancer and he’s working tirelessly to make that a reality.  To all our listeners, you may or may not know someone affected by brain cancer, but imagine making a choice today that could change someone's future forever. You have the power to be the hope someone needs. Whether it's donating, sharing this message, or getting involved in any way you can, every step brings us closer to a cure.  To learn more about the incredible work Sam, Carrie, and their team are doing, and to contribute to this life-changing cause, visit Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer and The Brain Cancer Centre.  Sam, thank you for leading this vital cause with passion and purpose.  Sincerely,     Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team  

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• # 172 - How AI and ChatGPT Can Transform How You Operate as Farm Business Owners with Dimity Smith

  When you wear as many hats as our farming families do, time is one thing you never have enough of.    From the kitchen table to the paddock, we’re constantly making decisions, solving problems, and figuring out how to do more with less. What if there was a way to take some of that pressure off, without handing over the reins?    In this episode, I sit down with Dimity Smith, agri-business innovator, event leader, and one of the most refreshingly practical minds when it comes to tech in agriculture. Dimity runs tailored AI training sessions for farming families and small ag teams, helping them get started with tools like ChatGPT and put them to work in your business.     Together with Sam Johnsson, we dive into how AI is already helping farmers:  Draft job ads, safety procedures, and strategic plans,  Make grant writing quicker and less painful,  and even help with farm system reviews, one prompt at a time.     But more than the tools, this is about mindset. Dimity reminds us: AI is your co-pilot, not your competitor. It’s not here to replace your hard-earned wisdom, but to amplify it. And like any tool, it’s only as powerful as how you use it.    We also explore the fears many have about AI, and how simple curiosity might be the antidote to overwhelm.    Dimity puts it best, "You don’t have to be great at spelling, you don’t have to be techy, and you don’t need to have it all figured out.” She runs hands-on workshops through GRO Events Group and GRO Rural where she walks through it all slowly, answers your questions, and helps you use AI in a way that makes sense for your farm.  Join the 2-hour online workshop exclusive for Farm Owners Academy listeners:  Evening Session – Tuesday 12 August, 5.00 PM AEST (Register here)  Daytime Session – Wednesday 13 August, 11.00AM AEST (Register here)  For more information on all the workshop details and options, visit the workshop landing page here.   To get in touch, connect with Dimity via social media or head to https://www.groevents.com.au/  Dimity, thank you for showing us that you don’t need to be a tech expert to start using AI, you just need to be open and willing to learn. And Sam, appreciate the way you bring these conversations to life.    Here’s to staying curious, having a crack, and using whatever tools we can to make things just a bit easier, one step at a time.    Keep winning.  Jeremy Hutchings & The Farm Owners Academy Team 

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