#110: Lock It In: Protect Your Price and Your Profit with Ripley Atkinson - StoneX Australian Livestock & Commodities Manager
What if you could take the wild swings out of cattle prices and bring real certainty into your operation?In this episode, Ben Law sits down with Ripley Atkinson, livestock risk management specialist at StoneX. Ripley grew up on a mixed farm in Tamworth, worked across NT stations, MLA, and now helps producers and feedlots across Australia use structured tools to lock in margins and plan with confidence.Together, they break down how risk management works in plain language — from the cotton industry’s long history of hedging to how Australian beef producers can now access similar tools through swaps and structured contracts. You’ll hear how locking in even part of your herd at a set price can reduce volatility, strengthen bank relationships, and give you peace of mind when the market moves.Whether you’re running a feedlot, backgrounding cattle, or breeding for processors, this conversation shows practical ways to protect your margins and take more control of your financial future — without getting lost in the jargon. If you’ve ever wondered how top operators smooth out the highs and lows of the cattle market, this episode gives you the roadmap.Disclaimer:The views, opinions of the presenters are solely their own and do not in any way reflect the views, opinions, endorsements or recommendations of STONEX. STONEX is the trade name used by STONEX GROUP INC. and all its associated entities and subsidiaries. StoneX Group Inc. provides financial services worldwide through its subsidiaries, including physical commodities, securities, exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivatives, risk management, global payments and foreign exchange products in accordance with applicable law in the jurisdictions where services are provided.Information and material presented is for educational purposes only and does not constitute any form of investment advice nor an offer or solicitation to invest in any financial instrument.This information provided is prepared by STONEX and is intended for general circulation. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. You should take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs before making a commitment to invest, including seeking advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit.Representations of past performance are in no way an indication of future performance and such representations have not been verified by StoneX. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information or material presented.The presentation herein is not directed to, or intend-----------------------Ben spent over 20 years working with successful business owners and farming families which allowed him to unearth the timeless principles on how to successfully grow, protect and maintain wealth.If you want to learn the principles of how to grow your family’s wealth throughout the generations, then you might consider joining The AgriCoach Podcast each fortnight for more Wealth & Wisdom.Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is general in nature and for education purposes only. It is not financial advice. It is not legal advice. No one should act on the information without appropriate specific advice for your particular circumstances. Ben Law is a former financial advisor but is no longer licensed and cannot and will not give you specific or personal advice in this podcast. The Financial Bloke Group Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of reliance on the information in this podcast.https://thefinancialbloke.com.au/
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MINI: Is Your Brain Lying To You?
Ever found yourself convinced the sky was falling—only to realise later it was just a hiccup? In this mini episode, Ben shares how a blocked septic system spiralled into a fifty-grand catastrophe in his head before reality pulled him back. That moment uncovers a bigger truth: the sneaky role cognitive distortions play in farming families. From black-and-white thinking to catastrophising and mind-reading, Ben shows how these mental traps quietly leak into business decisions, strain relationships, and eat up precious energy. More importantly, he lays out simple, practical tools to catch, challenge, and reframe them—so you can protect family harmony, reduce conflict, and keep your operation moving forward.-----------------------Ben spent over 20 years working with successful business owners and farming families which allowed him to unearth the timeless principles on how to successfully grow, protect and maintain wealth.If you want to learn the principles of how to grow your family’s wealth throughout the generations, then you might consider joining The AgriCoach Podcast each fortnight for more Wealth & Wisdom.Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is general in nature and for education purposes only. It is not financial advice. It is not legal advice. No one should act on the information without appropriate specific advice for your particular circumstances. Ben Law is a former financial advisor but is no longer licensed and cannot and will not give you specific or personal advice in this podcast. The Financial Bloke Group Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of reliance on the information in this podcast.https://thefinancialbloke.com.au/
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#109: From No Succession Plan to $1B in Ag Assets: 3R Beef Fireside Chat with Garry Edwards, Founder and Managing Director of AAM Investment Group
Recorded live at the annual 3R Beef Pre Bull Sale Dinner, this special episode of The AgriCoach Wealth & Wisdom Podcast captures a fireside chat with one of Australian agriculture’s most influential leaders.Ben Law sits down with Garry Edwards — Chair of Cattle Australia and Managing Director of AAM Investment Group — to unpack the journey from the paddock to building a $1 billion diversified agribusiness spanning beef, lamb, poultry, cropping, and timber.From his early days in agriculture to steering one of the most significant ag portfolios in the country, Garry shares the mindset shifts and strategic decisions that shaped his success. He talks candidly about why he built a cross-commodity model, the lessons learned from managing risk in volatile markets, and how trade shocks and geopolitics can flip the industry overnight.But this isn’t just about billion-dollar businesses. Garry explains why the principles that underpin AAM’s growth — spotting opportunities, managing uncertainty, and playing the long game — matter for every farming family. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your operation, prepare the next generation, or understand the global forces shaping agriculture, this conversation is packed with takeaways you can put into practice.A big thanks to Geoff, Tony, and the entire 3R Beef team for hosting the dinner and creating the space for conversations like this — moments that remind us of the power of community, connection, and shared wisdom in agriculture.At its heart, this episode is about one thing: how to future-proof your family and your business in an industry that never stands still.-----------------------Ben spent over 20 years working with successful business owners and farming families which allowed him to unearth the timeless principles on how to successfully grow, protect and maintain wealth.If you want to learn the principles of how to grow your family’s wealth throughout the generations, then you might consider joining The AgriCoach Podcast each fortnight for more Wealth & Wisdom.Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is general in nature and for education purposes only. It is not financial advice. It is not legal advice. No one should act on the information without appropriate specific advice for your particular circumstances. Ben Law is a former financial advisor but is no longer licensed and cannot and will not give you specific or personal advice in this podcast. The Financial Bloke Group Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of reliance on the information in this podcast.https://thefinancialbloke.com.au/
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Why Logic Fails in Family Conversations (And What Wins Instead)
Ever walked into a family meeting armed with facts, spreadsheets, and a bulletproof case — only to walk out with nothing but more tension? You’re not alone.In this punchy mini episode, Ben Law unpacks why logic so often fails in farming family conversations — and what actually works instead. From succession and scaling decisions to big changes in the business, emotions nearly always trump calculators.Ben shares four proven strategies to shift the conversation: start with feelings, ask more and tell less, frame gains not losses, and focus on “us” not “me.” These simple but powerful tools will help you cut through gridlock, build trust, and create alignment without fuelling conflict.If you’re a farming family trying to keep wealth, relationships, and legacy intact, this is one episode you can’t afford to skip.-----------------------Ben spent over 20 years working with successful business owners and farming families which allowed him to unearth the timeless principles on how to successfully grow, protect and maintain wealth.If you want to learn the principles of how to grow your family’s wealth throughout the generations, then you might consider joining The AgriCoach Podcast each fortnight for more Wealth & Wisdom.Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is general in nature and for education purposes only. It is not financial advice. It is not legal advice. No one should act on the information without appropriate specific advice for your particular circumstances. Ben Law is a former financial advisor but is no longer licensed and cannot and will not give you specific or personal advice in this podcast. The Financial Bloke Group Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of reliance on the information in this podcast.https://thefinancialbloke.com.au/
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#108: Super Tax Shake-Up: What It Means for Farming Families with Kylie Wilson, Partner - Sparke Helmore Lawyers
What if the government’s proposed superannuation tax changes weren’t just targeting the ultra-wealthy, but could one day hit everyday farming families? In this episode, Ben Law — The Financial Bloke — is joined again by leading agribusiness lawyer Kylie Wilson to cut through the political spin and lay out what these changes really mean for families on the land. From the extra 15% tax on balances over $3 million, to the lack of indexation, and the controversial tax on unrealised gains — this conversation gets to the heart of how the rules could reshape retirement planning, succession, and the future of family farms. You’ll hear why “don’t panic, but get advice” is the message for now, why off-farm assets are still the ultimate superpower in succession, and how failing to plan early could force families into selling the farm when it matters most. If you’ve ever wondered how these changes could affect your super, your succession, or your kids’ ability to take over the farm, this episode is one you can’t afford to miss. -----------------------Ben spent over 20 years working with successful business owners and farming families which allowed him to unearth the timeless principles on how to successfully grow, protect and maintain wealth.If you want to learn the principles of how to grow your family’s wealth throughout the generations, then you might consider joining The AgriCoach Podcast each fortnight for more Wealth & Wisdom.Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is general in nature and for education purposes only. It is not financial advice. It is not legal advice. No one should act on the information without appropriate specific advice for your particular circumstances. Ben Law is a former financial advisor but is no longer licensed and cannot and will not give you specific or personal advice in this podcast. The Financial Bloke Group Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of reliance on the information in this podcast.https://thefinancialbloke.com.au/
About AgriCoach Wealth & Wisdom Podcast by The Financial Bloke
Wealth & Wisdom: For Farming Families Who Want More Money matters — but wisdom is what makes it last. For Australia’s most successful farming families, financial growth is only part of the picture. True, lasting success means aligning your wealth with your values, nurturing strong family relationships, and building a legacy that endures for generations. Join Ben Law, The Financial Bloke and founder of Agricoach, Australia’s leading coaching business for high-performing rural families, as he shares the insights, stories, and strategies that matter most. With over two decades of experience advising and coaching some of the country’s most successful agricultural families, Ben now dedicates his work to helping others do the same — through the High Performing Families Accelerator and this powerful podcast. On the Wealth & Wisdom podcast, you’ll hear from industry experts, thought leaders, and inspiring rural voices. Together, you’ll explore what it really takes to grow, protect, and transition wealth — without sacrificing family harmony or personal fulfillment. Whether you’re preparing for succession, investing off-farm, managing family dynamics, or shaping the next generation of leadership, this podcast is your trusted source of clarity, strategy, and perspective. Smart decisions. Stronger families. A legacy worth leaving. Welcome to Wealth & Wisdom — tune in and grow with us.
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