Episode 98: Spilling the tea on farm succession with Tim Flynn

What are the next generation of agricultural leaders teaching us about the future of the industry? Join us for a conversation with David Cornish from Marcus Oldham College, as we explore what he is seeing among emerging leaders coming through agriculture and what it means for the future of farm and agribusiness leadership. David shares why technical skills are only part of the equation, and why communication, people management, self-awareness and leadership become increasingly important as agricultural businesses grow and become more complex. We also explore the importance of giving emerging leaders responsibility, allowing them to learn from mistakes, and creating a culture where people feel trusted to contribute and grow. From accountability and vulnerability to building strong teams, this episode looks at the leadership skills shaping the future of Australian agriculture.

John Francis explains why benchmarking is about more than numbers, and how goals, risk and decision-making shape farm business performance. Join us for a conversation with John Francis from Agrista, where we explore what benchmarking can really tell us about farm business performance. We look at why farm businesses with similar land, rainfall and access to information can end up in very different places financially, and how much of that difference comes down to goals, strategy, decision-making and the way people respond to uncertainty. “Comfort and certainty are effectively the enemy of progress.” John shares why benchmarking is not just about comparing numbers. It can show the difference in financial performance, productivity and key business indicators, but the real value often sits beneath the surface. We explore the decisions behind the data, including how people manage risk, how they separate good decisions from good outcomes, and why the safest option can sometimes cost more than people realise. John also talks through operating return, asset growth, leverage, capital values, recency bias after drought, and why an evidence-based approach can help farm businesses stay focused when the noise gets loud. DisclaimerThe information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with a relevantly qualified and licensed professional for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties. © 2026 Master Group (Aust.) Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

In this episode of The Engine Room mini-series, David and Natalie talk about the office rhythms and habits that help farm businesses avoid big shocks. When the books are left to the last minute, small issues can quickly turn into stressful ones. A missing receipt, an unreconciled transaction or an outdated budget is much easier to deal with early than when BAS, payroll, the bank or a major business decision is already pressing. Learn why regular office rhythms matter and how simple habits can keep the numbers current, useful and less overwhelming. David and Natalie also look at habit stacking, from payroll and reconciliations to budget checks and actuals-to-budget reports, and why modern farm businesses need modern office routines. Resources: Agrimaster Financial Rhythm Cashflow Control Cycle Handouts: https://agmstr.com/4x6yTG3 DisclaimerThe information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with a relevantly qualified and licensed professional for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties. © 2026 Master Group (Aust.) Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.

Join us for a conversation with David McLean from RCS Australia, where we explore what consistently profitable grazing businesses do differently. We look at why strong grazing businesses are often built on simple decisions made well, and why profit starts with knowing what the business needs to deliver for the people running it. David shares how clear goals can be worked backwards into practical business decisions, from annual profit targets and cashflow to stocking rate, carrying capacity and feed budgeting. We explore the difference between production and profit, why turnover, gross margin and overheads all matter, and how better numbers can help graziers make more confident decisions no matter the season.

In this episode of The Engine Room mini-series, David sits down with Clare Hamilton to talk about what can change when the farm office becomes more than a compliance job. Clare has used Agrimaster for years, but for a long time it was mainly where the figures went so the books could be done, the BAS could be lodged and the accountant had what they needed. That changed when Clare and Sam started investing more time into the business side of their numbers. Clare shares how building budgets, using worksheets and running scenarios helped them move from a cashbook focus to a clearer understanding of cashflow, risk, finance and opportunity. She talks through how this changed conversations with the bank, helped them make decisions faster, and gave them more confidence when looking at land purchases, livestock trading, machinery finance and seasonal changes. Conversation about using the right tools properly, backing yourself in the farm office, and turning your numbers into something that helps run the business.