Episode 92: What a Tuscan farm teaches us about diversification with Neri Roncucci

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.

Rural lawyer and farmer Tim Flynn shares what farm families need to understand about succession planning, family expectations and the legal risks emerging around renewable energy agreements. Join us for a conversation with Tim Flynn from Land Law Co., where we explore why succession planning can become complicated long before the legal documents are signed. Tim shares practical insights into family dynamics, the challenge of “equal” versus “fair,” and why clear communication and early planning can make a major difference. We also look at the growing number of renewable energy and wind farm agreements being presented to landholders, including the legal traps, long-term commitments and key questions farmers should consider before signing.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.

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.