Show Notes
Join us for a conversation with Wendy Sawyer, the powerhouse behind the financial management of one of Dalwallinu’s most successful farm businesses. Wendy has spent the last 15 years running the books—though as you'll hear, it's about far more than “just doing the books.” Wendy shares her journey of adapting to farm life, stepping into a leadership role, and helping grow a multi-generational farming business through discipline, communication, and an unwavering respect for people. "You're managing people, you're managing money, you're a nurse, you're a driver, a chauffeur, you're a hotelier... you're not just doing the books." We dive into what financial discipline looks like on a large-scale operation, how risk is managed through close budgeting, and why running the office is just as vital as running the paddock. Wendy reflects on succession planning, staff management, and what it really means to be trusted with the money. Plus, the importance of stepping back, knowing your limits—and why sometimes, the best thing you can do for your farm is to take a holiday.
Disclaimer The 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 relevantly qualified and licensed professionals 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.
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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.
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