If something happened to you tomorrow, would your farm keep running? Would your team know what to do? Would your business continue to operate, or does it all rely on you? It’s one of those things we don’t like to think about, but it’s critical — not just for succession planning or long-term growth, but for building a farm business that’s resilient and can operate without you. Today, I have the pleasure of sitting down with two of the best people to have this conversation with — Tim and Cheryl Freak. Tim and Cheryl have been with Farm Owners Academy from the very beginning. They’ve spent the last 10 years transforming their farm into a ‘Freedom Farm’ but also, travelling the country in the Farm Owners Academy caravan, working alongside farmers to help them create farm businesses that thrive without total dependence on them. This is a powerful conversation because it challenges the traditional mindset in farming — the idea that working harder is the only way forward. Tim and Cheryl show us the alternative way. In this episode, we unpack:

• How they transitioned from a business that was completely reliant on them to one that now operates smoothly without them being hands-on every day.

• Why they chose to bring in business partners — giving key team members skin in the game, rather than just employing a farm manager.

• How they’ve structured their operation with clear roles, responsibilities, and systems that ensure everything runs efficiently — whether they’re there or not.

• The impact of their farm visits with FOA members — where they ask the tough questions and help these incredible people work through challenges that they often don’t talk about anywhere else.

We also talk about Freedom Farming — what it really means and why it’s different for everyone. For Tim and Cheryl, their definition of freedom farming means they now have the flexibility to travel, spend quality time with family, and step into roles where they’re mentoring and coaching other farmers. There’s so much wisdom in this conversation, and if you’re feeling stuck — if you’re working harder but not seeing the freedom, security, or lifestyle you want to achieve — then this episode will give you plenty to think about. Sincerely, Jeremy Hutchings and The Farm Owners Academy Team P.S. Inspired by Tim and Cheryl’s journey to creating a Freedom Farm? Ready to take your farm business to the next level? Our Complimentary Coaching Calls are designed to give you the clarity, tools, and strategies you need to succeed. Book your spot here and start making real progress today.

Farming is a beautiful and rewarding way of life, but as we know, it comes with its fair share of risks—some that we prepare for and others that shake us to the core.

In this episode, we dive into an extraordinary story of resilience, resourcefulness, and reinvention as we sit down with Matt and Hayley Watson, first-generation farmers who built a thriving free-range egg business, faced devastating adversity, and emerged stronger on the other side.

Matt and Hayley share their incredible journey—from building their egg operation to 9,000 birds, navigating one of the worst droughts in Australian history, and tackling the challenges of growth, to the devastating biosecurity crisis that forced them to start over.

Through all the setbacks, their determination, values, and ability to ask “unreasonable questions” of good people helped them rebuild their business in under 12 months and turn it into a more efficient, scalable operation; an outstanding result and credit to them both.

This conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons on managing adversity, knowing your numbers, and building a team and a business that can weather even the toughest storms. It’s also a reminder of the power of community, integrity, and daring to dream big, even when the odds are against you.

Stick around as Sam Johnson, CEO of Farm Owners Academy, leads this inspiring conversation with Matt, Haley, and their coach, Alison Hamilton. Whether you’re navigating challenges in your own farming business or simply looking for a fresh dose of inspiration, this episode is for you.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team

P.S. To check out Watson Family Produce, click here. Or, if you are interested in egg production for Watson Family Produce click here.

P.P.S. Ready to take your farm business to the next level? Our Complimentary Coaching Calls are designed to give you the clarity, tools, and strategies you need to succeed. Book your spot here and start making real progress today.

Today, we’re diving into a cracker of a conversation with three of our incredible FOA business coaches—Rick Morris, Marina Gregor, and Jack Owen. They not only run their own successful farming enterprises but also help guide others in our FOA community to achieve remarkable results. In this episode, we reflect on the wins, challenges, and insights that shaped 2024. You’ll hear how these coaches, through bold decisions and a deep understanding of their numbers, transformed their farms by simplifying operations and finding focus. They share firsthand how these changes have driven profitability and reduced overwhelm—an approach that’s reshaping the mindset around diversification in farming. Before we get into it, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jack, Marina, and Rick for joining me in this episode. Your dedication, commitment, and input to this community are deeply valued. The way you lead by example and share your stories with such authenticity is inspiring. It’s people like you who make this community what it is, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have you as part of the Farm Owners Academy team. It’s not just about numbers though. This conversation also highlights the role of mindset, strategic planning, and community in navigating tough seasons and setting the stage for success. Whether it’s embracing the three Rs—rest, reflect, reset, or having those all-important planning days off-farm, I hope you’ll leave inspired to tackle 2025 with purpose and clarity. If you want to set yourself up for success in 2025, The Ultimate 2025 Planning Guide is packed with tools to help you map out your best year yet. Don’t wait – get your hands on it today. You can download it here. Thank you Jack, Marina and Rick for joining me in this episode. I hope this conversation brings you value and wish you all the best for the year ahead. Sincerely, Jeremy Hutchings and the Farm Owners Academy Team P.S. Don’t miss out! The early bird sale for the Top Producers Program ends on the 20th of January 2025 (This Monday!). If you’ve been thinking about joining us to take your farm business to the next level and connect with like-minded producers, now’s the time. Secure your tickets today before the sale closes – we’d love to see you there! Secure your spot here.

Today’s conversation is one of those deep dives into leadership, resilience, and navigating the complexities of life—whether that’s on the farm, in the boardroom, or out on the footy field.

Joining me is Cameron Schwab, a man who, at just 24, stepped into the CEO role of an elite AFL club, and over the years has learned not only what leadership demands of us but how it shapes us.

Cameron is the real deal—a thinker, a mentor, and someone who’s walked the path of success, failure, and reinvention. Now founder and CEO of designCEO, Cameron leverages his extensive leadership experience in professional sport and business to mentor and support CEOs, senior and emerging leaders, and their organisations across various industry sectors. You can find more information about Cameron and his offerings on his website here.

In this episode, we unpack what it takes to show up as a leader when the pressure’s on, how to navigate those “what am I doing here?” moments, and why the quiet, reflective times when no one’s watching might just be the most important moments of all.

Cameron’s insights, from his experiences in elite sports to his work now coaching leaders across business and community, are so relatable and deeply impactful.

We explore what it means to create the right conditions for people to thrive, how to reframe your story when it’s holding you back, and why leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with courage, humility, and a deep sense of purpose.

I hope you enjoy as we dive into this thoughtful and inspiring conversation.

Cameron, thank you for sharing your wisdom, heart, and valuable practical tools that we can all takeaway.

Sincerely,

Hutch

P.S

Often, the journey of personal development can be misunderstood or even dismissed- many might view it as unnecessary or even indulgent. As we explore in this episode, it is not about ‘fixing’ yourself or chasing perfection… it’s about choosing who you want to become, letting go of old stories, and moving towards a more authentic, abundant version of yourself.

In this episode, I am delighted to once again speak with Tracy Secombe, our Director of Wellbeing at Farm Owners Academy, and someone who helps our community open-up to and embrace conversations about personal development and mindset.

In challenging times and an ever-changing world, for mine, this shift is more important than ever.

Tracy and I explore how to reframe challenges, embrace emotions without judgment, and navigate the highs and lows of personal growth.

Tracy shared a perspective that I’d describe as seeing life through a glass-half-full lens: “There’s plenty more where that came from.” It’s a simple yet powerful phrase, and when you really reflect on it, it represents a mindset shift—from focusing on scarcity and limitations to embracing abundance and possibility.

We unpack how to manage emotional triggers, find clarity during tough times, and step into a mindset of growth and abundance—even when the world feels heavy. Tracy’s take on shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance is not just inspiring; it’s transformative.

I hope this conversation will leave you with fresh perspectives and valuable tools to take into your own life and business.

So grab a cuppa, take a moment for yourself, and settle in for a heartfelt conversation that’s sure to challenge and inspire.

Let’s dive in.

Hutch and the FOA Team

I have heard it said that “doing a traditional thing in a traditional industry may no longer be relevant.”

I have also heard it said that the point of entrepreneurship is to “create a legacy”…. that is to create something that makes an impact of significance in the market, that will last beyond your life-time.

Certainly there are great examples of individuals and teams out there daring enough to be highly entrepreneurial, deeply strategic and very innovative in finding ways to ‘get it done’.

For mine, Liam Leneghan and his GO.Farm Story presents an outstanding example of this, in modern day Australian Agriculture.

Just over 10 years ago, GO.Farm Australia was simply an idea in the mind of a very credible and progressive Australian Agriculturalist.

Today, GO.FARM’s vision for transforming Australian agriculture has driven the development and management of $1.2B worth of agricultural assets, including 96,000ha of farmland producing high-value crops such as almonds, mandarins, tomatoes, winegrapes, grains, pulses and oilseeds.

With a strong focus on innovation through a Responsible Agriculture lens, GO.FARM’s investment strategies deliver a positive impact for its environments and local communities, while generating significant wealth for its investors.

From an idea, combined with a deep determination to transform Australian farmland… GO.Farm is now a growing team of over 250 people, committed to this vision.

It is a truly compelling story, that I feel we can all learn from. Through this I am reminded of the benefits of being unconventional; that leadership starts with making informed and risk-aware predictions about the future; that business ownership is about being courageous and dertermined; of the power of having conviction; of learning from mistakes and ‘going again’; of the value in making unreasonable request of people with influence; of the importance of a commitment to our own learning and growth; and the importance of surrounding yourself in high-calibre people on this journey we all play in business.

Some individuals are simply truly pioneering and daring to make an impact.

Liam, I commend you on your courage, deep conviction and your modern-day pioneering. I hope our conversation pays some tribute to your impressive career, and the successes of GO.Farm and your team.

Congratulations mate.

Hutch & the FOA Team

In this episode, I speak with Tim McGavin, Founder and Managing Director of Laguna Bay, one of the largest privately owned agricultural investment funds globally.

Reflecting on his farming background and extensive career, we explore life growing up on a station west of Barcaldine, QLD alongside his ‘bushy’ father and family. We explore Tim’s early years through school, his journey into agriculture and the intriguing and unique pathway he has taken to achieve significant success within our industry.

Our conversation touches on the pivotal role of Marcus Oldham in shaping the next generation of Australian agricultural leaders. We explore its innovative approach to education, its extensive Alumni network and its influential impact on the industry.

Importantly, we speak of Marcus Minds, a new initiative developed to help farm owners learn the key principles of high performance. This collaboration between Laguna Bay and Marcus Oldham draws upon the expertise of leading specialists and focuses on helping people overcome personal challenges, pursuing mindset mastery, pathways for self-development, a higher quality of life and building resilience.

Much like the personal development and entrepreneurial principles taught at Farm Owners Academy, Marcus Minds is bringing an important new way of thinking and leading into our industry.

Tim and I both acknowledge that farming can be a lonely and challenging environment in which to live and operate. Yet, we agree that to achieve the highest level, we must first master the mind.

To quote Tim, “I’ve learnt that if you get the inside right, the outside falls into place.”

Marcus Minds is a free resource available to all, and I recommend checking it out.

Congratulations Tim, on your pioneering of this project and congratulations on a fascinating career. Thank you for sharing your story and insights for success in this conversation so openly.

And thank you for helping us highlight the great work of both Marcus Minds and Marcus Oldham Agricultural College in supporting excellence in Australian agriculture.

And what a story it is.

Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team