# 85 - Collaborate Farming and all its advantages

Land Prices are through the roof, bank lending policies continue to tighten, and the red tape is getting thicker for all across our industry. If we are serious about farm expansion, inter-generational transition and driving new & improved operating performance, we need to be looking and thinking ‘outside the box’ now more than ever. With these realities in mind, I call on Collaborative Farming Expert, Jeff McDonald, to explore the benefits of this Farming option. Jeff is the Founder & Managing Director of Riverland Lending Services and Collaborative Farming Australia. He is also the Chair of many highly successful collaborative farming ventures across Australia – including Bulla Burra, Sherwood Estate and River Wine Collaboratives. In this discussion, I expected to explore what underpins successful collaborative farming; to learn about some compelling case studies of farming families doing it well and the benefits of this approach to farming... what I didn’t expect, and thoroughly appreciate, is Jeff’s candour and willingness to explore in detail his comment that: “Good business governance is critical to collaborative and family farming equally. If you are not full bottle on this, you are already on your way out of farming.” You might not like all that Jeff has to say. You might find it challenging. But in reality, he speaks a truth that farm owners can no longer deny – be professional or perish. Jeff, thank you for your openness, straight-talk, and insightful explanation of how a collaborative approach to farm business expansion can see everyone involved achieve more. Thank you all, and I hope you enjoy this discussion as much as I have. Sincerely, Jeremy Hutchings Managing Director, Farm Owners Academy P.S. If you would like to explore this topic further, you can get in contact with Jeff directly (E) [email protected] When you’re ready to take the next step and work with us, here are three things you can do: 1. Subscribe to our ‘Profitable Farmer’ podcast This free audio podcast delivers ideas to help you run a great business – leading to more profit, control and freedom – Click here. 2. Join the Farm Owner Academy’s closed Facebook group ‘Profitable Farmer’ Our new Facebook community is where smart farm owners learn how to get more profit, control and freedom, and you can connect with like-minded farm owners – Click here to join. 3. Work with us privately If you’d like our team to help you scale up your farming business or create a ‘freedom farm’ just email us at [email protected] and put “Private” in the subject line… tell me a little about your business and what you’d like to improve and I’ll send you the information you need to get started!