Tom & Mick: Risk, Timing and Opportunity in the Cattle Market with Jeremy Cummins

The Tom & Mick Show is back, and so is repeat guest Jeremy Cummins.Two years after first joining the show, Jeremy returns to share how his cattle feeding business has grown from around 4,000 head on feed to more than 22,000 across multiple locations.The conversation also dives into the current cattle market, seasonal conditions, feedlot demand and how Jeremy is positioning his business as the industry navigates another changing cycle.In this episode:Growing the businessWhat's changed since Jeremy's first appearance on the showRebuilding and expanding the Mirambee FeedlotGrowing from 4,000 to more than 22,000 head on feedBuilding a team and bringing experienced people into the businessThe role mentors and advisors continue to playFeedlot strategyWhy Jeremy operates across multiple feedlot locationsDiversifying supply, customers and seasonal riskHow different feeding programs fit different marketsWhy flexibility is becoming a competitive advantageReading today's cattle marketJeremy's outlook on current cattle pricesThe impact of seasonal conditions across AustraliaWhy supply and demand still drive his decision makingHow international markets influence, but don't dictate, his businessManaging riskWhy Jeremy focuses on margins instead of trying to predict the marketMatching purchases to forward salesLessons learned from previous market correctionsWhy understanding your costs matters more than guessing where prices are headingGrowth mindsetWhy Jeremy never planned to grow as quickly as he hasBacking opportunities when they make senseScaling a business without chasing growth for growth's sakeHis philosophy: know your numbers, back yourself and don't be afraid to do moreLooking aheadJeremy's thoughts on the future of feedlottingThe potential of covered feedlotsWhy Wagyu isn't part of his current strategyWhat the next decade could look like for the businessKey takeawaysBusiness growth often comes from recognising opportunities rather than following a rigid plan.Knowing your costs and protecting your margins is more important than trying to pick the market.Diversification across locations, customers and feeding programs helps manage risk.Seasonal conditions will continue to play a major role in shaping Australia's cattle market.The best opportunities often come to those prepared to act with confidence when the numbers stack up.Whether you're involved in cattle production, feedlotting, livestock trading or simply interested in how successful agribusinesses make decisions, this episode offers practical insights into growth, risk management and navigating today's cattle market.