Grow Your Numbers

One slip on the concrete. One broken ankle. And suddenly your whole farming season could be at risk.Farming is one of New Zealand’s toughest and riskiest professions — from early morning milkings to heavy machinery and livestock, the chance of injury is always there. Yet many farmers don’t fully understand what their ACC cover really means until it’s too late.In this episode, we break down the difference between ACC CoverPlus and CoverPlus Extra (CPX), showing why CPX often provides farmers with the protection and certainty they actually need. You’ll learn about the pitfalls of the standard scheme — like proving losses, abatement traps, and unpredictable payments — and how CPX can give you guaranteed weekly compensation, lower levies, and peace of mind.We’ll also cover practical tips: what to do if you need to make a claim, how to set the right level of cover for your farm, and why professional advice could save you thousands while safeguarding your family’s future.Because accidents don’t wait for a good time — but with the right ACC cover, you’ll be ready when they happen.

Imagine this: it’s March 2026. Milk prices have just dropped to $8.50 per kilo of milk solids — but your budget was built on $10.50. One farmer lies awake at night, worried about cash flow. Another sleeps soundly, having locked in $10.20 for part of his production months earlier.In this episode, we break down the brutal maths of milk price swings — where a $1 shift can mean $100,000 more or less in revenue. We explore the real risks facing New Zealand dairy farmers and the growing range of tools available to manage them: Fonterra’s Fixed Milk Price, Floor and Price Band Options, Figured put options, and even NZX milk futures for advanced operators.You’ll learn why the best time to hedge is when prices are strong, how to build a layered risk management strategy, and the critical role of knowing your true break-even. With practical examples and actionable advice, we show you how to protect cash flow, reduce stress, and lock in certainty — without sacrificing all your upside.Don’t wait until prices fall. Plan ahead, sleep better, and secure your farm’s future.

In this episode, we unpack the latest Federated Farmers Banking Survey — and the results are confronting. Farmer satisfaction with banks has plunged from 80% in 2017 to just 53% today. Even more concerning, one in four farmers report feeling undue pressure from their bank, and a third say their mental health has been negatively affected by those interactions.We break down what’s really happening behind the numbers: communication gaps, rising stress, and the very real human cost of poor banking relationships in rural New Zealand. You’ll hear which banks are performing better, why flexibility matters, and how upcoming legislation could change the way lending decisions are made.Most importantly, we share practical steps you can take right now: from strengthening your financial statements and cash flow projections, to documenting every conversation with your bank, to exploring your options if your current banking partner isn’t supporting you.At CMK Accountants, we know that farming is more than a business — it’s a way of life. This episode is designed to give you the insight, strategies, and confidence to take charge of your banking relationship and protect the future of your farm and your family.

In this episode, we dive into The Art of Business Planning in Farming — a practical guide for farmers who want to run their businesses with more clarity, confidence, and long-term success.Too often, farm planning stays stuck in someone’s head, never written down or shared with the right people. That can lead to stress, misaligned decisions, and missed opportunities. Here, we walk through seven essential steps that turn vague ideas into real, actionable strategies:Stepping away from the farm to plan without distractionsUnderstanding your equity position and what it means for your futureKeeping close track of cashflow and budgetsSetting goals that balance business, family, and lifestyleDeveloping strategies that actually move the needleBreaking those strategies into small, achievable action plansHolding regular reviews to stay accountable and adaptableYou’ll hear why today’s farmers need sharper financial management than ever before, how to celebrate wins to keep motivation high, and why regular planning is the foundation of resilience in a changing industry.Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been farming for decades, this episode will give you the tools and inspiration to make planning a habit — not a one-off chore. Think of it as building a roadmap to help your farm thrive today, tomorrow, and well into the future.

Cash runs deeper than profits in farming, and without proper flow management, even the most profitable agricultural enterprises can find themselves in dire straits. Mastering your cash flow forecast isn't just good practice—it's essential for survival and growth in the unpredictable world of agriculture.The fundamental principle "Turnover is vanity, profit is sanity, cash is reality" highlights why poor cash flow management frequently leads to business failure despite positive numbers on paper. A properly constructed cash flow forecast functions as your financial roadmap, modelling future liquidity typically over a 12-month period and estimating both incoming and outgoing cash movements. This strategic tool proves especially valuable for agribusinesses facing variable conditions and seasonal challenges that can quickly derail operations without proper planning.Taking ownership of your forecasting process delivers significant advantages. While banks may prepare forecasts for lending purposes, the greatest benefit comes when farmers drive the process themselves, potentially working alongside their accountant rather than delegating entirely. Your intimate knowledge of operations, seasonal patterns, and business nuances creates a more accurate and useful financial projection. Regular monitoring—comparing actual performance against projections monthly or bimonthly—transforms this forecast from a static document into a dynamic management tool that prevents small discrepancies from growing into significant problems.Modern technology has revolutionized farm financial management, with specialized platforms like Figured catering specifically to agricultural businesses. These digital solutions complement professional support from accountants who understand the unique challenges of farming enterprises. By dedicating just 15-20 minutes to reviewing your cash position against projections, you establish good monitoring habits that provide immediate insight into developing trends or discrepancies. Through this disciplined approach, cash flow forecasting becomes the foundation for broader financial management that connects directly to understanding your overall financial position, making informed decisions, and transforming agricultural potential into sustainable reality. Ready to take control of your farm's financial future? Start with mastering your cash flow today.

In this episode, John Dazley from CMK Accountants shares why on-farm conversations are at the heart of the Milking It project, and why spreadsheets alone can’t capture the full story. From early mornings to muddy boots, we talk about the value of meeting farmers in their world — not ours.You’ll hear how visiting Addie and Kip in the first Milking It series shaped our understanding of their goals, and how our upcoming work with Kevin and Nicole in Milking It 2.0 continues that hands-on, personal approach.This isn’t about textbook theory or one-size-fits-all advice — it’s about showing up, seeing the full picture, and turning real-life insight into meaningful financial planning.Because when we’ve stood in your shed, seen your land, and listened to your story — the numbers mean more.Join us as we kick off the next chapter of Milking It and explore what it really means to deliver rural advice that’s practical, personal, and grounded in your reality.

In this episode of Grow Your Numbers, John Dazley from CMK Accountants takes a relaxed yet informative look at what it really means to “know your numbers” as a New Zealand farmer or small business owner.From cash flow and budgeting to understanding your equity position and break-even point, John shares down-to-earth insights on why financial literacy is the key to running a resilient and profitable agribusiness. He breaks down complex accounting ideas into plain language and offers real-world tips you can use straight away — whether you're at the helm of a multi-generational farm or just starting your business journey.This episode is packed with practical advice, relatable examples, and a good dose of Kiwi realism.🎁 PLUS — listen to the end for your chance to receive a free copy of CMK’s book Grow Your Numbers.👉 If you're ready to take control of your farm or business finances, this is the episode for you.

In this episode, John Dazley from CMK Accountants explores the significant changes to New Zealand’s trust tax rate, which has risen from 33% to 39% effective April 1st, 2024. John breaks down what this increase means for trustees, beneficiaries, and businesses, highlighting the exceptions, potential restructuring strategies, and key red flags identified by the IRD.Listeners will learn about legitimate approaches to financial restructuring, the importance of maintaining commercial substance, and how the IRD evaluates arrangements. John also discusses alternative strategies such as beneficiary income distribution, investments in Portfolio Investment Entities (PIEs), and the corporate beneficiary rule.Gain insights into essential documentation requirements, the broader implications of restructuring decisions beyond immediate tax considerations, and how binding rulings from the IRD can provide clarity and security in complex situations. Tune in to ensure you make informed, strategic decisions about your financial future in response to these critical tax changes.

In this episode, John Dazley from CMK Accountants breaks down a powerful financial tool designed specifically for New Zealand’s primary industries—the Income Equalisation Scheme. If you're a farmer, forester, or fisher dealing with fluctuating income year to year, this episode is for you.John explains how the scheme works, who qualifies, and why it's worth considering in a high-income year. With real-world examples and practical tips, you'll learn how to use the scheme to your advantage, manage your tax obligations, and create financial stability—even when nature doesn’t cooperate.Tune in for a clear, no-jargon guide to making the most of the Income Equalisation Scheme and hear how it can help smooth out the financial bumps in your farming journey.👉 Great for: Dairy farmers, horticulturists, beekeepers, vineyard owners, and more. 📲 Got questions? Reach out to the team at www.cmk.co.nz