Pass the Baton

Farming can be a challenging and stressful occupation. In fact, studies have shown that farmers are at higher risk of experiencing mental health issues like depression and anxiety. But what if there was a way to prevent these problems from arising in the first place?Join us as we chat with Tom Nehmy, a clinical psychologist and creator of the Healthy Minds program. Tom's program was created after he saw a pattern in clients (both children and adults) who exhibited similar signs of unhelpful thinking and behaviour that could have been prevented. His passion for preventive psychology led him to create a single program that aims to prevent depression, anxiety, and eating disorders and promote overall emotional wellness and resilience - without targeting the specific symptoms of any one disorder.In this episode, we'll explore the importance of mental health and wellbeing for farmers, and how the Healthy Minds program can help cultivate positive mental health practices. Tom will share insights from his research, as well as practical tips that farmers can use to build resilience and prevent mental health issues from arising. Whether you're a farmer or simply interested in promoting mental health and wellbeing, this episode is for you. Tune in and learn how to cultivate mental health for yourself and those around you.

Do bankers regularly get involved in succession planning discussions? Yes! With over 25 years’ experience working in finance, and a life spent living and working on farms, Deb Purvis is not your average commercial finance broker. Deb has worked alongside generational farmers, accountants, and advisors to procure funding solutions with Australia’s traditional banks. In this episode, Tony interviews Deb about the key issues, roadblocks and how farmers can be better prepared when handing over the finances of a farm business. 

Tony Catt chats to David Westbrook, Head Accountability Coach at Farm Owners Academy.David grew up on a cropping farm midway between Maitland and Kadina on the Yorke Peninsula. Then, in 2010, he and his wife Becky decided to branch out on their own and acquired a farm on Kangaroo Island.In 2015, 2016, and 2017, David was a Farmer Owners Academy client. He thrived in the program and connected well with the team, that he was hired as a part-time accountability coach. In this episode, we continue talking about family conflict and the unmet expectations and broken promises that come with family business and succession. 

In this episode, Tony is joined by Shaun Moroney, Director of Letcher Moroney Chartered Accountants. Shaun’s background started on a farm on the West Coast of South Australia in Streaky Bay. With over three decades of experience, discover how Shaun’s personal experience in farming, understanding the family dynamic and why getting out of your comfort zone is the key to a successful succession plan. 

Andrew has many years of experience advising families with businesses and farms on how to successfully pass their wealth between generations in a controlled manner.Most people spend a lot of time working and saving with the aim of providing for their family. But few spend enough time putting in place the necessary legal framework to protect this wealth, save tax, minimise disputes and ultimately set their family and future generations up for success.Continuing our conversation on family conflict. In this episode, Tony chats to Andrew Andreyev, Director Andreyev Lawyers, about how a little bit of legal advice at the right time can go a long way to smoothing a succession plan. 

Andrew Mattner comes from a farming family himself, 4 generation grape grower and has been working with rural families within South Australia for over 20 years.There has been a lot of changes within the farming industry over generations, especially with leadership. In This episode, Tony chats to Andrew about the different styles of leadership, how important is leadership in farming families and who typically plays the role of a Leader, 

In this episode, we continue to discuss family conflict. We interview Kate Russell, Director of The Huddle. Kate works with leaders and teams to assist them to build high levels of trust, communicate effectively and reduce stress (both personal and team stress) to create safe and dynamic workplaces. Kate shares her insights into toxic workplaces and how empathy is a critical step for ensuring an engaged workplace. 

Occasional conflict is part of family life, however, ongoing conflict can be stressful and damaging to relationships. In this episode, Tony is joined by Jeanette Long, a Facilitator, Trainer and Coach for Ag Consulting Co. Jeanette's passion is engaging people and influencing positive change in agriculture and Natural Resource Management. As farmer herself, she has an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by family farming businesses.

Tony is joined by next gen farmer Chris Rowe. They discuss Chris’ real life experience of what next gen farmers go through and what roadblocks are faced during the journey of farming succession.Succession planning can look different for many people, but the importance is still the same. Take a listen to hear Chris’ story, his first-hand experience and his advice for others going through this stage of life.

In this episode, Tony Catt interviews Dr Kate Burke, Author of ‘Crops People Money & You’ Dr Kate Burke’s practical and pragmatic approach to farming is based on thirty years of experience as an agricultural scientist in the dryland cropping sector. She knows how to connect the dots of science, people and money. Watch the full episode here. 

Communication is key, especially when it comes to succession planning within family businesses. Tony Catt interviews farm family facilitator, Judy Wilkinson. Judy talks through her process of transition and succession planning for farming families and consults on business continuance issues. Judy discusses her role in family farming businesses and how being the conduit for crucial conversations can have positive long term effects, helping to make businesses stronger and more productive.

To continue the celebrations of Catapult Wealth's 10 year anniversary, Tony Catt interviewers his first employee, Theresa Soroka. 10 years later, Theresa and Tony are still working together and a lot has changed since the beginning! 

In this episode, we bring back Jarrad Newbold from Van Dyk Newbold & Co to discuss land ownership and the transfer of land between generations. Families who have owned, managed and farmed properties for generations, should have a succession plan for the transfer of the property to the next generation. The succession plan needs to be agreed upon by all members so the family can continue to farm the family asset. 

Collaboration within a group can help solve difficult problems. It is the same with families who work together. Family teamwork builds trust, opens lines of communication and helps each person be accountable to other members of the family. Tony Catt interviews Daniel Healy, Director of Leading Teams about working on relationships and focusing on team culture within farming families going through succession planning and generational change. Watch the full episode here. 

Some considerations which complicate the process, are providing an income for several generations whilst wanting to provide an inheritance to off-farm children. So what about the off-farm children?Generally, there's an understanding that the on-farm sibling gets the farm, the off-farm children at some point begin to wonder where they fit in.  This, in many ways, is where it gets complicated. Tony Catt explains this process in more detail answers who, what and how!? 

This episode we are talking all things Centrelink, social security and how this affects the farming community. Tony interviews Julie Steed, Senior Technical Services Manager from IOOF and Christina Tran from Catapult Wealth. Julie has extensive experience in assisting trustees, employers and service providers meet a wide range of prudential responsibilities and in helping advisers provide quality services to their clients. 

Saving for retirement can help you prepare financially for the future. You may have spent your whole life with a strong work ethic continually working on the farm.  So we ask the question, do you have a clear and concise plan that allows you to transition and step away to retire?  Tony chats to Mark Foulis from Catapult Wealth about succession planning and what to consider when planning for retirement.

First things first - What is the dead plan?Creating a dead plan - if something were to happen to you today, what would happen to the operation of your farm? Would someone be able to keep it going?It's a grim topic, but Death is a part of life and we need to be able to have an open and honest conversation about it. In this episode, Tony talks to Mark Foulis from Catapult Wealth to dig deep into dead plans, why it's necessary and what you need to do create one. 

Join us in this insightful episode of our podcast as Tony Catt sits down with Matt Dorman, an expert from Mellor Olsson Lawyers, to delve into the intricate world of succession planning. This discussion shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by farming families and explores the common pitfalls they encounter along the way. Gain valuable insights from a legal perspective as we unravel the issues surrounding succession planning and uncover where things often go wrong. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation that will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the complexities of succession planning, ensuring a smooth transition for your family and your farming legacy. Tune in now!

This episode Tony is joined by Jarrad Newbold from Van Dyk Newbold & Co. Jarrad has a growing client base in McLaren Vale and Yorke Peninsula where he services farmers and rural support businesses. Jarrad's has developed a knowledge in rural issues allowing him to give advice on succession planning, operating structures and other rural issues.