This week I wanted to share a message that our CEO Sam Johnsson sent out to our Platinum Mastermind members in a monthly newsletter.

With some having their best year ever and others wiped out from floods, I think it’s a great reminder of how fragile farming is.

“It is at times like this that I am reminded just how varied the conditions are that we face in Australia.

In talking with many of you across our community, some are lining up for their best production years ever, whilst others are dealing with a myriad of challenges.

For those of you in the thick of rising flood waters, lost production and uncertainty at the moment, we want you to know that we are here for you.

As we have been doing for the past seven years, the Farm Owners Academy community and team are here to help in whatever way we can, so please reach out if you need anything or if you can lend a hand to someone in need if you can see that it will benefit them, reach out to them.

Reflecting on the conditions this year, it is hard to feel good about the words of the great Trevor Hendy.

“The conditions are always perfect…”

It’s hard to contemplate perfect conditions when half (or all) of your farm is underwater, and it’s unclear what is next.

The reality is that there is power in Trevor’s words.

That power sits with you!

What it really means is that regardless of the conditions we face in business, all we can do is our best in the circumstances that are in front of us.

No person can change what they have no control over.

Those that take a negative approach and allow their environment to distract them will inevitably disadvantage themselves both consciously and unconsciously.

Whatever your situation is this year, please remember – it will not last. So I encourage you to (as much as possible for you at the time) stay above the line (i.e. take responsibility, don’t get caught in playing the victim), focus on what you can control and do your best given your circumstances.

If that means making the most of an incredible season, then make sure you take all the steps in your control to absolutely nail it.

If that means going into damage control, protecting your assets as best as possible and helping those around you to do the same, then that is winning for you this year.
One thing that has amazed me about our members who were impacted by the bushfires in 2020 is just how quickly it can turn around.

Those who remained above the line were able to return to (or significantly exceed) their previous business performance in less than 18 months.”

Sam Johnsson,
CEO, Farm Owners Academy