The Farmers Club Newsletter

The “Club Notes” for Friday, the 29th of September 2023

By Dwain Duxson

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Off on a guilt-free mini-break

It's a holiday here in Victoria today, and the AFL Grand Final anticipation is building. Melbourne is buzzing at this time of year, so I usually take the opportunity to head to the big smoke and catch up with a few mates for lunch and a few beers. So, I am writing this early on Friday morning and excited about the day ahead. I think it's important to get away from work and the Farm and clear the head for a bit. I think it can help us make more precise decisions with a mini break under our belts. It's also good to check in with others to see how they are doing. We spoke about it a couple of weeks back about how Farmers feel guilty when they are not working. We have to break that stigma because it's not doing us any good. Make sure you take a guilt-free mini-break soon. Do it. Reply to [email protected]

Ag Tech or incremental innovation?

I observe and read alot about what's going on in North America with Ag Tech. Boy has the Ag Tech sector taking a belting over there. Venture Capital funding has dried up, and hype companies have had their values slashed. Why? Because most make bugger all revenue. Farming is about real things, and in the recent easy money days, many Ag tech companies were all fluff and bubbles, and Farmers see through that. Farmers become confused and head back to what they know. It's back to basics for North American Farmers. Here in Australia, I'd say it's a little bit different. There is not the money around to invest in Ag Tech, so companies who build new stuff for Farmers have to be able to sell their products. There are some great success stories in Ag Tech here. And do you know what? Most of the successful ones are founded by Farmers. We will go a bit deeper down the track on that subject. Ag Tech has been overhyped and shot itself in the foot a bit. I think in Ag, it's more about incremental innovation, not changing the model, just making it better. Reply to [email protected]

What are your lending requirements going forward?

It's always a busy time of the year, and the last thing Farmers want to think about is the funding requirements they might need for next season. I mean, we're not sure how this season is going to pan out yet. But this article by Phillip Dibben from Riverland Lending Service is a timely reminder that we need to start working on this funding requirement stuff sooner rather than later. We all know how quickly the financial institutions operate these days. Gone are the days when you rang your trusted Bank Manager and asked for an increase in the overdraft, which was granted, with money in the coffers within a day or two. Reply to [email protected]

Hay season off to a flyer

Fine weather conditions are making Farmers frown a little, but for those making Hay, conditions couldn't be better. See here the latest Farm Tender Hay Report. Vetch Hay is currently being processed as we speak, and Hay makers have their eye on the forecast for next week. See below a photo of some Vetch Hay that was made within 9 days from Cutting to Baling. Also, see here a story I wrote about a new trend in Hay making. Reply to [email protected]

End of message.

Dwain Duxson

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