Episodes
Friday May 17, 2019
Interview with a Legend in sustainable farming: Terry McCosker
Friday May 17, 2019
Friday May 17, 2019
Topics we cover:
- Soil
Would soils be the number one thing to think about in farming?
What are the three things you need to do to build soil carbon?
- Risks in farming
What can farmers do to be drought resistant?
What can you do to get a better price for your product?
- Best farmers
What are the attributes of the best farmers in the industry?
- Aspiring farmers
What specific things would you look for in a next gen farmer that would make you want to back them onto a farm?
Friday May 03, 2019
WA Country Hour Interview
Friday May 03, 2019
Friday May 03, 2019
Welcome to the Cultivate farms podcast. Sam Marwood here. And thank you for taking the time to listen to our podcast. We're thinking of as many ways to get you onto your farm or help you to step back and we really hope you find all of this information useful and inspiring. Let's get you farming!
“
Speaker:
Well Sam Marwood runs a company that tries to match up retiring farmers who are struggling to exit the industry with aspiring farmers people who desperately want to own their own farm. You might remember hearing about this in a special episode of The Country Hour last year and it featured some Western Australians who were either trying to get in or out of the industry even though there aren't many details to today's pre-election commitment from the Coalition. Sam Marwood thinks such a low interest loan would give his clients another bargaining chip to convince retiring farmers to give them a go.
Sam Marwood:
“I think anything to help young farmers find a pathway to farm ownership is a great thing in our books and I guess our main question would be is a repository required for getting access to this loan. I think the answer would be yes and then there's still the outstanding question for most young farmers is how do you get that deposit to access that loan
Host:
Is that the biggest hurdle to overcome?
Sam Marwood:
It’s the number one that's what we're finding all over Australia and the world is. How do you get a half a million or a million dollars in your back pocket to convince someone to get you onto a farm
Speaker:
But a loan of up to two million dollars isn't to be sneezed at is it.
Sam Marwood:
It's an amazing. What amazing tool for young farmers having a back pocket. That's what we're trying to inspire young farmers to do is think about all the opportunities available to you and leverage them like an entrepreneur would. So if those loans are available what I'll be doing is setting up as many people as I know and building my networks of people who could back me onto a farm who have money whether that's locals or family or high net worth individuals and say to them I'm the best farmer going around I know how to make money. Here's a farm opportunity and I have access to relatively low interest loans so why not why not back me or even committing a retiring farmer in that same sort of fashion. Someone who doesn't want to step back from or sell their farm and happy to step back and share ownership. They didn't look up at access to this low interest loan. How that would work out a deal.
Speaker:
You deal with a lot of aspiring farmers people who would like to get into farming. Do you think a commitment like this in the lead up to an election might be enough to convince them to keep their vote or to sway their vote towards the Coalition?
Sam Marwood:
You’ll never know. You never know why they will vote. I think I think in general from our point of view anything that is getting people thinking about farm ownership and they get it giving people the inspiration that farm ownership is possible and there are people out there trying to help you to make that happen I think is a great thing. We think this farm ownership issue and the eligibility for young people to get capital is the biggest reason why young people are leaving regional communities and not staying on farms. And if we can eliminate that barrier we can we can see a brain drain back to the country.
Speaker:
How long has your organisation been operating now?
Sam Marwood:
Four years
Speaker:
And are you having some success trying to allow people who want to get out of farming and retire and then allowing people who would like to get into farming so that they can live their dream.
Sam Marwood:
Absolutely, having conversations like this every day with retiring farmers who don't want to sell and just walk away and we've got hundreds of aspiring farmers who want to own a farm and finding pathways to get into ownership we've made a number of matters now we've got plenty on their website to be able to have a look at now. There are farmers out there who want to transition ownership and happy to share their ownership in their farm with the kids aren’t their own. And there are thousands of top quality next gen young farmers who would love to own a farm. Just capital is their biggest barrier. But we're ready to match them with whoever is ready.
Speaker:
Sam Marwood he's the Managing Director of Cultivate farms. Talking to Richard Hudson about today's pre-election commitment from the coalition to provide low interest loans of up to two million dollars for aspiring farmers. “
Thanks for your attention. We know there are thousands of other things you could be doing or other podcasts you could be listening to but you've chosen to listen to us. We appreciate your time so much. Please reach out as we're happy to work through your farm ownership pathway with you. Let's get you farming.
Tuesday Apr 16, 2019
The Unbreakable Farmer Interview
Tuesday Apr 16, 2019
Tuesday Apr 16, 2019
We are all about getting next gen farmers farm ownership ready and helping farmers to step back from their farm and a lot of our messages are about Resilience- Persistence - Determination
These are the three words that our guest today focuses on.
Warren Davies is the unbreakable farmer (www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au) and we met a few weeks ago and I loved his story and I think he has a great message to all our followers which will keep you motivated to go for your farm ownership dreams.
We are going I’d like to focus on aspiring farmers and helping them get over the mental barrier to owning a farm - that’s the only barrier holding them back
Cultivate Farm Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cultivatefarms/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultivatefarms
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultivatefarms
Blog : https://www.cultivatefarms.com/blog/
#CultivateFarms #AspiringFarmers #retiringfarmers
Friday Mar 29, 2019
Cultivate Farms TV Episode 74
Friday Mar 29, 2019
Friday Mar 29, 2019
The topics we cover:
a) Weekly update
b) Retiring farmers are using our system to load their farm
c) Opening your eyes to the farm opportunities all around you
d) Are you going to die waiting for your family farm to be handed to you?
e) Aspiring farmers should set up a farm ownership board
f) Farm ownership opportunities
Cultivate Farm Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cultivatefarms/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cultivatefarms
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultivatefarms
Blog : https://www.cultivatefarms.com/blog/
Thursday Mar 21, 2019
Cultivate Farms TV Episode 73
Thursday Mar 21, 2019
Thursday Mar 21, 2019
The topics we cover in Episode 73 of Cultivate Farms TV:
a) Weekly update
b) Community farmer activation program
c) Document your farm ownership journey on social media
d) Farmers coming to us with vendor deals
e) The best way to convince someone to back you onto your farm
f) Apple Orchard South West Tasmania
g) Update: 130 acres near Freycinet Tasmania
h) Farm ownership opportunities
Every week Sam Marwood takes you behind the scenes of what we are doing to help make your farm dreams a reality.
1. Aspiring farmers registered
We are at 790 aspiring farmer members from all over Australia. Thanks to the 85 in the last month. We appreciate you all very much.
If you aren’t a member, please signup here (Free or Premium) www.cultivatefarms.com/pricing
We need you to back us to help ensure Cultivate Farms takes off. It costs us to keep things going and we need our aspiring farmers to step up and help fund our operations.
You can sit back and not sign up, or be a free member - that’s great - but wouldn’t it be much better to work through a farm ownership plan with us and ensure we keep finding farm opportunities for you?
There are also a stack of benefits for you to being a Cultivate Farms premium member
a) You get to chat with the Cultivate Farms team
b) We work through a farm ownership pathway plan
c) Mecardo market analysis membership (valued at $300)
d) We directly notify you of farm opportunities (some are only promoted to members)
e) Monthly webinar for members only
2. Weekly update
Behind the scenes discussions: We are having so many behind-the-scenes discussions with aspiring farmers, investors and retiring farmers. It takes a while to get to know people, what they want and the farm opportunity.
We continue to keep in touch with all of our retiring farmers letting them know who is applying for their farms. But also keeping in touch with those who have indicated an interest. These farmers are dabbling with the concept of transitioning ownership to kids that aren’t their own and this takes time which we have to be appreciative of.
I did an interview with the Founder of RCS, Terry McCosker. Terry had some gold about how to make your farm dreams a reality, his thoughts on whether retiring farmers are ready to transition to kids that aren’t there own and what you as a farmer need to know to succeed. We have had such great feedback on this interview - so please do add this to your playlist.
Tim is complete the Grazing for Profit RCS course this week in Wagga Wagga NSW so we can learn first hand why people love what RCS are teaching
You can watch the interview here. https://www.youtube.com/watch….
Cultivate Talent - we are unpacking a recruitment concept with a corporate farm. Their biggest risk is finding farmers who are dedicated, hardworking and there for the long haul. They are open to helping their farmers get farm-ownership-ready and we think we could have an amazing farm employment concept that could change how farm jobs are rolled out across the country. Both parties know you want to own a farm, and you will work together to get you there, but in the meantime, work hard on the farm.
We are applying for a couple of grants for the Cultivator Program and also a community farmer activation program - where we will help regional communities find their own farm matches.
3. Community farmer activation program
We have been working with a community leader in North East Victoria who is keen to see more young people get onto farms in their district and to help retirement aged farms step back with dignity and remain in the community.
So after some discussions, we developed a community farmer activation program which we want to share with you now and encourage any community in Australia to reach out if this is of interest.
We know that there are plenty of solutions to get young people back to your farming community. It takes time and a few dedicated people to make it happen. But essentially you can be the farm matchmakers and you are in the best place to do this because you know the social landscape.
Our plan is that over 2 years we assist a farming community to attract 3 aspiring farmers into farm ownership and to assist 3 retiring farmers into transition ownership while remaining in the community.
Most farming communities are aware of the change in demographics of their community over the past few decades. The ability to retain and attract next-generation farmers is getting harder. However, the farming opportunities in any region are many and varied and the scene is set for local communities to look at the current situation as opportunities for exploitation. There are many retirement-aged farmers who would be open to transitioning ownership to next-generation farmers. There are communities full of passionate people already taking action to continue to see their district thrive. We just need to tap into this and offer practical solutions.
4. Document your farm ownership journey on social media
We have been talking to all our premium aspiring farmer members about the power of social media to fast track their farm ownership dreams. Everyone should be documenting their journey through social media.
Bianca from OurCow is doing this and you should follow them.
The ability for this to open doors that you can’t open yourself is immense.
We want you to tag us in any posts that you create or think are relevant as well, so we can share and promote you to increase your chances of ownership.
5. Farmers coming to us with vendor deals
We have had a few farmers coming to us with vendor finance deals - this is great.
But how come you haven’t already found these deals!? You should be out there contacting all these farmers and they should feel overwhelmed with attention from passionate aspiring farmers jumping onto any opportunity that could help them.
We will be promoting these opportunities soon, but you should be finding these yourself.
You should know all the farms that are on the market and understand the needs of the farmers. Maybe there are farms that haven’t sold for over 12 months - these ones you should definitely contact the real estate to see if vendor terms would be an option.
You should be emailing all real estate agents anyway for any farm opportunity and asking them if vendor terms are available. The squeaky wheel will get the fix and soon real estate agents will be finding your deals just to get you off their back!
6. The best way to convince someone to back you onto your farm
We believe that the best way to get onto your farm is to start farming yourself. If you are already running a farm operation using your own money and making sacrifices, then this is the number 1 best way to prove to a retiring farmer or investor that you are worth backing. If you are good with your own money, then you will be good with theirs.
You are most likely not going to be able to buy a farm on your own. So you need others. Therefore you focus is on impressing people.
We know it is hard to find, but keep a focus on finding land to lease and setting up a small version of your ideal farm. Get a herd of 10 cattle, start growing mushrooms, do whatever you can to show you are on a trajectory to having your own farm. You know how hard it is, but you want to show everyone you want this bad.
7. Apple Orchard South West Tasmania
This farm is a sale, but the vendor is open to some form of vendor terms. We thought this was a great one to promote with the owner because we this a farm entrepreneur might be able to see the value and then find investors to back them and go for it.
https://cultivatefarms.com/…/appleorcha…
It is 3.5 Hectares in Cygent in the South West of Tasmania
It is already a profitable operation and has the opportunity to tap into the cider market and convert the house to tasting rooms or another option is to grow late season cherries on it in conjunction with the apples to further compliment the current structure.
8. Update: 130 acres near Freycinet Tasmania
We have a lease opportunity that has been available for a while near Bicheno on the east coast of Tasmania. On the doorstep of world renowned Freycinet National Park.
I had the opportunity to visit the 132 acre property the other day while down in Tasmania and met up with the owner. The owners are great and have really setup a green field property that is right for a top gun farmer.
We kicked around ideas why we haven’t been able to find a farm entrepreneur to jump onto this farm and then we thought we should think bigger. So we are now going to approach a few larger farming operations to see if they would be up for incubating the farm as an extension of their current operations and back a top gun farmer.
The property has so much potential. So keep a watch out. Do get in touch if of interest
9. Farm ownership opportunities
We have 22 farms that you could own with retiring farmers tomorrow. We want you to check these out and pass the details on to friends and family. These are red hot live opportunities which could set you up for life.
The process will be that you do a basic pitch and then we give it to the retiring farmers to decide if they want to take it any further. If they do it's then a number of conversations to find the best solution for you both.
www.cultivatefarms.com/farms
1) Tasmanian Apple Orchard https://cultivatefarms.com/…/appleorcha…
2) 640 acres Murrayville Victoria: https://cultivatefarms.com/…/640-acres-…
3) Mushroom farm sale Gippsland Victoria https://cultivatefarms.com/…/gippsland-…
4) Free Range Chicken Lease Tasmania: https://cultivatefarms.com/…/Opportunit…
5) Organic Farm share farm just outside Melbourne Victoria: https://cultivatefarms.com/…/Organic%20…
6) Permaculture Dorrigo NSW https://cultivatefarms.com/…/80acreperm…
7) Dairy ownership pathway | North East Victoria - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/dairyn…
8) Cattle Leasing - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/Cattle…
9) Mushroom Farm Opportunity - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/Mushro…
10) Walnuts & Truffles Farm - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/Walnut…
11) Cherry Orchard in NSW - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/Cherry…
12) Greenfield opportunity Freycinet Tasmania - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/Manuka…
13) The Mantle 250 Hectare Farm in Toolern Vale Vic - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/TheMan…
14) Kilkivan Community Farm Qld - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/Kilkiv…
15) 74ha Lime tree farm west of Dimbulah Qld - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/LimeFa…
16) 70 acres Chestnut Farm in Western Australia - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/Chestn…
17) Intensive Aquaculture in Rutherglen Victoria - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/IntensiveAquacultureRuther…
18) Rare Vegetable Seed Farm in Victoria - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/RareVe…
19) 100 Acres in North East Tasmania - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/100acr…
20) Tropical Horticulture Northern Territory - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/ntmark…
21) Northern Territory Small Beef Farm - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/f…/NTBeef
22) Olive Grove in Tasmania - https://www.cultivatefarms.com/…/Tasman…
Wednesday Mar 06, 2019
RCS Interview with Terry McCosker
Wednesday Mar 06, 2019
Wednesday Mar 06, 2019
2. Who is RCS? And why did you start it?
3. What advice do you give farmers?
4. What is the grazing for-profit course?
5. Should people not on a farm do the Grazing for Profit course?
6. What do you like about Cultivate Farms? Why were you interested in working with us?
7. Are there retirement aged farmers out there looking for next-gen farmers to co-own their farm with?
8. What makes a top quality next-gen farmer?
9. What does our partnership look like?
Monday Feb 25, 2019
Interview with Lucas Hoson of University of Western Australia
Monday Feb 25, 2019
Monday Feb 25, 2019
Sam was interviewed by Lucas Hoson from the University of Western Australia for a research project he is undertaking on Innovation in Agriculture Here are the questions that Sam works through with Lucas:
1. What is your core business? How long have you been in the industry?
2. What do you enjoy about your work?
3. What are the major challenges you face in your business? Please describe.
4. How are you trying to solve the problem(s)? Please explain.
5. Please explain your innovation or new approach? (and to whom is it new? New to the world or new to this region?). Where did it come from?
6. How have you been successful in solving the problem(s)?
7. How sustainable are your initiatives? Has it made your business more competitive into the future? Please explain.
8. Is there any intermediary organization who helps your business connect to consumers? Do you also do this directly?
9. What is the main obstacle or remaining issue(s) for your business?
Friday Feb 22, 2019
Self Managed Super Funds - Interview with Andrew Grinsell.mp3
Friday Feb 22, 2019
Friday Feb 22, 2019
Cultivate Farms are finding as many ways as possible to demonstrate how anyone can own a farm. We have heard a lot about SMSFs and have been connected with Andrew Grinsell from Cooee Wealth Partners from a farmer in our networks who have been utilising their Self Managed Super.
We want to understand how anyone can be an investor in a farm through their SMSF.
Sam and Andrew’s conversation will give you a general idea of the options available to you. You’ll need to work out what’s appropriate for you and your own circumstances.
For more information
contact Email: info@cooeewealth.com.au.
Phone: 02 8894 0309
Questions:
1. What is a Self-managed super funds?
2. Why do people usually consider Self-managed super funds? What makes them take the leap?
3. Can SMSF be used to buy farmland?
4. Can it be used to buy a farm business or livestock?
5. What restrictions are there? What can and can’t you do?
6. Can you live in a house on the farmland owned by your SMSF?
7. What risks are there using your super? Who would you recommend considers this?
8. What are the costs of setting up and managing, compared to traditional super?
9. What are the financial benefits of setting up SMSF? Tax etc?
10. What are the steps in setting one up?
11. What stops people from setting one up to buy a farm?
12. Can you bring more people into your own SMSF to pool funds?
13. Do you have a case study you can talk about?
14. Can you combine SMSF with other investment funds available and debt?
15. Once the money is inside super it's stuck there till you retire?
16. What else should be considered when using an SMSF?
17. Do you have to show the farm is financially viable?
18. What is the minimum you need to set up Self-managed super funds?
Wednesday Feb 06, 2019
Meet our first farmer matched with an investor
Wednesday Feb 06, 2019
Wednesday Feb 06, 2019
Questions:
1. How did we meet?
2. What was happening in 2017 with your farm
3. What did you think when I said we might have an investor
4. What was filling out the template like? How long did it take?
5. What did you want to achieve?
6. How confident were you? Leasing is key
7. What did you tell all your friends?
8. What was the investor looking for?
9. How is the farm going now?
10. What tips do you have for aspiring farmers who don’t have the
cash?
11. What sort of person should apply?
12. Questions from others.
Monday Feb 04, 2019
Cultivate Farms TV Episode 72
Monday Feb 04, 2019
Monday Feb 04, 2019
The topics we cover :
a) Weekly update
b) It will never be easier than now to find your farm
c) BYO farm ownership opportunity
d) Feedback from our farmers
e) Ah Ha moments from our aspiring farmers
f) Nation-wide Farmer Frothy Events
g) 640-acre farm Murrayville Victoria
h) 25 farm ownership opportunities