Get Ahead of It

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Get Ahead of It series! Even profitable operations can find themselves trapped in sudden cash flow crunches. In this episode, host Warren Ryan explores the essentials of farm budgeting and cash flow management with BRS Board Member Leanne Rudd and Rural Financial Counsellor Micheal Fagg.

We break down how to build an accurate seasonal budget, interpret key financial signals early, and structure your cash flow to build long-term resilience for your business.

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📌 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Building the foundation of a farm budget

02:11 Why a budget is essential for farm success

04:02 The disconnect between profit and cash flow

05:26 Understanding cash flow signals before profit changes

07:08 Timing and decision-making in farm cash flow

08:50 Scenario examples of farm expansion and contraction

09:43 Early warning signs of cash flow stress

11:28 Monitoring farm finances regularly

14:19 Example farm budget and cash flow analysis

18:55 Adjusting budgets and planning for uncertainties

22:28 The importance of simplicity in forecasting

26:25 Using forecasts for better decision-making

27:05 Next Month on 'Get ahead of it'

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👩‍🌾 About Our Guests:

Leanne Rudd is an agribusiness specialist and Board Director for Business & Rural Solutions and, Director at Frontgate Advisory in Bundaberg. With over 30 years in public practice spanning accounting, taxation, and financial advice, Leanne also works alongside her family on their grazing operation in the North Burnett. She brings a deep, practical understanding of the challenges facing regional and rural businesses to help them grow sustainably.

Micheal Fagg is a Rural Financial Counsellor based in Toowoomba, supporting primary producers across the Darling Downs. Backed by over 20 years of experience in agricultural banking and previous experience as a Farm Household Allowance Case Officer, Micheal specialises in helping rural clients navigate financial difficulties, structure working capital, and maximise opportunities for long-term viability.

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🔗 Connect & Resources: Need help unpacking your numbers? Request a free, 100% confidential chat with a local Rural Financial Counsellor: https://rfcssq.org.au/contact-us/appointment/

Subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode!

Listen on the go: Available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Get Ahead of It series! In this episode, host Warren Ryan sits down with long-term primary producers and experienced Rural Financial Counsellors Kath Clarke and Kim Corfield to uncover the financial blind spots hiding in your farm’s numbers.

We break down the big three financial reports (profit &loss, balance sheet, and cash flow) and reveal why a farm can look highly profitable on paper while still leaving you wondering where the cash actually went.

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📌 Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and webinar overview

01:54 Types of financial reports explained

03:22 Cash vs. accrual accounting methods

05:52 What profit and loss reports don’t show

06:40 Understanding the balance sheet

08:02 The purpose of cash flow statements

11:34 Why profit can differ from bank balance

14:33 Using financial statements to improve farm performance

20:36 Analysing crop-specific profitability

22:03 Interpreting financial data for future planning

25:06 Preparing for seasonal cash flow challenges

26:02 Next steps and upcoming webinars

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👩‍🌾 About Our Guests:

Kim Corfield is from the North Burnett region and has been bringing practical, on-the-ground rural financial counselling experience to primary producers for nearly two decades. Having lived experience on the land herself, she specialises in helping farm businesses navigate cash flow constraints, debt structuring, and long-term viability.

Kath Clarke is from the Bundaberg region for the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) and has been empowering farmers for almost nine years. With a background in primary production, Kath focuses on breaking down complex financial statements into actionable steps to help farm businesses thrive.

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🔗 Connect & Resources:

Need help unpacking your numbers? Request a free, 100% confidential chat with a local Rural Financial Counsellor: https://rfcssq.org.au/contact-us/appointment/

Subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode!

Also available on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/bzk6JM8anf8