Future Farming Families Podcast

Future Farming Families

Most farming families don’t struggle because they lack effort. They struggle because the succession process itself is flawed. The Future Farming Families Podcast explores a different approach to farm succession through conversations about family, business, communication, leadership, and long-term prosperity. Helping farming families preserve what matters, protect what they’ve built, and prosper into the future.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 14: You Can’t Fix What You Haven’t Measured

    When it comes to farming, we measure almost everything: rainfall, yields, livestock performance, machinery costs, debt, and profitability. But how often do we measure something just as important: our family's readiness for succession? In this episode of the Future Farming Families Podcast, we explore why succession planning often stalls, not because families don't care, but because the process can feel overwhelming and difficult to start. We discuss the importance of establishing a clear starting point, identifying gaps, and replacing assumptions with meaningful information. You'll learn: Why measurement is the foundation of improvementThe common reasons farming families delay succession planningThe risks of relying on assumptions rather than factsHow understanding your current position can create momentumThe value of clarity for both current and future generationsThe opportunities that can be lost when succession planning is delayed We also introduce the Australian Family Farm Transition Benchmark, a simple tool designed to help farming families assess their succession readiness and identify their next steps. If you've been thinking, "We know we need to do something about succession, but we don't know where to start," this episode is for you. Listen now and take the first step toward becoming succession ready.

  2. Aug 4

    Episode 13: Where Do You Start With Farm Succession?

    In this episode of the Future Farming Families Podcast, Chris Mulcahy tackles one of the most common questions he hears from farming families across Australia: "Where do we begin?" He explores why succession is often delayed, the misconceptions that keep families stuck, and why uncertainty, not procrastination, is usually the real barrier. Chris introduces the Australian Family Farm Transition Benchmark, a free assessment designed to help families understand their current level of succession readiness and identify areas that need attention. He also shares insights gained from more than 25 years of working with farming families, highlighting the importance of starting early, leading succession from within the family, and treating succession as an ongoing process rather than a one-off event. In this episode, you'll learn: Why having a will is not the same as having a succession planThe most common reasons families avoid succession conversationsHow leadership and communication influence succession outcomesThe risks of delaying planning until a crisis occursHow the Family Farm Transition Benchmark can provide a practical starting pointThe role of education, planning, and professional advice in creating successful transitions If you're unsure where to start with farm succession, this episode offers practical guidance and a clear first step toward becoming succession ready.

  3. Jul 29

    Episode 12: The Three Most Expensive Words in Farming: “We Didn’t Know”

    In this episode of the Future Farming Families Podcast, Chris Mulcahy explores why the words “we didn’t know” can become some of the most costly words a farming family ever says. With changing tax laws, evolving succession challenges, and increasing complexity around ownership and control, Chris explains why succession planning is about much more than a will. He shares real-world examples of how proactive planning can protect family relationships, preserve wealth, and create certainty for future generations. You'll learn why awareness is one of the most valuable assets a farming family can have, and why the best time to start the conversation is before a problem arises. Plus, discover the free Australian Family Farm Transition Benchmark Survey, designed to help farming families assess their succession readiness and identify opportunities for improvement. 🔗 Learn more at futurefarmingfamilies.com.au.

  4. Jul 20

    Episode 11: Head in the Sand? Why Avoiding Succession Is Really a Leadership Problem

    Succession planning is often delayed until after harvest, shearing, or "when the time is right" but waiting can create bigger challenges down the track. In this episode, Chris Mulcahy explores why avoiding succession is less about planning and more about leadership. He introduces the three Family Farm Succession Zones: Delay, Growth, and Crisis, and explains why the best outcomes happen when families take the lead, not when circumstances force decisions. You'll learn why a will isn't a succession plan, the difference between fair and equal, and how proactive leadership can help protect family relationships, preserve wealth, and secure the future of the farm. Which succession zone are you in? Tune in to find out.

  5. Jul 14

    Episode 10: One Leadership Decision Preserved $3.6 Million

    What does it take to preserve $3.6 million in family equity? In this episode, we share the story of a farming family who achieved a remarkable succession planning outcome through strong leadership, clear communication, and a structured process. We explore how a succession blueprint, family alignment, and strategic use of available tax concessions helped create certainty for both farming and non-farming family members. You'll learn why parents must lead the succession conversation, how family legacy can open meaningful discussions, and what steps can help secure the future of the farm for the next generation.

  6. Jul 7

    Episode 9: This is concerning... Where Is Tax Reform Heading Next?

    Tax reform is back in the spotlight, but what does it really mean for farming families and succession planning? In this episode of the Future Farming Families Podcast, Chris Mulcahy explores the growing discussion around tax reform, recent legislative developments, court decisions, and changing taxation rules that could impact family farms and rural businesses across Australia. While nobody knows exactly what future governments may do, one thing is certain: the tax landscape is changing, and families who prepare early often have far more options than those who wait. Chris discusses: Why recent tax reform discussions matter for farming familiesThe importance of acting on opportunities available today rather than worrying about future changesThe reality behind the small business CGT concession changesHow the Small Business Restructure Rollover may create valuable succession opportunitiesThe role of stamp duty concessions in family farm restructuresWhy delaying succession planning can reduce flexibility and increase riskThe critical connection between leadership and successful succession outcomes This episode also provides an update on the upcoming Future Farming Families Foundations Program, designed to help farming families build the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills needed to become succession-ready. "Hope is not a succession strategy. Waiting is not a tax strategy. Leadership is." Tune in to learn how to preserve what you've built, protect what matters most, and create a prosperous future for generations to come.

  7. Jun 30

    Episode 8: Are You Succession Ready?

    In this episode of the Future Farming Families Podcast, Chris Mulcahy unpacks what it truly means to become “succession ready”—and why it’s the key to a smooth and successful transition of your family farm. Rather than rushing into succession planning during times of crisis, Chris explains how farming families can take a proactive, family-led approach. He shares practical insights on building a clear vision, developing a structured plan, and creating a Succession Blueprint that sets your farm up for long-term success. You’ll also hear insights on recent tax changes, opportunities around small business concessions, and how these can significantly impact your succession strategy. If you want to preserve what you’ve built, protect your family’s future, and create clarity around succession—this episode is a must-listen.

  8. Jun 23

    Episode 7: CGT & Trust Changes Update - What Every Farming Family Needs to Know

    In this episode of the Future Farming Families Podcast, Chris Mulcahy unpacks the latest federal budget discussions and proposed tax changes—and what they could mean for family farming businesses across Australia. While nothing is fully locked in yet, these potential reforms are already sparking important conversations around succession planning, business structures, and long-term strategy. Chris shares his perspective on the current landscape, the uncertainty surrounding trust taxation and CGT changes, and how these shifts could impact confidence, decision-making, and generational wealth in farming families. More importantly, this episode highlights the opportunities that still exist right now—particularly around existing CGT concessions, restructuring options, and stamp duty exemptions that could help protect millions in family equity if used effectively. Chris also introduces the upcoming Future Farming Families Foundations Program, designed to help families become “succession ready” by building a clear, practical succession blueprint. Key topics covered: What proposed tax changes could mean for family farmsWhy succession planning is more critical than everCurrent CGT concessions and restructuring opportunitiesTrust structures, tax implications, and potential reformsPractical steps to future-proof your farming business If you're part of a farming family—or advising one—this episode is a must-listen to better understand the road ahead and how to prepare with confidence.

See All (14)

About

Most farming families don’t struggle because they lack effort. They struggle because the succession process itself is flawed. The Future Farming Families Podcast explores a different approach to farm succession through conversations about family, business, communication, leadership, and long-term prosperity. Helping farming families preserve what matters, protect what they’ve built, and prosper into the future.

Information