Dollars In The Dirt

Seasoned Finance
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Investing

Welcome to Dollars in the Dirt with Brecken Curtis, the no-BS podcast for Australian farmers and graziers who want to grow their operations and build real wealth. Hosted by Brecken Curtis, Award Winning Agricultural Finance Broker, this podcast breaks down farm loans, property finance, and agribusiness lending strategies that actually work. From rural property loans to cattle station finance, you'll get straight answers on agricultural finance without the jargon. Each episode delivers practical insights on farm expansion, loan structuring, and navigating the finance challenges facing beef producers and graziers across regional Australia. If you're a rural grazier looking to secure more favourable loan conditions for your next expansion, this podcast is a game changer.

  1. 1h ago

    #053 - Could Your Farm Survive El Nino? Run This Test.

    Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled Most producers think the hardest part of a drought is when the season first turns dry. In reality, the biggest financial pressure often comes later, when stock numbers are down, income is lower and lenders become more conservative. In this episode, Brecken breaks down how to build a practical drought plan that protects cash flow, preserves options and gives you confidence in the years that follow. ◼️ Why destocking can create a false sense of financial security ◼️ How to forecast cash flow through the next 12–18 months ◼️ Building drought triggers, fallback options and facility headroom ◼️ Planning for herd rebuilds, lower income and lender reviews ◼️ Why written drought plans create better conversations with banks Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:25 - Why Drought Cash Flow Can Be Misleading 00:01:23 - Forecasting the Next 12 to 18 Months 00:02:15 - Choosing Your Drought Strategy 00:03:07 - Adjustment vs Sell‑Down Decisions 00:03:31 - Setting Drought Triggers and Rules 00:03:51 - Building a Realistic Drought Cash Flow 00:04:23 - Talking to Your Lender Early 00:05:04 - Checking Facility Headroom 00:05:23 - Review Dates and Overdraft Pressure 00:05:58 - Managing Finance Through a Dry Period 00:06:47 - Writing Triggers and Fallback Plans 00:07:35 - Water Infrastructure and Resilience 00:08:18 - The Rebuild Is Often the Hardest Part 00:08:31 - Building a Complete Drought Plan 00:08:56 - Final Summary and Next Steps Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au

  2. 6d ago

    #052 - 5 Things Farmers Should Know About Structuring Debt

    Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://use.seasonedfinance.com.au/pod-ep52 As your farm business grows, the structure that got you here may not be the structure that gets you where you want to go. In this episode, Brecken breaks down how ownership, income, debt and succession all connect, and why reviewing your structure before a major move can save time, money and frustration. ◼️ How growth can expose weaknesses in your current structure ◼️ Why accountants, solicitors and brokers all need the same picture ◼️ How business structure impacts lending, succession and future expansion Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:29 - Reviewing Your Current Farm Structure 00:00:50 - How Growth Changes the Right Structure 00:01:13 - Why Lenders Need a Clear Ownership Story 00:01:59 - Mapping Your Current Structure on One Page 00:02:34 - Aligning Accountants, Solicitors and Brokers 00:03:14 - Family Partnerships and Tax Considerations 00:03:42 - Why There Is No Universal Structure 00:03:58 - Structure, Succession and Liability Risks 00:04:38 - Why Structure and Lending Must Align 00:05:07 - Explaining Changes to Your Lender Early 00:05:54 - Succession as a Trigger for Structure Reviews 00:06:35 - The Right Advisors for Growth and Succession 00:06:45 - Expansion and Property Purchase Planning 00:07:00 - The Myth of a Magic Turnover Number 00:07:14 - Creating a Structure Review Rhythm 00:07:50 - Why Early Reviews Prevent Delays 00:08:13 - Final Takeaways on Farm Structures 00:08:47 - Finance Support and Next Steps Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au

  3. Sep 29

    #051 - Before You Change Enterprise, Watch This

    Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://use.seasonedfinance.com.au/pod-ep51 Changing enterprise can unlock growth, but chasing the highest commodity price isn't always the smartest move. In this episode, Brecken breaks down the framework producers should use before switching enterprises, including country fit, gross margins, timing, cash flow and the true cost of making the change. ◼️ How to compare gross margins across different enterprises ◼️ The full cost of switching, beyond just buying new livestock ◼️ Why timing, cash flow and market premiums can make or break the decision ◼️ How to test whether an enterprise genuinely suits your country ◼️ What lenders need to see before funding an enterprise change Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:24 - Country Fit and Gross Margin Analysis 00:01:15 - Comparing Enterprises Properly 00:02:00 - The Full Cost of Changing Enterprise 00:02:46 - Mapping the Changeover Period 00:03:19 - Timing Risk and Market Premiums 00:03:43 - Goat Market Boom and Bust Example 00:04:37 - Cash Flow During the Transition 00:05:22 - Funding the Gap Before Income Arrives 00:05:45 - The Risk of Staying Stuck 00:06:22 - Questions to Ask Before Switching 00:06:50 - The Enterprise Change Framework 00:07:03 - What Lenders Need to See 00:07:30 - Explaining the Transition to Funders 00:08:06 - Testing the Change Properly 00:08:28 - Opportunity vs Risk 00:09:11 - Lessons From the Goat Market 00:09:28 - Examples of Successful Enterprise Changes 00:09:45 - Finance Planning and Final Summary Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au

  4. Sep 23

    #050 - Your Farm Loan Will Be Rejected If You Do These 4 Things

    Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://use.seasonedfinance.com.au/pod-ep50 A strong property and a good story won’t get a farm loan approved if the fundamentals don’t stack up. In this episode, Brecken breaks down the four most common reasons agricultural loan applications get knocked back, and what producers need to fix before they apply. ◼️ Why weak cash flow forecasts and poor supporting schedules raise red flags ◼️ How security, deposits and overall equity impact approval chances ◼️ Why unpaid ATO, BAS, PAYG and super obligations can stop a deal cold Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:56 - Mistake 1: Cash Flow & Serviceability 00:07:24 - Building a Strong Finance Pack 00:08:18 - Mistake 2: Security & Deposit Requirements 00:12:33 - Mistake 3: Overall Equity Position 00:16:20 - Mistake 4: Statutory Obligations & Character 00:20:11 - How to Avoid a Rejected Application Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au

  5. Sep 18

    #049 - This Software Can Change Your Conversation With The Bank

    Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://use.seasonedfinance.com.au/pod-ep49 In this new episode, a static annual budget won’t protect your cash position. A live forecast that updates with your actuals gives you clearer decisions, earlier warnings and stronger conversations with lenders. ◼️ How live forecasting replaces static annual budgets ◼️ Pulling actuals from Xero into a rolling forecast ◼️ Using variance reports to spot issues early ◼️ Moving cattle sales to test cash gaps ◼️ Showing lenders real‑time cash management and timing decisions Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:52 - Real-Time Budget Updates 00:01:03 - Dashboard Overview 00:01:24 - Cash Position and Overdraft 00:01:44 - Variance Reporting 00:01:55 - Operating Expenses Analysis 00:02:05 - Enterprise Trackers 00:02:26 - Livestock Management 00:03:07 - Planning Grid Overview 00:03:18 - Importing Previous Year's Data 00:03:39 - Categorizing Expenses 00:04:01 - Real-Time Income and Expenses 00:04:21 - Adjusting for Unexpected Costs 00:04:54 - Timing of Cattle Sales 00:05:05 - Real-Time Re-Forecasting 00:05:16 - Example: Fodder Expense Adjustment 00:06:00 - Variance Reports 00:06:11 - Reporting Features 00:06:32 - Monthly and Quarterly Tracking 00:07:04 - Gross Profit Analysis 00:07:25 - Expense Tracking 00:07:57 - Net Profit Analysis 00:08:18 - Additional Reporting Options 00:08:39 - Production Reports 00:09:00 - Crop Season Summary 00:09:10 - Example: Moving Cattle Sales 00:10:05 - Updating Cash Flow Forecast 00:10:27 - Adjusting Sales Timing 00:11:00 - Cash Flow Management 00:11:20 - Inviting Advisors and Bankers 00:12:02 - Proactive Financial Planning 00:12:45 - Benefits of Live Forecasting Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au

  6. Sep 16

    #048 - Exactly How Trump Is Impacting The Cattle Market

    Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://use.seasonedfinance.com.au/pod-ep48 In this episode, Brecken breaks down how processing concentration affects Australian cattle producers, what the US changes are trying to fix, and whether similar support for regional processors could create more market access at home. You’ll hear how paddock‑to‑plate models work, where the real value sits in the supply chain, and why more pathways to customers could matter for the right operator. ◼️ Why processing concentration makes producers price takers ◼️ What Trump’s order aims to change in the US ◼️ Whether Australia should support regional processors ◼️ When paddock‑to‑plate makes sense, and when it doesn’t Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:43 - Processing concentration in the US and Australia 00:01:01 - Producers becoming price takers 00:01:19 - What the executive order supports 00:01:40 - Market access and regional processor capacity 00:01:54 - Processing pressures in Australia 00:02:11 - Paddock‑to‑plate already happening here 00:02:27 - Regulation, standards and compliance 00:02:37 - Opportunity for legitimate operators 00:02:47 - When direct‑to‑customer models make sense 00:03:07 - Normal selling channels for most producers 00:03:15 - Keeping more value beyond the farm gate 00:03:29 - Retail value vs farm‑gate value 00:03:52 - Why paddock‑to‑plate isn’t easy money 00:04:02 - Market, processing and setup considerations 00:04:27 - What paddock‑to‑plate requires to work 00:04:36 - Why Trump’s order raises fair questions 00:04:52 - More market access and regional support 00:05:01 - Normal channels still suit most producers Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au

  7. Sep 3

    #047 - Vendor Finance Vs Lease With An Option Vs Debt Funding

    Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://use.seasonedfinance.com.au/pod-ep47 Getting into the right rural property doesn’t always mean waiting years to save a bank‑sized deposit. In this episode, Brecken explains three pathways, vendor finance, lease with an option, and straight debt funding, showing how each works, who it suits, and the traps to avoid before signing. Whether you’re a younger producer starting out or an established grazier looking to expand, this breakdown gives you the practical framework to choose the right structure. ◼️ How vendor finance bridges the deposit gap ◼️ Why lease‑with‑option builds equity and trading history ◼️ When straight debt funding is the cleanest route Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:29 - Vendor finance explained 00:01:08 - How vendor finance bridges deposits 00:01:27 - Structuring vendor finance with banks 00:02:00 - Lease with option overview 00:02:19 - Building equity through leasing 00:02:53 - Legal complexity of lease with option 00:03:23 - Vendor perspective and legacy 00:03:50 - Negotiating option terms and protections 00:04:24 - Importance of records and valuations 00:04:43 - Straight debt funding overview 00:05:11 - Why banks prefer equity and history 00:05:26 - When straight debt suits established producers 00:06:05 - Structuring bank loans with advisors 00:06:40 - Key questions to choose the right route 00:07:07 - Three scenarios compared 00:07:40 - Role of brokers and presenting to lenders 00:08:06 - Planning the exit strategy 00:08:53 - Designing a refinance pathway 00:09:39 - Why stable ownership makes a bankable deal Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au

  8. Sep 1

    #046 - The First 5 Financial Moves to Make When You Inherit a Farm

    Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://use.seasonedfinance.com.au/pod-ep46 Inheriting a farm doesn’t guarantee financial security. In this episode, Brecken breaks down the first five financial steps every new owner must take to protect their inheritance, avoid hidden pitfalls and set the business up for long‑term success. From uncovering the true debt position to separating family emotion from business decisions, this episode gives you the practical framework to take control early. ◼️ Assessing the real debt tied to the farm ◼️ Separating family emotion from business structure ◼️ Building working capital and the right advisory team Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:10 - Understanding Financial Obligations 00:01:24 - Assessing Debt Position 00:02:59 - Separating Family Emotion from Business 00:04:54 - Reviewing Banking Relationships 00:05:04 - Building a Working Capital Buffer 00:08:16 - Establishing an Advisory Team Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au

See All (53)

About

Welcome to Dollars in the Dirt with Brecken Curtis, the no-BS podcast for Australian farmers and graziers who want to grow their operations and build real wealth. Hosted by Brecken Curtis, Award Winning Agricultural Finance Broker, this podcast breaks down farm loans, property finance, and agribusiness lending strategies that actually work. From rural property loans to cattle station finance, you'll get straight answers on agricultural finance without the jargon. Each episode delivers practical insights on farm expansion, loan structuring, and navigating the finance challenges facing beef producers and graziers across regional Australia. If you're a rural grazier looking to secure more favourable loan conditions for your next expansion, this podcast is a game changer.

Information

  • Creator
    Seasoned Finance
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Seasoned Finance
  • Show Website
    Dollars In The Dirt

You Might Also Like