September 2026
Welcome to the September edition of the Cross Country Chronicle!
Spring is here, the season is moving quickly, and before we know it we'll be talking harvest, Christmas and plans for 2027.
For me, September includes Hart Field Days, a trip to Queensland to meet new clients and the continuation of the AgCademy™ AI Sprint. It's not all work, with a quick trip to Melbourne for the NFL thrown into the mix as well.
There's plenty happening here and September is also a good time to look at your own business. What has gained traction this year? What has slipped? What still needs to happen before harvest and the end-of-year rush take over?
There are four months left in 2026. That's plenty of time to make progress, but we all know how quickly those months will disappear.
If ongoing strategic support and accountability through AgCelerate™ has been on your radar, applications for our next intake will open soon. Join the waitlist now and you'll be the first to know when they do.
Here's to a productive September and, most importantly, a kind spring.
Enjoy the September Chronicle.
AI FOR FARMERS & FARMING BUSINESSES SPRINT
Cohort Two: building practical AI capability for farming businesses
BLOG - SEPTEMBER
When debt stress changes the way we think
FREE ONLINE WORKSHOP - YOUR NEXT BEST MOVE
A practical approach to making confident farm business decisions
HART FIELD DAY
The Hart Field Day returns on Tuesday 15 September - see you there
PODCAST RECOMMENDATION
Unearthed: The people changing Australian agriculture, by AgriFutures Australia
PROJECT UPDATE: FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE
When the Roadsides Turn Green
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” – Peter Drucker
SA COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE GRANTS NOW OPEN
Helping farmers prepare for the upcoming fire season
SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
A conversation can make a difference
WOW YOUR BANKER
Helping you put your best foot forward
AI for Farmers & Farming Businesses Sprint
Following a great response to the first AgCelerate AI Sprint, we're excited to be running a second cohort, starting in October.
This Sprint is a six-week programme designed specifically for farming businesses and owner-operated businesses servicing agriculture.
The Sprint is about moving beyond experimenting with AI and actually using it to get work done. We'll look at practical ways to save time on admin, use voice notes to start building SOPs and work instructions, improve communication, and create reusable prompts, templates and tools for your business.
A new module is released each Monday, followed by a live Build Session every Friday at 1:00 pm AEST, where we'll put the learning into practice, work through questions and actually build alongside each other.
For me, the important part is that AI doesn't replace experience or judgement. You still need to know what good looks like. Used well, it can give you a much better starting point, build capability within your business and help get some of those jobs off the list.
The next round of the AgCelerate AI Sprint starts on Monday 19 October.
To join the waitlist or for more information, visit this link.
Blog - September
When debt stress changes the way we think
Debt isn't inherently a bad thing.
In agriculture, debt has enabled generations of farming businesses to buy land, expand, invest in infrastructure, improve productivity and take opportunities that otherwise would have been out of reach.
Used well, debt can also be a powerful motivator. Repayments sharpen focus, create discipline around cashflow and make sure an investment is expected to perform.
But there is a point where productive pressure can become something else entirely. In this month's blog, I look at what happens when debt stress starts affecting more than the numbers, including how we think, make decisions and respond to the people around us.
Free Online Workshop - Your Next Best Move
In this workshop, I’ll walk you through how I evaluate a farm decision, test the options, and run the numbers before making the call.
When you’re weighing up your next move on the farm, it helps to have the numbers in front of you - not just a gut feel.
Join me for this free online workshop, where I'll walk through a practical approach to evaluating farm business decisions, testing different options and running the numbers before making the call.
Whether you’re considering replacing machinery, paying down debt, leasing more country, investing in infrastructure or simply deciding which priority should come first, the session is designed to help you ask: what makes the most sense for our business right now?
Tuesday 13 October | 1:00–2:00 pm AEST | Online via Google Meet
For more information or to register, visit this link here.
Hart Field Day
The Hart Field Day returns on Tuesday 15 September, bringing together growers, researchers, agronomists and industry experts at the Hart Field Site in South Australia's Mid North.
With a full program of practical sessions, field trials, machinery and industry displays, the day is a great opportunity to hear the latest research, ask questions and catch up with others from across the agricultural community.
Tuesday 15 September 2026 | Hart, SA
Tickets are on sale now via this link here.
Podcast Recommendation
Unearthed: The people changing Australian agriculture
Produced by AgriFutures Australia, Unearthed shares the stories of farmers, researchers and industry leaders embracing new ideas and navigating change in Australian agriculture.
Covering innovation, technology, farm business and emerging opportunities, it’s an interesting listen for anyone looking to stay informed about where the industry is heading.
Project Update: From Both Sides of the Fence
When the Roadsides Turn Green
After a run of very different seasons, the Fleurieu is particularly green this year - and that includes the weeds. Wet conditions can bring species to the surface that haven't been as noticeable in recent seasons, making this spring an important time to keep an eye on what's emerging and whether existing patches are spreading.
While the conditions are good for weed growth, they can make control more challenging. Wet roadsides can restrict access, while spraying conditions, weed growth stages and available resources all need to align. Acting early generally provides more management options before weeds mature and set seed.
The Roadside Weed Control: From Both Sides of the Fence project is also continuing to highlight the importance of communication. Sharing what you're seeing and your plans for control with neighbours and other land managers can help create a more coordinated approach across property boundaries. Sometimes better weed management starts before anyone gets in the spray unit - with knowing what's there, having a plan and talking to the people around you.
To stay up to date with this project and other CCM activities, visit our website or follow us on social media. You can find more information about this project here.
Quote of the Month
“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” – Peter Drucker
Agriculture is constantly changing, from seasons and markets to technology and rising costs. While experience is invaluable, sometimes the way things have always been done needs to evolve. Staying open to new ideas, adapting when conditions change and regularly reviewing what’s working can help build a stronger, more resilient business.
SA Country Fire Service Grants Now Open
South Australian farmers and rural landholders may be eligible for funding through the Regional Capability Community Fund (RCCF) to improve farm firefighting capability and preparedness.
Eligible applicants can apply for up to $5,000 towards a new Farm Fire Unit or $1,000 towards safety and firefighting equipment.
Applications close 18 September 2026, so eligible farmers and landholders are encouraged to take a look at the guidelines and apply soon via the CFS website.
Suicide Prevention Month
September is an important reminder to check in with the people around us and keep conversations about mental health and suicide prevention going.
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on 10 September each year. It is an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma and encourage meaningful conversations about suicide prevention.
Taking the time to ask someone how they're going, listen without judgement and encourage them to seek support can make a meaningful difference. You don't need to have all the answers - sometimes simply starting the conversation is enough.
For information, resources and support relating to suicide prevention, visit Suicide Prevention Australia.
Need support? Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14, or contact the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
WOW Your Banker
Annual review season is rapidly approaching. Imagine having your information prepared and feeling in charge of the next conversation you have with your bank manager, wouldn't it be nice to 'wow' them?
Our 'wow your banker' service is designed to do exactly that. Book a discovery call today and know you will be walking in with confidence, presenting your numbers clearly, and secure the financial backing you need.
Get yourself set up for success now - book a discovery call with Paige!
