October 2025 Edition
The pace has lifted and, for many, hay season is well and truly underway. Silage and harvest are fast approaching, and the drying conditions across much of southern Australia are creating more questions than answers, although we did get 20mm of rain at Gladstone on Wednesday. It’s fair to say this season hasn't quite unfolded the way many had hoped.
Right now, it’s about doing what can be done with what’s in front of us. That means planning ahead, managing cashflow, and checking in with staff to make sure workloads are realistic and sustainable. People are stretched, and the pressure is showing across many businesses.
Tip: Before the week gets away, take 15 minutes to review who’s doing what. If a task can be delayed, delegated, or dropped, make that call early. It’s a small action that creates space for better decisions later in the week.
This 15 minutes is the time to step back, even briefly each week, to look at what’s important but not urgent. Wearing your CEO hat isn’t about fancy strategy sessions; it’s about staying focused on priorities that will help you finish the year well and set a clear direction for 2026.
Enjoy the October Chronicle.
October Blog
Running a farming business means making big calls all the time - what to invest in, how to run the season, which opportunities to chase. Often, those calls get made by a single person or small group, then handed down to the staff to make them work. On paper it sounds efficient. In practice, it’s risky.
If your staff don’t understand why a change is happening, or if they feel it’s just dumped on them, they’re less likely to adopt it, no matter how good the plan looks to you. That’s when resistance creeps in, motivation drops, and suddenly the return on your investment starts slipping away.
Involving your team isn’t just about being “nice” or democratic. When staff are brought into the process early, not only do you get their buy-in, you also tap into knowledge and insights that can make the decision itself stronger.
Podcast Recommendation
Farms Advice — “Driving Innovation and Building a Sustainable Workforce”
In this episode, the GM of Case IH ANZ unpacks what it actually takes to build a workforce that lasts.
You can access Driving Innovation and Building a Sustainable Workforce via the link below.
Project Spotlight: From Both Sides of the Fence
I’m excited to share that Cross Country Management has been successful in securing a new three-year project funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). The project, titled From Both Sides of the Fence, will focus on improving roadside weed management across the Fleurieu Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula.
Over the next three years, we’ll be working with farmers, grower groups, councils, and Landscape Boards to understand what’s working well, identify key challenges, and develop practical strategies for best practice management.
The first round of grower workshops is planned for 2026, and I’ll share more details and opportunities to get involved as the project progresses.
Weed management is an ever-increasing challenge. This project brings together both sides of the fence to tackle herbicide resistance and strengthen collaboration across our farming landscapes.
I look forward to sharing more on this exciting project in next month's edition!
Quote of the Month
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb
In farming and in business, timing is everything. Sometimes we look back and wish we’d made a decision earlier - whether it’s investing in new infrastructure, adopting a different practice, or exploring a fresh opportunity. While hindsight is valuable, this quote reminds us that the most powerful step we can take is the one in front of us today.
Like planting a tree, small decisions made now can create shade, shelter, and opportunity well into the future. It’s never too late to start something that will pay dividends for the seasons to come.
So whether it’s setting new goals, trialling a different approach on-farm, or strengthening your business foundations, the best time to begin is now.
Redlegged Earth Mite Management
Though only about 1mm in length, redlegged earth mites can cause significant damage to crops across Australia, particularly in regions with cool, wet winters.
To help growers tackle this persistent pest, Dr Paul Umina from Cesar Australia shares insights from the project “Future Options for the Control of RLEM in Australian Grain Crops” in a video (linked below).
This GRDC-funded project was led by Cesar Australia in collaboration with other project partners, exploring effective strategies for managing redlegged earth mites and protecting crop yields.
Victorian Drought Support
We find ourselves still in an uncertain season that lies ahead, and many farming businesses are weighing up big decisions – do we buy, lease, cut back, or hold steady?
Through Agriculture Victoria’s drought support program, eligible farmers can access up to 4 hours of 1:1 support with me at no cost. This is your chance to sit down with me, pressure test ideas, build cashflow scenarios, and make clear, considered decisions for your farm business.
If you’ve been carrying the weight of these decisions on your own, now’s the time to get the right support.
Book your 1:1 session with me here 👇
Where in the World is CCM?
Last month's "Where in the World" found CCM visiting Strathalbyn in South Australia.
See if you can find us this month!
Here are your clues...
1. This coastal town is home to a long jetty stretching into calm waters - a favourite spot for fishing, photography, and catching breathtaking sunsets.
2. Established in the 19th century, this town grew around a busy grain port and still celebrates its maritime heritage.
3. Famous for its striking orange-red cliffs and scenic coastal walks, this town is a gateway to exploring South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula.
Where are we? Drop as a message if you think you might know.
WOW Your Banker
Walking into a bank meeting unprepared can be stressful. If you don’t have a clear cash flow plan, you risk tough questions, delays, or even missed funding opportunities. And with the season ahead, now is the time to get on the front foot.
Our Wow Your Banker service helps you take control - so you can walk in with confidence, present your numbers clearly, and secure the financial backing you need.
Get yourself set up for success now - book a discovery call with Paige!