September 2025 Edition
Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2025? For much of southern Australia the season still holds potential, but with minimal sub-surface moisture we’re all watching the forecast like hawks, waiting to see what the next few weeks deliver. The days are stretching out, the pressure is building, and decisions made now could set the tone not just for this season, but well into next year.
In my AgCelerate work, a common theme keeps surfacing in conversations: strategic direction and focusing on the future. That means more than good ideas. It means testing them against cashflow and making sure the numbers stack up. I love being part of these discussions, drawing the thoughts out of people’s heads and turning them into data they can actually use to back their decisions.
And of course, September brings the flurry of spring field days, crop walks, and workshops. They are full of fresh ideas and shiny new gear, but they are also a reminder of how easy it is to get swept up in the hype. The best businesses I see are the ones that pause, run the numbers, and ask: does this move me closer to where I want to be in 12 months’ time?
Enjoy the September Chronicle.
Podcast Recommendation
Hosted by Michael Thomson, this podcast by AgriFutures Australia explores innovative approaches in Australian agriculture, featuring conversations with farmers, scientists, and industry leaders about new paths to profitability and resilience.
You can access Unearthed via the link below.
Quote of the Month
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Patience isn’t something that comes naturally to most of us, especially in business. We’re wired to keep moving, to make quick decisions, to tick off the list. But farming reminds us daily that some things are simply out of our control.
There’s no dispute that even the best laid plans and the hardest work still need patience, especially when Mother Nature is involved. You can prepare, plan, and do everything right, yet the timing of rain or the turn of a season is never yours to decide.
Whilst we patiently work through the spring season, we can still make clear business decisions, keep an eye on cashflow, and prioritise the actions that set us up for where we want to be in 12 months’ time. Patience isn’t about standing still — it’s about backing the steady, consistent work that builds real progress.
RBA Meeting Schedule & Interest Rates
For business owners, staying across changes in interest rates is important for planning loans, cash flow, and investments.
Here’s a list of the upcoming 2025 meetings and recent rate decisions so you can keep them in mind when managing your business finances.
September 29–30
November 3–4
December 8–9
Recent rate decisions:
February 19: Reduced by 0.25 percentage points to 4.10%
April 2: Reduced by 0.25 percentage points to 3.85%
May 21: Reduced by 0.25 percentage points to 3.60%
Changes to the cash rate can directly affect interest on farm loans, equipment financing, and other business credit. Even small adjustments can influence cash flow planning, budgeting, and investment decisions. We will be watching this decision later in the month.
September Blog
Spring is a season of optimism. Warmer days, fresh growth, and the promise (or hope) of a good season ahead naturally bring excitement and energy. It’s also a time of possibility: new ideas, new investments, and new opportunities.
It’s also field day season, with shiny new machines, fancy gadgets, new tech, special offers and sales reps eager to show you the latest and greatest.
For farmers who know exactly what they need and have a clear plan, field days can be an excellent chance to secure good deals and upgrade to the latest technology -but for those without a clear financial picture or strategy, they can become minefields of impulsive decisions and sales pressure.
Before you know it, you're signing on the dotted line, only to face the harsh reality of buyer's remorse when the monthly payments start hitting your cash flow.
Updated Toxicity Table Now Includes Honey Bee Data
Spring is here and with that, both pest pressures and the activity of beneficial insects and pollinators is set to increase. To assist growers in making informed decisions that protect these vital allies, the Beneficials Chemical Toxicity Table has been updated to include honey bee toxicity data. This comprehensive resource allows for quick comparisons of insecticides and miticides, helping to minimise harm to beneficial species while effectively managing pests.
Developed by Cesar Australia in collaboration with the University of Melbourne and supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, the table provides scientifically backed information on the toxicity of various chemicals to beneficial insects and honey bees. With this tool, growers can make more sustainable pest management choices that support both crop productivity and ecological health.
For a detailed look at the updated table and to download the resource, visit the full article below.
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 👇
Victorian Trees on Farms Grants Program
Landholders across Victoria can now apply for grants of up to $80,000 through Agriculture Victoria's new Trees on Farms Program.
This initiative supports tree planting projects that deliver long-term benefits for farms, the environment, and local communities. Well-planned tree planting can:
Provide shade and shelter for livestock
Supply timber for on-farm use or local markets
Boost stock and crop productivity
Offset carbon emissions or create income through carbon credits
Enhance biodiversity and help prevent soil erosion
Professional advice and design support are available to assist landholders in planning their projects.
To learn more and apply ⤵️
Where in the World is CCM?
Last month's "Where in the World" found CCM visiting Bali in Indonesia for a well-deserved family holiday!
This time we're back on home soil, but where exactly did we land? See if you can find us! Here are your clues...
1. This charming town is known for its historic streets, heritage buildings, and friendly community.
2. Located in a region famous for horses, with equestrian events and scenic paddocks nearby.
3. Nestled along the banks of a peaceful river, it’s just a short drive from Adelaide.
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!