Let Go Of Control Before Life Takes It From You
Sep 04, 2025
Hey Farm Owner,
Twelve months ago, my wife had a brain tumour removed.
Six hours of surgery.
It felt like a lifetime.
As they wheeled her down the hallway, she reached for my hand.
I kissed her forehead.
Tears filled my eyes.
Then I let go.
On the way out, I ran straight into the surgeon.
I could barely speak.
I looked him in the eye and said:
“I trust you.”
And, that moment changed me.
Because in that moment, everything that mattered…
Was out of my hands.
What if he was tired?
What if he’d had a big weekend?
What if today just wasn’t his day?
It didn’t matter.
We had to trust that the system around us would hold.
And that’s when it hit me.
That’s the kind of business most farm owners never build.
Here’s what I’m grateful for:
I stepped away from our business.
Fully.
For two whole months.
No laptop.
No panic.
No ‘just checking in.’
The business ran.
The team handled it.
Our members were looked after.
The cash still came in.
Not because I’m lucky.
But, because we built it that way.
On purpose.
Most farm owners don’t do that.
Their income is tied to their presence.
Their farm relies on their effort.
Their family feels the pressure.
And when life throws a curveball?
The burden falls on someone who’s not ready.
A partner. A parent. A son or daughter.
Thrown into the deep end with no support.
That’s not fair.
And it’s not sustainable.
Why don’t more change?
Control.
They think no one can do it like them.
They don’t trust easily.
And they were never shown how to build systems that replace them.
It’s not your fault.
You’ve been trained in production.
Not people.
Not process.
Not profit.
But that can change.
And we can help.
You don’t only build a Freedom Farm for the good times.
You build it for the moments that matter that you don’t see coming.
The good news?
My wife made a full recovery.
Life’s simpler.
And the business is stronger because I stepped away.
That’s the power of building a business that works without you.
That’s what we help our members do.
If you want the same, then start here:
The next Top Producers Workshop is happening this February 16th and 17th in Sydney. Come in person or join us virtually.
Discounted early bird tickets are available for a limited time.
Get the tools, systems and perspective you need to future-proof your farm business.
Regards
Sam Johnsson
CEO, Farm Owners Academy
