Last month, my son played Auskick at halftime of the footy.

He ran onto Adelaide Oval like he was in the Grand Final.
He was pumped.
I was proud.
And I was so damn grateful to share that moment with him.

There’s something about watching your kid do something they feel is big.
It reminds you what you care about too.

I had that same feeling again last night.

This time it was watching our Annual Farm Owners Academy Awards Ceremony.

You know the feeling.
That tingle.
That mix of inspiration, pride, and possibility.

And it got me thinking...

What if you were the one we talked about next year?

What if next year when we celebrate another year of epic growth, breakthroughs and wins in our community you were in the room.

You were on the path…

These aren’t fairy tales.

They’re the real stories of real farm owners building real businesses and living life on their terms.

Let’s celebrate them.

The Helping Hand

Betty-Lou is a weapon.

Business? Dialled in.
Community support? Relentless.
Perspective. Lessons. Tough love. She gives it all.

She doesn’t show up for praise.
She shows up to help others win.
Because givers get. And she gives more than most.

The Busy Bees

Ben & Kate. Just 12 months into the program.
Already ticked off every goal they set for the year.
Bens stepped into the CEO role.
Kates alongside, backing the vision.

They're building strategy, stacking momentum, and supporting each other all the way.
Their CAP (2 page strategic plan)? One of the best we’ve seen.
They’re not just building a better business...they’re rewriting their family’s future.

The Rising Stars

Anna & Lachie. They started small.
Smaller than we normally accept into the program…

But something about them said: give them a shot.

Fast forward 18 months?

• They bought their first property
• Launched Red Dirt Lamb (featured in The Land)
• Scaled a feedlotting business
• Sourced external investment
• And shifted their identity and mindset to match their growth

And the business...it’s not so small anymore.
They bet on themselves.
Now they’re absolutely flying.

The Improvers

Alan & Bec. 18 months ago they were ready to quit.
Burnt out. Exhausted. Done.

But instead of walking away, they turned inward.
They did the work…on themselves and their business.

They’ve already hit their 3-year goals.
Their business is growing fast and making serious money.

They’ve rebuilt their machinery strategy, staff culture, and business systems.
And for the first time in a long time…they’re smiling.

The Golden Tractor

Pete & Tracy don’t make noise. They make progress.

Started strong. Built stronger. Over 3 years they have:

• Tripled their profit (off an already solid base)
• Established a thriving team culture
• Have a succession plan that works
• Built a business they can both step away from for longer and longer periods
• Created a business that supports their lifestyle.

Their CAP (2 page strategic plan) is clear.
Their BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) is within reach.
Their results speak for themselves.

The Key To Freedom

Cass & Rusty used to work 80+ hours a week. Sharemilking. Grinding.
Building someone else’s dream.

Now?

They own their own farm.
They’ve hired a high-performing team.
They’ve stepped into their genius roles.
They work less, earn more, and have time for the moments that matter.
And they’ve built a business that prints profit.

They didn’t just free up time.
They built a Freedom Farm.

But Here's the Truth...

We don’t hand out awards for showing up.

We hand them out for following through.

These legends:

• Showed up
• Got clear
• Took action
• Changed their lives

And everyone in the room?
Whether they took home a trophy or not… they're winning too.

Because they’re committed.
They’re building.
They’re not waiting for change.
They’re creating it.

My son ran past AFL legends to play Auskick on Adelaide Oval.
That changed something in him.
Now he won’t put the ball down.
Sleeps with it. Trains with it. Talks about it non-stop.

Why?

Because he got a taste of what’s possible.

That’s what these awards nights do in our community.
They stretch what you think is possible.
They give you permission to dream bigger.

If you’re facing a tough season right now, here’s something to remember:

A problem is just an opportunity dressed in work clothes.

Solve it…
And on the other side?
New possibilities.

So What About You? Are you still…

Waiting for the perfect time?

Watching from the sidelines?

Hoping something will shift?

What if this was your year?

What if next year you were the one we talked about?

Our final intake for Platinum Mastermind in 2025 kicks off 1 October.

👉 Download the info pack here

It lays out:

• Who it’s for
• How it works
• How to apply

No pressure. Just clarity.

You don’t need to be “ready.”
You just need to be willing.

Let’s make this your year.

Sam Johnsson
CEO - Farm Owners Academy