Join us for a conversation with Dr Mike Stephens, agricultural consultant, educator, and founder of Meridian Agriculture, a business that has spent more than four decades helping Australian farming families navigate some of their toughest decisions.
Across a lifetime working alongside farm businesses, Mike has seen firsthand how the biggest challenges rarely come down to production or technology, but to people, communication, and the decisions families make together.
“If you want the business to be the same size, same earning capacity as the one you took over, you've got to double it in 30 years.”
Mike unpacks the patterns he sees across family enterprises, from succession tensions and leadership transitions to the growing need for clearer governance structures in modern farm businesses. As farms become larger and more complex, the role of advisers is shifting too, moving beyond technical expertise toward facilitation, strategy, and helping families work through difficult conversations.
We explore how farming businesses can strengthen their long-term resilience through clearer roles, practical governance frameworks, better communication, and a shared vision for where the business is heading.
Photo credit: Michael Chambers
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is general in nature and does not in any way constitute financial, investment, accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with a relevantly qualified and licensed professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements. The opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect those of our sponsors or any third parties.
