How do you build a farming business that stays profitable through both the good seasons and the tough ones? 

In this episode, Rob Watt shares how his mixed farming operation balances livestock, cropping and long-term decision-making to manage risk and improve resilience. Drawing on years of experience and farm benchmarking data, Rob explains his approach to stocking rates, enterprise diversity, confinement feeding and maintaining profitability without relying on exceptional seasons. 

Rob also discusses the value of self-replacing livestock systems, pasture management, wool production, and why having more options across your farm can help you make better decisions when conditions change.  

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach sat down with Rob for this practical and insightful conversation. 

Resources and links:
Rob Watt on LinkedIn

Nominate a Mate:
If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:
Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.


This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

How do you build a farming business that stays profitable through both the good seasons and the tough ones?&nbsp;
In this episode, Rob Watt shares how his mixed farming operation balances livestock,&nbsp;cropping&nbsp;and long-term decision-making to manage risk and improve resilience. Drawing on years of experience and farm benchmarking data, Rob explains his approach to stocking rates, enterprise diversity, confinement feeding and&nbsp;maintaining&nbsp;profitability without relying on exceptional seasons.&nbsp;
Rob also discusses the value of self-replacing livestock systems, pasture management, wool production, and why having more options across your farm can help you make better decisions when conditions change.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach sat down with Rob for this practical and insightful conversation.&nbsp;
Resources and links:
<ul>
<li>Rob Watt on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-watt-421978114/">LinkedIn</a></li>
</ul>
Nominate a Mate:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: <a href="https://regionalnsw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVuHOf7krHE9Voq">Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'</a>.</li>
</ul>
Connect:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/central-west">Central West LLS website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on Facebook</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://twitter.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on X</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services&rsquo; Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.
 This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit<a href="https://soundcartel.com.au/"> soundcartel.com.au</a> for more information.

Seeds for Success is a show where we have a good yarn about ag life with producers who are having a go. On the show, you'll hear from farmers in New South Wales who are out there battling the elements, making tough calls and getting the job done. You'll get a laugh out of some of their stories, and also pick-up some know-how along the way. Produced by Central West Local Land Services.

Seeds for Success is a show where we have a good yarn about ag life with producers who are having a go.

Seeds for Success

More Options, Less Risk: Mixed Farming Strategies That Last with Rob Watt 

Fifth-generation mixed farmer David Langfield has spent a lifetime balancing cropping, livestock and pasture management on his family's Cowra property. In this episode, he shares how lucerne underpins his farming system, why long-term soil management matters, and how on-farm grain storage has improved grain quality, marketing flexibility and business resilience. 

David also talks about his passion for telling the stories of Australian agriculture through his podcast, Ages of Farming. He reflects on the changing media landscape, the importance of showcasing the next generation of farmers, and why sharing real stories from the paddock is one of the best ways to promote Aussie agriculture.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with David to bring you this chat.

Resources and links:
Ages of Farming Podcast on Instagram
Ages of Farming Podcast on Spotify

Nominate a Mate:
If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:
Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.


This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

Fifth-generation mixed farmer David Langfield has spent a lifetime balancing cropping,&nbsp;livestock&nbsp;and pasture management on his family's Cowra property. In this episode, he shares how lucerne underpins his farming system, why long-term soil management matters, and how on-farm grain storage has improved grain quality, marketing&nbsp;flexibility&nbsp;and business resilience.&nbsp;
David also talks about his passion for telling the stories of Australian agriculture through his podcast,&nbsp;Ages of Farming. He reflects on the changing media landscape, the importance of&nbsp;showcasing&nbsp;the next generation of farmers, and why sharing real stories from the paddock is one of the best ways to promote Aussie agriculture.
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with David to bring you this chat.
Resources and links:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/agesoffarmingpodcast/">Ages of Farming Podcast on Instagram</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/34OuMMp0Zr6yase2suAM0c?si=b51f0647548e4d21">Ages of Farming Podcast on Spotify</a></li>
</ul>
Nominate a Mate:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: <a href="https://regionalnsw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVuHOf7krHE9Voq">Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'</a>.</li>
</ul>
Connect:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/central-west">Central West LLS website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on Facebook</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://twitter.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on X</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services&rsquo; Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.
 This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit<a href="https://soundcartel.com.au/"> soundcartel.com.au</a> for more information.

Grain Storage, Innovation and the Future of Agriculture with David Langfield

How do large-scale farming businesses balance productivity, sustainability and profitability while staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry?

In this episode, Sarah Jacobson from Lawson Grains shares how research, data and technology are shaping the future of farming across New South Wales and WA. Sarah explains how Lawson Grains approaches R&D, variable rate technology, soil health and sustainable farming practices. She also dives into soil carbon projects, the importance of accurate farm data, and how the business is using innovation to improve long-term productivity and resilience across diverse farming systems.

Sarah shares practical insights into evaluating new technology, managing risk with trial work, and why continuous learning is critical in modern agriculture. 

Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell sat down with Sarah to bring you this chat.

Resources and links:
Sarah Jacobson on LinkedIn

Nominate a Mate:
If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:
Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.


This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

How do large-scale farming businesses balance productivity, sustainability and profitability while staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry?
In this episode, Sarah Jacobson from Lawson Grains shares how research, data and technology are shaping the future of farming across New South Wales and WA. Sarah explains how Lawson Grains approaches R&amp;D, variable rate technology, soil health and sustainable farming practices. She also dives into soil carbon projects, the importance of accurate farm data, and how the business is using innovation to improve long-term productivity and resilience across diverse farming systems.
Sarah shares practical insights into evaluating new technology, managing risk with trial work, and why continuous learning is critical in modern agriculture.&nbsp;
Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Bonnie Mitchell sat down with Sarah to bring you this chat.
Resources and links:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Sarah Jacobson on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-jacobson-90794b61/">LinkedIn</a></li>
</ul>
Nominate a Mate:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: <a href="https://regionalnsw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVuHOf7krHE9Voq">Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'</a>.</li>
</ul>
Connect:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/central-west">Central West LLS website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on Facebook</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://twitter.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on X</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
This podcast was supported by Central West Local Land Services&rsquo; Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Local Land Services or the Australian Government.
 This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit<a href="https://soundcartel.com.au/"> soundcartel.com.au</a> for more information.

Farming Smarter at Scale: R&D, Soil Carbon and AgTech with Sarah Jacobson

How do you make the right decisions when the season turns against you and the pressure is on?

In this episode, Chris Kilby shares how he’s managing a dry and challenging season near Trundle, offering practical insights into decision-making, risk management, and keeping a farming business moving forward when conditions are tough.

Chris explains how they’ve adapted their cropping plans after missing key rainfall windows, shifted focus to feeding and protecting their core breeding ewes, and made early decisions to reduce stock numbers. He walks through the realities of confinement feeding, water security challenges, and the significant effort involved in establishing reliable infrastructure under pressure. You’ll also hear about the mental side of farming through dry conditions, the importance of community and connection, and why continuous learning and surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference.

Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with Chris to bring you this chat.

Nominate a Mate:
If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'.

Connect:
Central West LLS website
Central West LLS on Facebook
Central West LLS on X
Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit soundcartel.com.au for more information.

How do you make the right decisions when the season turns against you and the pressure is on?
In this episode, Chris Kilby shares how he&rsquo;s managing a dry and challenging season near Trundle, offering practical insights into decision-making, risk management, and keeping a farming business moving forward when conditions are tough.
Chris explains how they&rsquo;ve adapted their cropping plans after missing key rainfall windows, shifted focus to feeding and protecting their core breeding ewes, and made early decisions to reduce stock numbers. He walks through the realities of confinement feeding, water security challenges, and the significant effort involved in establishing reliable infrastructure under pressure. You&rsquo;ll also hear about the mental side of farming through dry conditions, the importance of community and connection, and why continuous learning and surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference.
Local Land Services Mixed Farming Advisor Rohan Leach, sat down with Chris to bring you this chat.
Nominate a Mate:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">If you'd like to nominate a mate (or yourself) as a potential future guest on the podcast, you can do so here: <a href="https://regionalnsw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVuHOf7krHE9Voq">Nominate a Mate for 'Seeds for Success'</a>.</li>
</ul>
Connect:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/central-west">Central West LLS website</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on Facebook</a></li>
<li><a href="https://twitter.com/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on X</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/CentralWestLLS">Central West LLS on YouTube</a></li>
</ul>
The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.
This show is produced in collaboration with SoundCartel. Visit <a href="https://soundcartel.com.au/">soundcartel.com.au</a>&nbsp;for more information.

More Options, Less Risk: Mixed Farming Strategies That Last with Rob Watt

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