#55: From Selling Firewood to Natural Sequence Farming with Stuart McWilliam from Blackbird and Beast

Send us a textWelcome to Episode 60 of A Place to Call Home!This week, we’re joined by Jared Luhman, a regenerative cattle and crop producer from Minnesota, USA, and the host of the Ranching Returns Podcast. Jared manages 900 acres and 230 Red Angus cows, markets bulls through Pharo Cattle Company, and is passionate about building a profitable, low-input system that supports both land health and family life.In our first international episode, Jared shares his story of building his operation, how he got started in ranching, and why adaptive grazing and regenerative management have become central to his philosophy. We also dive into the challenges facing next-gen producers in the U.S., and how the Ranching Returns Podcast (formerly Herd Quitter) became a platform for practical, profitable conversations in agriculture.In this episode, we discuss:🌱 Starting a regenerative ranching business from the ground up 🇺🇸 What it’s like for the next generation of producers in the U.S. 📈 Why profitability, land health, and lifestyle must go hand in hand 🎧 The evolution of the Ranching Returns Podcast 🐂 Working with Pharo Cattle Company and marketing low-input bulls 🧠 Key lessons from podcast guests across the U.S. and beyondMentioned in the episode:🔗 Ranching for Profit – Business school for ranchers 🔗 Pharo Cattle Company – Low-input genetics 🔗 Working Cows Podcast – Real ranching conversations 🔗 Ranching Returns Podcast – Hosted by Jared LuhmanFollow Jared and Ranching Returns:🌐 Website: www.ranchingreturns.com 📘 Facebook: @ranchingreturnsIf you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and leave a review—it really helps us keep these conversations going.Stay connected with A Place to Call Home:📘 Facebook: A Place to Call Home 📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast 🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast 🌏 Website: www.aplacetocallhome.au🎙️ This episode is proudly supported by Agistment.net.au — connecting landholders and livestock producers across Australia. 👉 Find or list agistment at: www.agistment.net.auSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to Episode 59 of A Place to Call Home!This week, we’re joined by Sam Skeat, founder of Regen Ag Asset Management (RAAM)—a business that helps rural producers turn knowledge into action and build more resilient, efficient operations.Sam’s journey has taken him from running tree-lopping crews and working with NRM groups, to coaching producers through rehydrating landscapes and shifting the way they run their businesses. His work now focuses on helping people identify blind spots, implement systems, and focus on return on effort—not just tradition or busyness.In this episode, we discuss: 🧠 The mindset shift that can change your business 📊 Why collecting data is easy—but using it is where the real impact lies 📈 How to build systems that reduce decision fatigue and create results 🛠️ Rehydrating landscapes and managing country through better planning 💬 Why ag businesses must pay the people running them 💡 Focusing on Return on Effort instead of just being busyWhether you're starting out, rebuilding, or wanting to do things differently—this episode is full of insights for those ready to step up and lead their ag business with clarity and confidence.To connect with Sam or learn more about RAAM, check out: 🔗 Website: https://www.raam.com.auIf you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your mates and leave a quick review!For more updates, check out our socials:📍 A Place to Call Home | Facebook📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast🌏 Website🎙️ This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly supported by Yowy—makers of tough, Aussie-designed water bottles built for the bush. 💧 Use code AP2CH for 10% off at www.yowy.com.auSupport the show

Send us a textThis week, we chat with Johno Mackay—a cattleman, contractor, and founder of JobSafe Pro, an app designed to make workplace safety easier and more practical for rural businesses.From starting his first contract mustering job with a broken leg, to building a successful contracting and fencing business across northern Australia, Johno shares the real-life lessons learned from growing a business in the bush.In this episode, we discuss: 🔨 The early days of contract mustering and starting out with nothing but grit 👷‍♂️ Lessons learned about employing people in agriculture 📲 How a workplace incident led to the creation of JobSafe Pro 🐂 Building a cattle herd alongside a contracting business 💬 Honest insights on running your own show and backing yourselfIf you’re looking to learn more about Johno’s business or JobSafe Pro, check out the link below: 🔗 JobSafe Pro Facebook Page🌏 Website: Job Safe Pro Pty ltd If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family!For more updates, check out our socials: 📍 A Place to Call Home | Facebook📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast🌏 Website🎙️ This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by AgCarE—helping landholders assess, understand, and unlock the value of their natural capital.Home  · AgCarE OnlineSupport the show

Send us a textWelcome to Episode 56 of A Place to Call Home!This week, we chat with Andrew Cox and Reegen Wass from Generational Wealth Partners, who break down what financial advisors actually do and how they can help farming families and next-generation producers plan, grow, and protect their financial future.If you’ve ever wondered when to speak to a financial advisor, how to start investing, or what succession planning looks like when done well—this episode is full of straight-talking, practical advice.In this episode, we discuss: 💰 What financial advisors do and how they support rural clients 📈 When to seek advice and how to get started with investing 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Planning for succession and building intergenerational wealth 🎯 Setting clear goals and reducing financial stress 💡 Why clarity and early planning matter for young producersIf you're starting to think about your future or looking for ways to build wealth alongside your ag business—this one’s for you.If you’re looking to learn more about financial advice or Generational Wealth Partners, check out the links below: 🔗 Generational Wealth Partners – Website 🔗 Services they offer 🔗 Meet the teamTo follow their journey or get in touch: 📸 Instagram: @generationalwealthpartnersIf you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family!For more updates, check out our socials: 📍 A Place to Call Home | Facebook 📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast 🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast 🌏 Website🎙️ This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by The Cathedral School in Townsville. Considering boarding school? Don’t miss their Boarding Experience on May 17–18. 👉 Bookings are essential – just Google “Cathedral Boarding Experience” to register.Support the show

Send us a textWelcome to Episode 56 of A Place to Call Home. This week, we chat with Travis Parry, who shares his journey in agriculture—from agisting country to building a successful Speckle Park stud. He also opens up about selling the family farm, navigating succession, and how he’s using social media to grow his business and connect with consumers. In this episode, we discuss:Selling the family farm and navigating successionAgisting country and making it workStarting and growing a Speckle Park studThe power of social media in branding and business growthLessons learned along the way and future plansTo learn more about Travis and his journey, visit:Instagram: travisparry8If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family!For more updates, check out our socials:A Place to Call Home | FacebookInstagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcastLinkedIn: A Place to Call Home PodcastWebsiteThis episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by Rural Succession Solutions.Support the show

Send us a textWelcome to Episode 59 of A Place to Call Home! This week, we chat with Stuart McWilliam from Black Bird and Beast—a self-taught regenerative farmer and Natural Sequence Farming contractor whose story is all about backing yourself and building from the ground up.With no ag background, Stuart went from running a firewood business and arborist crew to buying his first cattle without any yards. After discovering regenerative agriculture and completing a course in Natural Sequence Farming, he’s now doing earthworks full-time across NSW and beyond.In this episode, we discuss: 🌱 Stuart’s journey into farming from outside the industry 🧠 Discovering regenerative ag and the influence of Charlie Arnott & Gabe Brown 💧 What Natural Sequence Farming is and how it can be applied on your property 🏡 Buying his first block and how he built his business 🛠️ Juggling cattle, share farming, contracting, and land regeneration 🔄 Sobriety, personal growth, and proving you don’t need school or uni to succeedIf you’re looking to learn more about Natural Sequence Farming or Stuart’s journey, check out the links below: 🔗 Tarwyn Park Training – Natural Sequence Farming🔗 Charlie Arnott - The Regenerative Journey To follow Stuart’s journey, visit: 📸 Instagram: @blackbirdandbeastIf you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family!For more updates, check out our socials:📍 A Place to Call Home | Facebook📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast🌏 Website🎙️ This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by AgCarE Learn more at www.agcare.org.au.Support the show

Send us a textWelcome to Episode 58 of A Place to Call Home!This week, we chat with David and Sarah Birchmore, who share their journey in agriculture, the role agistment has played in growing their business, and how they’ve built an off-farm income stream to create more opportunities.In this episode, we discuss:How agistment has helped expand their operationChallenges and benefits of leasing countryBuilding an off-farm business alongside primary productionTips and tricks for making agistment work for your operationLessons learned and future plansTo learn more about David and Sarah and Agistment.net, visit:📍 https://www.facebook.com/agistmentaustralia📸 https://www.instagram.com/agistment.net.au/🌏 Agistment.net.auIf you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family!For more updates, check out our socials:📍 A Place to Call Home | Facebook 📸 Instagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcast 🔗 LinkedIn: A Place to Call Home Podcast 🌏 Website🎙️ This episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by Agistment.net.au.Support the show

Send us a textWelcome to Episode 53 of A Place to Call Home.This week, we chat with Nick Holland, who shares his journey to land ownership while working full-time and the lessons he's learned along the way.In this episode, we discuss:Building a real estate portfolioNavigating family succession in agricultureAgisting and leasing country while building a herdHow building equity can support family transitionsThe business model that works for NickThe transition to becoming a full-time producerIf you’re looking for more information on what Nick mentioned, check out the links below:Resource Consulting Services – Professional education, advice, and support for regenerative agriculture since 1985To learn more about Nick and his journey, visit:Instagram: @dutchy_holland86If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family!For more updates, check out our socials:A Place to Call Home | FacebookInstagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcastLinkedIn: A Place to Call Home PodcastWebsiteThis episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by Rural Succession Solutions.Support the show

Send us a textWelcome to Episode 52 of A Place to Call Home.This week, we chat with Simone Parker and Harry Evan from Bush Agribusiness, where they share valuable insights on how consultancy can elevate your agricultural business.In this episode, we discuss:The Business Edge course and its impactKey findings from the Australian Beef ReportWhat top producers are doing to stay aheadHow consultancy can support your business growth and strategyTo learn more about Bush Agribusiness, check out the links below:Bush Agribusiness WebsiteFacebook: Bush AgribusinessInstagram: @bush_agriIf you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family!For more updates, check out our socials:A Place to Call Home | FacebookInstagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcastLinkedIn: A Place to Call Home PodcastWebsiteThis episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by Bush Agribusiness.Support the show

Send us a textWelcome to Episode 51 of A Place to Call Home.This week, we chat with Iain MacLennan, who shares his exciting journey into the apple industry and what it’s like stepping into a completely new field.In this episode, we discuss:Transitioning into a new industryGrowing apples in Orange and what that looks like day-to-dayWorking in a family businessDiversifying assets for long-term securityThe early days of succession planningHis Nuffield journey and the lessons learned along the wayIf you'd like to learn more about what Iain mentioned, check out the links below.Iain MacLennan | Nuffield AustraliaTo find out more about Iain and his apple farming journey, visit:Instagram: @apple_farmer_in_orangeIf you enjoyed the episode, please share it with your friends and family!For more updates, check out our socials:A Place to Call Home | FacebookInstagram: @aplacetocallhomepodcastLinkedIn: A Place to Call Home PodcastWebsiteThis episode of A Place to Call Home is proudly brought to you by AgCarE Online.Support the show