Welcome to Dollars in the Dirt with Brecken Curtis, the no-BS podcast for Australian farmers and graziers who want to grow their operations and build real wealth. Hosted by Brecken Curtis, Award Winning Agricultural Finance Broker, this podcast breaks down farm loans, property finance, and agribusiness lending strategies that actually work. From rural property loans to cattle station finance, you'll get straight answers on agricultural finance without the jargon. Each episode delivers practical insights on farm expansion, loan structuring, and navigating the finance challenges facing beef producers and graziers across regional Australia. If you're a rural grazier looking to secure more favourable loan conditions for your next expansion, this podcast is a game changer.
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled Most succession plans fail long before the handover. Not because families can’t agree, but because the structure, expectations and documentation were never set up properly. In this episode, Brecken breaks down the biggest mistakes graziers make when planning succession, why assumptions destroy family operations, and how a documented deed and clear financial structure protect the farm for the next generation. ◼️ Why unspoken assumptions derail succession ◼️ Why every family needs a documented deed, not a verbal plan ◼️ How to structure off‑farm assets to avoid crippling buyouts Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:34 Unspoken Assumptions in Family Succession 00:01:35 Conflicting Expectations Between Siblings 00:02:32 Why Early Communication Prevents Disputes 00:03:06 Verbal Agreements vs Formal Documentation 00:03:24 Deed of Family Arrangement Explained 00:04:18 How Formal Deeds Strengthen Bank Confidence 00:04:58 Handling Off‑Farm Siblings Without Crushing Cash Flow 00:05:29 Building Off‑Farm Assets to Avoid Large Buyouts 00:06:06 Using Diversified Assets for Fair Succession 00:06:37 How Succession Impacts Borrowing Capacity 00:06:51 Succession Plans Must Be Flexible 00:07:05 Evolving Roles Across the Generations 00:08:02 Building the Next Generation’s Balance Sheet 00:08:31 Example: Gradual Ownership Transition 00:08:50 Why Advisory Boards Strengthen Succession 00:09:20 Governance, Accountability and Bank Confidence 00:10:18 Clear Communication, Documentation and Structure 00:10:38 Succession as a Business Strategy 00:10:51 Final Call to Structure Succession Properly Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled Land values have exploded across Australia, but most producers aren’t feeling wealthier. In this episode, Brecken breaks down the dangerous gap between rising farm valuations and tightening operating margins. Being asset rich and cash‑flow poor is one of the most risky positions in agriculture, and this episode shows why equity alone won’t fund expansion, succession or drought resilience. ◼️ Why high land values don’t translate into usable wealth ◼️ How tight margins block expansion and succession ◼️ How brokers turn static equity into working capital Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:32 Land Values vs Actual Profitability 00:01:01 Unrealised Equity and Tight Margins 00:01:34 The Psychological Trap of Feeling Wealthy on Paper 00:02:30 Expansion Risks When Cash Flow Falls Behind 00:03:28 Poor Structural Decisions During Expansion 00:03:47 Succession Problems Created by High Asset Values 00:04:21 Risk Management Limits When Cash Flow Is Tight 00:04:55 Why a Specialist Ag Broker Is Critical 00:05:11 Producer A vs Producer B: Equity vs Cash Flow 00:05:57 Cash Flow First Structuring 00:06:25 Unlocking Equity for Productivity Improvements 00:06:48 Scenario Planning and Debt Affordability 00:07:07 Structuring for Market and Climate Realities 00:07:28 Turning Land Value Into Operational Performance 00:07:58 Final Call to Restructure and Unlock Equity Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled Farm succession doesn’t fail because families argue. It fails because the business structure and finance were never set up to support a handover. In this episode, Brecken breaks down the biggest myths in farm finance, why “fair” doesn’t mean equal, why loyalty to one bank can stall succession, and how the right debt structure can save the family farm. ◼️ Why equal splits collapse succession plans ◼️ How the wrong bank can block the next generation ◼️ Why flexibility beats chasing the cheapest rate Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:40 – Myth 1: The Fair Split That Destroys Succession 00:01:23 – Why Equal Doesn’t Mean Fair in Farming 00:02:19 – How Brokers Turn Equity Into Cash‑Flow‑Based Succession 00:02:48 – Staggered Buyouts: A Real Example of Succession Done Right 00:03:34 – Myth 2: Your Long‑Term Bank Will Support Succession 00:04:14 – When the Bank Won’t Back the Next Generation 00:04:52 – How Brokers Use Leverage, Not Loyalty 00:05:29 – Succession‑Friendly Lenders and Policies 00:05:53 – Myth 3: Chasing the Cheapest Interest Rate 00:06:20 – Why Cheap Rates Come With Dangerous Conditions 00:07:02 – Flexibility Matters More Than the Headline Rate 00:07:38 – How Brokers Negotiate Terms That Protect Cash Flow 00:07:56 – Myth 4: Wait Until Retirement to Sort Out Finance 00:08:17 – Starting Succession 5–10 Years Early 00:08:42 – Building Off‑Farm Assets and the Next Gen’s Credit History 00:09:11 – How Early Planning Makes Handover Smooth 00:09:25 – Government Grants You Miss If You Start Too Late 00:09:41 – Myth 5: One‑Size‑Fits‑All Loan Products 00:10:01 – Why Standard Loans Don’t Work for Succession 00:10:13 – Designing Bespoke Succession Finance Architecture 00:10:33 – Private Agri‑Credit Funds and Flexible Repayments 00:11:01 – Building Multi‑Facility Structures for Real‑World Cash Flow 00:11:13 – Succession Finance Must Match Family Goals 00:11:40 – Plan Early, Bust Myths, Protect the Legacy Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled In this episode, Brecken breaks down how agricultural finance structures must evolve as your business scales. The loan setup that works at $1M will choke your growth at $5M, and the structure at $5M will fail completely at $15M. This is a practical walkthrough of the traps, the leverage points, and the structures top operators use to expand without strangling cash flow. ◼️ The $1M structure: off‑farm income reliance and long loan terms ◼️ The $5M structure: separating land debt, working capital and equipment finance ◼️ The $15M structure: corporate‑level facilities, lender diversification and risk management Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:37 What $1M Finance Should Actually Look Like 00:02:03 The Trap: $1M Loans Take the Same Work as $15M Loans 00:03:03 Why Loan Terms Must Stretch to 25–30 Years 00:03:28 What $5M Finance Should Look Like 00:04:26 Separating Land Debt from Working Capital 00:04:47 The Trap: Buying Land Without Stocking It 00:05:22 Why Loyalty to Your First Bank Can Cost You 00:05:45 Equipment Finance Mistakes That Kill Equity 00:06:29 Why Equipment Finance Must Be Separated at Scale 00:07:05 Master Limits for Machinery 00:07:46 What $15M Finance Should Look Like 00:08:08 Corporate‑Level Structures and Multiple Facilities 00:09:14 The Trap: Cross‑Collateralisation Across All Properties 00:09:53 Splitting Debt Across Multiple Lenders 00:10:13 Why Trusts and Companies Matter at $15M 00:10:48 Your Debt Structure Must Evolve as You Grow Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled In this reaction episode, Brecken breaks down the biggest misconceptions in agriculture, from land price spikes to why scale only works when the foundations of a farming business are strong. He unpacks why good operators grow, how poor finance structures hold producers back, and why doubling acres without the right systems is a recipe for disaster. ◼️ Why big operators grow because they are good, not because they start big ◼️ How weak financial information leads to bad deals and missed opportunities ◼️ Why expansion fails when the foundations, systems and family structure are not ready Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:20 Why Lamb Prices Don’t Make Farmers Rich 00:00:27 Big Operators Grow Because They Are Good 00:02:24 The Bank Gap and Half‑Prepared Financials 00:03:43 Real Estate Security and Operating Loan Risks 00:05:32 Succession, Marriage Breakdowns and 25% Estate Loss 00:06:45 Policy Ambiguity and Government Barriers in Agriculture 00:09:54 Big Balance Sheets, Equity Traps and Bank Over‑Lending 00:11:13 Why Doubling Acres Without Foundations Fails Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled Across southern Queensland and New South Wales, producers aren’t chasing expansion, they’re chasing grass. In this episode, Brecken breaks down why the market has shifted from strategic land buys to desperate feed buys, the hidden costs that can cripple your balance sheet, and how the right finance structure gives you breathing room when the season turns against you. ◼️ The real financial risk of buying multi million dollar blocks purely for feed ◼️ Why adjustment often preserves capital better than emergency property purchases ◼️ How flexible finance facilities protect your herd and your long‑term borrowing capacity Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:17 Shift From Buying Dirt to Buying Grass 00:01:51 Lenders’ Caution on Feed‑Driven Purchases 00:02:47 Hidden Costs of Buying a Relief Block 00:04:44 Cost Comparison, Buying vs Adjustment 00:05:57 Break‑Even Modelling 00:08:12 Opportunity Cost of Capital 00:09:36 Protecting Borrowing Capacity 00:10:13 Buying Property Is a 20‑Year Decision Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled The latest federal budget is shaping up to hit graziers harder than most realise. Changes around trust structures and capital gains tax could directly affect how you expand, restructure or hand the farm to the next generation. In this episode, Brecken breaks down what the announcements mean for agricultural businesses, why freezing your operation is the most dangerous response, and how the right finance structure protects your borrowing capacity. ◼️ How trust changes could trigger lending reviews and impact expansion ◼️ Why rising CGT exposure is forcing families to sell core assets ◼️ The finance strategy that keeps your operation flexible while policy shifts Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:42 - Tax Grab Concerns 00:01:46 - ATO's View on Trusts 00:02:07 - Impact on Finance and Lending 00:02:28 - Waiting for Legislation Finalization 00:03:09 - Capital Gains Tax Issues 00:03:52 - CGT and Succession Planning 00:04:12 - Impact of CGT on Commercial Decisions 00:04:54 - Freezing Operations vs. Moving Forward 00:05:46 - Controlling Your Balance Sheet 00:06:07 - Building a Financial Fortress 00:06:50 - Role of a Finance Broker 00:07:11 - Planning Around Major Transactions 00:07:53 - Coordinating with Advisors 00:08:13 - Managing Tax Liabilities 00:08:25 - Absorbing Tax Hits 00:08:46 - Rising Asset Values 00:08:57 - Reviewing Your Structure Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled Most producers think keeping debt low is the safest move, but running a multi million dollar property at 30% capacity is one of the fastest ways to drain cash flow. In this episode, Brecken breaks down the real numbers behind fully stocking on day one, the hidden cost of slow build strategies, and why the right livestock facility changes everything. ◼️ How understocking quietly destroys cash flow ◼️ Why fully stocking can outperform conservative debt plans ◼️ The finance structure that keeps land equity free and production funded Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:20 - Fear of Debt vs. Fear of Unproductive Assets 00:00:30 - Fully Stocking a Property on Day One 00:01:02 - Production and Revenue from Full Stocking 00:01:43 - Structuring Finance for Maximum Productivity 00:02:04 - Establishing Strong Cash Flow 00:02:15 - Building Slowly: The Conservative Approach 00:02:36 - Hidden Costs of Running Under Capacity 00:03:08 - Market Risks of Slow Herd Building 00:03:29 - Aligning Production with Market Conditions 00:03:40 - Operational Inefficiency of Understocking 00:04:12 - Importance of Proper Finance Structure 00:04:43 - Livestock Funding Facilities 00:05:04 - Presenting Cashflow Projections to Banks 00:05:25 - Building Flexibility into Loan Structures 00:05:46 - Using Debt as a Tool for Expansion 00:06:07 - Conclusion and Call to Action Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled On a $15M cattle operation, the biggest risk is not the loan, it is taking strategy from someone paid to protect the bank. In this episode, Brecken breaks down the difference between bank advice and business advice, the hidden cost of rotating managers, and how to build a team that is actually accountable to your goals. ◼️ Why bank advice protects lenders, not producers ◼️ How rotating managers quietly derail long term strategies ◼️ What real business advice looks like for multi million dollar operations Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:21 - The Risk of Relying on Bank Managers for Strategy 00:00:42 - Difference Between Bank Advice and Business Advice 00:01:24 - The Limitations of Bank Managers in Strategic Decisions 00:02:05 - The Importance of a Strategic Business Advisor 00:02:26 - Aggressive Expansion and Risk Management 00:03:09 - Using Debt as a Tool for Growth 00:03:20 - The Issue of Continuity with Bank Managers 00:04:02 - The Hidden Costs of Rotating Bank Managers 00:05:06 - The Value of a Consistent Strategic Advisor 00:05:59 - The Role of a Broker in Agricultural Finance 00:06:30 - Translating Business Reality to Bank Compliance 00:07:02 - Negotiating Terms with Banks 00:07:24 - Building a Team of Aligned Advis Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled In this reaction episode, Brecken breaks down the real issues behind rising production costs, equipment debt traps, net worth tracking, succession pressure and why operators get squeezed when they’re not across their numbers. These clips might be funny, blunt or uncomfortable, but every one of them shows what’s actually happening inside Australian farm businesses right now. ◼️ Why rising costs and depreciation are hitting operators harder than they realise ◼️ How equipment finance decisions quietly reduce borrowing capacity ◼️ Why net worth tracking and early succession planning matter more than ever Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:20 - Legacy and Generational Differences in Farming 00:00:34 - Importance of Net Worth Statements 00:00:49 - Challenges in Saving Money in Farming 00:01:02 - Adapting to Rising Production Costs 00:01:43 - Understanding Expenses and Budgeting 00:02:09 - Equipment Costs and Depreciation 00:02:34 - Financing Equipment and Its Impact 00:03:41 - Generational Succession Planning 00:04:45 - Importance of Early Succession Planning 00:05:05 - Season Finance Advertisement 00:05:25 - Interest Rate Hikes and Their Impact 00:06:40 - Economic Pressures and Business Resilience 00:07:30 - Equipment Debt and Land Financing 00:08:42 - Monitoring Net Worth Annually 00:09:10 - Asset and Liability Management Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled Regional Australia has lost nearly 900 bank branches in nine years, and the impact on agricultural lending is far bigger than most producers realise. In this episode, Brecken breaks down what the closures mean for complex finance, why the new Regional Banking Investment Alliance matters, and how farmers can protect their banking relationships before the next branch disappears. ◼️ How branch closures weaken access to decision makers for ag lending ◼️ Why the pass‑through banking model is failing regional communities ◼️ How brokers provide stability when banks abandon the bush Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:56 - The Scale of Regional Bank Closures 00:01:29 - The Loss of Local Knowledge 00:02:32 - The Pass-Through Banking Model 00:03:34 - Vulnerabilities of Relying on Major Banks 00:03:55 - Building Relationships Without Physical Branches 00:04:58 - The Role of Brokers in Financial Stability Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled Banks build compliance budgets to protect their loan book, not to grow your business. In this episode, Brecken shows how to take control of your numbers, restructure finance, and build a strategic growth budget that reflects your farm’s true potential. ◼️ Why bank‑built budgets limit borrowing capacity and growth ◼️ How timing errors and generic assumptions distort cash flow ◼️ The power of a strategic growth budget to negotiate from strength Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:20 - Restructuring Working Capital 00:00:42 - Conflict of Interest with Banks 00:01:45 - Strategic Purchases and Budgeting 00:02:37 - Understanding Farm Operations 00:03:41 - Strategic Growth Budget 00:05:06 - Negotiating from Strength Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled Virtual fencing has moved from gadget to $2.9B industry, but banks don’t automatically fund innovation. In this episode, Brecken shows how to build a bulletproof finance case so lenders see the upside, not just the risk. ◼️ Why banks treat ag tech as expense unless ROI is proven ◼️ How to structure finance terms to match technology lifespan ◼️ The broker’s edge in translating innovation into credit approval Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:30 - Structuring a Finance Proposal 00:00:41 - Bank's View on Ag Tech 00:01:22 - Capital Expense vs. Business Improvement 00:02:04 - Loan Options for Ag Tech 00:02:36 - Translating Investment into Bank Terms 00:03:29 - Aligning Loan Terms with Technology Lifespan 00:03:51 - Importance of Capital Management 00:04:12 - Broker's Knowledge of Lenders 00:05:16 - Innovation vs. Conservative Lending Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled Australian farmland has hit $1.48 trillion, but higher valuations don’t automatically make producers wealthier. In this episode, Brecken breaks down how top operators turn unrealised equity into resilience, cash flow and long term security before the cycle cools. ◼️ Why sitting on equity keeps farmers asset rich and cash poor ◼️ How strategic off farm assets create monthly income and drought resilience ◼️ The succession advantage created by deploying equity early Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:10 - Understanding Equity vs. Cash Flow 00:01:03 - Leveraging Equity for Business Growth 00:02:17 - Diversifying Off-Farm Investments 00:03:43 - Strategic Infrastructure Investments 00:04:36 - The Importance of Water Management 00:05:28 - Succession Planning and Wealth Transfer 00:06:21 - Taking Action While Valuations are High 00:06:43 - Conclusion: Building a Stronger Business Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled A low interest rate can look like a win, but the real cost is buried in the structure, the fees and the fine print. In this new episode, Brecken breaks down the five step framework he uses to read a term sheet properly and expose the traps that cost producers thousands every year. ◼️ The hidden fees that quietly add thousands a year ◼️ How banks over secure loans and tie up unnecessary assets ◼️ The covenants and review clauses that can trigger a breach Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:22 - Understanding Loan Structure 00:03:36 - Negotiating Security 00:06:35 - Evaluating Covenants 00:07:40 - Review Periods and Revaluations 00:09:37 - Conclusion and Key Takeaways Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled Choosing a bank is not just about the lowest rate, it is about finding a lender that understands agriculture and can structure a deal that fits your operation. In this new episode, Brecken ranks the major banks based on real performance, policy flexibility, turnaround times, and how well they support producers today. ◼️ How each major bank is positioned in ag right now ◼️ Which lenders are slow, understaffed, or pulling back ◼️ Which banks are growing and offering more flexibility ◼️ Why the cheapest rate often costs more long term ◼️ How the right bank can save $40k to $50k a year on a $2 to $3M loan Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:31 - Commonwealth Bank Overview 00:01:46 - ANZ Bank Assessment 00:02:59 - NAB's Role in Agricultural Finance 00:03:41 - Westpac's Resurgence in Ag Banking 00:04:33 - Rabobank's Unique Offerings 00:05:49 - Introduction to Judo Bank 00:06:30 - Bendigo Bank's Flexibility 00:07:55 - Importance of Comparing Bank Options 00:08:57 - Understanding Your Business Needs Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled A lot of producers think growth under Albanese is impossible, but the operators still expanding aren’t relying on luck or waiting for policy to shift. They’re building a business model that can absorb rising costs, tightening environmental rules and a banking system now watching your ESG footprint as closely as your numbers. In this new episode, Brecken breaks down the five questions farmers ask him every week, and why the smartest operators approach each one differently. This episode covers ◼️ The real considerations behind fixed vs variable decisions ◼️ Why comparing your rate to your neighbour’s tells you nothing about your deal ◼️ How banks assess borrowing capacity and why it varies so widely ◼️ What lenders will and won’t finance across different asset types ◼️ Why predicting property prices is the wrong strategy for long‑term growth Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:52 - Fixed vs. Variable Interest Rates 00:03:18 - Comparing Interest Rates with Neighbors 00:05:04 - The Role of a Finance Broker 00:05:46 - Understanding Borrowing Capacity 00:07:09 - Should You Borrow the Maximum? 00:07:30 - What Can You Borrow Money For? 00:08:45 - Predicting Property Prices 00:10:20 - Getting Started in the Rural Industry 00:11:55 - Focus on Structure, Cash Flow, and Strategy Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled A lot of producers think growth under Albanese is impossible, but the operators still expanding aren’t relying on luck or waiting for policy to shift. They’re building a business model that can absorb rising costs, tightening environmental rules and a banking system now watching your ESG footprint as closely as your numbers. In this new episode, Brecken breaks down what growing a farm actually looks like in the current policy environment and the four shifts top operators are making to stay ahead, without relying on political outcomes or hoping conditions improve. This episode covers: ◼️ How rising costs, compliance and environmental rules reshape long term farm budgets ◼️ Why banks are assessing climate risk, sustainability plans and drought strategy before approving rural lending ◼️ The structures top operators use to build buffers, protect cash flow and grow regardless of who is in Canberra Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:21 - Understanding Rising Costs and Compliance 00:01:02 - Environmental Pressures and Compliance Costs 00:01:57 - Budgeting for Expansion and Hidden Costs 00:02:07 - Banks' Focus on Climate Risks and ESG 00:02:48 - Importance of ESG in Loan Applications 00:03:09 - Season Finance: Tailored Agricultural Lending 00:03:50 - Best Practices: Cash Buffers and Debt Structuring 00:04:11 - Embracing Compliance as Strategy 00:04:22 - Positive Outlook: Global Demand and Efficiency Gains 00:05:05 - Adapting Business Models to Succeed 00:05:25 - Conclusion: Managing Risk and Building Buffers Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled A lot of producers assume rising rates are the thing that will break their business, but the real damage shows up when cash flow is tight and there’s no structure in place to absorb the pressure. In this episode, Brecken breaks down how rate rises actually hit a farm business and why the best operators restructure early instead of reacting late. This episode covers: ◼️ How rate rises cut straight into net profit and cash flow surplus ◼️ How bank scrutiny and lending policies tighten in a rising‑rate cycle ◼️ Why proactive restructuring beats waiting until cash flow is tight Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:30 - Understanding Rate Rises and Cash Flow Impact 00:01:23 - Importance of Forecasting and Break-Even Analysis 00:02:05 - Bank Conservatism in Rising Interest Rate Cycles 00:03:08 - Season Finance: Tailored Agricultural Lending Solutions 00:03:40 - Fixed vs. Variable Rates: Strategic Decisions 00:04:52 - Proactive Cash Flow Management and Refinancing 00:05:45 - Conclusion: Managing Risk and Structuring Debt Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
Grow your agribusiness with expert finance strategies, book a free consultation 👉 https://outlook.office.com/book/SeasonedFinance@seasonedfinance.com.au/?ismsaljsauthenabled This episode breaks down a series of viral clips about government spending, fuel campaigns and urea supply, and looks at how these issues land inside real farm businesses. The focus stays on what producers can control, how to keep the business moving and why structure and cash flow matter more than the noise. This episode covers: ◼️ How fuel and fertiliser pressures flow through to farm operations ◼️ Why mindset and cash flow discipline matter during volatility ◼️ The structural decisions that influence long‑term resilience Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:30 - Managing Mindset in Agriculture 00:02:50 - Critique of Government Spending 00:04:30 - Urea Supply for Farmers 00:06:00 - Government Advertising and Fuel Supply Issues Follow Brecken Curtis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breckenfinancebroker/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brecken-Curtis/61575665536876/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brecken_curtis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brecken-curtis-8716323aa/ Seasoned Finance: https://seasonedfinance.com.au
