At just two years old, Terry Tran fled Vietnam by boat with his parents, was rescued after days lost at sea, and spent months on a Malaysian refugee island. It was there, on Christmas Eve, that a storm claimed his father’s life, leaving his 21-year-old mother widowed with a toddler to raise.

From those humble beginnings, Terry has built a life of financial freedom, not through shortcuts but through patience, persistence and following a clear process. Along the way, he was also shaped by the kindness of others, a reminder that generosity can change lives.

In this conversation, Terry shares how he started from almost nothing, the mistakes he made chasing quick wins, and the principles he now follows to protect and grow wealth. He talks about the role of risk management and how the mindset farmers use to work through seasons is the same mindset needed to succeed as an investor.

We also explore Terry’s view on the global share markets. He explains why US-China tensions and trade tariffs have left markets sitting at unsustainable highs, why Australia may face deflation rather than inflation, and why he is holding larger cash positions to stay prepared. Most importantly, he reminds us that downturns, while uncomfortable, are often when the best opportunities appear.

Specifically, we explore:

• Why managing risk and protecting your capital must always come first

• How to avoid “get-rich-quick” traps and instead build wealth through discipline and compounding

• How global tensions and tariffs are shaping markets, and why Australia may face deflation

• Why downturns like the GFC and COVID-19 can be the best times to invest if you’re prepared

For farmers, this is both a story and a lesson. The same qualities that get you through tough seasons on-farm can also build lasting wealth off farm.

And there’s more. Terry is running an exclusive webinar for the Farm Owners Academy Community on Tuesday evening, 23rd September. This is your chance to go deeper, learn directly from him, and build the skills to invest safely and confidently.

Click the link to register your interest: https://www.thefreedomtrader.com/farmownersacademy/

Thank you, Terry, for sharing your journey and wisdom with such openness. Your generosity and guidance continue to inspire and support our FOA community.

Keep winning, Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team

In recent years grain growers nationally have enjoyed an extended period of strong prices and favourable market conditions.

According to grain industry authority, Brett Stevenson, Managing Director of Market Check, this may well be all about to change.

Of the back of last month’s Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC), I invite Brett to once again join me to give us his expert insights to the new headwinds Aussie grain growers now face in coming years.

As grain prices face downward pressure, Brett Stevenson offers invaluable insight on navigating a challenging global market – it seems clear the good times we have enjoyed may now not last forever.

With over 30 years of industry-leading experience, Brett dives into the challenges of navigating a low-price environment and offers advice on risk management, grain marketing strategies, and why the next few years may likely be tougher than many expect.

In this episode, we explore:

• the impact of geopolitical tensions and changing international supply dynamics;

• the challenges of managing input costs while facing long-term low grain prices’

• how to prepare for market fluctuations and manage your grain marketing more strategically; and

• the importance of adapting your business model to ensure sustainability in uncertain times.

You can learn more about their services and advisory offerings by visiting Market Check, with a short overview of their capability here.

I would like to personally acknowledge, the long-standing and dedicated service Market Check provides many hundreds of grain growers across Australia. Their team is passionate about supporting farmers with practical, tailored and industry leading advice to help them navigate the complexities of grain marketing, ensuring long-term success, even during challenging times.

Now more than in recent years, we need to be taking complete responsibility for our risk management and grain marketing. Whether you’re looking for daily market updates or in-depth advisory services, we advocate for Brett and his team at Market Check to ensure you're making informed, proactive and strategic marketing decisions.

This conversation is a wake-up call for grain growers: it’s not just about weathering the storm, but making smart, strategic decisions to thrive in uncertain times. By preparing now, you can position your business for long-term success, no matter what the market brings.

A huge thanks to Brett for his candid insights and for stepping in to provide much-needed clarity at this pivotal point in the grain growing season. As harvest approaches, proactive grain marketing and financial planning will position Australian growers to navigate the challenges ahead and make the most of what’s to come.

All the best for the remainder of this season!

Keep winning. Hutch & The Farm Owners Academy Team

From growing up on a dairy farm in western Victoria with 12 siblings to the frontlines of one of the toughest fights in medical research, Sam McGuane’s story is one of resilience, service, and hope. As the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of The Brain Cancer Centre, and a key leader behind Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer, Sam is on a mission to transform the future of brain cancer research.

In this heartfelt episode, Sam opens up about how the values of gratitude, service, and hard work, ingrained in him growing up on the farm, have shaped his approach to both business and charity. These lessons, learned early in life, now fuel his leadership as he works to change the future of brain cancer research.

Brain cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children in Australia, with survival rates virtually unchanged for decades. Sam is determined to change that. He’s building a model that brings researchers together, fosters collaboration, and supports breakthroughs in treatment. The result? A research ecosystem focused on tangible progress, including one of the most significant brain cancer clinical trials in the world.

We discuss:

• How the farm values of teamwork, generosity, and service shape his approach to tackling one of the toughest medical challenges.

• The incredible success of Carrie’s Beanies for Brain Cancer, which has raised over $27 million, a campaign born from Carrie Bickmore’s Logies speech and fuelled by the power of community.

• Why the Brain Cancer Centre is changing the way research is done by focusing on sharing knowledge and working together to make real progress.

Sam’s story shows how small, everyday actions can lead to big change when fuelled by purpose and community. His mission is clear: No lives lost to brain cancer and he’s working tirelessly to make that a reality.

To all our listeners, you may or may not know someone affected by brain cancer, but imagine making a choice today that could change someone's future forever. You have the power to be the hope someone needs. Whether it's donating, sharing this message, or getting involved in any way you can, every step brings us closer to a cure.

To learn more about the incredible work Sam, Carrie, and their team are doing, and to contribute to this life-changing cause, visit Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer and The Brain Cancer Centre.

Sam, thank you for leading this vital cause with passion and purpose.

Sincerely,  Jeremy Hutchings & the Farm Owners Academy Team