From stress to strategy: how the McInerneys built a resilient farm business
The beauty of outside eyes cannot be underestimated, particularly when your business and community is stuck in the grip of drought.
Farm assistance workshops like the AgRi-Silience program are making a real difference to producers like Mark and Rachel McInerney at Riverton, South Australia. They know as well as anyone that resilience isn’t just about surviving these tough years, it’s how to plan for the next ten.
In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, we hear how the McInerney family navigates adversity by redefining their roles on the farm and turning professional development into a catalyst for business renewal.
In this chat you'll hear:
How an HR masterclass became the starting point for major business change
How weekly planning, clear roles, and external coaching transformed their partnership
How ground rules and family meetings turned tension into teamwork
Despite the challenging seasons, how they still managed to launch a direct-to-consumer beef business Garyowen Herefords
That professional development is for every age, every stage, and involving their children is shaping a future-ready sixth generation
Chapters:
00:00 The McInerney family journey so far
05:57 Adapting business models and financial strategies
09:00 The shift in roles and responsibilities
11:59 Seeking external help and professional development
21:06 Mental load and work-life balance
28:32 Transforming communication in a family business dynamic
44:04 Balancing growth and personal joy
About AgRi-silience
AgRi-Silience is part of the Farm Business Resilience Program, delivered by Livestock SA and jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Government of South Australia. Learn more at www.livestocksa.com.au.
Cut out dinner
It's a challenging time for many, but the AgRi-Silience Cut Out dinner is a great opportunity to come together and gain strength from shared stories and ideas. Book your seat at the AgRi-silience Cut Out Dinner at Sunnybrae Estate in Adelaide on June 20th. Tickets are just $65 for alumni and $80 for industry participants.
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