Sustainable Farm Finance : A Practical Guide for Broadacre Graziers

Farm finance is a topic that is not often discussed but is vital to the success and longevity of these unique family businesses.

Sustainable Farm Finance draws upon the practical, on-farm financial experience of John Mitchell, a grazier in New South Wales who saved his family farm, transforming it from financial peril to a successful business. The story of his success, and how he achieved it, is told here with input and insights from economist Bruce Chapman and scientist David Lindenmayer, to create a useful and highly readable resource for property managers in Australia.

Filled with tips and suggestions for how to better manage your own farm finance, as well as real-life examples of their application in regional Australia, this is an essential resource for farmers who wish to maximize the financial outcomes of their land.

Features:

• An easy-to-read guide to farm finance from a successful and experienced Australian land manager.
• Features case studies from real-life experiences running a family farm. Includes practical tips to assist with your own farm finance.

John C. H. Mitchell OAM has successfully farmed beef cattle and prime lambs for more than 48 years. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Accounting at The Australian National University and applied much of what he learned there to farm management through succession problems, drought, debt and bushfires.

Professor Bruce J. Chapman AO is a labor-market and education economist who specializes in public policy related to government financing. He designed the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS), the world's first national income-contingent loan for university students, which he believes can be applied effectively to farming. He is actively engaged in The Australian National University's Sustainable Farms project.

Professor David B. Lindenmayer AO has worked as a researcher on Australian farms for more than 23 years. He has a particular interest in improving environmental conditions on farm properties, including protecting remnant native vegetation as well as restoring and replanting it. He specializes in establishing and maintaining ecological large-scale, long-term research and monitoring programs on farms. He has co-authored a number of other books, including Natural Asset Farming and Restoring Farm Woodlands for Wildlife.