Matt Hood on farm succession, agribusiness banking, and building better farm businesses.

Based in Marlborough, Matt has worked across sheep and beef, dairy, and viticulture businesses in both New Zealand and Australia, with a focus on succession planning, equity partnerships, and helping farm businesses make better decisions around people, capital, and structure.

Matt explains where he sees the gap between being good on the tools and being good in business. As businesses grow, priorities shift to managing people, finances, and decision-making, and that is often where performance stalls, especially during succession. 

On that note, succession is a major passion for Matt. Not just how to transfer assets, but how to run the process properly by having early conversations and making sure there is actually a business worth passing on, alongside a strong emphasis on purpose, both for the next generation coming in and for those stepping back.

Matt also explains what the good, strong businesses he's come across consistently do well. It usually comes down to a good understanding of numbers, avoiding surprises, and keeping emotion out of decision-making.

Matt and Mark also discuss what "good" looks like from a banking perspective and how to build up a good relationship with your bank so that you can work together for the success of everyone. 

This is an hour every farmer needs to listen to. 

Head Shepherd is brought to you by neXtgen Agri International Limited. 

We help livestock farmers get the most out of the genetics they farm with. Get in touch with us if you would like to hear more about how we can help you do what you do best: info@nextgenagri.com.

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