Money on the table: How to make it work for you | Ep. 112

Talking Dairy

With Fonterra’s sale of global consumer and associated businesses, Mainland Group, to Lactalis now approved, many shareholder farmers will soon receive a sizeable capital return, alongside strong milk prices. So, what’s the smartest move when opportunity knocks?

In this episode of Talking Dairy, Jac McGowan talks with financial commentator Martin Hawes and MBS Advisors director and rural accountant Nigel McWilliam about how to make confident, practical decisions that strengthen both your farm and your family’s future. From paying down debt to investing off-farm - or simply taking a well-earned break - they share grounded, no-nonsense advice on how to plan for the long term, reduce pressure, and make choices that fit your goals.

Thank you to Martin and Nigel for joining us on this episode. Find out more about them below:

Martin Hawes

MBS Advisors

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Kapitel

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. On‑farm reality of spending and pressure (00:05:06)

3. Frameworks for using a lump sum (00:05:50)

4. Smart spending: The "three buckets" - balance sheet resilience, productivity, and reward (00:10:52)

5. Tax tips and timing (00:12:53)

6. Diversifying wisely: How to spread risk and invest beyond the farm (00:13:49)

7. Expanding the business (00:18:35)

8. Enjoy the journey (00:19:40)

9. Episode summary (00:22:05)