Grazing BMP accredited producer Lynda O’Brien from The Brook Station at Basalt will discuss her management strategies, plus the challenges and importance of finding life balance during the NQ Dry Tropics Women in Grazing Bus Tour on Wednesday, August 31.
Making sound business decisions under pressure can be difficult but for Lynda making the best call at the time has been about understanding the financial situation of her and husband Darcy’s business, the impacts, and the key profit drivers.
“Tools like cashflow forecasts, KPIs, benchmarking and cost-benefit projections have helped to meet business goals and tackle uncertain times of drought,” Lynda said.
“These days, agricultural businesses are facing a huge challenge balancing ecological sustainability with financial sustainability,” she said.
Lynda grew up on a property on the Burdekin, pursued a career in law and business, then made the adjustment to return to the land 10 years ago.
The solicitor initially struggled with the near non-existent internet and factoring in four hours travel for a trip to the nearest town, but then embraced the challenge.
Using her business background, Lynda has implemented numerous management systems and tools to plan and monitor profitability; including the ability to model decisions to understand potential impacts.
After 10 years of intensive development, the mother-of-three is just beginning to have more time to focus on herself, including morning runs, yoga, and initiatives for isolated children like ‘Fit for Rural Futures Sports Camp’ in her role as vice president of the local Isolated Children's Parents' Association (ICPA).
“Health is the ultimate priority – including health of grazing enterprises.
“We are in an industry where we can affect human health via environmental and animal health.
“We have the capacity to impact the world like few other people can. For us, it’s about producing a quality grass-fed beef product in a way that actually improves the soil and creates better outcomes for society, and – in turn – I hope that society will value our profession more.”
Leading pastoral women will share their knowledge and experiences as they travel to four grazing properties during the tour which concludes with a dinner in Charters Towers.