Numbers Alone Won’t Grow the Family Farm
Article by Sam Notley
Roberts + Morrow plays a key role in supporting local agricultural businesses and communities, providing trusted financial and business advice that helps farmers navigate the evolving financial landscape. With a deep commitment to integrity, professionalism, and community involvement, the firm’s expertise extends across diverse sectors, ensuring clients are equipped with the right tools and strategies to thrive. Roberts + Morrow’s holistic approach, supported by a dedicated team, contributes to a thriving future for family farms.
When people ask what I do for a living, I usually say I’m an accountant. But the truth is, numbers are only part of the picture. What I really do is help families build confidence — in their business, in their decisions, and in their future. And in agriculture, that matters more than just about anything.
I grew up in Glen Innes, went to uni in Armidale, and have spent most of my life surrounded by family farms. I’ve run businesses, dealt with volatile markets, and sat around plenty of kitchen tables where the ledger book says one thing but the heartbeat of the operation says another. That’s the part of the job you won’t find in a spreadsheet.
Too often, people assume the role of an accountant begins and ends with reporting to the tax office. And sure, that’s one box we tick. But good advisory work — especially in farming — is so much more than tax compliance. It’s about understanding the rhythm of rural life: the boom-and-bust seasons, the generations working side by side, and the deeply personal decisions behind whether to buy, sell, grow or stay put.
I’ve worked with Charlie Perry and his family at Trent Bridge Wagyu for years. They run a large-scale seedstock and feeder operation with over a thousand full-blood Wagyu cows and a growing network of genetics and joint ventures across the country. But the business isn’t just built on numbers — it’s built on timing, instinct, and careful planning.
In the last decade, they’ve scaled significantly, taken on new country, expanded their sale program, and navigated some of the most unpredictable seasons on record. My role has been to help make those decisions easier — to understand where they want to go and to give them the confidence to get there.
Sometimes that’s strategic structuring. Sometimes it’s about cash flow modelling that actually reflects the peaks and troughs of Wagyu breeding cycles. And sometimes it’s just listening closely enough to understand when a family is ready for succession, even before they’ve said the words out loud.
What makes Charlie’s story powerful is that it mirrors the reality for many family-run agricultural businesses: growth is possible, but it has to be planned for. It has to be sustainable, both financially and emotionally. Charlie’s parents are still heavily involved in the business, and as they look to transition, our job is to ensure that handover doesn’t just work on paper — it works for everyone involved.
At the end of the day, success in agriculture isn’t just about margins or tax outcomes. It’s about continuity. It’s about making sure the next generation not only has something to inherit, but feels capable and confident enough to keep building on it.
That’s what I’m here for. Not just to manage the numbers, but to help families like the Perry’s grow something lasting.
This piece was created in collaboration with Roberts + Morrow.
The contents of this article are for general information only and is not intended as professional advice. Roberts + Morrow expressly disclaims all liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information provided in this article.
