Banking on farming

As a fifth-generation grain grower from north-east Victoria, James Russell has a lot of hands-on experience. Despite that, furthering his formal education has helped him take his farm and career to the next level. He’s recently finished a dual degree in agribusiness and farm management and even briefly ventured into the corporate banking sector. As the worlds of farming and banking collide, James has plenty of insights. He uses his skills to advocate for other growers. Whilst his own operation is a shining light of successful succession planning with a sister-business to the on-farm income, in the form of seed cleaning.

James Russell from Lilliput Ag describes the family property as very flat, with just one hill, that affords the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets. The farm is a special place for James, being where he was born and raised.

“My mum said that I was about two years old when she lost me, because that’s when I found out dad was the one who drove the tractors,” he laughs.

From that day on, I wanted to spend every waking minute with Dad out on the farm.

Instead of allowing James to return to the farm straight after school, his parents encouraged him to go to university. The family wanted him to question everything they thought they knew and in doing so, explore better ways of achieving the same outcome.

“It allows me to give more value to my family business.”

Finance and farming collide

Something he didn’t think was on the cards, was a stint in corporate finance. But James found himself taking a job assisting farmers with financial advice.

“Rocking up to a job every day in an ironed shirt and pants was definitely something I wasn’t expecting.”

As James grew older his interest in farming became more analytical. He’d ask ‘why’ a lot as a child.  As an adult, he’s still asking all those questions. He’s recently graduated in the Australian Grain Leaders Program which built connections in the industry and helped him support others in finding opportunities, even if they don’t come from farming. That involved exploring the ideas of leasing, contracting and share farming. All important facets in the modern-look agriculture sector.

After his short sting in finance, James is now fulltime on the farm and in his element. Although he still finds time to use his knowledge to support others as a member of the National Farmers Federation and work with Grain Growers.

“The advocacy side of things is definitely something that I’ve been surrounded with growing up.”

Those dinner table conversations were quite often based on where the industry is at, rather than at a farm level.”

The day job at Lilliput Ag is very much a mixed enterprise with another arm to the business focused on seed cleaning, which was launched as part of the family’s impressive succession planning.

“They run as sister businesses now, and that was simply for the ease running two separate businesses alongside each other.”

The family decided instead of splitting the farm assets, the best thing to do was to create another opportunity.

My family’s succession planning is definitely something that is widely talked about. That is an enormous testament to my grandfather.

While the Russell family has been generous talking about that part of their business, they have also inadvertently become very open to conversations with activists. Having a shearing shed close to town has lead to some unwanted attention.

“For me, it comes from potentially a lack of understanding. We do certain practices simply because they are required,” he explains.

Having sheep with 15 kgs of wool on them on a 40-degree day is inhumane. We need to manage livestock as best we can. I’d love people to know that’s animal welfare.

James’ solution to this is to stay active and engaged in the community. They do this through involvement in the local sports clubs and civic groups. That’s all part of James’ long-term plan to challenge the status quo. In doing so, he’s open to change, whether it be using less synthetic fertiliser, or improving sustainability where possible. Ultimately, as the fifth generation he wants to make the environment better and his family proud.

And on a personal note, there are plans in the future to build a home atop that one hill and spend a little time enjoying the view.

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