Talking Dairy: Money on the table - how to make it work for you | Ep. 112

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. Chapters 0:00 - Introduction 5:06 - On‑farm reality of spending and pressure 5:50 - Frameworks for using a lump sum 10:52 - Smart spending: The "three buckets" - balance sheet resilience, productivity, and reward 12:53 - Tax tips and timing 13:49 - Diversifying wisely: How to spread risk and invest beyond the farm 18:35 - Expanding the business 19:40 - Enjoy the journey 22:05 - Episode summary