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Tom & Mick: Risk, Timing and Opportunity in the Cattle Market with Jeremy Cummins
Description
The Tom & Mick Show is back, and so is repeat guest Jeremy Cummins.
Two years after first joining the show, Jeremy returns to share how his cattle feeding business has grown from around 4,000 head on feed to more than 22,000 across multiple locations.
The conversation also dives into the current cattle market, seasonal conditions, feedlot demand and how Jeremy is positioning his business as the industry navigates another changing cycle.
In this episode:
Growing the business
- What's changed since Jeremy's first appearance on the show
- Rebuilding and expanding the Mirambee Feedlot
- Growing from 4,000 to more than 22,000 head on feed
- Building a team and bringing experienced people into the business
- The role mentors and advisors continue to play
Feedlot strategy
- Why Jeremy operates across multiple feedlot locations
- Diversifying supply, customers and seasonal risk
- How different feeding programs fit different markets
- Why flexibility is becoming a competitive advantage
Reading today's cattle market
- Jeremy's outlook on current cattle prices
- The impact of seasonal conditions across Australia
- Why supply and demand still drive his decision making
- How international markets influence, but don't dictate, his business
Managing risk
- Why Jeremy focuses on margins instead of trying to predict the market
- Matching purchases to forward sales
- Lessons learned from previous market corrections
- Why understanding your costs matters more than guessing where prices are heading
Growth mindset
- Why Jeremy never planned to grow as quickly as he has
- Backing opportunities when they make sense
- Scaling a business without chasing growth for growth's sake
- His philosophy: know your numbers, back yourself and don't be afraid to do more
Looking ahead
- Jeremy's thoughts on the future of feedlotting
- The potential of covered feedlots
- Why Wagyu isn't part of his current strategy
- What the next decade could look like for the business
Key takeaways
- Business growth often comes from recognising opportunities rather than following a rigid plan.
- Knowing your costs and protecting your margins is more important than trying to pick the market.
- Diversification across locations, customers and feeding programs helps manage risk.
- Seasonal conditions will continue to play a major role in shaping Australia's cattle market.
- The best opportunities often come to those prepared to act with confidence when the numbers stack up.
Whether you're involved in cattle production, feedlotting, livestock trading or simply interested in how successful agribusinesses make decisions, this episode offers practical insights into growth, risk management and navigating today's cattle market.