Humans of Agriculture

Jack and Lisa Beattie didn’t set out to build a strawberry propagation business. After leaving Jack’s family dairy operation and trying several different ventures, an unexpected opportunity at Ouse in Tasmania changed their direction.

Today, JCLM Farming produces around 10% of Australia’s strawberry nursery plants. Jack and Lisa share the decisions, setbacks and lessons behind that growth, and their ambition to become the provider of choice for Australian strawberry growers.

In this episode:
  • Leaving the family farm and starting again
  • Why their early businesses were important stepping stones
  • The unexpected move from dairy into strawberry propagation
  • The moment they decided to back one business rather than keep diversifying
  • Why Ouse is uniquely suited to growing strawberry nursery plants
  • Growing JCLM to around 10% of the Australian market
  • Finding and bringing new strawberry genetics into Australia
  • How six plants can become millions through propagation
  • Digitising the customer journey from ordering through to delivery
  • Building a team around Jack and Lisa’s different strengths
  • Their goal to double JCLM’s share of the Australian market
Chapters
  • (00:00) - Introduction and JCLM Farming today
  • (04:02) - Jack’s farming roots and the move from the UK to Tasmania
  • (06:27) - Leaving the family dairy business and the tough first decade
  • (08:57) - Early businesses and lessons from what didn’t work
  • (14:52) - How strawberries unexpectedly entered the picture
  • (17:41) - The two phone calls that changed their direction
  • (20:23) - Growing to 10% of the market and aligning the team around value
  • (25:31) - Global genetics and the story of six Eclipse plants
  • (28:13) - Building a digital-first strawberry nursery
  • (32:44) - Future plans, supermarket punnets and the needle scare

Proudly brought to you by Rabobank

The future of Australian agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, producers and agribusiness leaders.

That's why Rabobank is committed to supporting young farmers with more than finance. Through industry insights, specialist agribusiness expertise, networking opportunities and long-term partnerships, Rabobank supports the next generation as they build their skills, knowledge and connections.

Rabobank is committed to supporting farming businesses as they plan for the future and transition across generations.

Visit rabobank.com.au to learn more.

Creators and Guests

OL
Host
Oli Le Lievre

What is Humans of Agriculture?

Humans of Agriculture brings you inside the conversations, careers and stories shaping agriculture. Hosted by Oli Le Lievre, the podcast gives listeners access to the people, ideas and experiences you might not otherwise get close to.