Farming has always required hard work, but effort alone does not always guarantee progress. For many farming businesses, the challenge is not a lack of commitment, but a lack of timely information to support the decisions being made throughout the season.

McCulloch & Partners recently partnered with Figured to share the story of Tom and Kate Severn from TK Farming, a Southland dairy farmer using better data, stronger planning and trusted advice to reduce uncertainty in his business.

In the video, Tom speaks with MCP Partner James Harvey about the importance of understanding the drivers behind the farm, not just the final numbers at the end of the year. From milk production and stock movements through to cashflow, debt, drawings and future plans, having the right information available at the right time can make a real difference.

For Tom, Figured has become a practical tool for mapping out the year ahead. By connecting farm data with financial information, it helps create a clearer view of where the business is tracking and what impact different decisions may have.

For James and the team at McCulloch & Partners, this means advisory conversations can be more focused, timely and useful. Rather than relying solely on historic information, they can work with clients using live data to support forecasting, planning, benchmarking and long-term decision-making.

This approach is particularly valuable in farming, where conditions can change quickly. Milk price movements, feed costs, stock decisions, interest rates and seasonal pressures can all affect the financial position of the business. Having a shared view of the numbers helps farmers and advisors respond with more clarity and confidence.

The video also highlights the value of strong advisor relationships. Good advice is not just about reviewing profit at the end of the season. It is about understanding the farm, the family, the goals and the decisions that shape the future of the business.

At McCulloch & Partners, our agri team works alongside farming clients to provide practical advice that connects the numbers with what is happening on farm. Through tools like Figured, we help clients better understand their current position, plan for what is ahead, and make informed decisions with greater confidence.