Going into an important phase of his farming career, the Nuffield experience continues to drive his passion for checking facts and science and asking the tough questions.
“I’ve always had a natural curiosity and from the Nuffield I tend to question things a lot more and always tell people not to be scared to ask a question,” Mr Snell said.
Mr Nuffield’s research centred on family farm succession, success in farm business and opportunities for new entrants.
“If I was to re-write my report today, I suspect it would be significantly different, but some of the fundamentals remain the same,” he said.
“When I looked at the definition of succession planning, it’s basically plan, communicate, affirm, implement and then review, and those topics are still relevant and you can flesh them out.”
He thinks having a successful succession plan will give him time and capacity to do what he wants while keeping a hand in the business.
He also wants an opportunity to transfer knowledge and encourage the new generation to build good relationships with suppliers and bankers.
“While I want to step back and slow down, I don’t want to let go of what I’ve got while I’m healthy enough to do it,” he said.
“I see an opportunity to transfer knowledge and give an opportunity to grow equity and wealth.
“While I still have ownership and some input into the business, if further opportunities arise to expand, we’ve got the ability to leverage the total amount of the business and my relationships.”
Mr Snell is a strong believer that sharefarming is one of the best routes for getting a foothold in the industry.
The Snell farm covers nearly 350 hectares and milks just over 400 cows. It is well placed for change.
“We’ve been able to expand, consolidate and put scale to the farm business, which is important if you’re going through generational change,” Mr Snell’s son, Michael Snell, said.
“Ultimately, we will see a change in the farm business and we have to plan for that.”
Mr Snell has always encouraged young farmers and says those curious should consider applying for a Nuffield Scholarship.
“Nuffield is a fantastic way to do research and it opens many doors,” he said.
“I’ve sat in rooms with senior American and UK government bureaucrats, I’ve been at a function with Arnold Schwarzenegger, then I was out in the paddock with mud on my gumboots looking at irrigation in California with a contact I tracked down through Nuffield.”
He sat on a government drought response group, was organising chairman of the Australian Dairy Conference and linked into European Dairyfarmers, opening more doors for contacts and hosting young people on his farm to share knowledge and give them a start in the industry.
“Nuffield stays with you, with the doors it opens, the context it creates and it really helps you clarify ideas and work through situations.”
For more information about the Nuffield Scholarship program visit: nuffield.com.au
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