Mixing Family & Business in Ag with Megan Ford

In the latest Hay Matters Podcast, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, Jon Paul Driver sits down with Megan Ford to discuss her journey in agriculture, the evolution of Feed Central, and the role of women in the industry.

From the early days of building a business while raising a young family to the challenges of expansion and the launch of LocalAg, Megan shares her experiences and the lessons learned along the way.

• Tim and Megan started Feed Central with big ideas and a hands-on approach, balancing business growth with raising a young family.
• Strong family support was essential, with relatives stepping in to help, allowing the business to grow during the tough early years.
• Business discussions didn’t always happen in an office; late-night board meetings, car conversations, and stolen moments between school runs often shaped key decisions.
• A major hay shed fire in 2014 was a defining moment, testing resilience and reinforcing the importance of a strong team and community.
• Women’s networks, including the Queensland Rural Women’s Network and Australian Women in Agriculture, played a key role in providing mentorship, connections, and opportunities for leadership.
• LocalAg wasn’t an overnight decision; it was shaped by years of conversations with farmers and customers, identifying gaps in the market and building a platform that gives users more control.
• The introduction of LocalAg reflects a shift in how farmers want to do business, offering more flexibility while maintaining the trust built over decades.