LISTEN: The real risk isn’t being wrong - it’s being slow with Mark Ferguson

4 August 2025
An article by  Ben Law - The Financial Bloke

What’s holding your family business back — being wrong, or being too slow to change?

In this energising conversation, Ben Law sits down with Dr. Mark Ferguson — sheep genetics expert, CEO of Next Gen Agri, and host of The Head Shepherd Podcast — to explore why the greatest risk in ag today isn’t failure... it’s inertia.

From the paddock to the boardroom, this episode cuts through the fluff and tackles the hard truth: the families that thrive are the ones who fail fast, think curiously, and adapt quicker than the rest. It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about asking better questions, challenging old assumptions, and staying ahead of the curve.

You’ll learn:

  • Why “slow to act” is deadlier than “wrong to act”

  • How a curious mindset can compound your results

  • The role of confirmation bias and how it traps even good operators

  • Why your next generation may be your best untapped asset

  • The power of asking dumb questions and staying open — no matter your age or experience

Whether you're managing millions in livestock or just starting to hand over the reins to the next generation, this episode is a wake-up call to stop waiting — and start evolving.

Hit play. Then share it with someone who needs a nudge to think bigger, act sooner, and lead smarter.

 

 

ADVERTISEMENTS

Sign up to our weekly news updates

Connecting with communities across regional and rural Australia.