In this follow-up episode, Steve Page continues his conversation with award-winning lucerne hay producer Wade Alexander from Mundubbera, QLD.

Wade opens up about the tough lessons learned from the 2013 floods, his approach to risk management, and how he’s future-proofing his family farm through smart planning, water efficiency, and sound financial strategies.

🌾 Key Topics Covered:

• Floods, storms and lessons learned: How the Alexanders rebuilt stronger after disaster struck.
• Insurance and risk management: The value of insuring for the worst and learning from the past.
• Efficient irrigation and rising power costs: Why Wade is transitioning from high-pressure pivots to low-pressure laterals.
• The economics of lucerne: Balancing high machinery costs, input efficiency, and quality production.
• Lucerne establishment and management: Soil prep, fertiliser programs, and why Wade replants every three years.
• Marketing through Feed Central and LocalAg: Building trust, ensuring secure payments, and staying connected to repeat buyers.
• Family, work-life balance, and resilience: Why Wade chooses life on the farm over high-income work away from home.

🎙️ Why Listen

This episode delivers a grounded look at what it takes to survive and thrive in Australia’s hay industry. Wade shares the reality behind producing premium lucerne - from irrigation and power costs to marketing and resilience - offering practical insights for farmers of any scale.