Tasmanian farmers have the opportunity to develop skills to assist with family farm succession and business transition at a complimentary Rabo Client Council-hosted information session.
The practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information session will be held in Campbell Town in early June.
The initiative has been spearheaded and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank's Rabo Client Councils, a group of innovative, forward-thinking clients who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and who support initiatives with the goal of making a meaningful impact on the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.
The interactive session – which is free of charge – provides practical information, such as why family and business communication can be difficult and how to improve it, what makes a meeting work and how to take account of differing family goals.
The information session – which will be limited to 30 participants and is not restricted to the bank's clients – will be presented by content and facilitator partner, Transition Partners director Jim Benson.
Rabobank state manager for Victoria and Tasmania Sally Bull said given the "intricacies and challenges of generational transitions", it is important for family farming businesses to cultivate expertise in business transition and succession planning.
Ms Bull said navigating this transition involves more than just legal and financial aspects – it requires developing strategies and plans that uphold the core values of the family farm and secure the business's long-term success.
The session content includes how to start the conversation about business succession, Ms Bull said. "During these sessions, participants will delve into key aspects of organising their initial meeting to discuss next steps in management, business, property and wealth transition. Additionally, practical tools will be offered to aid in the planning process, resolve family and business conflicts, and address family-related issues,"
she said.
"The information sessions provide a supportive environment for couples and family members to attend together, giving farmers a valuable opportunity to break from their daily on-farm routines and engage in shared learning experiences."
Ms Bull said the importance of proactive planning in ensuring a smooth business transition cannot be overstated. "Initiating succession planning early is important, as postponing the process and crucial discussions can heighten the risk of conflicts due to varying individual expectations," she said.
Rabobank's Rabo Client Council network is focussed on developing meaningful grassroots initiatives to support key themes focusing on building industry capacity, championing rural-wellbeing, sustainability and strengthening the rural urban connection.
Ms Bull said the information session was "created to empower primary producers and provide them with the key tools for achieving success".
"These sessions equip producers with the necessary tools to create continuity plans, ensuring the long-term success of family farming enterprises for future generations. And the positive impact extends beyond individual farms, strengthening rural and regional communities and enhancing the resilience of the local agricultural sector."
Since launching the program in 2024 – the Rabo Client Councils have delivered nine sessions across the country – to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to 215 participants.
"If you're interested in attending the session, keen to meet other progressive farming families and develop new skills, confirm your place before the session is fully allocated," Ms Bull said.
Information session details:
- Tuesday, 3 June 2025 – 9.30am – 3.00pm (Campbell Town)
To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click AU Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
