North-west NSW primary producers have the opportunity to develop skills to assist with family farm succession and business transition at complimentary Rabo Client Council-hosted information sessions.
The practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions will be held in Glen Innes and Tamworth in mid-July.
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 sessions – which are free of charge – provide 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 sessions – which will be limited to 30 participants each and are not restricted to the bank's clients – will be presented by content and facilitator partner, Transition Partners director Jim Benson.
Rabobank state manager for New South Wales Toby Mendl said considering the "complexities and challenges of generational changes", it is important for family farming businesses to develop expertise in business transition and succession planning.
Mr Mendl said navigating this transition goes beyond merely addressing legal and financial matters – it necessitates creating strategies and plans that preserve the core values of the family farm and ensure the business's long-term success.
The session content includes how to start the conversation about business succession, Mr Mendl 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,"
he said.
"The information sessions create a supportive setting for couples and family members to attend together, offering farmers a valuable chance to step away from their daily on-farm routines and participate in shared learning experiences."
Mr Mendl said the significance of proactive planning in facilitating a seamless business transition cannot be emphasised enough. "Starting succession planning early is crucial, as delaying the process and essential discussions can increase the risk of conflicts arising from differing individual expectations," he said.
The Rabo Client Council network is focussed on developing meaningful grassroots initiatives to support key areas including building industry capacity, championing rural-wellbeing, sustainability and strengthening the rural urban connection.
Mr Mendl said the information sessions were designed to empower primary producers and equip them with essential tools for achieving success.
"These sessions provide primary producers with the key tools to develop continuity plans, ensuring the long-term success of family farming enterprises for future generations. Moreover, the positive impact extends beyond individual farms, bolstering rural and regional communities and enhancing the resilience of the local agricultural sector," he said.
Since launching the program in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 13 sessions across the country – to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to over 300 participants.
"If you're interested in attending a session, keen to meet other progressive farming families and develop new skills, confirm your place before the sessions are fully allocated," Mr Mendl said.
Information sessions details:
- Tuesday, 15 July 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Glen Innes)
- Wednesday, 16 July 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Tamworth)
To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
