Riverina-based primary producers have the opportunity to increase knowledge to assist with family farm succession and business transition at an upcoming complimentary information session.
Hosted by Rabobank's New South Wales Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information session will be held in Griffith on Wednesday, October 28.
The interactive session - which is free of charge - offers 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 into account differing family goals.
Limited to 30 participants and not restricted to the bank's clients, the session will be delivered by director of Transition Partners, Jim Benson.
During the session, Mr Benson will share different scenarios of what succession can look like for a family enterprise, and how issues can arise when different dynamics are added. The session is not aimed to address family specific issues for attendees, rather it is an information-sharing opportunity drawing on Mr Benson's first-hand knowledge.
The Griffith event is part of a series of Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions delivered around Australia, led and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank's Rabo Client Councils. Groups of innovative, forward-thinking Rabobank farming clients who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, the Councils support a range of activities designed to make a meaningful impact to the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.
Rabo Client Council member and Mundarlo-based livestock producer Nick Austin said the session gives couples and families an opportunity to learn together and discuss succession planning with other farming families.
"Succession planning is most effective when families start the conversation early, rather than waiting until someone is ready to retire," Mr Austin said. "Early, open discussion helps clarify expectations, reduce conflict and create a smoother pathway for the business transition.
"It's not just about transferring assets - it's about setting the farm business up for its next chapter. A clear plan can protect the family's legacy, reduce risk and give the next generation a stronger platform for sustainable business growth."
Since launching the Business Transition and Succession Planning Information Session program in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 49 sessions across the country - to date providing family-farm succession and business transition skills and tools to over 1200 participants.
Mr Austin said the Rabo Client Council network is focused on developing meaningful grassroots initiatives to support key themes focused on building industry capacity and ag education, championing rural wellbeing and strengthening the rural-urban connection.
Rabobank NSW state manager Toby Mendl said the Griffith session would help farming families prepare to transfer their agricultural business to the next generation. "The session aims to build the communication skills needed for productive conversations about succession and business transition planning," he said.
"Through open communication and informed decision-making, families can create strategies that reflect their values and support the farm business's future. A successful transition involves much more than legal and financial considerations."
The session content includes suggestions on how to start the conversation about business succession, Mr Mendl said. "During the session, 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 discussed to help with the planning process, assist in settling family and business conflicts and address family-related issues," he said.
Mr Mendl said the information session also offered participants an opportunity to connect with other progressive farming families and build new skills, and he encouraged interested primary producers to secure their place before it reaches capacity.
Information session details:
- Wednesday, October 28, 2026 - 8.00am - 2.00pm (Griffith)
To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
