Primary producers in central western Queensland and the central highlands have the opportunity to develop skills to assist with family farm succession and business transition at complimentary information sessions.
Hosted by the Northern Queensland Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions will be held in Longreach and Emerald in mid September.
The initiative has been led 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 support a range of activities designed to make a meaningful impact on the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.
The interactive sessions – which are free of charge – offer 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.
Rabo Client Council member and Aramac-based beef producer Lee-Ann Boyd said the sessions were designed to support farming families in planning for generational transition within their agricultural businesses.
Ms Boyd said the Rabobank sessions aim to "grow communication skills to help farming families in managing business change and succession".
"Open communication and access to information can help families create strategies that support their property's core values and ensure long-term sustainability," she said. "A smooth farm business transition involves more than just considering the legal and financial matters."
The session content includes guidance on how to start the conversation about business succession, Ms Boyd 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 offered to aid in the planning process, assist in settling family and business conflicts and address family-related issues," she said.
Ms Boyd said beginning to plan early is important for supporting smooth business transition. "Starting succession planning early can reduce the likelihood of conflicts that may arise from differing individual expectations if the process is delayed," she said.
Ms Boyd said the session offers couples and families a space for shared learning, while giving producers a break from daily on-property activities to engage in group education.
Rabobank deputy regional manager Craig Burkhardt said the 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.
Since launching the business transition and succession planning information session program in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 19 sessions across the country – to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to almost 516 participants.
Mr Burkhardt said the Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions are designed to provide primary producers with practical tools and resources to support their success.
"These sessions offer producers tools to develop continuity plans aimed at supporting the ongoing operation of their enterprises for future generations. In addition, the effects extend beyond individual businesses by contributing to rural and regional communities and strengthening the resilience of the local agricultural sector and economy," he said.
Mr Burkhardt called on producers who are interested in attending a session, keen to meet other progressive farming families and develop new skills, to confirm their place before the sessions are fully allocated.
Information session details:
- Monday, 15 September 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Longreach)
- Wednesday, 17 September 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Emerald)
To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
