Primary producers in central Queensland have the opportunity to increase knowledge to assist with family farm succession and business transition at a complimentary information session.
Hosted by Rabobank's Queensland Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information session will be held in Middlemount on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
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 Middlemount event is part of a series of Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions delivered around Australia, led and funded by the food and agribusiness banking specialist'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 Capella-based beef producer Ramo Imsirovic said the session provides couples and families with an opportunity to learn together and engage in group discussions with other farming families.
"Getting an early start on planning is essential for helping business transition go more smoothly," Mr Imsirovic said.
"Involving kids – from a young age – in succession conversations is so important for setting the next generation up for success. And starting to plan succession early can also help minimise potential disputes that may result from differing expectations. Understanding the perspectives of all generations is key.
"The session provides skills and tools to help producers develop continuity plans so their businesses can thrive for generations."
The session content includes suggestions on how to start the conversation about business succession, Mr Imsirovic 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.
Since launching the Business Transition and Succession Planning Information Session program in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 33 sessions across the country – to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to over 770 participants.
Mr Imsirovic said the Rabo Client Council network is focused on developing meaningful grassroots initiatives to support key themes focused on building industry capacity, championing rural wellbeing, sustainability and strengthening the rural-urban connection."
Rabobank state manager for Queensland Polly Saraiva said the session in Middlemount has been developed to support farming families in preparing for the transfer of their agricultural business across generations. "The primary goal is to improve communication skills – making it easier to have productive conversations about business succession and transition planning," she said.
"Through open communication and informed decision-making, families can create strategies that uphold their family farming businesses' values and secure its future. Transitioning a farm business successfully involves much more than just legal or financial considerations."
Ms Saraiva called on producers who are interested in attending the session, keen to meet other progressive farming families and develop new skills to confirm their place before the session is fully allocated.
Information session details:
- Wednesday, June 3, 2026 – 8.00am – 2.00pm (Middlemount)
To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
