Primary producers based in South Australia's south east have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, free of charge, at a practical workshop designed to help provide financial skills key to managing a farming business.
Hosted by the SA Rabo Client Council, the Financial Skills Workshop – which is open to all farmers, not just Rabobank clients – will be held in Naracoorte on Wednesday, July 22.
The complimentary, interactive workshop provides hands-on guidance on understanding financial statements and banking requirements and explores topics such as taxation versus management accounting, essential business management ratios and understanding key components of a business's financial profile.
Limited to 30 participants, the workshop will be delivered by director of Hudson Facilitation, Tony Hudson.
The Financial Skills Workshops – which provide farmers the opportunity to upskill and network – has been led and funded around Australia and New Zealand by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank, through its 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 initiatives designed to make a meaningful impact on the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.
Rabobank state manager for South Australia Peter Evans said the workshop was designed "to equip farmers with the financial skills and tools needed to help manage increasingly complex agricultural enterprises".
He said the workshop had been designed specifically for farm owners and managers, with the goal of increasing their awareness and understanding of the financial management requirements of their businesses.
"Even experienced farmers may not fully understand every aspect of financial reporting and banking requirements, or may want to further strengthen their business financial analysis skills," he said.
Mr Evans encouraged couples and families to attend the workshop together to build a shared understanding of financial reporting. "The sessions give farming families the chance to step away from day-to-day demands of their businesses and strengthen their financial skills together," he said.
Rabo Client Council member and Keith-based mixed farmer Joe Cook said since the launch of the Financial Skills Workshops in 2018, the Rabo Client Councils have extended this valuable learning opportunity to over 5,400 farmers across Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Cook 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 and strengthening the rural-urban connection".
"Long-term industry capacity and agricultural education are a key focus of the Rabo Client Councils," he said. "With access to skilled labour continuing to be a challenge across Australia, it remains important to attract and retain young people in agriculture, while also supporting the ongoing development of primary producers. We're focused on helping strengthen the industry's reputation and future workforce through education and leadership development."
Mr Cook said the workshop offers a development opportunity for farmers and a chance to "see behind the curtain" and gain an understanding of the type of financial information banks are seeking. "Its powerful knowledge for farmers to access and understand the key financial reporting information lenders require," he said.
"Interested producers who wish to engage with other leading farmers and enhance their financial literacy and skills are encouraged to secure their place before registrations are fully allocated."
Workshop details:
- Wednesday, July 22, 2026 – 8.30am to 3.30pm (Naracoorte)
To register to participate, please visit the Rabobank Australia website, or click here.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
