Primary producers in central and southern NSW have the opportunity to develop skills to assist with family farm succession and business transition at complimentary information sessions.
Hosted by the NSW Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions will be held in Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Gunning and Forbes in late July and early August.
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.
Rabobank's NSW Client Council member and Coleambally-based cotton and cereals producer Annabel Burge said the sessions encouraged active planning for farming families as they prepare for generational transitions within their farming enterprises.
Ms Burge said the Rabobank sessions focused on "developing skills for effective, ongoing communication to assist farming families manage the intricacies and challenges of business change and succession".
"With knowledge, and open communication," Ms Burge said, "families can create plans and strategies that preserve the core values of the family farm and ensure the business's long-term success. Effective farm business transition goes beyond simply addressing legal and financial matters."
Ms Burge said the topic of business transition and succession planning was particularly relevant to central and southern New South Wales farming communities, as significant numbers of younger farmers are returning to family businesses and need skills and knowledge to chart a course for their futures.
The session content includes how to start the conversation about business succession, Ms Burge 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," she said.
The information sessions create a supportive environment for couples and family members to attend together. These sessions present farmers with an opportunity to briefly step away from their farming activities and participate in a group learning experience.
Ms Burge said initiating pre-emptive planning is important for ensuring a seamless business transition. "Starting succession planning early is important, as delaying the process and essential conversations can lead to conflicts due to differing individual expectations."
Rabobank state manager for New South Wales Toby Mendl 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.
Mr Mendl said the information sessions are intended to empower farmers and help provide them with useful tools to "help achieve success".
"The sessions offer farmers helpful tools to create transition plans, aiming for long-term stability of family farming enterprises," he said. "Additionally, the positive impact extends beyond individual farms, bolstering rural and regional communities and enhancing the resilience of the local agricultural sector."
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 325 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 session details:
- Tuesday, 29 July 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Griffith)
- Wednesday, 30 July 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Wagga Wagga)
- Thursday, 31 July 2025 – 9.30am – 3.00pm (Gunning)
- Friday, 1 August 2025 – 9.30am – 3.00pm (Forbes)
To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
