Primary producers in southern Queensland have the opportunity to develop skills to assist with family farm succession and business transition at complimentary information sessions.
Hosted by the Southern Queensland Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions will be held in Taroom and Goondiwindi in late 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 state manager for Queensland Polly Saraiva said the sessions promoted proactive planning among farming families as they prepare for generational transitions within their agricultural enterprises.
Ms Saraiva said the Rabobank sessions "helped develop skills in effective, ongoing communication to support farming families with the complexities of business change and succession".
"With access to information and open communication, families are able to develop plans and strategies that help preserve the core values of the family farm and support the business's long-term continuity," she said. "Effective farm business transition involves more than addressing only legal and financial matters."
The session content includes guidance on how to start the conversation about business succession, Ms Saraiva 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, assist in settling family and business conflicts and address family-related issues," she said.
Ms Saraiva said beginning pre-emptive planning is important to facilitate a smooth business transition. "Starting succession planning early can help prevent conflicts that may arise from differing individual expectations if the process and related discussions are delayed," she said.
Mr Saraiva said the information sessions were designed to offer a supportive space for couples and families to learn together. "And they present producers with an opportunity to briefly step away from their farming activities and participate in a group learning experience," she 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.
Ms Saraiva said the Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions aimed to equip primary producers with practical tools to "help achieve success".
"The sessions provide producers with tools to develop transition plans intended to support the long-term stability of family farming enterprises," she said. "The impact also extends to broader rural and regional communities, contributing to the resilience of the local agricultural sector."
Since launching the program in 2024 – the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 15 sessions across the country – to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to almost 400 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," Ms Saraiva said.
Information session details:
- Tuesday, 26 August 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Taroom)
- Thursday, 28 August 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Goondiwindi)
To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
