Wimmera-based farmers 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 South Australian and north-west Victorian Rabo Client Council, the Financial Skills Workshop – which is open to all farmers, not just Rabobank clients – will be held in Horsham on Thursday, July 23.
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 – are delivered around Australia and New Zealand by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank, led and funded 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 help give farmers the financial skills and tools they need to help manage increasingly complex agricultural businesses".
He said the workshop was tailored for farm owners and managers to strengthen their understanding of their businesses' financial management requirements.
"Even experienced farmers may not fully understand all aspects of financial reporting and banking requirements, or may want to further build their business financial analysis skills," he said.
Mr Evans encouraged couples and families to attend the workshop together to develop a shared understanding of financial reporting. "The sessions give farming families time away from day-to-day business demands to strengthen their financial skills together," he 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.
"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."
Mr Evans said long-term industry capacity and agricultural education were a key focus of the Rabo Client Councils. "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. The councils are focused on helping strengthen the industry's reputation and future workforce through education and leadership development," he said.
"The workshop gives farmers a development opportunity and a chance to better understand the financial information banks look for. Having access to this knowledge - and understanding the key financial reporting information lenders require – is powerful for farmers.
"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:
- Thursday, July 23, 2026 – 8.30am to 3.30pm (Horsham)
To register to participate, please visit the Rabobank Australia website, or click here.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
