Northern Queensland primary producers have the opportunity to develop skills to assist with family farm succession and business transition at complimentary information sessions.
Hosted by the Northern Queensland Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions will be held in Ingham, Ayr and Mackay in mid October.
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.
Rabo Client Council member and Pinevale-based cane and cattle producer, Melissa Deguara said the sessions were designed to support farming families in planning for generational transition within their agricultural enterprises.
Mrs Deguara said the Rabobank sessions focused on "developing communication skills to assist farming families with business change and succession planning".
"With knowledge, and open communication, families can create plans and strategies that preserve the core values of the family farm and ensure the business's long-term success," Mrs Deguara said. "Effective farm business transition goes beyond simply addressing legal and financial matters."
The session content includes guidance on how to start the conversation about business succession, Mrs Deguara 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 offered to aid in the planning process, assist in settling family and business conflicts and address family-related issues," she said.
Mrs Deguara said initiating planning at an early stage is important for facilitating a smooth business transition. "Early succession planning can help minimise potential conflicts that could occur due to differing expectations if the process is delayed," she said.
Mrs Deguara said the sessions provide couples and families with an opportunity for collaborative learning, and a chance to participate in group educational activities.
Rabobank deputy regional manager Joe Webb 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.
Since launching the business transition and succession planning information session program in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 25 sessions across the country – to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to 650 participants.
Mr Webb said the Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions are intended to equip primary producers with "practical tools and resources to facilitate their ongoing success".
"These sessions provide producers with resources to create continuity plans that support the continued operation of their businesses for future generations. They also have broader impacts by contributing to rural and regional communities and enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector and local economy," he said.
Mr Webb called on producers who are interested in attending a session, keen to meet other progressive farming families and develop new skills, to confirm their place before the sessions are fully allocated.
Information session details:
- Tuesday, 14 October 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Ingham)
- Wednesday, 15 October 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Ayr)
- Thursday, 16 October 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Mackay)
To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
