Western district farmers have the opportunity to develop skills to assist with family farm succession and business transition at a complimentary Rabo Client Council-hosted information session.
The practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information session will be held in Mortlake in early May.
The initiative has been spearheaded and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank's Rabo Client Council, a group of the bank's farming clients who volunteer their time implementing programs that contribute to the sustainability of rural and regional communities.
The interactive session – which is free of charge – provides 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 session – which will be limited to 30 participants and is not restricted to the bank's clients – will be presented by content and facilitator partner, Transition Partners director Jim Benson.
Rabobank state manager Sally Bull said, considering the "inherent complexities and challenges of generational transitions," it is important for family farming businesses to develop expertise in business transition and succession planning.
Ms Bull said navigating this transition extends beyond legal and financial considerations – it necessitates creating strategies and plans that preserve the core values of the family farm and ensure the business's long-term success.
The session content includes how to start the conversation about business succession, Ms Bull 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 space for couples and family members to attend together, offering farmers a unique chance to step away from their daily routines and participate in shared learning experiences."
Ms Bull said the significance of proactive planning in facilitating a smooth business transition "cannot be overstated". "Starting succession planning early is very wise, as delaying the process and essential discussions can increase the likelihood of conflicts arising from differing individual expectations," she said.
Rabobank's 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 Bull said the information sessions were "designed to empower primary producers and equip them with the key elements for achieving success".
"These sessions provide producers with the tools to develop continuity plans, ensuring the long-term success of family farming enterprises for future generations. Additionally, this positive impact reaches beyond individual farms, bolstering rural and regional communities and enhancing the resilience of the local farming sector.
Since launching the program in 2024 – the Rabo Client Councils have delivered nine sessions across the country – providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to 215 participants.
"If you're interested in attending the Mortlake session, keen to meet other progressive farming families and develop new skills, confirm your place before the sessions are fully allocated," Ms Bull said.
Information session details:
- Monday, 5 May 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Mortlake)
To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click here
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
