A free business transition and succession information session for farming families is coming to Forbes.
The initiative has been led and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils.
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.
Latest Stories
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.”
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.
Rabobank state manager for New South Wales Toby Mendl said the Rabo Client Council network was 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 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.
The Forbes sessions is on Friday, 1 August 2025 – 9.30am – 3pm.
To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
