Farming families around Narrabri will get the chance to learn how to navigate the tricky business of handing the farm on to the next generation, with a free information session coming to town next month.
Rabobank’s NSW Rabo Client Council is hosting a Business Transition and Succession Planning information session in Narrabri on Thursday, 27 August, from 8am to 2pm, with a second session in Dubbo the following day. The sessions are free, open to farmers whether or not they bank with Rabobank, and limited to 30 participants.
The interactive sessions will cover why family and business communication can be difficult and how to improve it, what makes a meeting work, and how to take into account differing family goals. They will be delivered by Jim Benson, director of Transition Partners, who will share different scenarios of what succession can look like for a family enterprise and how issues can arise when different dynamics are added. The sessions are not aimed at solving individual family issues, but are information-sharing opportunities drawing on Mr Benson’s first-hand knowledge.
Rabo Client Council member and Mundarlo-based livestock producer Nick Austin said the sessions give couples and families a chance to learn together and discuss succession planning alongside other farming families.
“For a long time, I thought succession was an issue for families to discuss later in farming careers, when one generation was considering retirement. The more I’ve learnt about the topic, it’s become clear the importance of starting succession planning conversations as early as possible,” Mr Austin said.
“Addressing the subject early is a key element to a smooth business transition, and can reduce conflict caused by differing expectations and help avoid issues that may arise if planning is left too late.”
Instead of looking at succession as a division of business assets, Mr Austin said, “it should be seen as an opportunity for business growth”.
“Running a successful farming business requires a long-term focus on business sustainability and continuity,” he said. “Succession planning is essential to that process. By starting early and having clear, open conversations, farming families can create certainty, reduce risk and support a smooth handover to the next generation. This helps protect the legacy they have built while positioning the business for continued growth and resilience.”
Since the program launched in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 34 sessions across the country, providing family-farm succession and business transition skills to more than 800 participants.
Rabobank state manager for NSW Toby Mendl said the Narrabri and Dubbo sessions were designed to help farming families prepare to transfer their agricultural businesses between generations.
“The sessions aim to strengthen communication skills so families can have more productive conversations about succession and business transition planning,” he said.
“Through open communication and well-informed decisions, families can develop strategies that reflect their values and safeguard the future of the farm business. Successful transition planning involves much more than legal or financial considerations alone.”
Mr Mendl said participants would explore key considerations for holding an initial meeting and planning next steps in management, business, property and wealth transition.
“Practical tools will also be discussed to support planning, help resolve family and business conflicts and address family-related issues,” he said.
Mr Mendl encouraged interested farmers to secure their place before the sessions are fully booked. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
To register, visit www.rabobank.com.au.
Got something you want to say about this story? Have your say on our opinion and comment hub, New England Times Engage