Primary producers based in South Australia’s mid north 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 SA Rabo Client Council, the Financial Skills Workshop – which is open to all farmers, not just Rabobank clients – will be held in Lochiel on Tuesday, August 18.
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 – has been led and funded around Australia and New Zealand by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank, 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 equip farmers with the financial skills and tools needed to help manage increasingly complex agricultural enterprises”.
He said the workshop had been designed specifically for farm owners and managers, with the goal of increasing their awareness and understanding of the financial management requirements of their businesses.
“Even experienced farmers may not fully understand all aspects of financial reporting and banking requirements, or may want to further strengthen their 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 the day-to-day demands of their businesses to strengthen their financial skills together,” he said.
Rabo Client Council member and Bute-based grain grower James Venning 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.
Mr Venning said 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”.
“Building long-term industry capacity and supporting agricultural education are key priorities for the Rabo Client Councils,” he said. “With skilled labour still a challenge across Australia, attracting and retaining young people in agriculture remains critical, alongside supporting the continued development of primary producers. Through education we aim to strengthen the industry’s reputation and current and future workforce.”
Mr Venning said the workshop in Lochiel offers a development opportunity for farmers, “with content that provides a baseline understanding of finances”. “Farmers often have to be ‘Jacks of all trades’ within their businesses and attending the workshop is a chance to gain specialist knowledge and build on their understanding of their farm finances,” he said. “The costs of operating a farm are high – with farmers dealing with interest rate increases and rising input costs – and it’s important farmers have the financial skills to successfully manage their enterprises.
“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:
- Tuesday, August 18, 2026 – 8.30am to 3.30pm (Lochiel)
To register to participate, please visit the Rabobank Australia website, or click here.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
