Primary producers based in southern NSW have the opportunity to increase their knowledge to assist with family farm succession and business transition at upcoming complimentary information sessions.
Hosted by Rabobank’s NSW Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions will be held in Canowindra, Young and Wagga Wagga in mid-August.
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 into account differing family goals.
Limited to 30 participants and not restricted to the bank’s clients, the sessions will be delivered by director of Transition Partners, Jim Benson.
During the sessions, Mr Benson 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 to address family-specific issues for attendees, rather it is an information-sharing opportunity drawing on Mr Benson’s first-hand knowledge.
The Canowindra, Young and Wagga Wagga events are part of a series of Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions delivered around Australia, led and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank’s 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 activities designed to make a meaningful impact to the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.
Rabo Client Council member and Mundarlo-based livestock producer Nick Austin said the sessions give couples and families an opportunity to learn together and discuss succession planning with 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, it should be seen as an opportunity for business growth, he said.
“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 launching the Business Transition and Succession Planning Information Session program in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 34 sessions across the country – to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to over 800 participants.
Mr Austin said the Rabo Client Council network is focused on developing meaningful grassroots initiatives to support key themes focused on building industry capacity and agri education, championing rural wellbeing and strengthening the rural-urban connection.
Rabobank head of relationship management for NSW Craig Croker said the sessions in Canowindra, Young and Wagga Wagga were designed to help farming families prepare for the transfer of their agricultural business between generations. “The sessions aim to build communication skills so families can have more productive conversations about succession and business transition planning,” he said.
“With open communication and informed decisions, families can develop strategies that reflect their values and secure the future of the farm business. A successful transition involves far more than legal or financial matters alone.”
The session content includes suggestions on how to start the conversation about business succession, Mr Croker 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 discussed to help with the planning process, assist in settling family and business conflicts and address family-related issues,” he said.
Mr Croker called on farmers who are interested in attending the sessions, keen to meet other progressive farming families and develop new skills to confirm their place before the sessions are fully allocated.
Information session details:
- Wednesday, August 12, 2026 – 8.00am – 2.00pm (Canowindra)
- Thursday, August 13, 2026 – 8.00am – 2.00pm (Young)
- Friday, August 14, 2026 – 8.00am – 2.00pm (Wagga Wagga)
To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
