21 years strong in Swan Hill

For the past 21 years Rabobank has been a welcome presence in Swan Hill, and it was a milestone celebrated at a gala evening with guests from across the region.

As a bank focussed solely on agriculture, Rabobank’s Swan Hill Rural Manager Dale (Ned) Baulch, said the celebration was an opportunity to thank the region’s farmers for their ongoing support.

“It was great to get together socially and reflect on the growth and achievements of our farmers over the past two decades.”

“The beauty of this region is its rich diversity – from cropping to dairy, grazing to horticulture – each farm business is wonderfully unique,” he said. “The benefit of Rabobank as a bank dedicated to agriculture, is that we have the expertise and support to really give our local farmers the attention they deserve.”

Bill Brasser, “Funnel Bend” Pental Island attended the celebration, and is a long standing Rabobank Swan Hill client.

“It was a terrific opportunity to get out and about and catch up with friends from local and nearby regions, as well as the Rabobank team,” Bill said.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 21 years!”

“We approached Rabobank all those years ago looking to grow our dairy business – we sat down with our manager and talked farming for 20 minutes, and from that conversation we purchased our second property and it marked the start of our business expansion.”

Over the past two decades Bill and his wife Sue have grown their dairy operation and expanded into a mixed cropping operation, all with Rabobank by their side.

“There’s reassurance in such a long-term, honest and genuine relationship, and a unique confidence knowing we’re with a bank that has an agricultural focus, and understands the cycles of a farming business.” Bill said.

Ned agreed, and said local farmers deserved no less than a highly specialised, expert service.

“Modern agriculture is a unique industry consisting of sophisticated businesses navigating complex challenges and opportunities, and for the past 21 years we’ve been proudly supporting the industry, and community.”

He said there’s also a reassuring comfort when dealing with a local team, with Ned proudly leading a branch who all happily call the region home.

Ned, who grew up on a Poll Hereford Beef Stud at Cobden, in South West Victoria, has been with Rabobank in Swan Hill for five and a half years.

Tim Triplett, who joined the team in November 2021, grew up in Swan Hill and is described by Ned as being well-respected and trusted within the community – ‘as well as a lot of fun’.

“Tim has integrated into the team seamlessly. He has the network, experience and knowledge that gives our team, and our clients confidence, and we’re really excited to have him on board.”

The Swan Hill team of six also consists of Rural Manager Jarrod Elston, Relationship Analysts Melina Scalora and Kim Swinnerton plus Credit Analyst Jane Maher.

“We’re all passionate about agriculture – Melina and her husband also run a citrus farm, Jarrod is from a sheep and cropping farm in the Mallee, Tim’s father was a local Stock and Station agent, which is where his keen interest in ag developed, and Jane and her husband also run a farm.”

“We all have an acute understanding of agriculture, which perfectly positions us for genuine, and long-term client relationships.”

Supporting Swan Hill farmers

With 15 years of rural banking experience, working in rural regions such as Emerald, Queensland,  Albury, New South Wales plus Horsham and Mildura, Victoria, Ned has unique insight into the rural banking landscape, and believes Rabobank’s dedication to agriculture is an enormous benefit.

“The reason I joined Rabobank after a career working with other banks – even though I’ve always specialised in agri – is because there’s a behind the scenes pull when you’re being exposed to other industries.”

“At Rabobank we are experienced with the cyclical nature of agricultural production and commodity markets, it’s important to have a partnership with a bank that understands these cycles and can provide financial products and insights that help farm businesses build resilience to thrive.”

“We take a long-term view with clients, partnering with them through the good times and the bad – because we fully understand the nuances of running a farming business.”

“We’re more than just transactions, we’re a business partner supporting our farmers to reach their goals.”

Getting on farm was a highlight of the job for Ned, who said that thanks to the region’s agricultural diversity, his role was always interesting and challenging.

“You can be in a cropping paddock one day, and in a table grape vineyard the next – it certainly keeps you fresh, engaged and learning all the time.”

He said being able to see first-hand what local farmers were doing on-farm, what they’re trying to achieve and to experience their passion for their business was always a privilege.

“It really is an honour to partner with some of the region’s best farmers and be part of their journey, helping make their vision a reality.”

Local community at heart

Ned said the team was equally as passionate about contributing to the community.

“We love seeing our clients succeed – in life and in business – and take a holistic approach to our clients and community.”

Rabobank supported the Mallee Machinery Field Days, and hosted a Financial Skills Workshop, helping equip local farmers with the foundations necessary to run a strong business.

“Modern farming requires more than just labouring in the paddocks, and we’re proud to provide a wide range of upskilling and networking opportunities – at Swan Hill’s doorstep – so our farmers, and our communities can thrive.”