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12/05/2023
It’s one thing learning from a textbook, but the knowledge gained from networking opportunities and honest and frank discussions with peers is often invaluable.
As a recent graduate of Rabobank’s Executive Development Program (EDP) Sam Conway believes this was one of the strengths of the program, which is currently open for 2023 applications.
“It was such an impressive network of people participating in the course, all from various agricultural sectors – including industries I have very little exposure to,” Sam explained.
“However the environment contributed to discussions that were honest and open, and we soon realised many business impacts tended to be quite universal across all farm businesses – it was really eye opening and you could see the discussions adding value immediately.”
While the content of the course was excellent throughout, he said the robust discussions within the group on implementation, challenges and solutions was where the real value lay.
“You take what you can from a formal classroom, but an open discussion that doesn’t leave the room between like-minded peers all aiming to do better is hard to beat.”
Sam, from Gunnedah, is the chief executive officer of Boolah Farms an integrated farm management, grain-handling and broadacre contracting business.
He established the collaborative farming model (known as 'Co-Farming') in 2020 with his wife Molly, and Stuart and Lyndall Tighe from Pallamallawa, and used the EDP as an opportunity to prepare a business plan, outlining a strategy outlining why the business needed to grow, and how.
“With the Boolah Farms Co-Farming structure currently operating within just a 300- kilometre radius, I used the learnings from the EDP to assess the business's current position and develop a five-year plan to establish more farming cells in different geographic areas to provide further risk spreading to the group.”
The preparation and presentation of a business plan is one of the components of the EDP, which is intended for farmers and industry representatives wanting to build strategic planning capabilities and commercial management skills to explore options for business growth.
“The business plan was something we needed to do regardless, and thanks to the EDP I finally put pen to paper, rather than just talking about it,” Sam said.
Sam’s comprehensive strategy to take the business to its next level also earned the young producer the 2022 Rabobank 'Dr John Morris' Business Development Prize.
He recommended the course to producers keen to grow their business strategically, and said the commitment – one week in 2023, and one week in 2024 – was well worth it.
“It’s a rare opportunity to shut your phone down and really work on the business, which is hard to do in today’s busy world.”
Sam also commended Rabobank for encouraging partners to attend the course’s final module.
“I’ve never seen this done before but it was really worthwhile – and you finish the course so re-energised and inspired, it’s just terrific to have someone to debrief with, and it really helps the conversation continue once you return home.”
