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23/06/2025
Tom Nelligan is an expert in knowing what needs to be done in the paddock to drive productivity and profitability, and now this former agronomist is supporting clients beyond the paddock as a Rabobank rural manager.
Based in South Australia’s Kadina branch, Tom was previously a credit analyst in Rabobank’s Adelaide branch, before moving to Kadina over two years ago.
An 18 month stint as a credit analyst for the Major Agricultural Client (MAC) team helped to expand and round out his credit skills.
And now this recent appointment to rural manger marks a long-held – although slightly unexpected – career aspiration.
“I had ten years in the agricultural science field as an agronomist, and when the idea of working with farmers in a financial sense piqued my interest, I knew that without a banking or economics background a credit analyst role would provide a good apprenticeship, and it did provide me with a great start,” Tom reflects.
Hailing from a family sheep and wheat property in the Port Lincoln region, agriculture was always on his career agenda, banking however was not the obvious choice.
“A career in banking was not initially on my radar, but being ag-based, Rabobank really appealed to me and at the heart of it there’s not a lot of difference between banking and agronomy – you’re always trying to do better by your clients and support their decision-making with the latest thinking and innovation.”
Tom’s thorough understanding of crop production is now proving a unique asset for his clients.
“Farmers naturally love talking about their farm, and I love being part of the conversation, and it’s certainly very easy for me to chat farming with them, and listen with understanding to their pet peeves, whether it’s fertiliser prices or weed management – it’s knowledge that can go a long way.”
While Tom settles into his rural manager role, his financial experience as a credit analyst, first-hand expertise as an agronomist, and farming background provide unique insights that will add value to clients.
Appreciative of the importance of relationships, and building a rapport with clients, he is looking forward to once again working in a face-to-face role.
“I’m excited to be back working with farmers on the ground, albeit in a different capacity, helping them achieve their business aspirations and being a sounding board for ideas, and where they see themselves in the future.”
“Whether their aim is to expand, or become more efficient, my understanding of farm businesses ensures I can translate that goal and communicate it into exactly what is required financially.”
Regional perks for a well-balanced lifestyle
With a young family, sons Caleb, five, and Hayden, four, Tom and wife Jacqui moved to Moonta, 20 minutes from Kadina, two and a half years ago to embrace the regional lifestyle – and he’s thrilled his sons now have the chance to enjoy a similar childhood to his own.
“The Yorke Peninsula feels similar to where I grew up, life revolves around community and footy on weekends.”
A keen runner who recently completed the London Marathon, the trails and natural coastal capital are conducive to staying active, and he loves the relaxed feel of the town.
Tom completed the London Marathon, proudly promoting the Fat Farmers initiative in the meantime.
Rabobank’s community values also align strongly with his own, and Tom is particularly proud to be supporting Fat Farmers through the Rabo Client Council.
“The Fat Farmers initiative started back in 2012 when three farmers at Maitland on Yorke Peninsula started going to the gym.”
“It’s a program that aims to inspire and encourage farmers and those living in rural communities to improve their health and wellbeing through physical activity.”
A strong Kadina team supporting farmers, and each other
Likewise, he’s enjoying being part of the Kadina Rabobank team, particularly after such an autonomous career.
“In agronomy it was often just myself and my ute, and I’ve always enjoyed working as part of a team.”
While dry weather continues to challenge many across the region, Tom remains hopeful, pointing to the remarkable progress in technology, in particular crop genetics, over the past two decades as a source of resilience.
“Seasonal unpredictability is always a concern,” he says. “But agriculture has come a long way and today’s crop varieties and machinery are more efficient than ever, our water-use efficiency is at an all-time high, meaning we’re better equipped to make every drop count—and when the rain does come, we’ll be ready to make the most of it.”
“The Yorke Peninsula is so highly regarded for its standard of farming, which is reflected in the land price rises and the profitability of the region over the past decade, so it’s really exciting to be part of a team servicing some of Australia’s best farmers.”