Posted by on
16/03/2026
Sally McCarthy is proud to balance her Rabobank career with her own farm business in NSW’s Upper Horton region.
Sally McCarthy knows first-hand the grit, and unwavering vision, required to grow a farming business.
So when it comes to supporting her clients, this NSW Rabobank rural manager has a unique empathy and understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and emotions that underpin farm expansion.
Based in the picturesque rolling ranges surrounding Upper Horton, Sally divides her time between the Tamworth branch and working from the cattle operation she runs with her husband Jack, and their two young children, Matilda, four, and Max, two.
Between farming, career, and raising a young family, life is a constant juggle – yet this enthusiastic achiever wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’ve been with Rabobank for almost 11 years, including two maternity leaves, and have the flexibility to also contribute to our farm and raise a family – I’m not sure there’s anywhere else that provides so much support, and certainly for me, the opportunity to continue developing such a meaningful career gives me energy and drive.”
“Being at Rabobank helps me keep my head in the game, and I’m continually inspired and humbled by my clients, and being a part of their success story, or helping them overcome the challenges of ag.”
Sally at AgQuip with Lachlan James of Wallawong Premium Beef.
Raised on a beef operation in the region, Sally and Jack returned to forge their farming future and be close to family.
“We were fortunate to have the opportunity to buy 400 hectares from my parents adjoining their farm, yet we knew if we wanted to get to the next level we’d need greater business expertise – I identified pretty quickly that working for Rabobank, which is dedicated to agriculture, I’d gain a good understanding of the business and financial fundamentals of farm ownership.”
What she didn’t fully appreciate was the enjoyment the role of a rural manager would afford her.
“I genuinely love my job, and feel so privileged to work with the best farmers in the region, to be on their property, talking through their business and their aspirations, and then helping their goals become a reality.”
“I am constantly learning, each of my clients is unique and amazing, and I’m always discovering new ideas and techniques to apply across our own farm.”
With husband Jack also working off-farm in contract haulage, Sally jokes that their Angus cattle are pretty good at looking after themselves.
“Just like any young family having a go, it’s hard to dedicate the time needed to increase productivity and improve pastures – which is our ultimate goal.”
“When we bought our place it didn’t have an internal fence on it, so we’re chipping away, and we’ve been fortunate to purchase additional land from a neighbour,” Sally smiles. “We’re also dabbling with establishing an Angus stud, and have a worrisome habit of purchasing very expensive cattle, but we’re excited by the potential of great genetics in our herd, and we enjoy improving both our land, and our cattle.”
“I’m horribly impatient, so everything feels like it takes a long time, yet when I look back over the past ten years all those little steps have now enabled us to gain real momentum.”
Enjoying a recent Rabobank event held at the Upper Horton Sporting Club, Marnie Crowley, Ange Croll, Sally, Rachel Caskey, and Nickie Cabot.
With many of her clients in similar positions, growing farm businesses with one or even both partners working off-farm, her lived experience helps strengthen her expertise as a rural manager.
“Whether it’s succession, or expansion juggling a family, I understand, and time and time again I come across people who haven’t felt understood by their bank, so it’s always the source of great pride to be able to fill that gap and be a manager clients can relate to, and vice versa.”
The consistent support of the Tamworth team also provides enormous reassurance.
“I’m not sure I could do this role without my colleagues, it’s a genuine team effort – whether it’s taking maternity leave or having to log off with a sick child, the beauty of Rabobank is that our team has an expertise and dedication that ensures there’s always someone able to step in if needed.”
“I love where I work, the people, the clients, and the support I receive is such that I never have to worry about one of my clients being left stranded if I’m not there.”
At AgQuip with Tamworth Rural Analyst, Grace Bowd, and local farmers, Ellie and Zac Carrigan.
Rather than be overwhelmed by her workload, the challenge drives Sally to thrive, and she admits that she’s more efficient and driven at work – and laughs that she’s nicer to be around at home.
“It’s so refreshing to have something of my own to focus on away from children and the farm, and I really don’t know what I did with my time before kids,” she smiles.
Quick to acknowledge the help of both sets of grandparents who live nearby, and husband Jack who has a dedicated ‘Dad Day’ each week with the kids, Sally reflects that the beauty of regional living affords such perks.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, and I feel that in our community – I went to University in Armidale and worked in Brisbane in the dairy industry, and those years cemented to me that Upper Horton is where I wanted to be.”
“Families know each other, and our children, and everyone is so generous, we have a lovely country town feel, yet we’re so close to Tamworth, which is a major service centre.”
The community has been quick to pounce on Sally’s financial skills, and she happily obliges, volunteering as treasurer for a number of local committees including the Upper Horton Pony Club and helping in the pavilions at the Barraba Show.
“Life’s busy,” she smiles, “But it’s so rewarding to contribute to our community in a really positive way – these are all important elements to our region, and without volunteers on the ground to drive them, we simply wouldn’t have them.”