Posted by on
31/03/2026
Racheal Mulligan enjoying all the opportunity the EDP affords.
Like many farming families, Racheal Mulligan and husband Lyle work together running their farming business, raising children, and managing a busy household – all whilst juggling her career in mediation.
And in her typically practical approach, as Racheal became more involved in the family’s Northern NSW irrigated cotton and cereal farm business, she turned to Rabobank’s Executive Development Program (EDP).
“It wasn’t long after the family had completed succession planning and I wanted to identify where my best fit was in our business – what my skills were, and what I needed to work on to help run a successful agricultural business.”
“I’d long heard great things about the EDP and was attracted to it largely due to the interesting topics explored, that are genuinely relevant to running a farm business – plus I loved the idea of networking with a cohort of other like-minded farm business owners.”
Racheal and Lyle, plus their three children Knox, Aston and Araya, run their farming business in the Moree area, and Racheal believes the Executive Development Program provided her with additional confidence and knowledge to contribute to the operation.
“There aren’t many opportunities where you get to step off your farm and dedicate time to work on your business – because as farmers, we are always working on our farms and in our business, but not necessarily on our business.”
“To spend two weeks over two years really drilling down on the mechanics of a successful farm business is an opportunity farmers rarely afford themselves, and it was extremely worthwhile.”
Regardless of scale, geography, or enterprise, one of Racheal’s main insights gained from the program, was that the inherent challenges farmers face are consistent.
“The program enables you to really immerse yourself in conversations with other farmers, not just a for a quick chat, but a genuine opportunity to deep-dive into challenges and opportunities, and brainstorm together.”
“I found it extremely interesting talking to farmers from other areas of Australia and New Zealand, all from different enterprises, and discovering that our day-to-day issues were similar.”
“From staffing, to input costs, to red tape – it was interesting to learn how others were managing these road blocks, and what our operation could learn from that.”
Racheal networking with fellow EDP participants, Sam Flanery, Young, and Mel Haylock, Cooma.
Racheal, who grew up on a dairy farm in the Hunter Valley, says it was refreshing to discover so many different approaches to age-old farming issues.
“The calibre of farmers in the cohort was so interesting – there were lots of progressive producers and it certainly felt like farmers were there to progress their business.”
“With such a variety of people approaching things differently, it was really engaging asking their advice on all things ag.”
And the conversations have continued long after the program, with the cohort continuing to troubleshoot and support each other.
“The beauty of the network is thanks to everyone’s generosity with their time and information,” she smiles. “There is always a farm tour available if anyone puts out the call.”
Beyond the networking, the program assisted Racheal to further develop a comprehensive and structured framework to work from.
“The presenters at the EDP were able to provide further insights into various areas that could be beneficial to different farming enterprises – benchmarking was one such example, and it was really interesting to hear everyone’s different viewpoints on benchmarking, and how people use it effectively compared to those who may not.”
“There are so many levers we can pull in ag, and to share insights between so many farming businesses of varying sizes and structures – from corporate farming to intergenerational family farms, all with geographic and commodity variances, was fabulous.”
“To have an understanding of how some of these fellow participants gained success in farming, and why they do what they do, was hugely valuable.”
Further contribution through the Rabo Client Council
Inspired by the EDP’s networking opportunity, Rachael has recently joined the Central NSW Client Council and is looking forward to further opportunities to develop – all whilst contributing to rural and regional communities.
The Rabo Client Council is made up of client volunteers who work with the bank to develop and deliver grass roots initiatives and prioritise where funding can make the greatest impact within the community.
Across Australia there are six Rabo Client Councils, all ensuring that Rabobank’s community support is delivered exactly where it should be.
“I think the work completed by the Rabo Client Council in my own Moree community, and the fact that the bank supports many worthy organisations across Australia is quite impressive.”
With her legal career currently focussed on mediation – largely with the community’s most vulnerable – Racheal believes the opportunity is well-aligned with her own personal values.
“I see people who struggle in our community, and I know first-hand the challenges our towns face, so it’s hugely heartening to see that the bank is dedicating money to help make a difference.”
And from her EDP experience, Racheal is confident she will enjoy further networking opportunities with like-minded people through the Rabo Client Council.
“Everything Rabobank does – from their events to their education programs - are so well-organised and highly considered, and I am very much looking forward to meeting new people, and helping contribute to community, thanks to the Rabo Client Council.”
The Executive Development Program applications are currently open, until April 10. See Business Management Programs