WA Wheatbelt to host Rabobank business transition and succession planning information sessions

WA Wheatbelt-based primary producers have the opportunity to develop skills to assist with family farm succession and business transition at complimentary Rabo Client Council-hosted information sessions.

The practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions will be held in Narrogin, Northam and Dalwallinu in early August.

The initiative has been led and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils, a group of innovative, forward-thinking clients who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and support a range of activities designed to make a meaningful impact on the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.

The interactive sessions – which are free of charge – offer practical information, such as why family and business communication can be difficult and how to improve it, what makes a meeting work and how to take account of differing family goals.

The information sessions – which will be limited to 30 participants each and are not restricted to the bank’s clients – will be presented by content and facilitator partner, Transition Partners director Jim Benson.
 

Rabobank state manager for Western Australia Steve Kelly

Rabobank state manager for Western Australia Steve Kelly said considering the “complexities and challenges of generational transitions, it is important for family farming enterprises to develop knowledge in planning for business change and succession”.

Mr Kelly said “charting a course through this transition goes beyond merely addressing legal and financial matters – it necessitates creating plans and strategies that preserve the core values of the family farm and ensure the business's long-term success”.

The session content includes how to start the conversation about business succession, Mr Kelly said. “During these sessions, participants will delve into key aspects of organising their initial meeting to discuss next steps in management, business, property and wealth transition. Additionally, practical tools will be offered to aid in the planning process, resolve family and business conflicts and address family-related issues,” he said.

The information sessions provide a supportive environment for couples and family members to attend together. These sessions offer farmers an opportunity to step away from their farm activities and engage in collective learning experiences.

Mr Kelly said initiating proactive planning is important for ensuring a smooth business transition. “Starting succession planning early is important, as postponing the process and essential discussions can lead to conflicts due to differing individual expectations.”

The Rabo Client Council network is focussed on developing meaningful grassroots initiatives to support key themes focusing on building industry capacity, championing rural wellbeing, sustainability and strengthening the rural-urban connection.

Mr Kelly said the information sessions are intended to empower primary producers and help provide them with essential tools for achieving success.

“These sessions provide primary producers with the key tools to develop continuity plans, helping ensure the long-term success of family farming enterprises for future generations. Moreover, the positive impact extends beyond individual farms, bolstering rural and regional communities and enhancing the resilience of the local agricultural sector.”

Since launching the program in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 13 of these sessions across the country, to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to over 300 participants.

“If you’re interested in attending a session, keen to meet other progressive farming families and develop new skills, confirm your place before the sessions are fully allocated,” Mr Kelly said.

Information session details:

• Tuesday, 5 August 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Narrogin)
• Wednesday, 6 August 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Northam)
• Thursday, 7 August 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Dalwallinu)

To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
 

Rabobank Australia & New Zealand Group is a part of the international Rabobank Group, the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. Rabobank has more than 125 years’ experience providing customised banking and finance solutions to businesses involved in all aspects of food and agribusiness. Rabobank is structured as a cooperative and operates in 38 countries, servicing the needs of more than nine million clients worldwide through a network of more than 1000 offices and branches. Rabobank Australia & New Zealand Group is one of Australasia’s leading agricultural lenders and a significant provider of business and corporate banking and financial services to the region’s food and agribusiness sector. The bank has 87 branches throughout Australia and New Zealand.