Primary producers in southern Western Australia have the opportunity to develop skills to assist with family farm succession and business transition at complimentary information sessions.<\/p>\n
Hosted by the Western Australia Rabo Client Council, the practical\u00a0Business Transition and Succession Planning\u00a0information sessions\u00a0will be held in\u00a0Esperance,\u00a0Corrigin\u00a0and\u00a0Cunderdin\u00a0in late March.<\/p>\n
This initiative has been led and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank, through its Rabo Client Councils, groups of innovative, forward-thinking farming 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.<\/p>\n
The interactive sessions \u2013 which are free of charge \u2013 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 into account differing family goals.<\/p>\n
Limited to 30 participants each and not restricted to the bank\u2019s clients, the sessions will be delivered by director of Transition Partners, Jim Benson.<\/p>\n
Rabobank state manager for Western Australia Steve Kelly said the sessions were created to help farming families plan for passing their agricultural businesses from one generation to the next, by focussing on \u201ccommunication skills to assist with conversations about business change and succession planning\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith informed decision-making and transparent communication, families can develop strategies that uphold the fundamental principles of the family farm while securing its long-term prosperity,\u201d he said. \u201cA successful farm business transition encompasses more than legal and financial considerations.\u201d<\/p>\n
The session content includes guidance on how to start the conversation about business succession, Mr Kelly said. \u201cDuring the session, 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, assist in settling family and business conflicts and address family-related issues,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Kulin West-based grain producers Sharon and Tim Barndon attended one of the Business Transition and Succession Planning sessions the bank held in WA in 2025.<\/p>\n
Mrs Barndon said the workshop provided \u201cextremely valuable information\u201d for their family.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe attended the workshop held in Narrogin last year with our son and daughter-in-law. We felt it was important for us to attend together, so we were all learning at the same time,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we had started talking about succession within our business, we knew we needed more information on the steps to take. The workshop provided clarity \u2013 it really filled in a lot of gaps for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mrs Barndon\u2019s daughter-in-law, Dani Barndon said one of the key learnings from the workshop was the importance of engaging external expertise to help in developing an appropriate plan. \u201cThe workshop set out a process that we can now follow,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Williams-based grain and livestock producer Hal Klug also attended the Rabobank workshop held in Narrogin last year\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMy wife and I attended the session with our three sons,\u201d Mr Klug said. \u201cThe biggest learnings for our family were to start discussions early, keep talking and formalise any meetings \u2013 writing down the outcomes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe appreciated the workshop facilitator was able to share case studies throughout the day, with examples of how other farming families had approached situations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Kelly said the sessions provide couples and families with an opportunity for collaborative learning and a chance to participate in group educational activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cInitiating planning at an early stage is important for facilitating a smooth business transition. Early succession planning can help minimise potential conflicts that could occur due to differing expectations if the process is delayed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Since launching the business transition and succession planning information session program in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 30 sessions across the country \u2013 to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to over 730 participants.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese sessions aim to provide producers with resources to create continuity plans that support the continued operation of their businesses for future generations. They also have broader impacts by contributing to rural and regional communities and enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector and local economy,\u201d Mr Kelly said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Kelly called on producers who are interested in attending a session, keen to meet other progressive farming families and develop new skills, to confirm their place before the sessions are fully allocated.<\/p>\n
Information session details:<\/p>\n
Tuesday, 24 March 2026 \u2013 8.00am \u2013 2.00pm (Esperance)<\/p>\n
Thursday, 26 March 2026 \u2013 8.00am \u2013 2.00pm (Corrigin)<\/p>\n
Friday, 27 March 2026 \u2013 8.00am \u2013 2.00pm (Cunderdin)<\/p>\n
To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click\u00a0Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Morning tea and lunch will be provided.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n