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&nbsp;Business Transition and Succession Planning&nbsp;information sessions&nbsp;will be held in&nbsp;Narrogin,&nbsp;Northam&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dalwallinu&nbsp;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 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.

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

To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click&nbsp;<a href="https://rabobankaunz.eventsair.com/succession-sessions/register/Site/Register" target="_blank">Succession Sessions: Business Transition &amp; Succession Planning</a><a href="https://rabobankaunz.eventsair.com/au-succession-family-communication-workshops/successionsessions/Site/Register" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>

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&nbsp;Business Transition and Succession Planning&nbsp;information sessions&nbsp;will be held in&nbsp;Narrogin,&nbsp;Northam&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dalwallinu&nbsp;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 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 (Tamworth)Thursday, 7 August 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Dalwallinu)To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click&nbsp;<a href="https://rabobankaunz.eventsair.com/succession-sessions/register/Site/Register" target="_blank">Succession Sessions: Business Transition &amp; Succession Planning</a><a href="https://rabobankaunz.eventsair.com/au-succession-family-communication-workshops/successionsessions/Site/Register" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>Morning tea and lunch will be provided.

Agriculture / Forestry / Fisheries

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

Rabobank has announced a package of support measures that will be made available to farming clients dealing with the impacts of devastating floods along the NSW Mid North Coast.

Rabobank state manager for NSW Toby Mendl&nbsp;said the specialist agribusiness bank has a range of measures in place to support clients dealing with the “record-breaking floods” across the region.

He said this support would be extended to other parts of NSW, as needed, where flooding and localised intense rainfall is impacting other areas within the state.

Mr Mendl said the record-breaking rainfall had generated massive flooding in Mid North Coast rivers, with agricultural producers facing lost produce – chiefly milk, given restricted farm access – livestock losses and damage to farm infrastructure, fencing, pasture and crops.

“It is too early for many farmers to account for the full extent of the damage,” he said. “As farmers start the task of recovery and rebuilding from the floods in the coming weeks, the full scale of the damage will become clearer.”

“Livestock welfare is a key concern for farmers and the high-water levels are delaying farmers accounting for livestock,” Mr Mendl said. “Many rivers are still too high for farmers and support personnel to be able to access paddocks and assess stock and their condition.”

Mr Mendl said many farmers across the region have been isolated on their properties, experienced water through their homes and farm buildings and had non-fixed assets carried away by floodwaters.

“The challenge, particularly for dairy and beef farmers, in the flood-impacted areas will be sourcing fodder for their stock, as flood-damaged pastures will be slow to recover through the winter months,” he said.

Mr Mendl said additional concerns for farmers include potential damage, or loss of access, to road networks – which could affect the movement of goods into and out of the region and are critical to the local dairy sector.

Mr Mendl said while the full impacts on agricultural operations and production in the region wouldn’t be known until flood waters fully subside, Rabobank’s staff had been making contact with clients to determine how the bank could provide support.

He said the bank would work directly with individual clients whose farms or agribusinesses have been affected to provide support and offer a range of assistance measures in applicable circumstances.

‘carry on’ finance to keep viable operations running,waiver of break costs on early redemption of Farm Management Deposits to allow access to needed funds,deferral of scheduled loan payments andwaiver of fees on loan increases necessary for rebuilding operations.

Mr Mendl said Rabobank’s (All in One) rural loans were also specifically designed for farmers to provide financial flexibility to manage through times of difficulty by having the option to choose whether a repayment has the effect of reducing the loan limit and the option to apply for a fixed interest option over the whole or part of the facility.

“They are flexible, generally interest-only facilities, which allow agricultural operators to opt to pay principal reductions when they choose, which is of particular benefit in times of reduced cash flow due to adverse circumstances, such as floods,” he said.

Mr Mendl said while the bank’s rural managers were reaching out to clients in affected regions, he encouraged impacted clients to contact Rabobank where assistance was needed by contacting their local branch or phoning the bank on&nbsp;<a href="tel:1800025484" target="_blank">1800 025 484</a>.

Rabobank has announced a package of support measures that will be made available to farming clients dealing with the impacts of devastating floods along the NSW Mid North Coast.Rabobank state manager for NSW Toby Mendl&nbsp;said the specialist agribusiness bank has a range of measures in place to support clients dealing with the “record-breaking floods” across the region.He said this support would be extended to other parts of NSW, as needed, where flooding and localised intense rainfall is impacting other areas within the state.Mr Mendl said the record-breaking rainfall had generated massive flooding in Mid North Coast rivers, with agricultural producers facing lost produce – chiefly milk, given restricted farm access – livestock losses and damage to farm infrastructure, fencing, pasture and crops.“It is too early for many farmers to account for the full extent of the damage,” he said. “As farmers start the task of recovery and rebuilding from the floods in the coming weeks, the full scale of the damage will become clearer.”“Livestock welfare is a key concern for farmers and the high-water levels are delaying farmers accounting for livestock,” Mr Mendl said. “Many rivers are still too high for farmers and support personnel to be able to access paddocks and assess stock and their condition.”Mr Mendl said many farmers across the region have been isolated on their properties, experienced water through their homes and farm buildings and had non-fixed assets carried away by floodwaters.“The challenge, particularly for dairy and beef farmers, in the flood-impacted areas will be sourcing fodder for their stock, as flood-damaged pastures will be slow to recover through the winter months,” he said.Mr Mendl said additional concerns for farmers include potential damage, or loss of access, to road networks – which could affect the movement of goods into and out of the region and are critical to the local dairy sector.Mr Mendl said while the full impacts on agricultural operations and production in the region wouldn’t be known until flood waters fully subside, Rabobank’s staff had been making contact with clients to determine how the bank could provide support.He said the bank would work directly with individual clients whose farms or agribusinesses have been affected to provide support and offer a range of assistance measures in applicable circumstances.These included:‘carry on’ finance to keep viable operations running,waiver of break costs on early redemption of Farm Management Deposits to allow access to needed funds,deferral of scheduled loan payments andwaiver of fees on loan increases necessary for rebuilding operations.Mr Mendl said Rabobank’s (All in One) rural loans were also specifically designed for farmers to provide financial flexibility to manage through times of difficulty by having the option to choose whether a repayment has the effect of reducing the loan limit and the option to apply for a fixed interest option over the whole or part of the facility.“They are flexible, generally interest-only facilities, which allow agricultural operators to opt to pay principal reductions when they choose, which is of particular benefit in times of reduced cash flow due to adverse circumstances, such as floods,” he said.Mr Mendl said while the bank’s rural managers were reaching out to clients in affected regions, he encouraged impacted clients to contact Rabobank where assistance was needed by contacting their local branch or phoning the bank on&nbsp;<a href="tel:1800025484" target="_blank">1800 025 484</a>.

Banks / Credit unions

Rabobank announces support for farming clients affected by NSW Mid North Coast floods

Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils have partnered with rural training provider AgriFocused to deliver farm business skills for primary producers in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.

The practical&nbsp;online&nbsp;<a target="_blank">Farm Office Plus&nbsp;</a>program provides tools to improve management of the “office side” of farming businesses.

The hands-on training aims to assist with establishing easy record-keeping systems, streamlining bill payment and bookkeeping, reduce accounting fees, minimise filing time and develop time management skills.

The initiative has been spearheaded and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils, a&nbsp;group of innovative, forward-thinking clients who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and who support initiatives with&nbsp;the goal of making a meaningful impact on the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.

Through the support of the NSW and Victoria and Tasmania Rabo Client Councils, farm businesses can sign up for Farm Office Plus training at a discounted price. Course participants do not have to be Rabobank clients. The discounted positions are limited to 160 and will be distributed in order of registration.

Rabobank’s NSW Client Council member and Gunning-based sheep and cattle producer Lucy Knight said there is a “need and thirst” amongst farmers to build office administration skills.

“Many farming businesses are becoming larger, more complex and operating with fewer staff – managing the farm office is not immune from these pressures – farmers are looking for ways to streamline administrative processes,” Mrs Knight said.

The Farm Office Plus training is designed for people who may have been “battling in the office for a while” and looking for an opportunity to upskill, she said.

Mrs Knight said the training aims to enhance farmers’ “non-paddock skills” and boost their confidence in managing their farm office.

The training will be delivered by AgriFocused founder Carmen Quade. Ms Quade has worked as a university lecturer in accounting and agribusiness, as well as having experience in local government, focused on economic and community development and corporate governance. Together with her husband and family members, Ms Quade is a partner in a mixed farming business at Tallimba, in the Northern Riverina.

Ms Quade said the administrative requirements of running a farming business have grown exponentially.

“Staying on top of finances, managing the email load and fulfilling record keeping requirements can take a lot of time, often impacting on farm operations and family life,” she said. “Efficient and effective systems and a better understanding of tech solutions can win back hours. And timely information can lead to less stress and better decisions.”

Rabobank state manager for NSW Toby Mendl said Rabobank’s Client Councils are helping rural communities flourish.

“Alongside local Client Council members, we engage in listening and learning about the key issues that matter most to our clients, communities and the broader food and agriculture industry,” he said.

Rabobank’s 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.

<a target="_blank">Mr Mendl said the AgriFocused training is “empowering farmers by providing the tools and systems that help with the growing complexity of the administrative tasks associated with farming businesses. Ultimately, this allows them to make timely decisions, spend more time in the paddock and allocate more time on other aspects of their business”.</a>

Farm businesses based in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania can sign up for the Farm Office Plus training and receive a $200 discount. This offer is available until March 2026 or until supported positions are filled.

To find out more about the program, click&nbsp;<a href="https://agrifocused.com.au/rabobankfarmofficeplus/" target="_blank">here</a>

Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils have partnered with rural training provider AgriFocused to deliver farm business skills for primary producers in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.The practical&nbsp;online&nbsp;<a target="_blank">Farm Office Plus&nbsp;</a>program provides tools to improve management of the “office side” of farming businesses.The hands-on training aims to assist with establishing easy record-keeping systems, streamlining bill payment and bookkeeping, reduce accounting fees, minimise filing time and develop time management skills.The initiative has been spearheaded and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils, a&nbsp;group of innovative, forward-thinking clients who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and who support initiatives with&nbsp;the goal of making a meaningful impact on the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.Through the support of the NSW and Victoria and Tasmania Rabo Client Councils, farm businesses can sign up for Farm Office Plus training at a discounted price. Course participants do not have to be Rabobank clients. The discounted positions are limited to 160 and will be distributed in order of registration.Rabobank’s NSW Client Council member and Gunning-based sheep and cattle producer Lucy Knight said there is a “need and thirst” amongst farmers to build office administration skills.“Many farming businesses are becoming larger, more complex and operating with fewer staff – managing the farm office is not immune from these pressures – farmers are looking for ways to streamline administrative processes,” Mrs Knight said.The Farm Office Plus training is designed for people who may have been “battling in the office for a while” and looking for an opportunity to upskill, she said.Mrs Knight said the training aims to enhance farmers’ “non-paddock skills” and boost their confidence in managing their farm office.The training will be delivered by AgriFocused founder Carmen Quade. Ms Quade has worked as a university lecturer in accounting and agribusiness, as well as having experience in local government, focused on economic and community development and corporate governance. Together with her husband and family members, Ms Quade is a partner in a mixed farming business at Tallimba, in the Northern Riverina.Ms Quade said the administrative requirements of running a farming business have grown exponentially.“Staying on top of finances, managing the email load and fulfilling record keeping requirements can take a lot of time, often impacting on farm operations and family life,” she said. “Efficient and effective systems and a better understanding of tech solutions can win back hours. And timely information can lead to less stress and better decisions.”Rabobank state manager for NSW Toby Mendl said Rabobank’s Client Councils are helping rural communities flourish.“Alongside local Client Council members, we engage in listening and learning about the key issues that matter most to our clients, communities and the broader food and agriculture industry,” he said.Rabobank’s 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.<a target="_blank">Mr Mendl said the AgriFocused training is “empowering farmers by providing the tools and systems that help with the growing complexity of the administrative tasks associated with farming businesses. Ultimately, this allows them to make timely decisions, spend more time in the paddock and allocate more time on other aspects of their business”.</a>Farm businesses based in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania can sign up for the Farm Office Plus training and receive a $200 discount. This offer is available until March 2026 or until supported positions are filled.To find out more about the program, click&nbsp;<a href="https://agrifocused.com.au/rabobankfarmofficeplus/" target="_blank">here</a>

Rabobank’s Client Councils partner with AgriFocused to help farmers hone agribusiness administrative skills

Agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank has advised of a range of support measures that will be offered to its farming clients adversely impacted by floods and extreme rainfall in northern Queensland.

Rabobank acting state manager for Queensland, Brad James said that while the situation is still evolving and the full impact of the floods and prolonged heavy rainfall on agriculture will take time to assess – affected primary producers are already dealing with damage to crops, pastures, livestock and infrastructure, including sheds and fencing.

Mr James said, “it is very early days”, with flood water still extremely high in some of those impacted regions.

“The current priority is on the safety and wellbeing of people in affected districts as well as addressing concerns about loss of homes and businesses. As people start the monumental task of recovery and rebuilding from the devastating floods in the coming weeks, the full extent of the damage will become clearer,” he said.

For the agricultural sector, Mr James said, there would be significant concern among producers regarding the loss of crops, pasture and topsoil as well as the impact on livestock and damage to stored inputs and machinery. Additional concerns include potential damage, or loss of access, to road and rail networks – which could affect the movement of goods into and out of the region.

“This flood disaster is among the worst in northern Queensland’s recent history and agriculture has undoubtedly borne a significant portion of the damage. However, I want to reassure affected clients that, as a bank focused on agriculture, Rabobank considers it a normal part of our business to support primary producers affected by weather conditions – even extreme events like these,” he said.

“This is as we have done following previous floods and other severe climatic conditions – to ensure our clients are well-positioned to rebuild production and financial positions when conditions improve.”

Mr James said as a global specialist in agribusiness, Rabobank took a long-term view on its clients’ businesses and understood dealing with periods of extreme weather was part of being in the agricultural sector.

“It is our standard practice to support our clients during adverse conditions beyond their control, working with them individually to address these challenges,” he said.

Mr James said Rabobank’s staff would be contacting farming clients in impacted areas to offer support and assess the extent of any damage they have sustained.

He said the bank would work directly with individual clients whose farms or agribusinesses had been affected to provide support and offer a range of assistance measures in applicable circumstances.

Any farming clients who had been adversely impacted by the floods and had not yet spoken to the bank should contact their local branch or phone Rabobank on 1800 025 484.

Agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank has advised of a range of support measures that will be offered to its farming clients adversely impacted by floods and extreme rainfall in northern Queensland.Rabobank acting state manager for Queensland, Brad James said that while the situation is still evolving and the full impact of the floods and prolonged heavy rainfall on agriculture will take time to assess – affected primary producers are already dealing with damage to crops, pastures, livestock and infrastructure, including sheds and fencing.Mr James said, “it is very early days”, with flood water still extremely high in some of those impacted regions.“The current priority is on the safety and wellbeing of people in affected districts as well as addressing concerns about loss of homes and businesses. As people start the monumental task of recovery and rebuilding from the devastating floods in the coming weeks, the full extent of the damage will become clearer,” he said.For the agricultural sector, Mr James said, there would be significant concern among producers regarding the loss of crops, pasture and topsoil as well as the impact on livestock and damage to stored inputs and machinery. Additional concerns include potential damage, or loss of access, to road and rail networks – which could affect the movement of goods into and out of the region.“This flood disaster is among the worst in northern Queensland’s recent history and agriculture has undoubtedly borne a significant portion of the damage. However, I want to reassure affected clients that, as a bank focused on agriculture, Rabobank considers it a normal part of our business to support primary producers affected by weather conditions – even extreme events like these,” he said.“This is as we have done following previous floods and other severe climatic conditions – to ensure our clients are well-positioned to rebuild production and financial positions when conditions improve.”Mr James said as a global specialist in agribusiness, Rabobank took a long-term view on its clients’ businesses and understood dealing with periods of extreme weather was part of being in the agricultural sector.“It is our standard practice to support our clients during adverse conditions beyond their control, working with them individually to address these challenges,” he said.Mr James said Rabobank’s staff would be contacting farming clients in impacted areas to offer support and assess the extent of any damage they have sustained.He said the bank would work directly with individual clients whose farms or agribusinesses had been affected to provide support and offer a range of assistance measures in applicable circumstances.These included:‘carry on’ finance to keep viable operations running,waiver of break costs on early redemption of Farm Management Deposits to allow access to needed funds,deferral of scheduled loan payments andwaiver of fees on loan increases necessary for rebuilding operations.Any farming clients who had been adversely impacted by the floods and had not yet spoken to the bank should contact their local branch or phone Rabobank on 1800 025 484.

Welfare / Nursing / Rehabilitation

Credit card / Loan

Rabobank support measures for farmers affected by north Queensland floods

Applications for the 2025 intake of Rabobank’s Business Management Programs – the&nbsp;Farm Managers Program&nbsp;(FMP) and the&nbsp;Executive Development Program&nbsp;(EDP) – are now open.

Designed for farmers at various career stages, the two available programs – the Executive Development Program for farm business owners or senior managers and the Farm Managers Program for emerging farmers – aim to provide participants with the latest insights in business management.

Announcing the opening of applications for 2025, Rabobank regional manager Australia and New Zealand Mark Wiessing said more than 1400 primary producers from both sides of the Tasman had participated in the Business Management Programs across the past 25 years.

“The programs are incredibly valuable for primary producers as they allow the opportunity to take a step back from the day-to-day operational side of their businesses and spend time developing strategies to help ensure that their operations remain resilient into the future,” he said.

“The programs also provide participants with networking opportunities with like-minded primary producers from different sectors across the two countries and, in many cases, relationships started on the programs continue far beyond the completion of the course. Previous participants tell us these ongoing relationships are a key benefit of the course and we help to foster these via our regular Business Management Program alumni events across Australia and New Zealand.”

Mr Wiessing said Rabobank’s long-term support of the Business Management Programs, was aimed at assisting farmers to grow and build resilience. “And in this way, the bank also contributes to strengthening rural communities – with rural and regional communities benefiting from a financially-healthy local agricultural sector,” he said.

Mr Wiessing said this year’s FMP program – for young and emerging farmers – will be run in Victoria’s Yarra Valley from June 15 to 20 this year.

“The FMP provides a forum for farmers from across a range of agricultural sectors to find out what is working for them in their farming roles,” he said.

“The program will help participants enhance their leadership and operational skills to prepare themselves for future management roles, and includes sessions on topics including communication and influencing skills, conflict management, sustainable farm business planning, financial management and managing people.”

Mr Wiessing said the Executive Development Program, which runs as two one-week long residential modules approximately a year apart, will be held at Macquarie University in Sydney, with the first module running from August 24 to 29 this year and the second scheduled for late July 2026.

“The EDP helps participants build strategic planning capabilities and commercial management skills to help drive business growth,” he said.

“Key topics covered on the program include formulation and implementation of long-term strategy, applying effective economic rationale to goal setting and decision making, and effective leadership skills.

“Between the first and second modules of the program, participants are also tasked with developing a management project which explores opportunities to make improvements within their own farming operation.

“This element of the program gives participants an opportunity to immediately apply the skills and knowledge from the first EDP module and, over the years, we’ve had some fantastic ideas outlined in these projects which have resulted in significant positive benefits for our participants’ farming businesses.”

EDP alumni and winner of the 2024 Dr John Morris Business Development Prize – a prestigious trans-Tasman business prize awarded annually as part of the program – Stuart Tait believes the course was exactly what he needed to continue to develop his career and management skills.

“I applied for the Executive Development Program with the aim of developing a strategic plan for the next 10 to 15 years for our beef-cattle breeding and trading, and dryland winter cropping business, and to learn how to identify and analyse various opportunities which may present themselves,” he said.

Mr Tait, based near Mandurama on the NSW Central Tablelands, said the course allowed him to remove himself from the day-to-day workings of the business and to gain an arm’s length view of the enterprises and where they are heading.

“The EDP was very well organised and structured, each and every session was well aimed to complete the strategic puzzle for a modern farming business,” he said.

“The course provided the tools to really break down the intimidating goal of creating a strategic plan into simple and actionable tasks,” he said. “It was a positive environment to be involved in, with over 30 successful and progressive farmers to learn from.

“I have already recommended the course to several friends and would certainly recommend it to anyone looking to take their farm leadership and management skills to the next level.”

With numbers on each course limited to maintain group dynamics, positions on the programs are set to be highly contested, with farmers selected to attend from a wide range of commodities and geographical regions across Australia and New Zealand.

Applications for the FMP and EDP close on Monday, March 31. Further information and applications can be found on the Rabobank website, or at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rabobank.com.au/agribusiness/business-management-programs" target="_blank">Business Management Programs</a>.

Applications for the 2025 intake of Rabobank’s Business Management Programs – the&nbsp;Farm Managers Program&nbsp;(FMP) and the&nbsp;Executive Development Program&nbsp;(EDP) – are now open.Designed for farmers at various career stages, the two available programs – the Executive Development Program for farm business owners or senior managers and the Farm Managers Program for emerging farmers – aim to provide participants with the latest insights in business management.Announcing the opening of applications for 2025, Rabobank regional manager Australia and New Zealand Mark Wiessing said more than 1400 primary producers from both sides of the Tasman had participated in the Business Management Programs across the past 25 years.“The programs are incredibly valuable for primary producers as they allow the opportunity to take a step back from the day-to-day operational side of their businesses and spend time developing strategies to help ensure that their operations remain resilient into the future,” he said.“The programs also provide participants with networking opportunities with like-minded primary producers from different sectors across the two countries and, in many cases, relationships started on the programs continue far beyond the completion of the course. Previous participants tell us these ongoing relationships are a key benefit of the course and we help to foster these via our regular Business Management Program alumni events across Australia and New Zealand.”Mr Wiessing said Rabobank’s long-term support of the Business Management Programs, was aimed at assisting farmers to grow and build resilience. “And in this way, the bank also contributes to strengthening rural communities – with rural and regional communities benefiting from a financially-healthy local agricultural sector,” he said.Mr Wiessing said this year’s FMP program – for young and emerging farmers – will be run in Victoria’s Yarra Valley from June 15 to 20 this year.“The FMP provides a forum for farmers from across a range of agricultural sectors to find out what is working for them in their farming roles,” he said.“The program will help participants enhance their leadership and operational skills to prepare themselves for future management roles, and includes sessions on topics including communication and influencing skills, conflict management, sustainable farm business planning, financial management and managing people.”Mr Wiessing said the Executive Development Program, which runs as two one-week long residential modules approximately a year apart, will be held at Macquarie University in Sydney, with the first module running from August 24 to 29 this year and the second scheduled for late July 2026.“The EDP helps participants build strategic planning capabilities and commercial management skills to help drive business growth,” he said.“Key topics covered on the program include formulation and implementation of long-term strategy, applying effective economic rationale to goal setting and decision making, and effective leadership skills.“Between the first and second modules of the program, participants are also tasked with developing a management project which explores opportunities to make improvements within their own farming operation.“This element of the program gives participants an opportunity to immediately apply the skills and knowledge from the first EDP module and, over the years, we’ve had some fantastic ideas outlined in these projects which have resulted in significant positive benefits for our participants’ farming businesses.”EDP alumni and winner of the 2024 Dr John Morris Business Development Prize – a prestigious trans-Tasman business prize awarded annually as part of the program – Stuart Tait believes the course was exactly what he needed to continue to develop his career and management skills.“I applied for the Executive Development Program with the aim of developing a strategic plan for the next 10 to 15 years for our beef-cattle breeding and trading, and dryland winter cropping business, and to learn how to identify and analyse various opportunities which may present themselves,” he said.Mr Tait, based near Mandurama on the NSW Central Tablelands, said the course allowed him to remove himself from the day-to-day workings of the business and to gain an arm’s length view of the enterprises and where they are heading.“The EDP was very well organised and structured, each and every session was well aimed to complete the strategic puzzle for a modern farming business,” he said.“The course provided the tools to really break down the intimidating goal of creating a strategic plan into simple and actionable tasks,” he said. “It was a positive environment to be involved in, with over 30 successful and progressive farmers to learn from.“I have already recommended the course to several friends and would certainly recommend it to anyone looking to take their farm leadership and management skills to the next level.”With numbers on each course limited to maintain group dynamics, positions on the programs are set to be highly contested, with farmers selected to attend from a wide range of commodities and geographical regions across Australia and New Zealand.Applications for the FMP and EDP close on Monday, March 31. Further information and applications can be found on the Rabobank website, or at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rabobank.com.au/agribusiness/business-management-programs" target="_blank">Business Management Programs</a>.