Gippsland-based farmers will have the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of family farm succession and business transition at a complimentary information session in Sale next month.
Hosted by Rabobank’s Victoria and Tasmania Rabo Client Council, the Business Transition and Succession Planning session will be held on Friday, June 19.
The free, interactive workshop will provide practical guidance on key issues affecting succession planning, including how to improve family and business communication, what makes meetings effective, and how to navigate differing family goals.
Limited to 30 participants and open to both clients and non-clients, the session will be delivered by Transition Partners director Jim Benson.
During the workshop, Mr Benson will present a range of scenarios illustrating how succession can unfold within family farming enterprises, and how differing dynamics can influence outcomes. The session is not designed to address individual family situations, but rather to provide general insights drawn from Mr Benson’s professional experience.
The Sale event forms part of a national series of Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions delivered by Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils. The councils comprise groups of farming clients who support initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience and sustainability of rural communities across Australia.
Rabo Client Council member and Traralgon-based beef producer Deanne Sykes said the sessions provide an opportunity for families to learn together and engage with others navigating similar challenges.
“It’s never too early for families to start talking about succession,” Ms Sykes said.
“Early in my farming career, I had the experience of being involved in a very successful succession process when my husband’s parents transitioned their business. We are now in the early stages of a similar process with the next generation.
“To develop a successful plan, it’s important that farming families avail themselves of the resources and knowledge that are available to them. It’s also crucial that families build a team of trusted experts around them to support them through the process.”
Since launching in 2024, the Business Transition and Succession Planning Information Session program has delivered 33 sessions nationally, reaching more than 770 participants with practical skills and tools for succession and business transition.
Ms Sykes said the Rabo Client Council network continues to focus on grassroots initiatives that build industry capacity, support rural wellbeing, promote sustainability, and strengthen rural–urban connections.
Rabobank state manager for Victoria and Tasmania, Sally Bull, said the Sale session has been designed to help farming families better prepare for the intergenerational transfer of agricultural businesses.
“The main aim is to help people communicate better, so it’s simpler to have effective discussions about business succession and transition planning,” Ms Bull said.
“Open communication and informed choices help families develop strategies that maintain the core values of their farming enterprise and support long-term success. Effective farm transitions require more than legal or financial planning alone.”
Ms Bull said the session will also explore how to initiate conversations around succession planning and how to structure early meetings involving management, business, property and wealth transition discussions.
“Participants will also be introduced to practical tools to assist with planning, help manage conflict, and address family-related issues that can arise during the process,” she said.
Farmers interested in attending are encouraged to register early, with places limited to 30 participants.
The session will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 8.30am for a 9am start until 2pm in Sale.
