Free succession planning events run in three towns in August
Primary producers in southern NSW can attend free succession planning sessions in Canowindra, Young and Wagga Wagga in mid-August 2026, with each event capped at 30 participants.
Rabobank’s NSW Rabo Client Council is hosting the Business Transition and Succession Planning sessions, and the events are open to farming families beyond the bank’s own clients.
Director of Transition Partners Jim Benson will lead the interactive sessions and use first-hand experience to explain how succession can work in a family enterprise.
Participants will cover why family and business communication can be difficult, how to improve it, what makes a meeting work and how to account for different family goals.
According to Rabobank, the sessions are for information sharing rather than advice on family-specific disputes, while Benson will also outline how problems can arise when different family dynamics shape a farm business.
The Canowindra session will run on Wednesday, 12th August 2026, Young will follow on Thursday, 13th August 2026, and Wagga Wagga on Friday, 14th August 2026. Each event runs from 8.00am to 2.00pm.
Meanwhile, the three southern NSW dates form part of a national series of Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions led and funded by Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils.
Rabobank describes the councils as groups of innovative farming clients who support activities aimed at the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.
Nick Austin backs early planning
Mundarlo livestock producer and Rabo Client Council member Nick Austin said the sessions give couples and families a chance to learn together and discuss succession planning with other farming families.
Austin said he once saw succession as something to discuss late in a farming career, when one generation was nearing retirement, but he now argues families should start those talks as early as possible.
“Addressing the subject early is a key element to a smooth business transition, and can reduce conflict caused by differing expectations and help avoid issues that may arise if planning is left too late,” Austin said.
He also said families should not treat succession as only a division of assets, because he views it as a chance for business growth, sustainability and continuity.
Rabobank said the councils are made up of farming clients who want to make a difference in their communities, and the southern NSW events are part of that wider work.
Since the programme launched in 2024, Rabobank reported 34 Business Transition and Succession Planning Information Session events and more than 800 participants across Australia.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided at the southern NSW sessions, and places will remain limited because each venue can take only 30 participants.
