From our sponsors: Local event strengthens farm succession planning skills

Port Lincoln session helps farm families strengthen succession planning skills

Eyre Peninsula farmers recently attended a Business Transition and Succession Planning information session in Port Lincoln, hosted by Rabobank’s South Australian Rabo Client Council.

The session helped local farmers build their understanding of family farm succession and business transition. The program covered practical topics including why family and business communication can be challenging, how to improve it, what makes meetings effective and how to consider differing family goals.

Rabo Client Council member and Eyre Peninsula-based grain grower Ben Ranford, said the workshop identified the need for respectful communication between all stakeholders, with clear roles of engagement.

“There can be very different visions and expectations for the future of the business – logical listening and speaking can ensure all views are heard” – Ben Ranford.

“It’s not realistic to expect that everyone will get everything that they want from a successful business transition. But a successful plan ultimately means that relationships can be tested and sustained, and the farm business has a clear path. That is a positive achievement, and people can move on with their lives.”

“Many of the attending local farming families spoke about how big and complex an issue succession is to their families and businesses. With many saying they are overwhelmed by it and that the Port Lincoln workshop has provided a positive framework they can use – starting with the planning and understanding the key elements involved,” he said.

Mr Ranford said that since the Business Transition and Succession Planning Information Session program began in 2024, Rabo Client Councils have delivered 34 sessions nationwide, providing succession and business transition skills and tools to more than 800 participants.

He said the Rabo Client Council network develops meaningful grassroots initiatives that build industry capacity and agricultural education, support rural wellbeing and strengthen rural-urban connections.

Transition Partners director Jim Benson led the Port Lincoln session, outlining different succession scenarios for family farming enterprises and how issues can emerge as dynamics change.

Caption (LtoR): Rabo Client Council member and Eyre Peninsula-based grain grower Ben Ranford, with session facilitator, Director of Transition Partners, Jim Benson and Rabobank area manager Matthew Goodwin.