Primary producers in the Brisbane Valley have the opportunity to develop skills to assist with family farm succession and business transition at complimentary information sessions.

Hosted by the Southern Queensland Rabo Client Council, the practical Business Transition and Succession Planning information session will be held in Esk in early October.

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 session – which is free of charge – offers 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 session – which will be limited to 30 participants and is not restricted to the bank’s clients – will be presented by content and facilitator partner, Transition Partners director Jim Benson.

Rabobank’s state manager for Queensland Polly Saraiva said the session encourages proactive planning by farming families as they prepare for generational transitions within their agricultural businesses.

Ms Saraiva said the Rabobank session “aimed to help develop effective communication skills necessary to support farming families as they navigate the complexities of business change and succession”.

“With access to information and transparent communication, families are better equipped to formulate plans and strategies that uphold the fundamental values of the family farm and promote its long-term sustainability,” she said. “A successful transition of a farm business extends beyond merely addressing legal and financial considerations.”

The session content includes guidance on how to start the conversation about business succession, Ms Saraiva said. “During this 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,” she said.

Ms Saraiva said initiating early planning helped support a smooth business transition. “Starting succession planning early may help avoid conflicts resulting from differing individual expectations if the process and discussions are postponed,” she said.

Mr Saraiva said the information sessions were designed to provide a supportive setting for couples and families to learn together.

Since launching the program in 2024, the Rabo Client Councils have delivered 25 sessions across the country – to date providing family farm succession and business transition skills and tools to 650 participants.

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.

Ms Saraiva said the Business Transition and Succession Planning information sessions were designed to provide primary producers with practical resources to assist them in their planning efforts.

“The sessions equip producers with resources to formulate transition plans designed to promote the long-term stability of family farming enterprises,” she said. “Additionally, these efforts positively influence rural and regional communities and economies by enhancing the resilience of the local agricultural sector.

“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.”.

Information session details:

Wednesday, 8 October 2025 – 8.30am – 2.00pm (Esk)

To register to participate, visit the Rabobank website or click Succession Sessions: Business Transition & Succession Planning 

Morning tea and lunch will be provided.