THROUGHOUT the process of delivering Our Farm Our Plan in Gippsland, GippsDairy Extension Advisor Kim Price realised the need for more information to be readily available to dairy farmers in Gippsland about succession planning.
“Statistics would show less than 20% of Gippsland dairy farms have clear succession plans, and this tells me we need to get better at this. It’s a driving factor to make days like this happen,” said Kim.
Kim joined forces with Colin Wright, Principal and Agri team leader with Phillipsons Agri Group, and Matt Harms from ONFARM Consulting to put together a workshop that would start to help farmers along the succession path.
Matt began the day with some basic ground rules for succession planning. “First rule - there are no rules! Every situation, every family, every set of assets and every family’s circumstances are unique, so what works well for one may not for another,” he said.
“Have your trusted team, and work with them to find the options or pathways that work best for you and your family. Keep the communication lines open and respectful.”
The Wednesday event was attended by almost 40 progressive dairy farmers, engaging in succession discussions in an open forum at the RACV Inverloch Resort.
The day featured a farmer discussion panel - Benn Thexton and the Loughridge family including Bill, Faye, Jodi, and Brett. The Loughridges spoke about their progress with their succession plan. Benn spoke about the opportunities he had been provided by his parents, and how that helped them achieve where they are today.
For information on how to start your succession planning contact Matt Harms info@onfarmconsulting.com.au or Colin Wright colin.wright@phillipsons.com.au
