The TNQ Drought Hub and hub Node Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) held a workshop on 21st February in Emerald, bringing together 25 producers and land managers to discuss Agricultural Succession and Future Proofing. The workshop was delivered by succession industry expert Scott Patterson from Alternate Strategies.

Mr Patterson urged participants to embrace succession planning as an opportunity for success rather than a future problem.

“Succession planning helps to ensure a smooth transition of any business, including agricultural businesses, so that the business continues to grow and prosper in the longer term,” said Mr Patterson.

“We’ve all heard the adage that if you ‘fail to plan, you plan to fail.’ This might be an old, hackneyed saying, but it rings true for all businesses, particularly those in the agricultural industry.”

Participants also engaged in one-on-one appointments with Mr Patterson to discuss their own personal succession planning process and identify steps crucial for success and goal-setting in their agricultural enterprises.

Recognising the importance of comprehensive support, the workshop included several other presentations to ensure producers were aware of the assistance available through the Royal Flying Doctor Service, QRIDA and the Rural Financial Counselling Services and how to access that assistance before and during challenging times.

Dr Jane Oorschot, TNQ Drought Hub Building Human Capacity (BHC) Program Lead also provided insights into the overall BHC Program and purpose of the hub. Additionally, FBA Drought Resilience Coordinator, Vicki Horstman provided an overview of their current and upcoming initiatives, contributing to the collective effort to build regional resilience.