Strong family relationships form the backbone of any successful family farming business. But how do you address the issue of transition in ownership without conflict and disagreement?

Succession and preparing for the transition of management to the next generation is an integral part of good business planning.

Watershed Landcare will be hosting a webinar with Isobel Knight, 'Succession Planning and You: How Women Can Be Leaders’, to give women in our region an introduction to this challenging but important topic.

“Succession involves far more than just the transfer of assets when the business owners either retire or pass away.” said Isobel.

It's an evolving process which provides clarity on the future direction of the business, security for each family member for the future and a smooth transition down the generations. This requires skills in strategic planning, risk management and, above all, good communication.

Isobel Knight is a succession planning specialist who has worked closely with more than 400 individual farming families. Isobel has trained in law, business and psychology and is the recipient of the 2013 NSW-ACT RIRDC Rural Women's Award.

Her remarkable level of training and experience sets Isobel apart from anyone else in the field of succession planning.

“I believe good operators in agriculture prepare their businesses for the future and view succession planning as a beginning not an end.” said Isobel.

The webinar with Isobel Knight will be held on Wednesday 18 February.

The webinar is a part of Watershed Landcare's 2015 Women in Agriculture project, a professional development programme for women working in agriculture and ag-related trades in our region.

Would you like to join other rural women taking part in Women in Agriculture program, to hear more about this and other important topics?

For more information or to register contact Agness Knapik, Watershed Landcare Coordinator, on 0435 055 493 or email info@watershedlandcare.com.au.

This project is supported by Watershed Landcare through funding from the Central West Local Land Services and the Australian Government's 25th Anniversary Landcare Grants.