Last week, around 80 guests joined us at Grove Estate in Young for Flemings Rural’s 2026 Harvesting Opportunity event.
Hosted by Skye Manson, the afternoon brought together three experienced voices to share practical perspectives on some of the opportunities and challenges facing rural businesses today.
The conversation covered everything from making the most of strong commodity conditions, to navigating succession as a family and understanding the finance available to help the next generation get started.
Making the most of strong conditions
David Sackett | Agricultural Consultant & Advisor
David shared practical advice on managing farm businesses and investments, including the opportunity to strengthen and consolidate the business during periods of strong commodity performance.
With livestock prices currently providing favourable conditions for many producers, David discussed the importance of using the good years strategically, looking beyond immediate returns and considering where investment can improve the resilience and long-term performance of the farm business.
Starting the succession conversation
Jess Cavanagh | Proagtive
Succession is rarely just a financial or legal conversation, it’s also a deeply personal one.
Jess spoke passionately about how farming families can approach succession planning, particularly the importance of starting conversations early, creating space for different perspectives and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be heard.
Her message was clear: good succession planning isn’t simply about transferring assets. It’s about creating clarity for the family and confidence in what comes next.
Finance for the next generation
John Howard | Regional Investment Corporation
John provided an overview of the finance available through the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC), including its AgriStarter Loan.
He discussed how RIC finance can support eligible farmers and the next generation as they establish, develop or take on greater ownership of a farm business, as well as some of the practical considerations for those exploring their options.
Thank you
A big thank you to David Sackett, Jess Cavanagh and John Howard for generously sharing their experience and insights, and to Skye Manson for facilitating such an engaging and practical discussion.
And, of course, thank you to our clients who joined us at Grove Estate.
Harvesting Opportunity is about creating opportunities for our rural community to come together, hear from people with valuable expertise and have conversations that can help shape stronger rural businesses.
We look forward to doing it again.
Flemings Rural