Rabobank Farm Management Program provides skills on farm, and off

Gaining skills to help you become a “leader in your own business” is always a worthy investment, and Michael Williams credits the Rabobank Farm Management Program (FMP) for an invaluable personal development opportunity.

Despite almost six years on the job as a Rabobank rural manager, based in Victoria’s Colac, Michael’s thirst for knowledge and upskilling remains unwavering, and his FMP experience defied all expectations.

“I had a client who was a past participant of Rabobank’s agri Executive Development Program (EDP), and spoke very highly of it, and I immediately knew that the FMP was something worth having a crack at.”

While the week-long course looked at financial management, production analysis, and understanding business growth – all of which Michael had an expert grasp on – he said the program was so much more than just financial literacy.

“My greatest take away from the week was the self-development gained, and ensuring you’re armed with the correct tools for your own wellbeing, so you can translate that into the people you work with.”

From goal setting, communication skills, public speaking, time management, insights into global and local markets and strategic business planning – he said everything in the course aimed to help participants be leaders in their own business.

“I didn’t expect the week to touch on so many different aspects at such depth, they were big days, but no stone was left unturned and we dug deep into the various, critical skills it takes to run a successful farm business.”
 

He said for any young farmers, or aspiring farm managers, the FMP was an investment into their personal development, and their business.

“There was a strong mix of skills and experience doing the program, and it’s a great foundation for young farmers or anyone looking to step up into a farm management role. Once they’ve reached that level the beauty is there’s then the Executive Development Program (EDP) to further hone their business expertise.”

The EDP is a progression from the FMP,  intended to equip primary producers with more strategic building blocks to take their business to the next level.
 

Rabo Farm Management Program helps strengthen all agricultural sectors

For Michael, who grew up nearby at Noorat and always had aspirations to pursue a career in agri banking, his newfound skills were equally as relevant for his agri banking career.

“I’ve always enjoyed numbers, and have a passion for agriculture,” he explains. “I didn’t want to sit behind a desk all day, I prefer to be out and about, and as my father before me was in agri banking, I knew first-hand it was a career that offered the best of both worlds.”

“My career also revolves around building and maintaining strong relationship, so the communication and public speaking components of FMP were very relevant for my job, and learning how to manage different personalities was really helpful.”

“Thanks to the FMP I’m now more inclined to look outside the box during client discussions, and  ask questions that challenge their thinking beyond where they want their business to be, or go – it’s prudent to ensure our clients are always thinking of different opportunities, or ways to do business more efficiently.” 
 

A meaningful career in dairy heartland

Having studied at RMIT and Marcus Oldham, Michael is right at home in his local region helping support local farmers.

With the majority of his clients dairy producers, he said it’s an exciting industry to be part of.

“Having grown up in the region it’s an area I know extremely well, and over the past six years I’ve worked with some very impressive clients and gained enormous knowledge.”

From financing new dairies or large-scale capital projects, to support through succession planning, Michael reflects that it’s a privilege to be part of his clients’ farm businesses, and that he’s buoyed that this on-farm progression reflects long-term dairy industry optimism.

“The current seasons are no doubt a bit tough, but our dairy farmers are growing and expanding as planned regardless.”

And it’s this part of his role that he enjoys most.

“In a role like mine I actually get to be on the whole journey and see the results – there’s nothing better than driving in to visit a client and seeing a finished piece of infrastructure like a new dairy, or an additional property integrated into the business – I enjoy my clients’ success just as much as they do.”