West Otago Farmer Luke Kane Wins Rabobank 2026 Prize
West Otago dairy farmer Luke Kane has been awarded the 2026 Rabobank Dr John Morris Business Development Prize.
Part of Rabobank’s Business Management Programmes developed specifically for primary producers from across New Zealand and Australia, these programmes are designed for producers looking to take their business and leadership to the next level.
“These programmes allow [producers] the opportunity to take a step back from the day-to-day operational side of their businesses and spend time developing strategies to ensure that their operations remain resilient into the future,” explains Rabobank general manager for country banking Bruce Weir.
“At the same time, they provide participants with networking opportunities with like-minded primary producers from different sectors across the two countries.
“In many cases, relationships started on the programmes continue far beyond the completion of the course. Previous participants tell us these ongoing relationships are a key benefit of the course and we help to foster these via our regular Business Management Programme alumni events across New Zealand and Australia.”
The FMP is suitable for up-and-coming farmers looking to enhance their decision-making capabilities, while the EDP caters for experienced business owners or senior managers.
Weir said this year’s FMP will be run in Victoria’s Yarra Valley from June 15 to 20, providing a forum for farmers from across a range of agricultural sectors to find out what is working for them in their farming roles.
Confirmed presenters for the FMP include former AFL player and rural health advocate Brett Burton and former Executive Dean of Business and Law at Southern Cross University, Dr Robin Stonecash.
Weir says for the third year running the line-up of FMP presenters would include Kate Scott, recently-appointed Horticulture New Zealand CEO.
“We’re excited to have her involved again this year to provide insights into the New Zealand sustainability story, sharing practical advice on sustainable farm-business planning.
“The programme will help participants enhance their leadership and operational skills to prepare themselves for future management roles, and includes sessions on topics including communication and influencing skills, conflict management, sustainable farm business planning, financial management and managing people.”
The EDP, aimed at building participants’ planning capabilities and commercial management skills, runs as two one-week long residential modules approximately a year apart.
To be held at Macquarie University in Sydney, the first module of the EDP will run from August 24 to 29 with the second scheduled for late July 2026.
Key topics covered on the programme include formulation and implementation of long-term strategy, applying effective economic rationale to goal setting and decision making and effective leadership skills.
Between the first and second modules of the programme, participants will be tasked with developing a management project which explores opportunities to make improvements within their own farming operation.
“This element of the programme gives participants an opportunity to immediately apply the skills and knowledge from the first EDP module,” explains Weir.
“Over the years, we’ve had some fantastic ideas outlined in these projects which have resulted in significant positive benefits for our participants’ farming businesses.”
Over the past 25 years, more than 1,400 primary producers from both sides of the Tasman have participated in the Business Management Programmes. Applications for the FMP and EDP close on Monday, March 31.
