Case Study

Succession Planning Research

Introduction

The Department of Primary Industries NSW (DPINSW) sought to evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts in supporting farm businesses in planning for succession. Succession planning is a critical process for ensuring the continuity and sustainability of farm operations across generations. To inform future strategies, the department required a comprehensive understanding of existing research and insights into best practices within this field.

Situation

Despite previous initiatives, DPINSW recognised the need to better understand the broader landscape of succession planning, including gaps and opportunities for improvement. The department faced challenges in determining how effectively their resources were being allocated to support farm businesses. This evaluation was essential for identifying actionable strategies to enhance their support and outcomes in this area.

Solution

To address this need, we conducted an extensive literature and media scan to gather relevant data and insights. Our approach included:

Reviewing existing academic and industry research on farm succession planning.
Identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities highlighted in the literature.
Synthesising key findings into a detailed literature review that emphasised actionable insights and potential strategies for DPINSW.

The resulting literature review served as a foundational document for guiding discussions and decision-making.

Outcome

DPINSW was equipped with an evidence-based report that highlighted critical areas for improvement and opportunities for growth in their succession planning initiatives. The insights provided:

A clear understanding of the current state of farm succession planning research and practices.
Strategic recommendations for enhancing resource allocation and program delivery.
A framework for refining their approach to supporting farm businesses in achieving successful succession outcomes.

This research enabled DPINSW to make informed decisions about their program’s direction, ensuring that future efforts are aligned with the needs of farm businesses and the department’s objectives.