Rabobank Executive Development Program

Course 28 (2026/2027)


Module One: Sunday 23 – Friday 28 August 2026
Module Two: Sunday 18 – Friday 23 July 2027

Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia

 

Rabobank's Executive Development Program will help you build strategic planning capabilities and commercial management skills to explore options for business growth. You’ll leave the Program inspired by farming and business experts and with access to a new network of progressive farmers.

 

If you’re an experienced business owner who’s ready to future-proof your business, this Program will help you do all this and more:

  • Learn how to formulate and implement a long-term strategy to reach your business goals
  • Study practical examples in business planning tailored specifically for the agribusiness industry
  • Get the knowledge you need to apply effective economic rationale to goal setting and decision making
  • Enjoy networking opportunities with industry peers
  • Discover how your business can benefit from your improved business management skills

Application process

Limited positions are available, and participants are selected by the Program selection committee. A Program fee applies, and applicants are required, at a minimum, to meet the selection criteria. Further information on the Program fee and selection criteria can be found in the Business Management Programs Brochure. Selection is on a merit basis and at the sole discretion of the selection committee. Participants in each Program are also selected to ensure regional diversity and a broad cross-section of sectors.

 

Note: If attending as a couple, each individual must submit their own application form.

 

All applicants will be advised of the outcome in writing no less than six weeks prior to the commencement of the Program.

IMPORTANT: Before you access this portal, please read and understand our Privacy Policy (AU & NZ) and how our collection of personal information may affect you.

For all enquiries please contact 
Danny Shepherd | Manager, Client Knowledge Initiatives
Danny.Shepherd@rabobank.com +61 419 050 323

AU Website | NZ Website

 

Contact Details
Property address
Additional information

Please select your age bracket from the dropdown list

Please advise if you have any dietary and/or special requirements (i.e. access)

For all enquiries please contact 
Danny Shepherd | Manager, Client Knowledge Initiatives
Danny.Shepherd@rabobank.com +61 419 050 323

AU Website | NZ Website

 

Business Information

Are you the most senior manager in your business?

If no, to whom do you report and what is their position in the business?

What do you consider to be your principle enterprise?
Of what activities is your business comprised?

Please indicate what percentage of total income is represented by each segment of your business?

Is your primary source of income derived from production based agriculture?
Do you consider yourself to be an early adopter of new technology and production efficiency gains?
Do you have an equity stake in the business?
How many people (including yourself) are actively involved in your business?
How many employees (below the management level) are involved in your farm business?

For all enquiries please contact 
Danny Shepherd | Manager, Client Knowledge Initiatives
Danny.Shepherd@rabobank.com +61 419 050 323

AU Website | NZ Website

 

Education and Experience

Please provide details of the highest level of education you have completed (inc. high school, universities and management programs)

List any other industry scholarships or training you have been involved in (i.e. Nuffield Scholar)
List your work experience, beginning with your current position (if you have held different positions with the same company, list them sequentially)
List any industry groups or organisations you have recently been involved with, beginning with your most current

For all enquiries please contact 
Danny Shepherd | Manager, Client Knowledge Initiatives
Danny.Shepherd@rabobank.com +61 419 050 323

AU Website | NZ Website

 

Personal and Business Profile

Please provide a personal and business profile (written in third person). If you are offered and accept a position on the Program, your profile will be included in the Profile Booklet provided as part of the course folder and Program App.


As a guide (if applicable):

  • Explain when the business was established
  • Include the property size, commodity mix and production scale
  • Outline your involvement in the business
  • Include personal details such as partner, children, hobbies or off-farm leisure activities
  • List any achievements to date including education and/or community involvement
  • The maximum length should be approximately 200 words

Here is a sample profile for your reference:

Kevin is partner/manager of the family farming business, Monavie in Western Australia. The business was established in 1980 and recently two more properties have been purchased taking the property to a total of 10,000ha.
The main enterprises include cereals, pulses, oilseeds, sheep for wool and prime lamb, and cattle. Income is primarily derived from the 5,000ha cropping program.
Kevin received the Top of the Crop Award in 2022 and takes an active role in the community and industry. He is director of two additional organisations and completed a Bachelor of Agriculture at Smarter University. Kevin is married with 3 children (5,8,11).

This is a made-up farming client used just as an example.  It's not based on a real person or business.   

Describe your role in the business, including your management responsibilities and the management structure.
Where do you see yourself, and your farm business in 3 - 5 years?
What are three major issues facing your farming operation?
Please indicate why you would like to attend the Program and what you intend to achieve.
Please upload a current headshot and 1-3 photos of your farm operation (please ensure your images are high quality JPEG files).

If your application is successful, these images will be used in our participant profile booklet and participant app.

For all enquiries please contact 
Danny Shepherd | Manager, Client Knowledge Initiatives
Danny.Shepherd@rabobank.com +61 419 050 323

AU Website | NZ Website

 

Additional information
Are you or your employer a Rabobank Agribusiness client?

If you or your employer are not a client, please nominate a referee. *Referees may be contacted as part of the application process.

We may in some circumstances contact the above individual about your application. By disclosing the above person’s details you agree to ensure they are ok with Rabobank contacting them and also aware of how their personal information will be handled (as per our Privacy Policy (AU & NZ)).

How did you hear about the Executive Development Program?

If you heard about the programs through your branch/account manager, a past participant or other means please specify below.

What social media platforms, if any, do you use regularly?

For all enquiries please contact 
Danny Shepherd | Manager, Client Knowledge Initiatives
Danny.Shepherd@rabobank.com +61 419 050 323

AU Website | NZ Website

 

Program consent, terms and conditions 

Please read the following information carefully. 

PRIVACY CONSENT 

 

By registering, you consent and have a reasonable expectation that any personal data collected by Rabobank Australia Limited and Rabobank New Zealand (‘Rabobank’) in connection with this Program may be used for the purpose for registering you for and administering the Rabobank Executive Development Program. 

You consent to Rabobank disclosing this personal data to other organisations and persons necessary to assist Rabobank with the above purposes. For example: your name and dietary/medical requirements may be disclosed to the venue hosting an event. If you are completing this registration form on behalf of someone else, we expect you to have obtained that person's consent and informed them of the privacy and Program terms and conditions below. 

PHOTOGRAPHY CONSENT 

You also understand that Rabobank may promote future, similar events using: 

  • Photographs and video footage taken on the Program that may include images or footage of me; and 
  • If Rabobank asks for feedback during or after the Program, feedback that you provide may be used as a testimonial. 

You can withdraw your consent at any time. This means that if you tick the box and at a later date, decide that you no longer want your data to be used for marketing you can let us know. 

OUR PRIVACY POLICY 

If you want to know more about your individual rights, including accessing or correcting your personal data, or would like to lodge a complaint if you think we have breached your privacy, please refer to our privacy policy at www.rabobank.com.au/privacy or  www.rabobank.co.nz/privacy. 

For further information please contact your local branch on 1800 025 484 (AU) 0800 500 933 (NZ). 

GENERAL TERMS 

  • Module 1 begins with lunch on Sunday 23 August 2026 and will conclude after lunch on Friday 28 August 2026.
  • Module 2 begins with lunch on Sunday 18 July 2027 and will conclude after lunch on Friday 23 July 2027.
  • The program fee covers: all sessions, presentations and course material, 5 nights’ accommodation, meals, beverages with dinner, transport during the program and to the business research excursion.
  • Flights or travel to and from Sydney are by own arrangement and are not included in the program fee.
  • Full payment of the program fee is required by Friday 8 May 2026 (Module 1) and Friday 14 May 2027 (Module 2).

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY & TRAVEL INSURANCE  

  • The Program may involve visits to rural areas, including exposure to animals, livestock, equipment and machinery. You acknowledge and accept that this involves a degree of inherent personal risk.  
  • The Program requires a moderate amount of physical fitness including a moderate amount of walking, as well as the ability to carry your luggage and board/depart from transport options unassisted.  
  • You agree to advise us prior to the Program start date of any pre-existing medical conditions, dietary requirements, allergies and any other information that may affect your ability to participate on the Program.  
  • Travel insurance is not covered in the Program fee.  
  • We strongly advise you to take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen costs associated with travel and cancellations. 

 

CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS BY RABOBANK

  • Rabobank reserves the right to cancel the Program or modify the Program itinerary in the event: 
    • that the required participant numbers are not reached; 
    • of adverse weather conditions;  
    • of operational or logistical issues; or 
    • any other unforeseen circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
  • To the extent possible, we will provide you with reasonable notice if the Program is cancelled or there is a significant modification made to the Program itinerary. 
  • If we cancel the Program, a full refund of the Program fee will be provided.

 

CANCELLATION BY YOU 

  • If you wish to cancel your program registration, you must advise Rabobank in writing.  
  • If you cancel:
    • more than 30 days from the Program start date, a full refund of the Program fee will be provided.  
    • between 14 to 30 days of the Program start date: 50% of the Program fee will be refunded. 
    • less than 14 days of the Program start date: no refunds of the Program fee will be given. 

 

LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY 

  • You are responsible and will indemnify Rabobank for all damage, losses, costs, expenses, omissions or acts (negligent or otherwise) arising out of or in connection to my attendance at restaurants, hotels, businesses, farms and transportation during the Program.  
  • Rabobank is not liable for any loss or expense beyond its reasonable control caused by late delays or cancellations of flights or public transport, change of schedule, strikes, vehicle breakdowns or acts of God. 
  • In the event the Program is cancelled, Rabobank is not liable for any incidental costs you may have incurred in connection with the Program (including but not limited to flight, transport or travel insurance costs). 

For all enquiries please contact 
Danny Shepherd | Manager, Client Knowledge Initiatives
Danny.Shepherd@rabobank.com +61 419 050 323

AU Website | NZ Website

 

Summary

For all enquiries please contact 
Danny Shepherd | Manager, Client Knowledge Initiatives
Danny.Shepherd@rabobank.com +61 419 050 323

AU Website | NZ Website

 

Thank You

Thank you for submitting your application for the Rabobank Executive Development Program.

You will receive a confirmation email shortly advising that your application has been received.

Rabobank website

For all enquiries please contact 
Danny Shepherd | Manager, Client Knowledge Initiatives
Danny.Shepherd@rabobank.com +61 419 050 323

AU Website | NZ Website

 

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