Generations on the Land: How Thorntons Supports Niribi Farms with Practical, Trusted Advice
Niribi Farms is a 5,400-hectare mixed farming operation based in Buntine, Western Australia, around 300 kilometres north of Perth. Owned and managed by Mike and Narelle Dodd, the farm has been in the family for multiple generations and continues to grow under the active involvement of their son, Ryan.
It’s a story of succession done well, supported by a strong relationship with trusted advisers who understand both the numbers and the people behind them.
A Family Business with Deep Roots
The Dodd family have been farming in the region for decades. Mike and Narelle took over the business from Mike’s parents, John and Jenny, in 2005 through an amicable and well-planned succession process. That transition, which can often be a point of stress for many rural businesses, was completed without disruption and with the long-term sustainability of the business in mind.
Today, Niribi Farms continues to operate as a close-knit family enterprise. All four of Mike and Narelle’s adult children were raised on the farm, with Ryan now playing a key role in the day-to-day running of the business.
A Longstanding Partnership
Thorntons has been working with the Dodd family for over 40 years. While the exact start date is hard to pinpoint, the current Thorntons adviser has personally worked with the family for nearly three decades.
This kind of longevity is rare. It reflects a relationship built on trust, accessibility, and consistent performance. Thorntons doesn’t just handle the books. They serve as a sounding board, business adviser, and strategic partner, often across generations of the same family.
For Niribi Farms, Thorntons has provided a wide range of services over the years, including:
- Annual financial reporting and tax planning
- Business structuring advice
- Ongoing business advisory and compliance
- Succession planning support
The continuity of Thorntons advice has given the Dodds confidence to make long-term decisions without the worry of second-guessing impact on business fundamentals or the future of the business.
A Smooth Succession Backed by Strong Advice
Succession planning can be one of the most complex issues in any family business. For Niribi Farms, Thorntons played a key role in guiding the process when Mike and Narelle took over the operation from Mike’s parents.
Rather than a one-off transaction, the succession was handled as a structured, well-communicated process. Thorntons helped the family align on objectives, work through the financial implications, and ensure the handover preserved the strength of the business.
The outcome was a successful generational transfer that respected the legacy of the past while setting the next generation up for the future.
Supporting Growth and Decision-Making on the Ground
Running a farm of this scale involves daily operational decisions and long-term planning around weather, markets, investment, and technology. Thorntons acts as a key adviser, assisting the Dodds think through decisions; whether it’s budgeting for machinery, reviewing loan structures, or planning for future expansion.
They’re not just preparing tax returns. They’re helping a family business remain competitive in a challenging and evolving industry. This practical, on-the-ground support is what sets Thorntons apart in the eyes of clients like Niribi Farms.
Why Relationships Matter in Regional Business
For many regional and rural clients, a great adviser is someone who understands your business, picks up the phone, and can speak plainly about risks and opportunities. That’s been Thorntons approach with Niribi Farms, and all of their clients across regional Western Australia.
Importantly, the strength of the advisor relationship is built on stability. Where many professional services firms experience high staff turnover, the Dodds have had the same adviser at Thorntons for 28 years. This brings a level of certainty and consistency when long term decisions are being considered.
Advice That Stands the Test of Time
Thorntons has been part of the Niribi Farms journey from the early days through to today’s multi-generational business. They’ve helped the Dodds navigate succession, manage growth, and stay ahead in a competitive and uncertain environment.
Thorntons doesn’t just support your business. They grow with it.
