The Hidden Cost of Financial Distress: Supporting Farmers Through Tough Times

For many farmers, financial hardship isn’t just about numbers—it’s deeply personal. When debt piles up, when the rain doesn’t come, when the bank is calling and there’s no clear way forward, the pressure can be overwhelming. Financial distress doesn’t just impact business viability; it affects mental health, family relationships and community wellbeing.

The 2023 National Farmer Wellbeing Report found that nearly half of Australian farmers have experienced depression, while two-thirds have struggled with anxiety. Many are working longer hours for lower returns, often feeling like they have nowhere to turn, and the pressure of losing the family farm can be overwhelming.

Breaking the Cycle: The Link Between Money and Mental Health

The connection between financial stress and mental health is well-documented. Research from ASIC and Beyond Blue confirms that financial difficulties can lead to poor mental health, and in turn, mental health struggles make it harder to manage finances. It’s a vicious cycle. When every decision feels like a high-stakes gamble—whether to sell stock, delay payments, or take on more debt—it takes a toll. Seeking support early can make all the difference.

The Role of Rural Financial Counselling

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) exists to help farmers navigate tough times. Our rural financial counsellors work alongside farming families to assess their situation, identify options and develop a path forward. Whether it’s renegotiating debt, accessing government support or planning for succession, RFCS provides free, confidential, independent guidance at no cost to the farming family.

Beyond the Numbers:
Practical Support Through the RBS Relief Fund

Financial counselling is just one piece of the puzzle. Immediate support is sometimes needed to stabilise a farming family’s situation. That’s where the RBS Relief Fund comes in. It provides practical assistance to families engaged in financial counselling—helping to cover essential costs and ease short-term pressures.

Funds raised from events like Just a Farmer will go toward mental health and wellbeing programs, ensuring families can access the right help when they need it most. The Rural Support Charity Match, held on Saturday, 5 April at Coopers Stadium, is another key initiative raising funds to support farmers facing financial hardship.

To date, the RBS Relief Fund has disbursed over 320 grants valued at more than $400,000—helping families keep food on the table, pay essential bills and stay on their land while working through financial hardship.

Take Action – Help Support Farming Families

Attend Just a Farmer – A Charity Screening for Rural Support
Join us for this powerful film and panel discussion while raising funds for farming families in need. Get your tickets here

Donate to the RBS Relief Fund
Your donation provides direct financial support to farming families doing it tough. Every contribution makes a difference. Donate now

Together, we can ensure farming families get the support they need.

Thank you for standing with us.

Warm regards

In The Media

Upcoming Events

RBS representatives will be attending the following events.

Rural Support Charity Soccer Match – ADELAIDE – Saturday 5 April, 2025
Northern Australia Food Futures Conference – DARWIN – Tuesday 8 April, 2025
Just A Farmer Charity Screening – GOODWOOD – Wednesday 9 April, 2025

Founded in 2006, Rural Business Support (RBS) is an organisation committed to building a profitable, sustainable and resilient rural sector by supporting businesses, farmers, landowners and communities in rural, regional and remote South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Our programs and services are free, independent and confidential for eligible clients.

FREECALL 1800 836 211

[email protected]

www.ruralbusinesssuport.org.au