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Navigating Weather Challenges
and Reviewing Business Performance |
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As the new year begins, farmers across South Australia and the Northern Territory are grappling with a challenging season of weather extremes. Prolonged dry conditions and unpredictable rainfall patterns have heightened stress for many, making it critical to focus on what can be controlled.
Reflecting on your business performance, taking stock of your financial position, and planning ahead are vital steps to navigate these challenges. With bank review season underway, there’s no better time to evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and what opportunities lie ahead. |
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Where to start: A holistic business review |
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Farming often demands a focus on immediate operational needs, but setting aside time for an in-depth review of your business is essential for long-term sustainability.
Questions to ask: What are the short and long-term priorities for your business? Are income streams aligned with your business goals, and are there opportunities to diversify? Can costs be reduced without impacting income flow?
Equally important is assessing the wellbeing of your team. Review workloads, consider training opportunities, and plan for any staff changes that could improve efficiency and morale. |
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Tools for success: Financial clarity |
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Start by reviewing last year’s cash flow, preparing a forward cash flow, and ensuring your statement of position is up to date. Dive deeper with gross margins and other data analysis tools to uncover enterprise-level profitability.
Involving external professionals, such as accountants, agronomists, and Rural Financial Counsellors, can provide valuable insights during this process. |
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Comprehensive support from RBS |
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RBS’s Rural Financial Counselling Service, funded by the Australian, South Australian and Northern Territory governments, offers free, confidential, and independent services to support eligible farmers, fishers, foresters, and small related enterprises to address their financial concerns, including: Understanding your financial position: Analyse income, debt, insurance, and on-costs. Navigating financial challenges: Explore options like debt management, refinancing, and creditor payment plans. Considering market and seasonal impacts: Identify short and long-term business implications. Developing clear strategies: Manage cash flow, access grants, and create retirement or succession plans. Seeking broader advice: Connect with professional networks for tailored guidance.
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Thinking ahead: Succession and sustainability |
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Now is also the time to focus on business transition and retirement planning. Ensuring everyone involved understands the roadmap for the future will help prevent misunderstandings and set the foundation for long-term success. |
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Early support can make all the difference |
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Reaching out for help early can save time, money, and peace of mind. Rural Financial Counsellors provide discreet, practical guidance to help you explore options, build strategies, and move forward confidently. |
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Conducting a comprehensive business review might feel daunting, but the rewards are worth it. Honest assessment leads to actionable strategies that can make 2025 a break through year for your farm. |
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Don’t wait to reach out—
help is only a phone call away |
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Rural Business Support is here to help. To learn more or connect with a Rural Financial Counsellor, call 1800 836 211 or visit ruralbusinesssupport.org.au.
Let’s make this year one of growth and resilience. |
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SA Drought Support Package |
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Small business support for
South and Central Australia |
| Regional small and family owned businesses now have access to financial counselling support.
RBS Business Financial Counsellor Andrew Carver is available by appointment to assist businesses to get control of their finances, including managing their debt. |
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Do you have questions about exploration, mining
quarrying or renewables? |
| The Landowner Information Service is designed to provide information to help landowners and communities make informed decisions. It takes the often complex technical and legal processes involved and makes it easy to understand for landowners and communities who are new to the process or have had challenging experiences in the past. |
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FREE Business Continuity Planning program |
| Prepare your business for unexpected challenges with our FREE Business Continuity Planning program, exclusively available to financial counselling clients.
Safeguard your business against natural disasters, economic shocks, and operational disruptions. Each plan is customised to the unique needs of your business.
FREECALL 1800 836 211 |
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Can you help SA and NT farming families who are finding life tough? |
| Our farmers work tirelessly to provide food for us all, but they continue to face countless challenges along the way. Droughts, bushfires, floods, pests and market fluctuations.
The financial strain can become overwhelming. The RBS Relief Fund provides practical relief to farming and rural small business families in tough times. |
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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. |
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