Planning Early to Protect your Options

Across South Australia and the Northern Territory, many primary producers and rural businesses are moving from “what if” conversations into decisions that will shape the season ahead. Seeding programs are being finalised, inputs ordered, livestock strategies adjusted and finance approvals sought. For some, there is still flexibility. For others, the window to change course is narrowing quickly.

This year, those decisions are being made against a backdrop of sustained financial pressure. Even where production outcomes have been average, low commodity prices, high input and water costs, and tightening access to finance are placing significant strain on cashflow and confidence across farming, fishing and rural small business sectors.

Across parts of coastal South Australia, harmful algal bloom impacts and a softer tourism season are also weighing on local operators, while drought inland continues to flow through regional economies and the small businesses that support them.

What February looks like on the ground

For dryland and mixed farming systems in South Australia, February brings final decisions around crop selection, area sown, and input levels. Stubble feed may be largely exhausted, containment feeding is underway for some, and protecting paddocks from erosion is front of mind. These choices carry cost, risk and long-term implications, particularly when margins are already tight.

Livestock producers are weighing feed availability, stocking rates, agistment options and the rising cost of supplementary feeding. While there is currently an abundance of hay available and late rains last November have helped maintain groundcover in many areas, the cost of carrying stock and managing feed budgets remains front of mind.

For wine grape growers, cashflow pressure is acute, with limited ability to recoup input costs this late in the season, and decisions made now will have long-term implications for vineyard viability. Many are entering this season without contracts, increasing uncertainty and tightening margins further. For some, the challenge is balancing short-term survival with longer-term business decisions, particularly where confidence in future returns has been shaken.

Horticulture and perennial crop growers are budgeting carefully for labour, irrigation and inputs, often while navigating workforce availability and escalating costs.

In the Northern Territory, tropical fruit growers are managing wet-season disruption, recovery from weather events and the challenge of planning ahead when cashflow is constrained and timelines are uncertain. Ongoing rain systems are also likely to delay Round 1 mustering for rangeland producers, tightening already narrow windows and pushing important operational decisions further down the track.

In many regional towns, conversations are also shifting beyond the farm gate. Local coffee and sandwhich shops, tourism operators, contractors and family-run services are feeling the combined effect of reduced discretionary spending, stacked operating costs and uncertainty about the months ahead.

We also know that coastal towns reliant on tourism will reflect on their season after Easter, and rural small businesses that rely on farmers for their bread and butter may experience increased hardship as last season’s grain and hay payments are finalised.

While production systems and regions differ, the underlying pressures are similar: committing capital early, managing risk and trying to keep future options open in an environment where costs are high and returns are uncertain.

Growing pressure and narrowing choices

Our Rural and Small Business Financial Counsellors are seeing increasing concern about creditor pressure and the ability of businesses to fund another season without taking on unsustainable debt. For many operators, rising energy, freight and staffing costs are colliding with fragile demand, making it harder to trade through without difficult decisions. In some sectors, including the wine grape industry, late price adjustments have added further uncertainty at a time when many key decisions are already being locked in.

One of the consistent themes we’re hearing is how hard it is to step away from the day-to-day business long enough to plan. Engagement often happens late, not because people don’t want support, but because running a business or farm leaves little space to pause until pressure becomes urgent. Building a full financial picture can take time, particularly where regional trading conditions have shifted quickly.

When pressure builds, it can become harder to step back and assess options clearly. Financial stress is also taking a toll on wellbeing, with many business owners feeling uncertain about their future and unsure where to turn next. Some are finding that access to finance or workable options is narrower than expected, which can be confronting when earlier assumptions no longer hold.

February is a critical point in the year to pause and ask:

• What decisions are already locked in?

• What flexibility do we still have?

• What does our cashflow realistically look like over the next 6–12 months?

• How much risk can the business carry this season without limiting future choices?

Planning early to protect your options

Once seed, fertiliser, feed or major inputs are committed, flexibility reduces. If seasonal conditions change, prices move or finance becomes harder to access, the ability to adapt can be limited.

Early planning at this stage isn’t about predicting outcomes. It’s about understanding the financial impact of different scenarios before decisions are forced and identifying where adjustments can still be made. For some businesses, this may also mean having earlier conversations about scaling back, restructuring or planning a respectful exit, discussions that are becoming more common across parts of regional South Australia.

Working through updated cashflow budgets, realistic assumptions and forward scenarios can:

• Highlight pressure points early

• Clarify what you may need to discuss with lenders, including repayment terms or facility adjustments

• Identify options before creditor pressure escalates

• Create space to reassess timing, scale or business strategy

How Financial Counselling can help

Early engagement with a Rural or Small Business Financial Counsellor can make a meaningful difference.

Our team works alongside rural business owners and families to:

• Clarify their current financial position

• Review cashflow and commitments before major decisions are finalised

• Talk through risk across different seasonal and market scenarios

• Prepare for conversations with banks and creditors

• Explore available support options and plan next steps with clarity

Our support is free, independent, confidential and focused on helping you understand your position and make informed decisions.

Taking time now to understand your options can help protect flexibility, reduce pressure and provide clearer pathways through a challenging start to the year.

If you’re facing important decisions and would value a practical, informed conversation, Rural Business Support is here to help.

Contact Rural Business Support to talk through your options.

FREECALL 1800 836 211

You know your business. You know the work, the season, and what needs to happen each day. And then there’s the financial side, which can be complex, time-consuming, and often comes second to everything else demanding your attention.

That’s where working with a Financial Counsellor can help.

Sometimes, we help lead the way

Some people come to us knowing their business inside out, but things aren’t playing out as planned. Costs change. Seasons are unpredictable. Markets shift.

In those moments, we may need to walk slightly in front, helping make sense of the numbers, explain what’s happening, and clearly outline your options.

This isn’t about telling you what to do. It’s about helping you see the full picture, so decisions feel informed rather than overwhelming.

Often, we walk alongside you

Others reach out because they can see a tougher period ahead and want to be prepared. They’re not in crisis, they just want clarity, confidence and a plan.

This is where we work alongside you. We talk things through, sense-check ideas, and help you plan in a way that fits your business, your family and your goals.

And eventually, we walk behind you

For many people, it’s also about the quiet pressure of responsibility, keeping the business going, supporting family, and wanting confidence that you’re making sound decisions.

As things become clearer, our role changes. We step back and walk behind you, still there for support, but giving you the space and confidence to take charge of your own decisions.

Support that works with you

Working with Rural Business Support isn’t about taking control away. It’s about practical, confidential support that meets you where you are, whether that means helping lead the way, walking beside you, or standing quietly behind you as you move forward.

Wherever you’re at, we’re here when you’re ready.

Meet Our New Financial Counsellors

SA Drought Loan Scheme

South Australian grain and livestock producers in the Murray Mallee, Riverland and Upper North will soon be able to apply for the SA Drought Loan Scheme, a new State Government initiative designed to ease cashflow pressure and support on-farm recovery.

The scheme is currently available to grain and livestock producers operating in either the Murray Mallee, Riverland or Upper North regions. Eligible councils are Karoonda East Murray, Mid Murray, Southern Mallee, Coorong, Murray Bridge, Renmark Paringa, Berri Barmera, Loxton Waikerie, Orroroo Carrieton, Peterborough, Northern Areas and Mt Remarkable.

The scheme offers low-interest concessional loans up to $250,000, with a 10-year term and an overall scheme cap of $200 million. For the first two years, no repayments are required, helping businesses manage day-to-day operational costs—while interest still accrues and is added to the loan balance.

Loans can be used for working capital (cropping, livestock and overheads), but not to refinance existing debt.

Applications for the SA Drought Loan Scheme will open in March 2026 and will be available until 31 December 2026.

RBS encourages ALL primary producers interested in accessing this scheme to register an Expression of Interest (EOI) here.

A reminder that our Rural Financial Counsellors can assist producers prepare key documents (cash flow budgets, a statement of position and Accountant prepared tax returns & financial statements) so they’re ready to apply when the portal opens.

Accessing our free, independent and confidential support starts with a phone call to
FREE CALL 1800 836 211

Managing Finances Through Difficult Seasons

Grain Producers SA is hosting a webinar, “Managing Finances through Difficult Seasons.” Following feedback from grain producers across South Australia, the session will cover practical topics including farm business financial planning, budgeting and cashflow, drought support options, where to go for help and more.

The webinar features guest presenters Julianne Fiebig from Rural Business Support and Deb Purvis from Purvis AgriFinance, bringing practical, on-the-ground experience supporting primary producers through challenging seasons.

Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the presenters about the issues that matter most to their business.

Julianne will be sharing insights into the types of support available through Rural Business Support, along with practical guidance to help growers better understand their financial position and consider their next steps during difficult seasons.

23 February 2026 | 9:30am – 10:30am

Register for the webinar HERE

Free Carbon Farming Webinars

Landscape boards across South Australia are delivering a free, state-wide series of carbon farming webinars to support primary producers, land managers and First Nations groups to better understand carbon farming and what it could mean for their land and business.

Running from 17 February until 8 May 2026, the webinar series builds on the Introduction to Carbon Farming workshops delivered by landscape boards over the past 18 months. Each session takes a deeper dive into specific carbon farming topics and delves into practical emissions reduction and carbon sequestration opportunities.

The webinars are delivered by landscape boards, working collaboratively with trusted, independent experts, to provide clear, practical and unbiased information that cuts through the noise and supports confident decision-making.

Webinar recordings will be made available following each session for those unable to attend live.

Register for upcoming webinars

Understanding Lumpy Skin Disease: Global Learnings for Australian Preparedness

Australia remains free of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and protecting that status is critical for our cattle industry and regional communities.

With recent detections in parts of Europe and Asia, and significant responses undertaken in those regions, there are important lessons for Australian producers and industry stakeholders in preparing for and preventing its potential entry.

Cattle Australia wis hosting an important webinar, Understanding Lumpy Skin Disease: Global Learnings for Australian Preparedness, on:

25 February | 12–1pm (AEDST)

The session will be delivered by Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson, who brings more than 20 years’ experience in biosecurity policy and operational roles within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

This webinar provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen industry awareness, understand global responses to LSD outbreaks, and reinforce Australia’s preparedness.

Register here to attend.

How the Small Business Commission SA Can Support You

Free Webinars For Small Businesses

Mindarma’s upcoming webinars are designed to help you pause, reset and stay focused during busy seasons.

Understanding Focus in a Busy World explores how increasing cognitive demands and technology impact attention, energy and wellbeing. You’ll learn practical, evidence-based mindfulness strategies to support both personal wellbeing and workplace performance.

Register to learn more.

Five-Day Mindfulness Mini-Series led by senior psychologist Dr Sadhbh Joyce offers short guided daily sessions designed to help you refocus, build energy and introduce simple practices you can use straight away.

Register to learn more.

Both webinars are tailored for small and family businesses and provide practical tools you can apply immediately.

Want to connect with RBS? Our team will be attending the following events:

Last Chance to Book

Join us on Friday, 27 February at the Adelaide Showground for the 2026 Rural Media & Communicators SA/NT Awards.

Celebrate the storytellers who champion our rural and regional communities and enjoy a great night out with friends and colleagues.

Tickets include a three-course dinner and drinks.

Registrations close this Friday night, Feb 20th!!

Book now: https://bit.ly/rural-media-awards

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.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au