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| It’s Not Just About The Money |
| The conversations sparked by Just a Farmer have struck a chord with many of us in rural communities. They remind us that behind every ABN or paddock report is a person—someone who might be doing it tough, but who keeps showing up because they love the land and the life it gives them.
At Rural Business Support, we know that financial stress rarely exists in isolation. When the farm is under pressure, so is the family. The reality for many of our clients is that home and business are one and the same—so when the numbers don’t stack up, it can feel deeply personal. |
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| Attendees to the Fundraising Just A Farmer Screening on April 9th at the Capri Theatre. Panelists: Leila McDougall, actor, writer and executive producer of Just a Farmer, Libby Baldock, Rural Financial Counsellor, John Gladigau, Chair of Grain Producers SA and Dr Kate Gunn, founder and director of ifarmwell. |
| Many intergenerational farmers currently feel that failure ends with them. The weight of legacy—of being the one to carry on what generations before have built—can feel overwhelming, especially in the face of challenges you can’t plan for. You can follow the best advice, put in the hours, and still come up short if the rain doesn’t fall or markets shift overnight. That’s what makes this kind of stress different—it’s unpredictable and out of your immediate control.
We’ve been hearing from people who feel like they’ve failed, even though they’ve done nothing wrong. The pressure of wanting to get it right for your family, your land, and your community runs deep. That’s why it’s so important to reach out for support—not because you’ve failed, but because you haven’t. You’re still trying, still showing up—and that’s worth recognising.
And while resilience is often promoted, we know there’s only so much left in the tank. Farmers don’t need to be told to be stronger—they already are. What they need is someone walking alongside them, acknowledging the situation. Not just to navigate financial decisions, but to take care of their emotional wellbeing too. |
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| If you’re feeling the pressure right now, here are a few tips that might help steady the ground beneath you:
Start a conversation. You don’t have to have all the answers. Just opening up—to a mate, a family member or one of our counsellors—can ease the load.
Step back from the noise. Endless updates on prices, markets or the weather can keep you on high alert. Set some boundaries around what you consume and when.
Find one small win. Whether it’s updating a spreadsheet, booking a doctor’s appointment or taking a breather, small actions help build momentum.
Give yourself permission to feel. This isn’t weakness—it’s being human. Talk to your GP or connect with your local network of supporters PIRSA FaB, Farm Angels, Fat Farmers, CWA SA, ifarmwell and Rural Aid for practical, confidential support.
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| How Financial Counselling fits in
One of the most impactful steps you can take when under financial pressure is to talk with a Rural Financial Counsellor or Small Business Financial Counsellor.
Our team is here to help you make sense of where things stand and to support you in developing clear, achievable strategies—whether that’s managing cash-flow, reviewing debt, preparing for meetings with your bank or planning for the months ahead.
Our support is free, confidential and independent. Many of our clients say that after their first conversation, they sleep better. The stress doesn’t magically disappear, but they’ve got someone in their corner—and that makes all the difference.
At RBS, we don’t just focus on the balance sheet—we focus on the person behind it. If your farm or business is weighing heavily on your mind, please get in touch on 1800 836 211.
Because while farming may be a profession of hope, no one should have to carry that hope alone. |
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| Celebrating Excellence across the RBS team
At Rural Business Support, we’re proud to have a team filled with people who lead with compassion, show up for their communities and constantly strive for better outcomes in rural and regional Australia. This month, we’re thrilled to recognise three of our team members—Austin Reid, Caroline Reichstein and Mon Saunders—who have each been acknowledged at a national or state level for their remarkable contributions.
Their achievements reflect not only their own hard work and character, but also the values we stand by at RBS: compassion, community, integrity and genuine support when it’s needed most. Please join us in celebrating their success. |
| | Austin Reid
Rural Financial Counsellor
2025 Researcher or Advisor of the Year
Awarded at the 2025 AusVeg SA Horticultural Awards.
Austin has supported Adelaide Plains growers through crises like fruit fly outbreaks and hailstorms, helping them build resilience and make confident, informed decisions.
This award recognises Austin’s long-term commitment to the region’s horticultural community.
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| Caroline Reichstein
Rural Financial Counsellor / Regional Coordinator
Scholarship Recipient
Selected for a AIDC 2025 Regional Not-for-Profit Scholarship
Caroline is one of 133 recipients who will undertake the Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors course.
This scholarship recognises Caroline’s dedication, leadership and commitment to supporting rural and remote communities in South Australia. |
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| | Mon Saunders
Communications & Philanthropy Manager
Agriculture Leadership Program
Selected for a 2025 NFF Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program.
Mon is one of just twelve women chosen nationally for this prestigious mentoring and leadership initiative.
This recognition reflects Mon’s heartfelt commitment to uniting industry, government and philanthropy to strengthen the wellbeing and resilience of rural people—not just financially, but emotionally and socially too.
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| Support for rural small businesses
Our small business financial counsellors live and work in rural and regional communities, so they understand well the challenges that local business owners are facing. They can help you to prioritise the important decisions that need to be made now and develop plans to help you gain some much needed clarity amid the uncertainty.
Once we have worked together to consider different options, our team can help you to put your plans into action and start moving forward. Our team will accompany you and support you along the way.
Our Small Business Financial Counsellors support you to: understand your financial position navigate financial issues develop plans to manage cash flow and creditor payments access dispute resolution services consider succession pathways seek broader professional advice and support access government and community grants, programs or schemes
For more information please FREECALL 1800 836 211 to discuss eligibility and to talk through your situation. |
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| | | The Landowner Information Service (LIS), offers free, impartial and confidential information to South Australian landowners.
The LIS can help you understand the land access process, explain the key points you should be aware of, and provide clear, factual and easy-to-understand information so that you can make informed decisions about the future use of your land.
Take the time to seek independent, factual and easy-to-understand information about the process. |
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| | Stay Connected with Rural Business Support Want to keep up with the latest grants, rural financial support, industry news, and upcoming events? Our e-newsletter delivers practical insights and helpful resources straight to your inbox.
Know someone who could benefit? Forward this to a friend or colleague and encourage them to sign up too! |
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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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