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| | What to do now to protect your financial future. It’s been another tough run for many farming, fishing and small business families—tight cash, higher input costs, Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) impacts for coastal operators, and uncertainty in some commodities. Rural Business Support (RBS) is currently walking alongside hundreds of primary production enterprises and small businesses, and we’re seeing the same pattern again and again: those who engage early have more choices, lower stress, and more and better outcomes. Below is a simple checklist you can start this week. If any of it feels heavy or confusing, that’s exactly where our Financial Counsellors step in—calm, confidential and free.
ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST 1. GET ACROSS THE NUMBERS (WEEKLY, NOT YEARLY) 2. STABILISE HOUSEHOLD CASH FLOW 3. USE THE FULL TOOLKIT (DON’T SELF-ASSESS) 4. MAKE SEASON-AWARE PRODUCTION CALLS 5. REDUCE AVOIDABLE PRESSURE 6. TIGHTEN THE BUSINESS SIDE 7. HAVE A CREDITOR GAME PLAN 8. IF YOU’RE APPROACHED ABOUT MINING, QUARRYING OR HRE 9. LOOK AFTER THE PEOPLE DOING THE WORK
1) Get across the numbers (weekly, not yearly) Build a rolling 13-week cash flow and update it every week (actuals vs budget). Stress-test your ‘what if’ scenarios: dry, hot finish; downgrades; tight feed; softer prices. Ring your financial institution early—ask about seasonal carry-over, interest-only periods, and what they’ll need for any refinance. Early calls = more options. If the ATO or suppliers are pressing, call them first. Lodge on time even if you can’t pay in full; set a realistic plan backed by your cash flow.
2) Stabilise household cash flow List essentials (groceries, utilities, fuel, medical, school) and protect these first. Where eligible, talk to us about immediate help through the SA Government Rural Support Grant ($1,500) and the RBS Relief Fund to keep the lights on while you work the plan. Think twice before drawing down super—it can punch a hole in long-term security. Have a chat with us first.
3) Use the full toolkit (don’t self-assess) Check eligibility for FHA, RIC and other targeted assistance—we’ll help with the forms and timing so approvals line up with cash flow. If you’ve got Farm Management Deposits (FMD), set clear trigger points for drawdown and rebuild—discipline over emotion.
4) Make season-aware production calls Cropping: With a dry, hot finish risk, run the numbers on cutting for hay vs carrying to grain; book grades and delivery flex to reduce downgrade pain. Livestock: Budget feed into summer, check water, have a fire plan; be cautious on restock timing and finance costs—margin first, headcount second. Dairy: Clear any lingering fodder debt; forward-buy inputs only if the cash flow can carry it. Viticulture: With 2026 red contracts uncertain, let pruning and fertility budgets follow the cash flow, not hope. NT horticulture & pastoral: Lock in labour/logistics early; pressure-test water and fencing as the build-up intensifies. Coastal/fishing: Keep meticulous Harmful Algal Bloom-impact records (dates, closures, lost income) to support grant claims and creditor discussions.
5) Reduce avoidable pressure Park non-critical capex; sell surplus or under-used gear if it improves liquidity. Bundle smaller supplier debts where that buys predictability; avoid stacking short-term fixes that snowball. Review sums insured and excesses—but be aware, under-insurance can cost more than the premium you “saved.” Track energy, freight and insurance lines—often 3–5% can be found (meters, off-peak shifts, route planning, policy reviews).
6) Tighten the business side Price with your true cost base, not last year’s memory. Add quote expiry dates and staged deposits for service work. In family businesses, minute key decisions (who/what/when) so creditors and financial institutions can see clear governance.
7) Have a creditor game plan Rank creditors by urgency and consequence (ATO, finance, merchandise, ag-chem, utilities). Contact the top three this week with a short, credible proposal supported by your 13-week cash flow. Keep a call log—names, dates, agreements—so nothing relies on memory.
8) If you’re approached about mining, quarrying or HRE Don’t sign anything on the bonnet of a ute or anywhere else, without researching your options Call RBS’s Landowner Information Service for free, impartial information on process, rights and timing before you negotiate.
9) Look after the people doing the work |
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| How can a Rural Financial Counsellor help?
A calm, knowledgeable and confidential second set of eyes over your numbers and options; hands-on help with FHA/RIC/SA grants, HAB paperwork, refinance packs, and creditor negotiations; and, where eligible, practical relief through the RBS Relief Fund while we work with you to put a longer-term plan in place.
Getting started is easy: FREECALL 1800 836 211
The earlier we talk, the more choices you’ll have. |
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| Meet our New Rural Financial Counsellors |
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| Emily Hassell RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR
Based near Beachport, Emily supports farming families in the South East with a strong mix of real-life farming experience and agribusiness banking expertise. Raised on a sheep and cropping property near Naracoorte and now running a mixed livestock operation with her husband and four kids, Emily understands the day-to-day and long-term pressures facing rural businesses. She’s passionate about helping clients make sense of their finances and take confident steps forward. |
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| | Steve Pullen RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR
Steve comes to us with a 40+ year career in banking, where he worked with clients across South Australia, from Port Lincoln and Roxby Downs to the Adelaide Hills. Having grown up in a small business family and later experienced the impacts of the Cudlee Creek bushfires firsthand, Steven brings empathy, insight and a steady hand to his role. He’s based in Mount Torrens and is committed to helping regional business owners access support early, make informed decisions and plan for the road ahead. |
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| Dayna Rowett RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR
From feedlots to exports, and from running her own livestock pregnancy scanning business to managing her family’s mixed farming operation in the Upper South East, Dayna brings a wealth of experience to her role at RBS. She’s worked in agribusiness, communications and e-commerce. Dayna understands what it’s like to be juggling spreadsheets and stock work, and is passionate about walking alongside clients as they navigate a way forward in their own business finances. |
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Weather It Together: Supporting Farmer Wellbeing Across South Australia |
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| A new campaign led by farmers, for farmers is helping regional communities stay connected and supported through tough seasons.
Weather it Together was developed by ifarmwell with Primary Producers SA, Grain Producers SA, Livestock SA, and the SA Dairyfarmers’ Association, and is funded through the State Government’s $73 million Drought Support Package.
The campaign promotes four simple ways to look after your mental wellbeing: stay connected, focus on what you can control, keep active, and seek help when you need it. You’ll see it across regional TV, radio, and community spaces, sharing real farmer stories and practical advice.
It also provides free online tools, wellbeing tips, and links to local support services to help farming families look after themselves and each other.
Built on over 15 years of research with farmers, Weather it Together aims to restore a sense of pride, community, and hope across rural South Australia.
Learn more and access resources at weatherittogether.org.au |
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Practical Cashflow Support for Farmers and Agribusinesses |
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| Cash flow pressures can hit hard — especially for South Australian farmers and regional business owners dealing with unpredictable seasons, market shifts, or late payments.
Rural Business Support (RBS) helps farmers and regional small businesses get on top of cash flow, prioritise payments and plan for stability. When overdue invoices or contract issues arise, the Small Business Commission SA (SBC) can step in while RBS continues to guide financial recovery, working together to keep your business on track.
Read more from the Small Business Commission SA’s latest blog and hear from Hon. Dan Van Holst Pellekaan, Small Business Commissioner, and RBS’s Rural Financial Counsellor David Stanton on how we can help you.
👉 Read more here. |
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| It’s Time To Get ‘RIC Ready’ |
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| With low interest rates and flexible terms, loans from the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) are designed to help primary producers manage tough seasons, invest in long-term improvements, and build greater resilience for the future.
For many South Australian farmers, these loans are particularly relevant right now, as ongoing drought conditions continue to tighten cash flow.
Rural Financial Counsellor, Hayley May joins RIC Agri Lending Specialists and Counsellors from the RFCS Victoria West for the recent webinar to get ‘RIC Ready’.
Do you want to find out more about RIC Loans, get helpful tips on how to apply and have their frequently questions answered by the team? Watch the FREE webinar via the link below.
🎥 Now available: Get RIC Ready Webinar |
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Our Small Business Financial Counselling (SBFC) Program offers free, independent and confidential support to small business owners.
Our financial counsellors can help you assess your situation, explore options and plan for recovery and future success.
If your business has been affected by the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) event, we can guide you through available assistance and help you make informed financial decisions.
Seek professional and easy-to-understand support to help your business move forward with confidence. |
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| | | Our Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) provides free, independent and confidential support to South Australian farmers and rural businesses.
Our counsellors can help you assess your financial position, explore options, and develop practical plans to manage the impacts of drought and strengthen future resilience.
We can also guide you through available assistance programs and work with you to find a clear path forward for your farm and family. |
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Our 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 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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| | Helpful Resources
Drought
Drought – PIRSA
Find up to date information and support options from PIRSA to help primary producers manage the ongoing impacts of drought and prepare for future seasons.
Drought Mental Health Support | SA Health
Access dedicated mental health services and resources from SA Health to support your wellbeing and resilience during challenging drought conditions.
ifarmwell | Weather it together A farmer-focused campaign designed to support members of SA farming communities through the ups and downs of life on the land. A reminder that while tough seasons are part of farming, we’ve made it this far and you don’t have to face them alone. Access simple, practical steps that can make a real difference to wellbeing, no matter what the season brings.
Algal Bloom
Algal Bloom Support Package | Small and Family Business
Small and family businesses affected by the Harmful Algal Bloom can access financial and wellbeing assistance, including relief payments through a support package from the South Australian and Australian Governments for impacted fisheries, aquaculture, and marine businesses.
Algal Bloom Updates | SA Gov
Stay informed with the latest updates on the Harmful Algal Bloom situation and its impacts across coastal and fishing communities — your one-stop source for information on where it’s occurring, what the government is doing, and answers to common questions like whether it’s safe to swim or fish in affected areas.
Stay Afloat Mental Health & Wellbeing | Seafood Industry Australia
Find tailored mental health and wellbeing support for people working in the seafood and fishing industries through Seafood Industry Australia’s Stay Afloat program.
Small Business
SA Small Business Commission
As an independent advocate for South Australian small businesses, the Small Business Commission provides resources, guidance, and fast, low-cost dispute resolution to help your business navigate challenges with confidence. |
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| | | RBS representatives will be attending the following events:
Just a Farmer Screening – PETERBOROUGH – 8 Nov 2025
SAFCA Conference – ADL CONVENTION CENTRE – 10-12 Nov 2025
MLA Updates – ADL CONVENTION CENTRE – 20 Nov 2025
LIS Premier’s Mining Awards – SKYCITY ADL – 20 Nov 2025
LIS GSSA Discovery Day – ADL CONVENTION CENTRE – 27 Nov 2025
LIS SA Exploration & Mining Conference – ADL CONVENTION CENTRE – 28 Nov 2025 |
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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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