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Staying Ahead of Financial Pressure

Across South Australia and the Northern Territory, many rural businesses are now moving from seasonal planning into the realities of the year ahead. For some producers, recent rainfall has created opportunities to rebuild or prepare for the next season. For others, ongoing drought conditions, flood disruption, freight closures or market pressures mean financial decisions are becoming more complex.

We are seeing a common theme across the industries we support: businesses are operating with very little buffer. Many have entered 2026 with reduced working capital, tighter lending conditions and heightened exposure to further seasonal or market shocks.  

At times like this, one of the most practical steps rural business owners can take is to stay ahead of financial pressure rather than responding once options have already narrowed.

What March looks like on the ground

Across much of South Australia, the past month has brought highly uneven rainfall. Some regions have received useful falls, creating an opportunity to prepare for the coming season. In other areas, soil moisture remains limited and the path to recovery will depend heavily on access to working capital and favourable seasonal conditions.  

In parts of the Upper Mid North, however, heavy rainfall has led to localised flooding. While the rain was welcomed, the intensity has caused damage to floodgates, fences and roads, along with some erosion from the volume received in a short period.

For grain and mixed farming systems, this period often involves reviewing input requirements, planning rotations and assessing what level of investment the business can realistically carry into the next season.

There is also growing uncertainty around input costs and supply, particularly fuel and fertiliser. These factors are increasingly being considered in forward planning, with some producers reassessing operational decisions and risk settings for the season ahead.

Livestock producers continue to weigh up feed availability, supplementary feeding costs and stocking decisions. While livestock markets are providing some positives, rebuilding numbers or expanding operations remains difficult where feed costs and working capital pressures remain high.  

In the wine grape sector, financial pressure remains acute. Many growers are facing pricing below the cost of production, uncontracted fruit and difficult decisions about whether to harvest or redirect water allocations. These pressures are contributing to fatigue and uncertainty across many vineyard businesses.  

In the Northern Territory, flooding has inundated properties, impacting internal roads and disrupting freight corridors, creating operational and cashflow volatility for pastoral businesses in the Katherine, Barkly and Central regions. Biosecurity vigilance remains elevated, particularly around Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot-and-Mouth Disease preparedness.

Ongoing soil saturation is delaying Asian vegetable plantings and green mango flowering as the flowers are vulnerable to destruction during continued rainfall events. While hay and cotton producers are yet to determine the damage around the Daly River catchment area.

Cashflow is still volatile, particularly where freight and planting schedules are disrupted.

While each region and industry faces different conditions, the underlying challenge remains similar: managing financial risk in an environment where costs remain high and access to finance is becoming increasingly difficult as banks become more cautious.

Image: Northen Territory Floods

Talking to banks and creditors early

One of the trends our Rural Financial Counsellors are seeing more frequently is increased scrutiny from financial institutions. Earlier loan reviews, tighter overdraft conditions and greater emphasis on demonstrating business viability are becoming more common.  

While this can feel confronting, early conversations with lenders and creditors are often the most constructive approach.

Engaging early allows businesses to present a clear picture of their position, explain seasonal impacts and explore options before repayment pressure escalates. Waiting until accounts fall behind can make those discussions more difficult and reduce the flexibility available.

Preparing for those conversations is often where independent Rural Financial Counselling can provide practical support.

Updating cashflow projections mid-season

Another important step at this time of year is revisiting cashflow projections.

Seasonal conditions, commodity prices, water costs and input expenses such as fuel and fertiliser can shift quickly. Updating budgets and projections mid-season helps identify emerging pressure points and allows businesses to adjust plans before decisions are locked in.

This process does not require perfect forecasting. Instead, it is about understanding different scenarios and how the business might respond if conditions change.

Having a clear picture of cashflow over the next six to twelve months can also strengthen discussions with banks, suppliers and advisers.

What support looks like before things escalate

Many people assume Rural Financial Counselling is only needed when a situation has reached crisis point. In reality, the most effective outcomes often occur when businesses engage before pressure escalates.

Our Rural Financial Counsellors work alongside producers and rural business owners to:

• • Clarify their current financial position

• • Review cashflow projections and financial commitments

• • Prepare for discussions with banks and creditors

• • Identify options to stabilise the business before decisions are forced

Early engagement helps preserve options and can reduce the stress that often accompanies financial uncertainty.

Support for small and family-owned businesses

Financial pressure across agriculture also flows through to rural towns and small businesses.

Through our Small Business Financial Counselling Service, we are currently supporting many small and family-owned businesses navigating the impacts of drought and the algal bloom, including rising costs, reduced trade and broader regional economic pressures.  

Importantly, this service can also connect business owners with other valuable support programs. For example, eligible clients can access free HR and industrial relations advice through HR Avenues, providing practical guidance on workforce matters, compliance and employment issues.

Connecting businesses with the right support early can make a meaningful difference in maintaining stability and confidence.

Planning ahead with practical support

While the circumstances may vary from one region to another, one thing remains consistent: understanding your financial position early provides the greatest opportunity to make informed decisions.

If you would value a practical, confidential conversation about your business or financial position, our team is here to help.

Contact Rural Business Support on FREECALL 1800 836 211 to talk through your options

The first step in connecting with Rural Business Support (RBS) is reaching out through our FREECALL 1800 836 211 number, via email, or through the enquiry form on our website.

From there, our Program Support Officers take the time to understand your situation and explain the next steps. If ongoing support is appropriate, they will connect you with a rural or small business financial counsellor who understands your region and industry.

Your Financial Counsellor will then give you a call to introduce themselves and arrange a time for your first appointment.

Meeting in a way that works for you

Where possible, we usually come out to meet you on your farm or at your place of business, wherever you feel most comfortable. Alternatively, you can meet with us at one of our regional offices or connect by phone or video.

What do you need to have ready?

In most cases, not much.

Your Financial Counsellor may ask if you can bring along recent financial information such as financial statements or tax returns. These can be helpful if you are exploring support programs such as grants, a Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) Loan, or Farm Household Allowance (FHA).

If you don’t have everything prepared, that’s okay. The first meeting is still about understanding where things are at.

Building trust and understanding your business

The first appointment is about getting to know you, your business and your goals.

Your Financial Counsellor may talk through your current financial position and help create a clearer picture of where things stand today. Every situation is different, so the conversation will be guided by what is most relevant to you.

We’re in your corner, but we’re not there to tell you what to do. You know your business best. Our role is to help you understand your options, talk through possible pathways and provide the information you need to make decisions with confidence.

What happens next?

From there, with your Financial Counsellor, you can work through priorities, set goals and move forward at a pace that suits your circumstances.

If additional support would be helpful, such as mental health services, HR advice, legal or accounting support, we can also help connect you with the right people.

Because when it comes to running a business, it’s all connected.

Just like the first call, the focus remains the same – practical support, clear information and someone in your corner as you work through the next steps.

Looking for more information on how RBS can support you? Read here:

The First Conversation with RBS

How Financial Counselling Supports You at Every Stage

Supporting Businesses Impacted by Harmful Algal Bloom

Businesses across South Australia are feeling the impacts of the harmful algal bloom, with many operators facing uncertainty around income, staffing and business continuity.

To help affected businesses access the right support, Rural Business Support (RBS) and HR Avenues are working together to provide coordinated financial and workplace advice.

RBS offers free, independent and confidential financial counselling, helping businesses review their financial position, explore available grants or assistance programs, and work through cashflow challenges.

At the same time, HR Avenues provides practical HR and workplace advice, supporting business owners with staffing matters, workplace obligations and people management.

This partnership recognises that when businesses face disruption, the challenges are rarely just financial. By connecting financial counselling with HR expertise, businesses can receive support across both the financial and workplace sides of running a business.

Businesses impacted by the harmful algal bloom can begin by contacting Rural Business Support. After an initial conversation, our team can identify the support required and connect you with the appropriate service.

📞 FREECALL 1800 836 211
🌐 www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au

Come and say hello to the Rural Business Support team.

Our Rural Financial Counsellors can support farmers, fishers and foresters who are facing financial pressure, helping them understand their options, work through challenges and plan for the future.

Our Landowner Information Service Officer can also provide clear, independent information about mineral exploration and land access, helping landholders understand their rights and responsibilities when dealing with mining and resource projects.

📍 Find us at Site 594, Hocking Street, in the Grain Producers SA marquee
📅 Friday 20 & Saturday 21 March

Drop in for a chat and meet Sue-Ellen, Dayna, Emily and Laura. We’d love to see you there.

FREE Business Health Check for Small Businesses in Murraylands & Riverland

Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland (RDAMR) has partnered with Rural Business Support (RBS) to offer free one-on-one Business Health Checks for small businesses across the Murraylands and Riverland.

In a free 4-hour session, you’ll sit down with an experienced Small Business Financial Counsellor to take a closer look at your business and where things currently stand.

The Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association (NTCA) Annual Conference will be held in Darwin from 18–20 March. The conference celebrates the people, landscapes and cattle that drive the Territory’s largest primary industry and provides an opportunity to share ideas, innovation and practical solutions for producers.

Rural Business Support will be attending the conference, and our team looks forward to connecting with producers from across the Northern Territory.

If you’re attending, please come and find us for a chat about the free, independent and confidential support available to primary producers, including financial counselling and practical assistance to help navigate business challenges.

If you’d like to connect with our team before the conference, feel free to get in touch.

📞 FREECALL 1800 836 211
🌐 www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au

Celebrating Excellence in Rural Media

Rural Business Support was excited to attend the 2025 Rural Media & Communicators SA/NT Awards as Major Sponsor, celebrating the journalists, photographers and communicators who work tirelessly to bring rural stories to life.

The evening showcased an impressive depth of talent, with powerful photography, thoughtful reporting and compelling storytelling highlighting the people, industries and communities that shape rural and regional Australia.

Congratulations to Rural Media & Communicators SA/NT for hosting another outstanding event and bringing together media and industry to celebrate the sector.

A special congratulations to Kerry Staight from ABC Landline, named Rural Journalist of the Year, and Che Chorley from ABC News, awarded Rural Photographer of the Year, both incredibly well deserved.

View the full list of Award winners

Donate a ‘Pay It Forward’ Farmer Pack

Weathering It Together

South Australia has recently experienced one of the most severe dry periods in its history. While rain has returned to some regions, recovery takes time, and many farming families are still feeling the financial and emotional impacts of the season.

The emotional toll often peaks after the worst of the dry has passed. As the pressure of decision-making, recovery and uncertainty continues, looking after wellbeing becomes just as important as rebuilding paddocks and businesses. That’s why initiatives like Weather it Together are both timely and important.

Staying connected with family, friends, neighbours and the wider community can make a real difference during challenging times. Small steps such as focusing on what you can control, keeping active, and taking time away from daily pressures can help support both mental and physical wellbeing.

Most importantly, remember you don’t have to go through tough seasons alone. Reaching out early and having a conversation with someone you trust can make a big difference.

Support is available, and asking for help is a strong and practical step forward.

Take Control of Your Financial Numbers

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

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