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Turning Numbers Into Decisions

Across South Australia and the Northern Territory, many primary producers and regional small businesses are approaching the end of the financial year balancing cautious optimism with ongoing financial pressure.

Some regions have benefited from opening rains and improved seasonal conditions, while others continue managing dry conditions, flood recovery, delayed income and rising operating costs. Across almost every industry, we are hearing the same concerns around fuel, fertiliser, freight, cash flow and falling business confidence.

What stands out most this month is that many clients are not facing a single challenge in isolation. Rather, they are managing multiple pressures at once, with rising input costs, particularly fuel, fertiliser and freight, compounding existing financial, seasonal and structural challenges, all while trying to make decisions and plan ahead for the next season or business cycle.

What we’re hearing on the ground

For primary producers across South Australia and the Northern Territory, conversations are increasingly focused on working capital, refinancing, input affordability and how much risk businesses can realistically carry into the second half of 2026.

In South Australia, wine grape growers continue to face contract uncertainty, low returns, and significant oversupply issues, while livestock, cropping and horticulture businesses are reassessing costs and operational decisions. Across the Northern Territory, an extended wet season has delayed livestock movement, disrupted supply chains and increased operating costs, with many businesses concerned about cash flow pressure, rising freight and diesel costs, labour access and delayed income.

Regional small businesses are also feeling the flow-on effect of reduced household spending and rising overheads, particularly across tourism, hospitality, retail and transport sectors.

Using the end of financial year to review the bigger picture

This is why EOFY can be an important time to step back and review the numbers properly.

A business review is not just about tax outcomes. It is an opportunity to better understand where the business is sitting, what pressures are emerging and what decisions may need to be made before the next cycle begins.

• What information do you actually have about your current position?

• What conversations with banks, creditors, accountants or family members are coming up?

• What needs greater clarity before making the next financial decision?

How RBS can help

At RBS, our Rural Financial Counsellors and Small Business Financial Counsellors work alongside clients to help make sense of the numbers and explore practical pathways moving forward.

That may involve reviewing cash flow, understanding debt structures, preparing for lender discussions, exploring refinancing options or helping businesses better understand their overall financial position.

Importantly, support is free, independent and confidential.

Why early conversations matter

We are also seeing more people reach out earlier, not because they have run out of options, but because they want a clearer picture before pressure escalates further. Early conversations often provide more time, more options and greater flexibility and confidence moving forward.

If you are looking at your EOFY position and unsure what comes next, I encourage you to reach out.

Sometimes the most valuable step is simply starting the conversation.

If you’d like to talk through your options, contact Rural Business Support.

FREECALL 1800 836 211

Connect with programs and support in your region

Small and family businesses across South Australia are invited to attend Connect, Learn and Network, a free event hosted by the Office for Small and Family Business.

Members of the Rural Business Support team will be available to answer questions, discuss the challenges local businesses may be facing, and provide information about the free, independent and confidential support available through our service.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website.

Designed to provide a clearer, more accessible experience for rural and regional communities across South Australia and the Northern Territory, the new platform better reflects the range of support we provide to farming families, small businesses and landowners.

• Clearer information about our services

• Easier access to support and resources

• Updated information for landowners

• News, events and reports

• Relief Fund information and donation pathways

• Improved accessibility

We invite you to explore and share our new website and thank you for your continued support of RBS and the communities we work alongside every day.

Donate to the RBS Relief Fund

Extreme weather, drought and industry pressures continue to place significant strain on farming families across South Australia and the Northern Territory.

The RBS Relief Fund helps provide immediate support for essential living costs including groceries, utility bills and medical expenses during times of hardship.

As challenges continue to grow, so does the need for support.

Every tax-deductible donation, large or small, helps provide support grants that ease everyday pressure and deliver practical assistance when it’s needed most.

Weather it together: Ask for help

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