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| Looking beyond the season |
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Across South Australia, welcome rainfall has brought renewed optimism to many regions, with crops establishing well, livestock feed improving and strong lambing percentages being reported. But we also recognise that one good season doesn’t erase the challenges of the past few years. Recovery takes time, and while seasonal confidence is growing, many producers are still managing high debt and rising operating costs. Broadacre grain growers, wine grape growers and livestock operators may face further cost pressures and uncertainty in the months ahead.
In the Northern Territory, conditions and challenges are different. As the dry season takes hold, many producers are continuing to recover from earlier flood impacts while managing tight cashflow and higher input costs. Horticultural growers are facing increased weed and pest burdens following the wet, while long distances and freight requirements leave cattle businesses exposed to rising fuel and transport costs. Increases in global fuel prices and shipping insurance could also add to the cost of live export and container freight.
For regional small businesses, cost-of-living pressures, reduced customer spending and rising operating costs continue to weigh heavily on confidence. Many business owners are also telling us they are managing growing ATO debt and tighter cashflow. It’s a reminder that while seasonal conditions may improve in some areas, the financial impacts of drought, flooding, market downturns and other challenges often continue long after the event itself has passed. |
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Planning while you still have options
Across our regions, we’re seeing more people facing decisions that can’t simply be solved by waiting for the next good season. Years of drought, commodity volatility, rising costs and changing markets have prompted many business owners to step back and ask some difficult but important questions.
Can the business support another generation? Is the current debt structure sustainable? Is it time to diversify, lease assets or consider selling? How do families begin conversations about succession, retirement or the future of the business?
These aren’t easy discussions, but they’re becoming increasingly common across both primary production and regional small business. They’re also conversations that are often easier to have while there are still options available.
These decisions don’t just affect individual businesses. When one business comes under financial pressure, the impacts don’t stop at the farm gate. They can flow through to contractors, transport operators, rural suppliers, retailers and other local businesses. That’s why helping people understand their position and make informed decisions early is so important, not only for the future of their own business, but for the strength of the communities around them. |
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Starting the conversation early
At Rural Business Support, we believe the best time to have these conversations is before decisions become urgent. Whether you’re considering succession, reviewing debt, planning for the future or simply wanting a clearer picture of where your business stands, understanding your options early can help preserve choice and provide greater confidence in the decisions ahead. |
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| Our professional and experienced team are here to provide support as you navigate challenges. |
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Support when you need it most
No matter where you are in your business journey, you don’t have to work through these decisions alone. Rural Business Support provides free, independent and confidential support to help primary producers, small businesses and regional communities to understand their options and make informed decisions with confidence.
If you’re starting to think about the future of your business or simply want to understand where you stand, we encourage you to start the conversation today. |
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Contact Rural Business Support on FREECALL 1800 836 211 to talk through your options. |
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| Come and say hello to the Rural Business Support team.
📍 Find us at Site 417, D Road, in the Grain Producers SA marquee 📅 Tuesday 11th – Thursday 13th August
Our Rural Financial Counsellors can support farmers, fishers and foresters across SA and the NT who are facing financial pressure, helping them understand their options, work through challenges and plan for the future.
Our Small Business Financial Counsellors support eligible small business owners across rural and regional South Australia, providing practical guidance to navigate financial challenges and strengthen their businesses.
Our Landowner Information Service Officers can provide clear, impartial information about mineral exploration and land access, helping landowners understand their rights and responsibilities when dealing with mining and resource projects.
Drop in for a chat, we would love to see you there. |
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| South Australian Drought Loan Scheme |
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The South Australia Drought Loan Scheme is available to eligible drought-affected grain and livestock producers in South Australia’s Murray Mallee, Riverland and Upper North, providing access to low-interest loans to help manage cashflow and support business continuity during challenging seasonal conditions.
If you’re considering applying, Rural Business Support’s Rural Financial Counsellors can help. Our team can assist you to understand the eligibility criteria, prepare the required documentation and support you through the application process.
Applications are open until 31 December 2026 (or until available funding is exhausted).
To make an appointment with a Rural Financial Counsellor: FREECALL 1800 836 211 or email enquiries@ruralbusinesssupport.org.au |
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| | | Starting the day the Fat Farmers’ way |
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Last month, we were pleased to welcome Michael Williams from Fat Farmers to our staff conference in Port Lincoln. Michael started the day by encouraging us to get outside for some fresh air and movement before sharing the inspiring story behind the Fat Farmers Rural Health Initiative.
What began in 2012 as a small group of farmers supporting one another to become more active has grown into a national, community-led movement that encourages healthier lifestyles, stronger social connections and better mental and physical wellbeing for people living and working in rural Australia. Through local fitness groups and community partnerships, the initiative is helping make preventative healthcare more accessible for regional communities.
At RBS, we know that financial pressure can affect every part of a person’s life. Staying connected, looking after your physical and mental wellbeing, and having a strong support network can make a real difference during challenging times.
That’s why we’re proud to announce that Rural Business Support is now a Bronze Partner of the Fat Farmers’ Health Hub.
The Fat Farmers’ Health Hub is helping bring free preventative health services closer to rural Australians through a purpose-built mobile health facility that travels to field days, agricultural events and regional communities. From skin cancer checks and heart health assessments to diabetes screening, GP consultations and mental health support, the Health Hub is making it easier for people to access timely healthcare, no matter where they live.
Strong rural businesses depend on healthy people, and we’re proud to support an initiative that is helping improve the health and wellbeing of farming families and regional communities across South Australia. |
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| | | | | New office for Algal Bloom research |
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Australia’s first dedicated Office for Algal Bloom Research was recently launched at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), bringing together specialist expertise to better understand, monitor and respond to harmful blooms.
Established through a joint Federal and State government investment of $3.2M, the Office for Algal Bloom Research will strengthen long-term science in oceanography, modelling, and phytoplankton research to help protect marine ecosystems, industries, and communities. Critically, the office will act as a national hub for algal bloom science; connecting research teams from around Australia and globally.
This highly collaborative approach to algal bloom science was evident in June when more than 200 international researchers, industry representatives, government officials, and community stakeholders came together for the SARDI-led Algal Bloom Research Symposium. The two-day summit included presentations of the latest findings in algal bloom science, advances in monitoring and forecasting, new insights into what drives algal blooms, and how they affect ecosystems and communities.
The office forms part of the wider $162.5 million government package to address the harmful algal bloom in South Australia.
If you are a commercial fisher, seafood or small tourism business impacted by the algal bloom, Rural Business Support has a team of highly qualified Financial Counsellors available to provide support as you navigate ongoing challenges in your business.
Contact Rural Business Support on FREECALL 1800 836 211 to talk through your options. |
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L-R: Louise Miller-Frost, MP, Hon Murray Watt, Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Prof Mike Steer |
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SARDI’s Josh Davey demonstrates how to skilfully remove otoliths (ear bones) from a fish, for the purpose of ageing the animal. |
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| | Supporting wellbeing in the Seafood Industry |
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Working in the seafood industry comes with its own unique pressures, which is why programs like Stay Afloat play such an important role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of people working across the sector.
At our recent staff conference, we were fortunate to hear from Jo Marshall from Culturise, who shared how the Stay Afloat program is helping seafood communities through practical resources, education, training and local support. Developed for industry, by industry, the program encourages early conversations, strengthens community connections and helps people access the support they need.
Explore the 5 Habits of Happiness, a simple reminder that small, everyday habits can make a positive difference to your mental health and wellbeing. |
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| Research has shown that adding one activity from each of the five categories below/above can improve a person’s happiness and overall quality and satisfaction with life. Try it yourself, or have a conversation with your workmates about it. It’s bound to make you smile! |
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Active wildlife surveillance remains a key part of South Australia’s response to H5 bird flu.
The number of confirmed H5 bird flu cases in South Australia is currently 14. Importantly, there continue to be no detections of H5 bird flu in poultry, captive birds, pets, other wildlife or livestock. Poultry meat and eggs remain safe to consume. Active surveillance and monitoring continue to help detect any changes early and protect South Australia’s livestock and wildlife industries.
South Australians can visit birdflu.sa.gov.au as a central source of information, updates and resources for primary producers, veterinarians, wildlife carers and the wider community. The website complements the 24/7 Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888), which community members should call to report sick or dead birds, or wildlife showing signs of bird flu.
Rural Business Support’s, Rural Financial Counsellors are available to support poultry and egg producers with forward planning, helping businesses consider practical strategies that strengthen preparedness for changing operating conditions, including those that may arise from Bird Flu.
Contact Rural Business Support on FREECALL 1800 836 211 to talk through your options. |
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Buy SA Week highlights the important role local businesses play in keeping our regional communities strong.
Whether you’re buying from a local retailer, choosing a regional supplier or supporting a family-owned business, every purchase helps create jobs and strengthen local communities. |
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Small Business Week celebrates the vital role small businesses play in our communities.
It’s an opportunity to learn new skills, connect with other business owners and gain practical insights to support long-term success. |
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Want to connect with RBS? Our team will be attending the following events: |
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| AUG 06 | Rural Media Communicators SA/NT AGM
Adelaide Showground More Info |
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| | AUG 17 | Small Business Week Expo
Adelaide Convention Centre More Info |
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| AUG 20 | PIRSA Riverland Protected Cropping Expo
Berri More Info |
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| AUG 21 | Women in Horticulture
Angle Vale More Info |
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| | SEP 08 | Philanthropy Australia Conference
Brisbane More Info |
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| SEP 09 | Minnipa Ag Centre Field Day
Minnipa More Info |
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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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