Getting Your Finance Right in Dry Times

Hello!

Each month I sit down to write this newsletter and try to bring you something different — something useful, practical, or encouraging. But the reality is, the drought keeps pulling focus. It’s the backdrop to nearly every conversation I’m having with clients at the moment, and it’s hard to talk about anything else when the season continues to tighten its grip. If you’re feeling worn out, short on options, or just plain over it — you’re not alone.

At the same time, I want to remind you that tough seasons don’t last forever — even if they feel never-ending in the moment. I’ve seen firsthand how resilient farming families are, and how small, steady steps — a loan review, a conversation with the bank, a bit of outside support — can make a big difference. There are ways to lighten the load and set things up for the recovery that will come. You don’t have to do it all at once, and you definitely don’t have to do it alone.

Out and About – What We’ve Been Up To This Month

It’s been a busy month on the road (and on the phone!). From client catch-ups across the region to a great turnout at the WoTL, Understanding Your Numbers Workshop at Pinnaroo, we’ve had plenty of meaningful conversations about finance, dry seasons, and future plans. Laura’s also been getting out and about with me more, which has been fantastic — she’s bringing fresh eyes and ideas to the way we support our clients. Whether it’s checking in on current lending or helping with longer-term planning, we’ve been focused on making sure our clients feel supported, even when conditions are tough.

One of the ways we support clients — especially during dry times — is through our financial analysis and budget vs actuals service. We don’t just look at how your current numbers are tracking; we also review previous years to help identify patterns and trends in your business. This can highlight strengths, flag potential risks, and give you a clearer picture for planning ahead. It’s a practical tool that can make conversations with banks or advisers more informed and productive. If this sounds useful, feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to help.

Getting Your Finance Right in Dry Times

It’s a tough season out there. Between floods in parts of NSW and dry conditions here in SA, a lot of farmers are doing it hard right now. When things get tight, it’s easy to go into survival mode — just focus on getting through. But the decisions you make now can make a real difference when it comes to recovery later on.

In this month’s blog, I’ve pulled together some thoughts I shared at a recent Livestock SA event — things like why it’s worth planning early, how to approach your bank, and why it’s okay to question whether loyalty is really paying off. If you’re trying to figure out your next step, I hope there’s something useful in here for you.

Click Here: Getting Finance Right In Dry Times

What’s Happening with Interest Rates?

As of June 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has reduced the cash rate to 3.85%, marking a 25 basis point cut in May.  This move reflects the RBA’s cautious approach amid easing inflation and global economic uncertainties.  

Commonwealth Bank (CBA)
Anticipates the cash rate will decrease to 3.35% by December 2025, with further reductions leading to approximately 3.1% by mid-2026.

Westpac
Expects the cash rate to fall to 3.35% by the end of 2025, stabilising around 3.25% by mid-2026.

National Australia Bank (NAB)
Predicts the cash rate will decline to 3.1% by February 2026.

ANZ
Foresees the cash rate reaching 3.6% by December 2025 and 3.35% during the first quarter of 2026.

“Have a well-thought financial plan that is not dependent on correctly guessing what will happen in the future” — Barry Ritholz, American author, market strategist and founder & wealth management executive.

Have a great day!!
Deb

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Latest News

The Grain Bullets – 5 main drivers of the grain market

Andrew Whitelaw, from Episode 3 provides a summary of the main bullet points of what is happening in the grain markets.

• US Wheat Crop Ratings Surprised Markets
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• Good Weather Forecast for Australia

BOM Winter 2025 Climate and Water Long Range Forecast

The long-range forecast for June to August shows:

• rainfall is likely to be above average for much of mainland Australia, but there is no strong indication of above or below average rainfall in the south-west and south-east
• warmer than average days are very likely across most of Australia, with an increased chance of unusually high daytime temperatures, particularly across the north and south
• warmer than average nights are very likely across Australia, with an increased chance of unusually high overnight temperatures, particularly across northern, southern and much of eastern Australia

Australian Women In Agriculture Event – Adelaide 5th to 7th August

If you’re passionate about agriculture and the role of women in shaping its future, the upcoming Australian Women in Agriculture (AWiA) National Conference is worth adding to your calendar.

Held in Glenelg this August, the event will bring together women from all corners of the ag sector to share stories, spark ideas, and explore practical tools around leadership, innovation, and sustainability. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded women who understand the highs and lows of life on the land.

The speaker line-up features Su McCluskey, Professor Wendy Umberger, and Georgie Somerset, leading discussions on everything from climate resilience to mental health in rural communities. Expect panel sessions, workshops, networking opportunities—and an optional regional tour if you’re up for exploring more of South Australia’s agricultural landscape.