Planning for the seasons you want, and the ones you don’t
Wow, what a tricky time we are in. We do not need to spell out the additional pressures the farming industry is facing right now. If you feel this may impact your cash flow this season, please reach out. We can review your budget and lending to make sure you are not carrying unnecessary pressure later in the year.
One thing we did want to say. It is easy to look back and think you should have bought fuel cheaper or locked something in earlier. That does not change the outcome. If you planned ahead and made an informed decision, then that was the right decision for your business at the time. Sometimes you will get it right, sometimes you will not. If you have prepared properly, everything else is outside your control.
Don’t be too hard on yourselves!
Out and About – What We’ve Been Up To This Month
This month has been focused on helping clients adjust to changing conditions.
We have been working through budget reviews, discussing rate pressure, and helping clients access additional lending where needed. For those who prepared budgets earlier in the year, we are revisiting input pricing to understand where their business now sits for the remainder of the season. With ongoing uncertainty, it is better to be prepared early and ensure your cash flow and lending structures reflect the increased costs.
In the midst of this, we have also been reviewing and refinancing lending for both existing and new clients. While conditions are volatile, banks are still open to quality opportunities and continue to look for well managed farm businesses they can support. This is a good reminder that even in uncertain times, there may still be room to improve your rates, restructure lending, or put better facilities in place for the season ahead. Preparation remains the key, when the numbers are clear and the strategy is sound, lenders are still willing to have the conversation.
Laura has been busy with equipment finance, ranging from standard farm machinery to support seeding, through to more specialised equipment such as cattle preg testers. Every business has different needs, and she has been enjoying researching to find the best fit for each situation.
Please note, we have made the decision to limit travel this month. With diesel prices high and supply tight, we are reducing usage where possible. We will still attend essential meetings in person, but otherwise will move to online where it makes sense.
Planning for the seasons you want, and the ones you don’t
Farming has never been predictable.
Weather, grain prices, input costs, interest rates, and now global supply pressures all move at different speeds. The businesses that handle this best are not the ones that guess correctly every time, they are the ones that plan for a range of outcomes.
That might mean:
• Building flexibility into your cash flow
• Reviewing lending before you need it
• Understanding what a good, average, and tough season each look like financially
Planning does not remove risk, but it does give you options and a thorough understanding of your business.
Click Here: Planning for the seasons you want, and the ones you don’t
What’s Happening with Interest Rates?
Unfortunately, rates are not looking favourable; all major banks are predicting another rise in May. Definitely a climate to be regularly reviewing your interest rates, and consideration for higher interest payments should be included in your budget planning.
- CBA is predicting one more rise in May.
- Westpac has indicated rate rises in May, June and August
- NAB forecasting another rate rise in May.
- ANZ is also predicting another rate rise.
“Do not judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Have a great day!!
Deb & Laura
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Latest News
GRDC Farm Business Update (Online)– Getting new farm staff up to speed quickly, safely and confidently 23rd April 2026: 1pm (EST)
This webinar will highlight the importance of structured onboarding to improve safety, productivity, and retention of new staff. Reinforce that clear systems, communication, and training reduce costly mistakes and downtime.
GRDC Grains Research Update – Spreading Your Fertiliser Budget Further
April 1st 2026: 11am – 12pm (AEDT)
This webinar will focus on practical strategies to stretch fertiliser budgets in a high cost environment. Cover interpreting soil tests, prioritising allocation, and refining nitrogen strategies based on paddock history and crop type. Emphasise that timing and placement decisions become critical when supply is limited. Key takeaway is making disciplined, data driven decisions to maximise return on every fertiliser dollar.
Episode 3 – Fertiliser Updates
This article explores tightening fertiliser supply, particularly urea, and the risks this creates for pricing and availability this season. Highlights how global logistics and shipping delays are becoming a critical factor in input timing. Introduces the idea of tracking shipments as a way to gain early insight into supply movements. Key message is to plan early and consider supply risk as part of financial and operational decisions.
What is a Testamentary Trust and Why Would I Need One?
This article explains how testamentary trusts allow assets to be distributed through a will in a tax effective and controlled way. They can provide significant tax advantages for beneficiaries, especially families with children, while also offering asset protection. Useful for farming families where intergenerational wealth and business continuity are key considerations. The main benefit is flexibility and control beyond a standard will.
Fuel Excise Halved & Truck Charges Removed
Outlines a temporary government measure reducing fuel excise and removing certain trucking charges to ease cost pressures. This provides short term relief for transport intensive industries like agriculture. However, the benefit is time limited, meaning businesses should avoid relying on it for long term planning.
From the PurvisAgriFinance Archives
Get the Right Finance in Dry Times
Focuses on aligning finance structures with seasonal volatility rather than short term conditions. Encourages proactive communication with lenders and tailoring repayments to cash flow realities. Highlights that the right structure can reduce stress and improve decision making during difficult periods
Build a Positive Farming Mindset
Explains how mindset directly impacts decision quality, especially under pressure and uncertainty. Encourages awareness of stress, fatigue, and emotional responses that can lead to poor choices. Suggests building routines and support systems to maintain clarity and perspective. Key insight is that better thinking leads to better outcomes, even when conditions are tough.
Why a Tough Year Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Negotiate a Better Deal
Challenges the assumption that poor seasons remove negotiating power with lenders. Emphasises the importance of reviewing rates, terms, and structures regardless of recent performance. Highlights that preparation, clear communication, and understanding your position can still lead to improved outcomes. The key takeaway is to stay proactive and advocate for your business, even in tough years.