The Australian Government, in partnership with the South Australian Government, is offering resources to help farmers facing challenges due to the lack of rain. Through the National Drought Agreement 2024-2029, various support programs are available, regardless of drought declarations, so farmers can access aid when they need it most.
Support measures include:
- Rural financial counselling
- Tax and income support
- Low-interest loans
These resources are designed to provide assistance before, during, and after droughts, ensuring that farmers don’t have to wait to seek help. To find out more about the Australian Government programs, visit drought.gov.au. Additionally, the South Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regions (DPIR) also offers essential drought resources, which can be explored on their website.
It’s important that farmers don’t face these challenges alone. We encourage open conversations with farm advisers, agronomists, accountants, suppliers, bankers, and even local community groups or charities. Everyone has a role to play in supporting each other during tough times.
By working together and connecting farmers to the right resources, we can help ease some of the burdens that come with dry conditions. Reach out to your fellow farmers, share this information, and let's make sure no one is left struggling in silence.
Stay safe,
South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association (SADA)
Rural Business Support
Rural Business Support is a not-for-profit organisation committed to providing essential support to businesses, farmers, landowners and communities in rural and regional South Australia. Delivering programs aimed at developing a sustainable primary industry sector with resilient rural communities to support them.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service program provides free, independent and confidential financial counselling to eligible farmers, and small related enterprises who are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
Rural Financial Counsellors understand the unique challenges you are facing. They can assist you to find financial stability and security by supporting you to:
- identify and understand your financial position
- develop plans to manage cash flow & creditor payments
- consider long & short-term implications of market changes
- access dispute resolution services
- consider succession pathways
- referrals to other support
Don’t wait to reach out.
By engaging early with the free, confidential Rural Financial Counselling Service at RBS dairy farmers have another set of eyes supporting them to model different options for dealing with the potential impact on cash flow, and conversations relating to debt management and their financial position.
FREECALL 1800 836 211 | www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au
State Emergency Services
Stay updated with all emergency information and plan for incidents in your area by visiting the State Emergency Service and Country Fire Service websites.
Learn more about state disaster recovery activities and arrangements in South Australia through Recovery SA.
Support for farmers during hard times
Farmers and rural communities face many risks to their business, including natural disasters, drought,
pests and diseases, and other market disruptions. Australian Government programs and services can
assist farmers as they plan for, manage, and recover from these shocks.