Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW - Northern Region

27/10/2026

When the goalposts keep moving, having a plan matters.

Supply chain pressures, unpredictable weather and changing market conditions can leave producers weighing up some tough decisions about what comes next.

We asked RFC Gurmesh Singh MP to catch up with our RFC Emma Westley to discuss local needs and how RFCSNR can support banana growers in the Coffs Harbour region, along with other primary producers across the electorate, to work through these challenges and plan for what lies ahead.

Sometimes that means looking at the numbers, testing different options, exploring whether a business needs to pivot or simply getting a clearer picture of what’s financially viable before making the next move.

Thanks to Gurmesh for taking the time and working together to create a meaningful network of help for OUR farmers.

Australian Banana Growers Australian Bananas NSW Farmers Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

25/10/2026

We see so many of our farmers making changes - for good. If that's you share your experience with some of our mates - for good!

What does regenerative agriculture mean to you?

Southern Cross University wants to hear from grain growers across Australia.

Take the anonymous 5-minute survey and help researchers better understand the practices, benefits and challenges associated with regenerative agriculture. Your input will help develop a practical definition that reflects the realities of grain growing.

SCU project lead, Professor Terry Rose, says it's critical to hear from growers.

“They are the ones who are implementing and seeing the effects of different kinds of practices on their farms," he said.

Complete the survey here: https://scuau.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0BSmyUW0Q2XpQBU

This research is supported by Grains Research and Development Corporation.

23/10/2026

RFC Michael Ramstadius might have been a little outnumbered at the Rural Women's Network Gathering but he was in very good company!

As our brave Narrabri RFC we asked him to attended this year to gathering to share the support we offer to rural women and their important place in agriculture and local communities.

It was also wonderful feeling to see so many real genuine friends of our service that we work alongside season to season including Malinda Guest and Kirsty Evans joining forces with a swag of talented women to support and educate women on meaningful issues and connecting through laughter and creativity.

And while it was a room full of rural women, there’s a place for the blokes too. Men have an important role to play in backing rural women, listening to their experiences and helping make sure their voices are heard. Being an ally doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it starts with turning up, getting involved and being willing to listen. Kudos to Noel Williams from Frontier Services and Narrabri Shire Mayor Darrell Tiemens too!

Thanks to Gilly Goddard, Narrabri Shire and everyone who made Michael feel welcome and helped make the gathering happen. We’re proud to be connected to so many good people doing good things for rural communities.

Good on you, Michael, for showing up!

Women NSW

20/10/2026

Thinking about purchasing your first farm business or planning for farm succession?
Join RIC’s free Get RIC Ready webinar and learn how the RIC AgriStarter Loan may help eligible first farmers and support the next generation through farm succession arrangements.
📅 Wednesday 28 October 2026
🕛 12:00 noon AEDT for 1 hour
👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/4wCd2GW
Hear from RIC Agri Lending Specialists and guest speakers (including our very own RFC Katrina McDougall) as they cover:
✅ What you need to know about the AgriStarter Loan and how it can help
✅ Key eligibility requirements and what you need to prepare before applying
✅ Succession planning opportunities and pathways into farm ownership
✅ Practical tips to apply with confidence
The AgriStarter Loan can help eligible applicants purchase a first farm business, support succession planning arrangements, invest in land, livestock and equipment, and build a strong foundation for long-term farming success.
Whether you're a first-time farmer, part of a farming family planning for the future, this RIC webinar is designed to help you understand your options and prepare for the next step.
🎥Can't attend live? Register anyway and you’ll receive the recording after the webinar.
🌾Register now and take the next step towards your farming future: https://bit.ly/4wCd2GW

14/10/2026

This International Day of Rural Women, we recognise the women behind the food we grow, the businesses we build and the rural communities we call home.

From the paddock to the packing shed, the farm gate to the family table, rural womenaroud the globe play a vital role in putting good food on our plates and keeping our regions ticking.

But growing good food takes more than hard work. It takes resilience, sound business decisions, support through the tough seasons and the opportunity to shape a future on your own terms.

This year’s theme, “Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All”, is a reminder that supporting rural women means supporting the strength of our food systems and the future of our communities.

At RFCSNR, we recognise the women who keep showing up, adapting and finding a way forward often while balancing the demands of business, family and community.

Today, we celebrate you, your contribution and your place in our heartland.

Our heartland. Our way. 💚

Help shape a living message — a declaration of unity, courage, and connection. Join the movement this video aims to spark by sharing your own messages and images using . Started as a Connection from the Heart at the Rural Women's Network Gathering in Lismore help create strength in...

13/10/2026

A little or a lot - it all adds up. Weather prediction is a hard gig but you can't argue the maths. May you all be sent your "Goldilocks amount" of rain!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96W4tH9RxcA

Do you know how much rain 30mm actually is? It's enough to quickl...

12/10/2026

Asking for a friend - LEAVE your answer in the COMMENTS 👇
If a mate told you they were in financial trouble - would you tell them about the free RFC service ?

12/10/2026

🌧 Let's all do a rain dance TOGETHER ! We know this feeling and echo the wishes from Fernlee Station. Bring on the RAIN wherever you need it. If its getting too tough and you need drought support we're sure they wouldn't mind us letting all farmers know we are here - all it takes is a call. 1800 344 090

08/10/2026

Dreaming of owning your first farm or planning for the next generation?
Join our free Get RIC Ready webinar to learn how the RIC AgriStarter Loan can help eligible first farmers and support farm succession arrangements.

📅 Wednesday 28 October 2026
🕛 12:00 noon AEDT for 1 hour
👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/4wCd2GW

Learn about eligibility, the application process and how to prepare before you apply. Plus, hear practical insights from RIC Agri Lending Specialists and guest panelists.

🎥 Can't attend live? Register anyway and we'll send you the recording after the webinar.

🌾 Register now and take the next step towards your farming future

06/10/2026

What happens to your business if your market changes?

This ABC story is a timely reminder that decisions further up the supply chain can have very real consequences for producers.

For some, it may be a question of finding another buyer. For others, it could mean looking at a different pathway to market or whether the current business model still stacks up.

Knowing your options before you need them is part of good business planning.

Worth a read 👇
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-05/coles-woolworths-supply-chain-simplify-effect-on-producers/107224736?

A small-scale banana farmer who has had his agreement with Coles ended due to the supermarket giant simplifying its supply chain says the move signals the end of small-scale farms across the country.