Primary Producer

Financial Counselling Services

Rural Financial Counselling Services offers financial counselling and guidance to Primary Producers who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing financial hardship. Our services are free to all Primary Producers who are eligible. To find out if you are eligible, contact your local counsellor.

Services we provide

Understanding your finances

The information produced from your financial statements can assist you in evaluating your current business financial position and if there are any changes required to improve financial strategies.

Develop business plan

A business plan is the written vision for your farm and the roadmap or guide on how to get you where you want to go.

Identify areas of risk in your business

By managing and planning for Risk, you can reduce the impact of negative and unexpected events on your farm business.

Farm debt mediation

Farm Debt Mediation is a structured negotiation process in which the mediator, as a neutral and independent person, assists the parties to communicate effectively with each other and reach agreement on issues.

Farm exit planning

Developing a plan before a major change occurs can provide stability for the business by helping the business to successfully navigate change.

Cash flow forecasting analysis

Developing a monthly cash flow budget for the financial year using actual farm production and inputs data, allows for different options and scenarios to be incorporated into each cash flow budget.

Providing referrals

Your Rural Financial Counsellor can help you get the right help. Having a vast network of agencies and services providers.

Negotiate with creditors and banks

Debt negotiations can offer a satisfactory solution for you and your creditors, but it is important to consider all your options before deciding whether it is the right option for your business.

Access government assistance

RFCS offers a range of support and guidance on accessing government assistance.

How we work with you

Our service is comprehensive, and differs from client to client due to the complex nature of primary producers’ financials. However, we have three top-level steps we follow for every client.

1

Initial contact

Our first meeting with you is to help us understand where you’re at. First and foremost, we listen.

RFCS has access to many govt. programs, grants and other agencies. Based on our initial conversation, we may suggest these other services to help you in your current position.

Once we have access to your financials, the next step is to make a plan.

2

Assess your situation

Once we have your information, we analyse your situation and get you back in (or visit you on-farm) to discuss where you are currently, where you want to be and/or what you want to do. Having the opportunity to meet with you on your farm helps us gain a much better understanding of the complexities of your business.

We may ask you to provide authority for us to speak with your accountant, banker, or solicitor.

We also cover off any issues you have flagged, or we have found.

3

Develop a plan

Our case management service will equip you with the tools you need to move forward. Once we understand where you want to be, we make a plan and action it, to ensure you’re moving toward these goals.

For some clients, and depending on the goals, this will take time.

Regardless, we will be there to support you.

Our Rural Financial Counsellors

Case Studies

James’s story

James’ farm is a split between Eggs, Sheep and Contracting. When he approached RFCS, he was establishing his contracting business and first required help applying for government subsidies.

Read story

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Need help to get through a difficult time?

Our financial counsellors can help help you understand your finances and make a clear plan to move forward.

Find your local counsellor Contact us