RFCS NSW September Newsletter
CEO update
We are now approaching the middle of spring, and everyone is looking for that 50mm rainfall event to give some relief to our crops, pastures, and dams. Higher than average temperatures coupled with lower-than-average rainfall in many parts of the state has brought the winter cropping season forward, changing operating schedules and logistics. While crop conditions are generally positive, they have been without decent rainfall for some weeks.
The good news is the run of high prices and output for livestock continues. Last week we had a record set for the sale of young merinos in Hay and Meat & Livestock Australia reported record beef production of 2.985 million tonnes for FY26. Fodder donations and drops are increasing, particularly in the Bega Valley and along the NSW coast, so hopefully the high prices remain to offset these additional drought related costs.
I’m pleased to announce the release of our FY26 Annual Report. This validates how important our services have been for farmers, individuals, and communities across central and southern NSW.
The key highlights for me are:
- 1,074 clients received 6,980 financial counselling sessions across three programs.
- Most clients improved their financial circumstances and skills and personal welfare following engagement with the service.
- An average client satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5.
- Successful strategic stakeholder engagement sessions, capability workshops and outreach events held across the region.
- Cost efficiencies, IT upgrades and work health and safety improvements made.
- 81 per cent staff satisfaction rate.
A huge thank you to all the staff, stakeholders and clients who have made these achievements possible. A copy can be downloaded here.
Wool, ag research and El Nino
Rural financial counsellor Vicki Hall’s recent outreach took in three big events. At Harden, the biggest crowd in years turned out to the South West Slopes Stud Merino Breeders Field Day on the back of rising wool prices - genuine enthusiasm from buyers and stud owners alike, with a strong focus on wool-made Australian clothing.
Two days later, around 100 farmers, students and industry people attended the CSIRO Boorowa Agricultural Research Station Open Day to see research in action - weed, seed and soil management, alongside projects on bioacoustics, natural capital, virtual fencing, digital soil mapping and mapping microbiomes. One agronomist, 30 years in the industry, said he’s seen real gains in weed control off the back of CSIRO’s work.
Then in Cowra, a climate El Nino farming forum explored seasonal forecasts, sustainability trends, food security, methane abatement, carbon accounting and emerging on-farm technologies. ANU’s Professor Mark Howden pointed out an El Niño doesn’t automatically mean drought and that climate change is resulting in lower and bigger high pressure systems on the NSW map than about 30 to 40 years ago - resulting in more rain in the Southern Ocean than in Victoria and lower NSW. He says this has also lead to more tropical air systems coming down from Queensland to northern NSW leading to warmer temperatures. Agsecure’s Andrew Henderson argued fertiliser, fuel and food security deserve the same national priority as defence, referring to the national food security preparedness Green Paper.
Smarter Feeding, Better Paddocks
Containment feeding can be a genuine game-changer - freeing up time, giving pastures and paddocks a real chance to recover, and putting producers back in control during tough seasons. That was the takeaway at the Jindera Feed, Forecast & Flock Field Day from Local Land Services district vet Mark Corrigan and LLS senior officer Paul Simpson who walked through what it takes to do containment feeding well.
There is a catch worth knowing: ewes close to lambing can lose fitness quickly in containment, making it harder for them to carry and lamb well, and it’s worth going in with a clear picture of the costs involved and the ongoing work to keep it running well. Hosted by West Hume Landcare, rural financial counsellors Angela Lonergan and Jillian Boon went along to hear the latest from the experts, alongside practical sessions on using eID data for sheep management, seasonal forecasting for feed budgeting, and containment area design. Farmers left in good spirits, keen to learn more, particularly around what eID data could do for their own operations.
This Year’s Rural Women to Watch
Inspiring rural women were front and centre at Parliament House for the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award Gala Dinner. National winner Narelle Zanker (SA) took the title for Dairy Adventures, an on-farm experience connecting consumers with dairy farming. Runner-up Kelly Shotton (NT) was recognised for Stationly, an app changing how remote cattle stations monitor and manage water infrastructure.
Rural financial counsellor Clare Boardman joined RFCS Chair Anita Kemp (pictured) on the night, also a valuable chance to connect with other attendees and raise awareness of RFCS NSW among a room full of rural leaders.
Community cooked up right
Sometimes the right cut of information is just as valuable as the right cut of meat. Rural financial counsellors Stephen Morris and Graeme Witte joined farmers and local health, community and agricultural services at this Meat Masterclass and drought resilience day - the latest in a series that’s already run in Pooncarie, Wentworth and Euston, bringing people together to build skills, share knowledge and strengthen community connections.
Talk of the field days
The southern team spent three days at Henty Machinery Field Days, connecting with existing clients, meeting new faces, and catching up with stakeholders to keep referral contacts current. Among the highlights was NSW Farmers' 'Pollies in the Paddock' with water buybacks, renewables and EPBC reforms among the hot issues shaping the year ahead, and RIC intel of interest revealed growing appetite for AgriStarter loans tied to succession planning, an issue becoming front of mind for farmers.
Here’s where you’ll find our rural financial counsellors over the coming weeks - make sure you drop by and say hello.
8 OCT: Agtech In Focus - Yanco (Leanne Bode attending)
From virtual fencing and livestock monitoring to weather forecasting, irrigation automation and farm security, this Discovery Day showcases technology tackling everyday farm challenges. Register here.
9 & 15 OCT: Agtech Fundamentals Workshops - Young (9th, Vicki Hall) & Tarcutta (15th, Scott Boyle)
An introductory workshop on using agtech and connectivity to lift productivity and profitability - learn the right questions to ask suppliers so you know your next steps by the end. Register for Young here. Register for Tarcutta here.
13, 14 & 15 OCT: Farming Stronger Workshops – the team attending Cooma (13th), Bega (14th) and Braidwood (15th) workshops
Stock, weather, money, staff - all landing at once, and suddenly the simple calls don’t feel simple anymore. Farming Stronger is a practical, farmer-first workshop on how our brains work under pressure, with simple tools to think clearly and keep making good decisions when there’s a lot on. Free, with morning tea and lunch included.
Register Cooma here, Bega here, and Braidwood here.
15 OCT: FAR Wallendbeen Field Day (Marine Morton attending)
Walk the trials and discover what’s next for wheat, barley and pulse agronomy, from germplasm insights to disease management and yield frontiers. BBQ and drinks provided. Register here.
15 OCT: Community & Industry Expo - Barham (Justin Luckel attending)
Back at the Barham Recreation Reserve - an interactive day with local businesses, community groups and services on display. Follow event details on Facebook.
22–24 OCT: Australian National Field Days - Borenore (the team attending)
One of Australia’s oldest field days, now in its 74th year - 500+ exhibitors gather at Borenore, near Orange, for three days of agricultural innovation, rural life and country entertainment. Grab your tickets here.
5 NOV: Agtech Discovery Day - Orange (the team attending)
From virtual fencing to livestock monitoring, crop insights and whole-farm dashboards, this Discovery Day covers the technology helping producers improve efficiency, manage risk and stay ahead of challenges. Register here.
Lifting the load when life hits hardest
Our personal financial counsellors continue to make a life-changing impact for people experiencing hardship, most recently by securing a full credit card debt waiver for a client undergoing cancer treatment. Forced to leave work for breast cancer treatment, she had been living off her credit card while putting every cent of income towards paying it down, a cycle that only deepened her debt and stress.
Over four months, our Financial Counselling Service team helped secure the Disability Support Pension, cut living costs through community support and set up a bills account. They then negotiated with her bank, which cancelled the account and waived the debt in full, freeing her to focus on recovery.
Read how the team helped other clients - such as Sarah, who was grieving the sudden loss of her partner, and David, who was facing Stage 3 cancer - lifting the weight of worry off their shoulders.
We're hiring: Rural Financial Counsellor in Wagga Wagga
Some of the toughest conversations in rural Australia happen at kitchen tables, not boardrooms. If you can sit at that table and help a farmer who is facing financial hardship see a genuine path forward, we want to talk to you. We need a Rural Financial Counsellor to deliver vital support to farmers in the NSW Riverina region. Based out of our Wagga office, you'll join a small, dedicated team making a real difference every day.
Ideally you've got a background in agriculture, business or finance, or personal financial counselling experience and keen to learn the agriculture side. Plus a knack for listening, and a genuine care for regional communities.
Agtech events and courses: where to start
Field days, demo days, online modules, hands-on courses - agtech training is everywhere right now but can be overwhelming. Here's a quick guide to help you figure out what's worth your time and where to start. Most of what's on offer across southern and central NSW is free, or fee-free for eligible participants.
Before you click, verify: scam warning
$45,000. Gone. In one phone call. One of our clients - sharp, careful with money - had their accounts drained after a scammer posing as bank staff "helped" fix a security problem. Scams like this are getting harder to spot. Our IT specialists have put together practical advice on telling what's real, including some less obvious warning signs because we don't want anyone else in our farming community to go through the same thing.
Register with Rural Aid Before You Need To
With dry conditions spreading across the state and the storm and fire season underway, now's the time for farmers to get registered with Rural Aid - before, not after, things get difficult. Registering early means there's a record on file, so if challenging weather hits, farmers can be followed up and connected to support sooner rather than later. Registering is straightforward: online, over the phone, or with a paper form if that's easier, whichever suits. Visit Rural Aid or for a manual form, call 1300 327 624.
Tailored coaching for your farm business
A new round of personalised business coaching is opening up for NSW farmers under the Farm Business Resilience Program. Each participant is matched with a coach or specialist adviser in their industry and region, working one-to-one or in a small group to turn a business plan into action covering decision-making, risk management, cash flow and drought preparedness, with access to mental health support through RAMHP. Two online capacity-building workshops held 7 and 21 October to help farmers develop a business plan in preparation for the coaching program.
1–22 OCT | Lunch and Learn: Farm Finance Beyond Basics - Online
A free lunchtime online series digging deeper into farm finance fundamentals, running through October. Register here.
7–21 OCT | Growing Success: Farm Business Planning Essentials - Online
Three 2-hour interactive workshops to start building a farm business plan you can put into action, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and learn from other farmers. Register here.
8 OCT | Farm Security and Biosecurity Day - Dareton
See live demonstrations of security and biosecurity technologies on a working research farm. Whether it's theft, equipment protection or biosecurity surveillance on your mind, this event brings suppliers and experts together to help you work out what fits your farm. Register here.
8–9 OCT | Farm Leaders Workshop - Dubbo
A practical workshop equipping you with proven strategies to manage, motivate and strengthen on-farm teams. Almost at capacity, so move fast. Register here.
8–28 OCT | Drones in Ag Training
Precision crop mapping, livestock monitoring, irrigation checks - drone tech is changing how farmers keep an eye on the property. Sessions run at Bathurst (8 Oct), Molong (9 Oct), Coleambally (26 Oct), Wagga Wagga (27 Oct) and Boorowa (28 Oct). AgSkilled funding available for eligible participants. Register here.
13 OCT | Embracing AI for an Edge in Ag - Orange
A look at how AI and digital tools can support agriculture, rural business and everyday farm decision-making. Register here.
20, 26 & 27 OCT | Chemical Accreditation Course - Forbes (20th), Dubbo (26th), Nyngan (27th)
Face to Face Chemical Card Plus helps farmers and ag workers meet regulatory requirements for safe on-farm chemical use. Register here. Online course also available.
21–22 OCT | Southern Australia Livestock Research Council Conference - Wagga Wagga
Theme: From Data to Dollars, Turning AI into Real Farm Value. Two days exploring how AI, digital tech and better data can support practical decisions on feed base, animal health, productivity and business resilience. Register here.
22 OCT | Property Planning Workshops - Bathurst
Over three days, develop a practical whole-farm plan covering finances, soils, livestock, biodiversity, biosecurity and enterprise management. Register here.
24 OCT | Farming, Rewilding and Resilience - Bannockburn
Join the LLS and Shoalhaven Landcare at The Scots College's Bannockburn, a South Coast enterprise where regenerative grazing, biodiversity conservation and natural asset management work together. Register here.
27–29 OCT | NSW Landcare Conference and Awards - Corowa
Corowa hosts the 2026 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference, celebrating community-led land stewardship and the people doing the work on the ground. Register here.
28 OCT | Get RIC Ready Webinar: The AgriStarter Loan
Looking to take your first step into farming, buy a farm business, or fund succession arrangements? This free RIC webinar (12pm AEDT) covers the low-interest AgriStarter Loan, eligibility and how to apply. Can't make it live? Register anyway for the recording.
30 OCT | AgriWomen Connect: Women in the Yards - Jugiong
A day focused on livestock and networking in the sheep and cattle yards - no PowerPoints, just practical, technical skills you can apply on farm. Register here.
12 NOV | Over the Gate 26 - Livestock Producers Forum, Goulburn
A one-day forum for sheep and cattle producers bringing together industry experts, market insights and practical on-farm knowledge. Register here.
16–17 FEB | evokeAG 2027 - Adelaide
Connect with the people driving adoption, collaboration and real-world outcomes across the agrifood sector. Early bird tickets available until 31 October, before General Admission opens 1 November. Register here.
FEB 2027 | Plan to Profit - Online Course
Learn to read the financial story of your business - what's actually making money, how to manage risk, and how to answer the "what-if" questions that matter most. Designed by agribusiness adviser Mike Krause (P2PAgri) and delivered with Tony Hudson, former Director of Farm Business Management at Marcus Oldham College. Strong interest expected, so register early.
Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training - Online
Need certification to control feral pigs, rabbits, wild dogs or foxes with restricted pesticides like 1080, Pindone, RHDV or PAPP? This upgraded online course provides five years of certification. Register here.
Natural Capital Course - Online
A free course on understanding the value of natural capital, and how to capture and grow it on your own property. Register here.
RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships
Students from regional and rural communities across NSW and the ACT are encouraged to apply for the 2027 RAS Foundation Rural Scholarships, providing financial support to pursue further education and training while staying connected to their local community. Applications close 5 October. Apply here.
2027 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award
Funding, leadership development and access to a powerful national alumni network for rural women. Applications and nominations close Wednesday 4 November 2026. Apply here.
2027 AgriFutures Rural Women's Acceleration Grant
The sister program to the Rural Women's Award - funding and development opportunities for women with an idea, cause or vision not yet realised, to create impact in rural industries and communities. Applications and nominations close Wednesday 4 November. Apply here.
Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant - Round 8
Up to $100,000 (GST exclusive) for eligible rebatable domestic cellar door sales, supporting wine and cider producers who encourage visitors to wine regions. Apply here.
Inland Rail Community Grants Program
Grants of $1000–$4000 for community-initiated projects, events or activities in regional areas along the Inland Rail route that contribute to local prosperity, wellbeing and sustainability. Apply here.
Innovate with nbn® Grants Program
$125,000 in grants available across seven categories, supporting regional and remote businesses using digital tools to make a difference. Applications close 12 October 2026. Apply here.
CSIRO Kick-Start
For many start-ups and SMEs, progressing an R&D idea can be challenging without the right support. CSIRO Kick-Start pairs businesses with CSIRO experts and offers dollar-matched funding of $10,000 to $50,000 to help investigate challenges, refine concepts and move ideas closer to market. Apply anytime.