Navigating Dry Seasons and Financial Hardship

Farming can be incredibly rewarding but also challenging, especially during dry seasons or periods of financial hardship. To assist farmers in the Rural City of Murray Bridge, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of programs, resources, and support services to help you through tough times.

Dry Season and Drought Support

Dry conditions can have a profound impact on farming operations. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) offers a wide range of resources, including:

• Managing Drought
• Funding & Support
• Caring for livestock in heatwaves
• Assistance guides for primary producers

Visit Drought Preparation and Resiliance - PIRSA to access these resources and find out how they can assist you.

Farm Household Allowance (FHA)

The Farm Household Allowance (FHA) program is designed to support commercial-scale farmers and their partners facing financial difficulties, regardless of the cause.

What’s Included:

• Up to 4 years of fortnightly income support (over a 10-year period)
• Ancillary allowances such as Pharmaceutical Allowance, Telephone Allowance, Rent Assistance, Remote Area Allowance, and a Health Care Card
• A professional financial assessment of the farm business (valued at up to $1,500)
• Funding for skill development, training, or professional advice (up to $10,000 per person)
• Tailored support from a case manager

Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for FHA, applicants must:

• Be a farmer, aged 16 or older, and an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Have a significant commercial farming enterprise in Australia
• Meet income and asset requirements (assessed on a case-by-case basis)

For a detailed explanation of the eligibility criteria, refer to the FHA Factsheets below.

How to Apply:
FHA applications are managed by Services Australia. While the application process can be rigorous, many farmers have found the program to be life-changing.

For assistance, contact the Farmer Assistance Hotline at 132 316 (8 am–5 pm, Monday to Friday).

Helpful FHA Factsheets & Links:

• Support for Farmers Factsheet
• Farm Household Allowance Overview
• Farm Household Allowance Claiming Guide
• Farm Household Allowance Activity Supplements

Rural Business Support

Rural Business Support’s Rural Financial Counsellors (RFCs) provide free, independent, and confidential support to help clarify your financial position and plan your next steps.

RFCs provide personalised counselling, tailored to the needs of your farm business. They can meet with you, at a time and place that suits you—right at your kitchen table over a cuppa.

RFCs support you to:

• understand your financial position
• navigate financial issues
• consider long and short term implications of market changes
• identify options for your business
• develop plans to manage cash flow and creditor payments
• access dispute resolution services
• consider succession pathways
• seek broader professional advice and support
• access government and community grants and programs, including FHA, RIC loans and RBS Relief Fund.

Don’t wait until it’s too late!

FREECALL 1800 836 211 to secure your financial future by working with a RFC.

www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au

PIRSA On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants

The South Australian Government is offering a rebate of up to 75% (maximum of $5,000) for eligible on-farm projects aimed at improving drought preparedness.

This includes upgrades to water infrastructure, fodder storage, stock containment feeding, fencing to reduce grazing pressure, grain storage, soil moisture monitoring, and weather stations.

Expressions of Interest are now open for this program, designed to help primary producers implement infrastructure projects that support drought management and long-term resilience.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST here: https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/emergencies_and_recovery/drought

You'll receive an email notification when the application form and guidelines become available.

For more details on drought preparation, resilience, and support, please visit the PIRSA website.
https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/emergencies_and_recovery/drought

Facebook page: Department of Primary Industries and Regions

Every farm and farmer is unique. Whether you need financial assistance, resources to manage your land during drought, or help building resilience for the future, these programs are here to support you and your family.