02 September 2026

Get Ahead Of It: How a bank views your farm

Walking into a bank meeting without knowing what lenders are actually looking for can leave even the most established operations feeling on the back foot. The Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland is inviting primary producers to join Get Ahead of It webinar host Warren Ryan, alongside Rural Financial Counsellors (RFCs) Ian Swanborough and Leonie Brassey, as they share their extensive backgrounds in agribusiness banking and discuss how banks really assess your cash flow, debt, and serviceability.

RFC Ian Swanborough says that having a confidential chat can add a lot of value to your bank visit.

‘Having a private chat with someone you can trust is something really valued by primary producers.

‘The chance to open up to with an impartial, experienced and compassionate listener that understands rural life and is part of the community opens possibilities and can help a farmer get on the front foot ahead of that important bank meeting’, he said.

Rural Financial Counsellors have had these quiet conversations for decades. They are locals who understand both the passion and the pressure to perform felt by primary producers.

RCF Leonie Brassey said that a confidential, impartial and completely non-threatening chat can and has changed everything for many primary producers.

‘Farmers are not alone in what they are going through.

‘Our service is confidential, impartial and we really can help farmers to prepare for difficult questions.

‘Together we can work out smart strategies for negotiating customer interest margins, debt repayments and so much more.’

‘Better still there is support available from people they can trust in their local communities who have addressed these issues previously on many occasions. Together we can tackle issues early in confidence, providing greater optimism about the way ahead by exploring areas like budgeting and business plans to get back on track’ she said.

Especially in times of financial hardship, being able to talk to someone is so vital. Primary producers often think they may be the only one experiencing a particular challenge or difficulty and may try to solve the problem themselves. They may also pull out of existing networks or support systems, limiting the voices that could offer an alternative view.

That’s just one of the many reasons the Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland is encouraging primary producers to listen in to the next instalment of Get Ahead of It: Practical conversations for primary producers where we discuss how the bank views your farm.

This episode will not only strengthen your knowledge of what lenders flag as high risk, but it will also prepare primary producers for the difficult conversations with their banks.

We all know someone on the land who could use this extra help, so anyone can be part of this free initiative by registering for the free monthly webinar at www.getaheadofit.org.au.

Participants will be able to watch either live or on-demand, with interactive Q&A sessions during the broadcasts from industry experts.

We understand it is in many ways a brave and difficult decision to seek help. But by taking a proactive step as early as possible, primary producers will soon see they are far from alone.

Farmers are responding to tougher economic conditions by reaching out for independent, practical and impartial support that is making a real difference to their financial and personal outlook.

Get Ahead of It is for primary producers to do exactly that – giving them the confidence to seek the help that is available particularly before financial, business or personal pressures risk becoming a significant crisis. Register for the webinar on 17 September at 12pm at www.getaheadofit.org.au

ENDS.

About Rural Financial Counsellor and webinar guest, Ian Swanborough

Ian brings a wealth of financial and agricultural industry experience, having grown up on a mixed farming property in the New South Wales ‘Golden Triangle’, then joining NAB to work in commercial and agribusiness roles in both rural and metro areas of New South Wales and Queensland. Read more here.

About Rural Financial Counsellor and webinar guest, Leonie Brassey

Growing up on a sheep farm in Victoria before moving to a dryland/cotton farm near Moree and later running an avocado farm in Hampton with her husband, Leonie has worked in banking as a Credit Analyst with Rabobank and more recently Rural Relationship Manager with Suncorp in St George. Read more here.

About Rural Financial Counsellor and webinar host, Warren Ryan

Warren has a strong background in banking and business, and his easy-going nature makes him a great fit to assist the farming community in meeting their ever-changing needs and challenges. Read more here.About Business & Rural Solutions Queensland

About Business & Rural Solutions

Business & Rural Solutions (BRS) t/a Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland is a leading not-for-profit organisation focused on being the preferred provider of valuable support to rural and small businesses and their communities. Commencing in 1999, we have continuously partnered with local, state and federal government and philanthropic bodies to undertake proactive service delivery that empowers the rural and small business sectors.

BRS owns and manages the programs of its primary brands, including RFCS Southern Queensland, Small Business Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland (SBFCSSQ), and Rural Solutions Queensland (RSQ).