October 2026
While seasonal variability, rising costs and tightening margins continue to challenge NSW producers, there are also encouraging examples of farmers adapting, innovating and making proactive decisions to manage risk.
That was a key takeaway from our latest Understanding Producer Pressures session on 14 October, which brought together around 30 representatives from industry, advisory, government and support organisations, both online and in person.
The discussion deliberately looked beyond current pressures to explore what's working well across the regions. Participants shared examples of producers making earlier decisions about stocking rates, livestock sales and feed management, paying closer attention to business margins and using practical technologies to support planning.
Seasonal conditions remain highly variable, often differing significantly between neighbouring properties. Yet this variability is also reinforcing the value of flexible farming systems, financial planning and timely decision-making.
Opportunities identified for future support included farm business planning, financial literacy, technology adoption, grazing and feed management, and producer wellbeing.
The session reinforced the importance of learning from success as well as challenges, using these insights to shape practical support that helps producers navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.
Ray Willis, NSW Drought Coordinator, Local Land Services and Craig Hough, CEO, Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW
Scott Boyle, Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW and Rodney McKern, Bank of Queensland
