Thinking About Reviewing Your Lending? Now Is The Time!

18th September 2026

If reviewing your farm lending is somewhere on the radar over the next 12–18 months, there’s a good argument for starting the conversation now rather than waiting until the end of this season.

For many farm businesses, last year's numbers may look stronger than this year's. Recent budget updates reinforce what many farmers are already seeing: margins are tightening in places and costs remain high, so this season may not match the results of the year just gone.

That matters when it comes to your finance.

Banks assess a business on a combination of historical financial performance, current management figures, budgets, security position and their view of future serviceability. A strong year gives you a better set of numbers to take to market. Better profitability and stronger debt servicing generally make a business easier for a banker to support, and can provide more leverage when negotiating pricing, structure and terms.

It doesn’t mean a bank ignores what is happening this season; they won’t. But there is a significant difference between approaching the market while you can demonstrate a strong recent result and waiting until weaker numbers have worked their way through the financials.

There is another practical advantage right now: banker capacity.

This part of the year is generally quieter than the rush that follows harvest and the preparation for the new season. When bankers and credit teams have a little more capacity, there can be more time to properly understand a business, work through different structures and compete for good-quality lending. In our experience, that can make a meaningful difference when negotiating rates, fees, loan terms and overall structure.

Importantly, reviewing your finance doesn’t automatically mean changing banks.

A proper finance review is about understanding whether your current arrangements are still the right fit for your business, both now and for where you want to take it. Sometimes another lender presents a materially better option. Other times, the existing bank remains the right home, perhaps with some changes to pricing, structure or facilities.

For anyone considering expansion, succession, restructuring existing debt, or simply wondering whether their current lending remains appropriate and competitively priced, take a look sooner rather than later. You don’t need to wait until there is a problem or until you are unhappy with your bank.

The best time to negotiate is usually when the business is performing well, and you have options.

At Cultivate Finance, our role goes beyond simply finding a better rate or testing the market. We work with farming families over the long term to understand their business, their plans and what they need from their finance. We then represent them to lenders, negotiate on their behalf and help make sure their banking arrangements continue to support their business as it evolves.

Having the right bank matters, but having the right people in your corner to help manage that relationship can matter just as much.

This article is general information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.

We highly recommend seeking advice from your trusted advisors and consultants.