At Rural Bank, we're passionate about supporting Australian agribusinesses to grow and farming communities to thrive. At the heart of this are close local relationships with our partners, Elders and Bendigo Bank, who with more than 300 years collective experience, help us to deliver specialist banking services to rural and regional Australia.

Rural Bank's partnerships are longstanding and deeply embedded within the industry, including its partnership with Elders. For over 20 years the combination of Elders' extensive agricultural knowledge and Rural Bank's financial expertise has helped thousands of farmers to expand and innovate.

Similarly, as Bendigo and Adelaide Bank's specialist agribusiness division, Rural Bank works closely with the Bendigo Bank branch network to holistically understand customer needs and help Australians achieve their financial goals. Rural Bank and Bendigo Bank also work together in supporting local communities across Australia.

Our agricultural specialisation means that we understand the challenges and opportunities farmers are facing, from changing seasonal and environmental conditions to new technologies and ways of working. We're looking to tomorrow to plan for the long term to continue supporting the success of Australian agriculture.

Rural Bank's products and services are available at more than 400 locations nationally via the networks of our partners and our own agribusiness lending specialists based in rural and regional centres across the country.

Gear up to grow

Now is a great time to start thinking about how you can invest in your production, especially with the end of financial year approaching. To grow your farm business, you need the best possible equipment. While it can make all the difference to your profitability, it's worthwhile considering your options for financing that investment.

We understand that when you need to buy, upgrade or replace farm equipment, there are a range of factors to consider.

For example, outlaying a large sum of money up front creates a significant impact on cash flow. Similarly, the decision may be influenced by timing and urgency and the need for flexibility and peace of mind at the time of purchase. We also recommend speaking to your accountant about the potential tax mitigation benefits that may be available to you.

Rural Bank's Regional Manager Agribusiness for Southern Western Australia, John Reilly said that Rural Bank's Equipment Finance product supports farmers who are looking for flexible finance options.

"If you need your finance to work as hard as your farm equipment, our Equipment Finance provides a reliable and cost-effective option for funding the purchase of farm machinery," John said.

"While people say ‘cash is king', using cash to purchase farm equipment ties up money in assets that are continually depreciating. By using Equipment Finance you can preserve your working capital, as well as realise potential taxation benefits.

"We offer two finance options: finance lease or equipment loan, which each offer different ways to manage your cash.

"Also, with the opportunity for pre-approval of an Equipment Finance facility, customers can also act with confidence and peace of mind when negotiating a sale with the machinery vendor."

Rural Bank customers also enjoy the flexibility to manage their cash flow with fixed rental/instalment payments and have the option of starting a new contract with the latest equipment when their current contract ends.

To invest in farm equipment without draining working capital, John explains that Equipment Finance is a smart way to keep on top of production demands and save money at the same time.

"Buying farm equipment is no different to any other farm investment decision - the approach needs to fulfil the production requirement while having a positive impact on cash flow," John said.

"Whether looking to upgrade your farm equipment through a lease arrangement or equipment loan, we recommend you seek the advice of your accountant in conjunction with your Rural Bank Agribusiness Relationship Manager to ensure you get the most effective financial solution for your farm business."

To find out more about Rural Bank and their range of Equipment Finance options, or to find your local Agribusiness Relationship Manager, call 1300 660 115 or visit www.ruralbank.com.au

This information has been prepared without taking into account your personal circumstances, objectives, financial situation or needs. All applications for loans or credit are subject to lending criteria. Terms, conditions, fees, charges may apply. Full details are available on application, by phoning our Customer Service Centre on 1300 660 115 or online at www.ruralbank.com.au. Products are issued by Rural Bank - A Division of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879. Products are distributed by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited and Elders Rural Services Australia Limited ABN 72 004 045 121 AFSL 237757.