Farmers attending the Australian National Field Days from 22-24 October at Borenore, near Orange, are encouraged to connect with Australian Government specialist lender, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) to learn more about how low interest loans can help eligible farm businesses in tough times.
Agri Lending Specialists will be on site to discuss the range of RIC low interest loans available to help eligible farm businesses improve cash flow, manage debt, recover from significant disruptions, and strengthen their long-term viability and productivity.
The RIC team can also answer questions about the AgriStarter Loan to help first farmers and farm businesses undertaking succession arrangements to establish, grow or transition their operations.
Agri Lending Specialist, Stacie Griffiths will also be at the NSW Farmers tent at the Australian National Field Days from 2.30 pm on Thursday 22 October to talk to farmers about RIC loan features, eligibility and how to apply.
For Chris and Nick Blunt, accessing a RIC Drought Loan helped their grazing business manage the severe 2017–20 drought and prepare for recovery. The Blunts run 4,000 composite ewes on more than 1,000 hectares east of Orange, Central West NSW.
RIC’s concessional interest rate and five-year interest-only payment period helped the Blunts to improve cash flow, feed livestock and fund a new bore and reticulated water system. When conditions improved, reduced interest costs also helped rebuild breeding stock numbers more quickly. The RIC loan application process encouraged the family business to closely examine their business plan. “It makes you sit down and really analyse where you’ve been and where you’re going. I think mapping that out is good business health,” Nick said. Nick runs the property with his parents, Chris and Fran, who recognised the broader value and benefits of a RIC loan to their farming operation.
“To have RIC there specifically financing the sector and driving us towards higher productivity, is an absolute gamechanger for the whole agricultural industry and long may it remain,” Chris said.
RIC Chief Executive Officer, John Howard, said the Australian National Field Day provides a valuable opportunity for producers to have practical conversations about the financial support available to strengthen their farm business and manage risk to prepare for future challenges.
"Many producers across Australia continue to navigate challenging seasonal conditions and rising operating costs, making it important to understand what support options may be available and consider them early," Mr Howard said.
"RIC is here to keep viable farmers farming. Whether you're managing the impacts of prolonged dry conditions, planning for future investment, or looking to strengthen your business through challenging periods, our Agri Lending Specialists will be on hand to discuss individual circumstances and explain eligibility requirements for RIC loans.
"Our role is to help producers understand whether a RIC loan may be suitable for their business and support them through the application process with confidence. We encourage anyone interested in learning more to stop by and start a conversation."
Visitors to the ANFD can visit the RIC stand to discuss their individual circumstances and learn more about the Drought Loan, Drought Hardship Loan, Farm Investment Loan and AgriStarter Loan available to eligible farm businesses. Our team will also have information on hand to register for the next Get RIC Ready webinar focusing on the AgriStarter loan, to be held on 28 October 2026 at 12 noon.
The Australian National Field Days is not only a premier agricultural exhibition, but also a major community and regional event, supporting local economic growth and innovation in Australian agriculture.
For more information about RIC loans, visit ric.gov.au/loans
Find the RIC team in the Trevor Elliott Pavillion.
Media Contact: E media@ric.gov.au | M 0435 168 885
About RIC
RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is an Australian Government farm business lender providing low-interest loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses in financial need to strengthen Australian agriculture. RIC loans can be used for management, recovery and future proofing following severe business disruption due to drought, natural disasters, biosecurity issues or other significant market events.
RIC loans can also help farm businesses to establish farm businesses for first generation farmers or succession planning for next generation farmers. Since 1 July 2018, RIC has approved more than 3,640 loans valued at over $3.83 billion as at 31 August 2026.