New SA Drought Loan Scheme

Eligible farm businesses in the Murray Mallee, Riverland and Upper North can apply for financial support through the SA Drought Loan Scheme, introduced in response to ongoing severe drought conditions across these regions.

Loans of up to $250,000 will be available, with a 10-year loan term and a funding cap of $200 million. Recipients will not be required to make repayments for the first 2 years of the loan term, with interest throughout that time accrued and added onto the principal.

The loans are for working capital only, supporting day to day operational costs including direct cropping and livestock costs and overhead costs, while cashflow is recovering and cannot be used to refinance existing debt.

Applications will open in March with the scheme offered until 31 December 2026. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can express your interest now via the registration form.

To prepare your application, you are encouraged to work with a Rural Financial Counsellor at Rural Business Support.

For information, visit SA Drought Loan Scheme or submit your Expression of Interest.