Tuesday, 12 March 2013 09:20

Drought measures from Rabobank

Written by 

Agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank has moved to reassure clients impacted by drought conditions in the North Island that it will work to support them.

Rabobank regional manager East Coast George Murdoch says the bank would work alongside its farming clients affected by the current severe dry conditions in many areas of the North Island.

"We're committed to supporting clients wherever we can through periods of difficulty, such as major weather events, and, as we have done in the past, we'll work on an individual case-by-case basis to assist them through problems resulting from these events," he says.

Murdoch says clients in applicable circumstances would be eligible for a range of support
measures, including:
• deferral of scheduled loan payments
• waiving of break costs on early redemption of deposits
• waiving of fees on loan increases necessary to assist in rebuilding operations and
• waiving of fees for equipment finance variations.

Rabobank's rural loans were also specifically designed for farmers and offered financial flexibility to help manage through times of difficulty. "Loan products, such as the interest-only Rabobank All in One facility, are designed to maximise cash flow availability during adverse circumstances, including drought," he says.

In addition, the bank was investigating other practical initiatives to assist farmers on the ground with hardships resulting from the drought.

Murdock says stock prices are falling rapidly and supplementary feed costs had risen sharply in recent weeks and, while the financial impact of the drought would be felt for some years to come, the immediate concern was for farmer wellbeing.

Rabobank employees had been contacting clients in drought-affected areas to offer the bank's assistance. He called for impacted clients who have concerns and had not yet spoken to the bank to contact their local rural manager or branch.

The bank's support measures would be extended to clients in all regions of New Zealand impacted by drought.

Murdoch says Rabobank was experienced in working with farmers around the world in drought conditions, including long-term droughts in Australia through the last decade, and more recently in the United States and parts of South America and Europe.

"We understand that as devastating as these conditions can be, they are a fact of life for agriculture," he said. "And these short-term challenges notwithstanding, the longer-term outlook for New Zealand agriculture is very sound."

More like this

Applications open for 2027 Zanda McDonald Award

Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.

Featured

2027 NZ Dairy Industry Awards Open for Entries

Entries opened on Monday, 5 October 2026 for the 2027 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA), which organisers describe as the nation's biggest celebration of excellence in the dairy sector.

Ah Tatua, You've Done It Again!

Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.

India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens

National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.

2026-27 Fishing Season Opens Across New Zealand

New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.

CODC Rejects Plan to Spread Sludge on Lauder Farmland

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter