But their contribution reaches much further.
The 15th October marks Rural Women’s Day, a chance to celebrate the women who help shape rural Australia. From local halls and committee tables, to the farm office and kitchen table.
Women make up almost a third of Australia’s agricultural workforce, and their work shows up everywhere from farm businesses to local community groups.
They’re often helping make decisions about the future of the farm, managing the books, planning for the next season, or navigating tough periods when costs rise and income comes under pressure.
Any farmer can face a rough patch when adverse weather, market fluctuations or rising costs place pressure on the farm.
While no one can plan for those difficult periods, knowing what support is available can help when circumstances change.
Farm Household Allowance (FHA) may be able to help eligible farmers and their partners take stock of their situation and plan for what comes next.
When farm life throws a few extras on the list
Farm Household Allowance provides support for eligible farmers and their partners who are doing it tough financially.
It’s there to help farming families look beyond the next bill and work towards their longer-term goals, whether that’s strengthening the business, trying something new or transitioning out of farming.
Not every period of financial hardship is linked to a drought or natural disaster. FHA can help support eligible families in times of need and through other periods of financial hardship and uncertainty.
If you’re eligible, FHA can include a fortnightly payment, one-on-one support from a Farm Household Case Officer and access to an activity supplement to help you build skills, seek advice or explore new opportunities.
Farmers and their partners can access FHA for up to 1460 days (about 4 years), within a 10-year period.
The current 10-year period runs from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2034. You don’t have to use your 4 years’ worth all at once. You can save it for when you need it.
A practical plan, not a lecture
If your FHA claim is approved, you won’t be left to work through things on your own. You’ll be connected with a Farm Household Case Officer who will take the time to understand your circumstances and help you work through your options.
They’ll guide you from the start, check in while you’re receiving payment, and help you put together a Financial Improvement Agreement (FIA).
An FIA is a practical plan to help you improve your financial position and work towards greater financial independence and self-reliance. It outlines the goals you want to achieve and the steps you’ll take to get there.
That might include looking at the farm business, setting goals, getting professional advice, building new skills, or considering a different direction.
Our Farm Household Case Officers can also connect you with expert advisors, like Rural Financial Counsellors, who can help you apply for low-cost loans from the Regional Investment Corporation, and connect you with support available through the Rural Assistance Authority, who manage disaster recovery grants.
For women making decisions about the future of the farm, family and business, having someone help sort through the options can make the next step feel clearer.
The activity supplement is one part of FHA that can make a practical difference.
It can help pay for activities that improve your financial position, such as professional advice, training, upskilling, improving farm operations, diversifying, or building off-farm skills.
That could mean turning a conversation at the kitchen table into a practical plan, backed by advice, training, or support.
Start with one conversation
No two farms are the same, and no two families make decisions in quite the same way.
When circumstances change, getting advice early on can help make those decisions easier.
Whether it’s speaking with a financial adviser or a Services Australia specialist, understanding your options is a great first step.
That’s why Services Australia has a farmer assistance hotline with specialists who can explain Farm Household Allowance, check your eligibility and help you understand how to claim.
Women in rural communities have long played a central role in helping families and businesses navigate change. Sometimes one conversation is all it takes to light the path forward.
You can contact the farmer assistance hotline on 132 316. For more information about Farm Household Allowance and eligibility, visit the Services Australia website.
Originally published by Yahoo Finance on 15 October 2026