Sector — Agriculture
Funding the gear that feeds the nation. From tractors and harvesters to irrigation and livestock handling — specialist rural lenders, no upfront broker fee.
60+
Lender Panel
10+
Ag-Specialist Lenders
$0
Upfront Broker Fee
$50K+
Minimum Deal Size
Australian farming runs on equipment. Tractors, headers, sprayers, irrigation pumps, grain handling systems, livestock yards — the machinery that keeps operations productive often represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in capital. Paying cash ties up working capital that’s better used for inputs, wages, and managing the cash flow gaps that are part of every agricultural operation.
Equipment finance lets farming businesses acquire the machinery they need while preserving cash reserves for operations. The equipment itself acts as security, rates are generally competitive, and the right finance structure can accommodate the seasonal income patterns that make agriculture different from other industries.
Tractors and implements: From compact utility tractors for smaller properties through to large-frame articulated tractors for broadacre farming. Implements including ploughs, seeders, sprayers, cultivators, and slashers can often be financed as part of the tractor package.
Harvesters and headers: Combine harvesters, cotton pickers, sugar cane harvesters. High-value seasonal assets with strong resale markets from major manufacturers.
Irrigation equipment: Centre pivots, lateral move systems, drip irrigation, pumping equipment. Increasingly common finance requests as farms invest in water efficiency.
Livestock handling: Cattle yards, sheep handling equipment, loading ramps, weighing systems. Some lenders finance permanent infrastructure installations alongside portable equipment.
Grain handling and storage: Silos, augers, conveyors, grain dryers, field bins. Can be financed individually or as a package for new storage facilities.
Trucks and transport: Farm trucks, livestock trailers, grain trailers, water carts. Truck finance guide →
Precision agriculture technology: GPS guidance systems, variable rate controllers, drone spraying equipment, yield monitoring. Technology-driven assets that may have shorter useful lives than traditional machinery.
General farm machinery: Post drivers, hay balers, feed mixers, telehandlers, skid steers, mini excavators for farm use. Earthmoving equipment finance →
This is the fundamental difference. A transport company earns revenue weekly. A grain farmer might earn the majority of annual revenue in a 6-week harvest window. A cattle producer’s income depends on market timing and seasonal conditions.
Good agricultural finance acknowledges this reality:
Agricultural income is inherently variable — drought, flood, commodity price movements, and seasonal conditions all affect cash flow. Specialist rural lenders understand this variability and don’t panic when a farming operation has a lower-income year. They assess multi-year averages and overall business viability, not just last quarter’s bank statements.
If you’ve had a tough season and your recent financials don’t reflect your normal capacity, a broker can present your multi-year trading history and production data to a lender who understands agricultural cycles.
Major agricultural brands — John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, Fendt, Massey Ferguson, CLAAS — have deep resale markets in Australia and internationally. A well-maintained John Deere 8R tractor retains strong resale value for 10–15+ years. Lenders recognise this, which translates to competitive rates and favourable loan-to-value assessments.
Less common brands or highly specialised equipment (custom-built livestock handling systems, niche irrigation configurations) have thinner resale markets and may attract slightly higher rates or require a deposit.
| Profile | Rate range (chattel mortgage) | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Established farm (3+ years), clean credit, new equipment from major brand | 5.5% – 8.0% p.a. | Best rates. Strong brand, proven operation, predictable production. |
| Established farm, used equipment (good condition, major brand) | 7.0% – 9.5% p.a. | Age, brand, and condition drive the rate. Service history matters. |
| Younger farming operation (1–3 years under current management) | 8.0% – 11.0% p.a. | May include succession situations where the farm is established but ownership has recently changed. |
| New farming operation or startup | 9.5% – 14.0% p.a. | Property ownership, industry experience, and deposit strengthen the case significantly. |
Rates current as of June 2026. Comparison rates will be higher once fees are included. Individual circumstances vary. Subject to lender criteria and approval. Detailed equipment finance rate guide →
The following examples illustrate how agricultural equipment finance can work in practice. Individual outcomes depend on your specific circumstances, credit profile, business history, and the equipment being financed. These examples are not guarantees of any particular rate or approval outcome.
W.H., Dalby, QLD — Broadacre grain farmer, multi-generational family operation
Financing a new John Deere S780 combine harvester ($620,000). Clean credit, strong multi-year production history. We matched him to a specialist rural lender who offered 6.2% p.a. chattel mortgage over 5 years with a 20% balloon and a seasonal repayment structure — lower payments January to May, higher payments June to December aligned with the winter crop harvest. His major bank had offered 7.4% on standard monthly repayments with no seasonal flexibility.
Individual circumstances vary. Outcomes depend on lender assessment and are not guaranteed. Consult your accountant for tax advice specific to your situation.
K.T., Scone, NSW — Cattle producer, 5 years operating the property
Recently purchased from family. Financing a used New Holland T7 tractor ($145,000) and new cattle yards ($65,000). His bank assessed him as a “new business” because the ABN was only 5 years old, despite the property having been a working farm for 40+ years. We presented the property’s production history alongside his personal financials to a specialist lender. Both items approved at 8.4% p.a. on a single chattel mortgage.
Individual circumstances vary. Outcomes depend on lender assessment and are not guaranteed.
Novara Finance works with grain growers, cattle producers, mixed farming operations, and agricultural contractors across Australia. We know which lenders specialise in rural equipment, which ones offer seasonal repayment structures, and which ones understand that a tough season doesn’t define a farming business.
Talk to the team about your equipment needs — no cost, no obligation.
This article contains general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances before acting on it. Consider seeking independent financial, tax, or legal advice. All finance applications are subject to lender criteria and approval. Rates mentioned are indicative and current as of June 2026 — individual circumstances vary. Past examples are illustrative only and do not guarantee any particular outcome.
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Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by Chris Rowlands, Head of Special Projects, Novara Finance