In this episode, we unpack the latest Federated Farmers Banking Survey — and the results are confronting. Farmer satisfaction with banks has plunged from 80% in 2017 to just 53% today. Even more concerning, one in four farmers report feeling undue pressure from their bank, and a third say their mental health has been negatively affected by those interactions.

We break down what’s really happening behind the numbers: communication gaps, rising stress, and the very real human cost of poor banking relationships in rural New Zealand. You’ll hear which banks are performing better, why flexibility matters, and how upcoming legislation could change the way lending decisions are made.

Most importantly, we share practical steps you can take right now: from strengthening your financial statements and cash flow projections, to documenting every conversation with your bank, to exploring your options if your current banking partner isn’t supporting you.

At CMK Accountants, we know that farming is more than a business — it’s a way of life. This episode is designed to give you the insight, strategies, and confidence to take charge of your banking relationship and protect the future of your farm and your family.