O’Dea Farm Finance

23/03/2026

Unfortunately, what we thought would happen did happen on Tuesday last week with the RBA deciding to lift interest rates. This could not come at a worse time for putting even more pressure on an already tight budget leading into this year’s cropping program. Everything was looking fantastic with many areas receiving more rainfall in the last 3 weeks than what they did for all of 2024. But now with high fuel prices, high fertiliser prices, low grain prices and an increase in interest rates, things are all starting to stack up against the farm, the farmer and the farm budget. Unfortunately, many of these factors are out of the farmer’s control but one thing you can take control of is your interest rate at your bank. That is where we can be of assistance.
Please don't assume you are on a good deal when it will cost you nothing to verify it.
Need machinery finance or simply want a no obligation chat on if your existing Bank is looking after you? Just give Nic, AJ or myself a call and we'd be happy to talk.
Nic - 0468 799 213 - [email protected]
AJ - 0417 883 243 - [email protected]
Matt - 0409 396 469 - [email protected]

10/03/2026

Always Learning? Why we love what we do..........

Last week the team at O'Dea Farm Finance and O'Dea Finance got together to visit some of our existing clients and new ones on the West Coast of South Australia.

Nic Fereday who looks after our Home and Commercial Loans was born and bred in Adelaide, prior to starting with O'Dea Finance he knew little about Agriculture, but this didn't stop him admiring the many different machines our farmers use to go about their daily activities.

Tractors, Headers, SP Sprayers and even Abalone and Oyster Boats - Nic now has a greater understanding of how farming works and why we not only finance all these pieces of equipment, but why we back the people who operate them and continue to feed our great country.

By the end of the week Nic was discussing rotations with us in the car on the way home - Look out AJ he will be running your farm shortly.😁

What a fantastic week we had with appointments to our existing clients and 5 new clients who all reached out as a result of a referral from our trusted clients and advisors. One new client alone we are confident we will save them over $55k per annum in Interest costs.

Need machinery finance or simply want a no obligation chat on if your existing Bank is looking after you? Just give Nic, AJ or myself a call and we'd be happy to talk.

Nic - 0468 799 213 - [email protected]
AJ - 0417 883 243 - [email protected]
Matt - 0409 396 469 - [email protected]

ps. For those of you not familiar with the size of farm machinery these days Nic stands at 195cm or close on 6'5 on the old scale.

02/03/2026

Guess where we are this morning?

Should be out fishing but it might be safer for AJ to stay on land and go to meetings, you don't get sea sick in meetings!🤣🤣🤣

27/02/2026

Change................Love it or hate it

I took this photo back in early February at Lochiel looking east..........very dry, very hot with no rain on the radar. Confidence not great with many predictions of no rain for a long time.

Today we look at the pending forecast (and with no confidence at all given our forecasters absolute lack of accuracy) there is some excellent rain predicted. Excellent for some but spare a thought for our grape growers as too much rain will result in grape split.

Change is inevitable, you either embrace it or you bury your head in the sand and hope it goes away.

After 35+ years in Agri Finance the one thing that still astounds me is where customers of a Bank who are overcharging them and in many cases by a long way stay with them, some will say they are getting good service, some say we have been told our rates are good and some say it's too hard to change Banks............. The word loyalty rarely comes up anymore as our clients realise they are running a business and it's nothing personal.

Let's put a few of these change resistors to the test:

1. What is good or even average service worth to your business? Let's say another offer is $5k pa cheaper. So, over the next 5 years you have paid $25k more for what you consider to be good service, is the odd visit and an occasional invite to a function really worth that?
2. We've been told our rates are good - well no surprises on this front. Please keep in mind that your Bank Manager can only see the rates that their employer is providing to them......they can't see all of the market and one particular bank (or should I say Co-op) will focus on your customer margin and not the actual Interest Rate - your margin is mostly irrelevant as its the total Interest Rate you are paying that counts.
3. It's hard to change Banks - Well it's not actually that hard at all anymore, nearly everything is electronic and as per point 1 - IS it worth a few hours to save $25k over the next 5 years?

Outlandish Bank Profits tell me they are making very good money out of their clients with high rates, fees and charges......... Are you the one contributing to these profits and can you actually afford not to check your existing Finance Arrangements given its probably one of your largest expense items.

If you want to put your toe in the water with no obligation give AJ, Nic or myself a call, we can give you an indication generally within 5 minutes.............................I'd love to hear plenty of good stories about clients getting great service and also being on great rates but I know this won't be the case.

Please don't assume you are on a good deal when it will cost you nothing to verify it.

For those who want the rain - we hope you get plenty.

Matt

23/02/2026

We are excited to share some great news with you — the launch of O’DEA FINANCE, a new lending business focused on home loans and commercial finance. Please click on the link and like the new Page.
O’DEA FINANCE has been created with one clear purpose: to give clients access to tailored lending solutions, backed by practical advice and genuine advocacy at every stage of the process. Whether you’re purchasing a home, refinancing, investing, or looking to fund a business opportunity, our focus is on finding the right structure and lender to suit your goals — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
This new chapter allows us to offer greater flexibility, broader lender options, and more personalised service, ensuring you benefit from competitive products and clear, honest guidance. It’s an exciting opportunity for clients to access finance solutions that are built around long-term outcomes, not just the transaction.
If you’re considering a new purchase, refinancing, or would simply like to review your current lending arrangements, we’d welcome the opportunity to have a conversation and see how O’DEA FINANCE can support you.
Thank you for your continued trust and support — We look forward to working with you in this next chapter.

16/02/2026

GIVING BACK - What's your Bank or Broker doing?

Another Community Event we are proud to sponsor and be a part of.

At O'Dea Farm Finance we are so much more than a small family-owned business doing our best to save our clients' money and time, we are genuinely committed to helping the communities that help us and also to support wonderful charities like the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Some of our clients have unfortunately been in a position where they have needed the RFDS and thankfully the RFDS not only helped them but has potentially saved their life - that's the difference the RFDS makes.

Come along and have some fun with us, it's not about the golf it's about having a great day out, sharing some laughs and raising some money for a fabulous charity and a terrific local golf club, thanks Wallaroo Golf Club for putting this day in your Calendar.

Drop your names on an Email to us [email protected] if you are interested or ring one of the numbers below.

See you on the course.

Nic, AJ & Matt.

09/02/2026

🚜 Back into the swing at O’Dea Farm Finance 🌾

It’s been a busy start to the year for us. We’ve been out and about at the GRDC Update in Adelaide (great event 👏) and also enjoyed a workshop field trip with the Nelshaby Ag Bureau (Livestock program, looking at feedlots and stock management) — always good to keep learning and connecting with local growers.

We’re well and truly back into it now:

- Talking with farmers about refinancing options

- Settling a stack of deals after the Christmas break

- Assisting with asset finance for new purchases ahead of the upcoming season

If you’re planning ahead for the season or just want to have a chat about your finance options, feel free to reach out. Always happy to talk ag.

📞🌱

15/12/2025

CONGRATULATIONS

ST MARKS COLLEGE ANNUAL AG AWARDS

Another quick post to highlight our continued sponsorship of these awards, giving back to the community is one thing however giving back and rewarding young people (students) who live and breathe Ag is another. We are extremely grateful for Joel Head and the College for continuing to allow us to sponsor these annual awards, a privilege we have had for over 5 years now.

The 2025 winners and a brief description of the winners and awards are as per below. Congratulations and well done again to Sophie, Bailey & Kodi - you are all superstars.

This year I wanted to highlight one of the winners Sophie Bessen for the Email she sent me after winning the award, her passion and enthusiasm for the Ag Industry in particular livestock is one of the reasons why we continue to sponsor awards such as these. Well done Sophie and thanks again for the Email.

Let there be more Ag studies in more schools right across regional SA we say !!!!!!

Matt O'Dea

Pictures attached:
1.Sophie Bessen & Bailey Yarrow with their Certificates on Awards Night.
2. Kodi Stark pictured with Ag Teacher Liz Clarke.

1. O'Dea Farm Finance, Agricultural Industry VET Award - Sophie Bessen Year 11
Student studying Ag, who has excelled in Vocational Training Pathways, engaged fully in Ag studies and has a strong focus on progressing in the Agricultural Industry. $250

Sophie has displayed outstanding dedication to Agriculture this year. She has aided in leading students at both Copper Coast and Royal Adelaide Shows, attending the field days in the holidays to compete in sheep judging. Sophie has a strong focus in pursuing a career in the agriculture industry and this is demonstrated by her hard work in both practical and theory activities. She has shown capacity to working with all livestock and takes on feedback and opportunities whenever they arise. Sophie's commitment to her VET pathway has enabled her to gain valuable experience at HB Rural Feedlot once a week in addition to the training days she attends.

2. O'Dea Farm Finance, Ag Trades Industry Award - Bailey Yarrow
Student studying Ag, who has fully engaged in Vocational Training Pathways and has gained an Ag Industry Apprenticeship or Traineeship. $150

Bailey has worked hard throughout his time working in agriculture studies, he has been involved in both livestock, cropping and maintenance work. Bailey has completed work experience and given up his holidays to complete more work with a building business to show his commitment to the trade. He has been enthusiastic in all aspects of his work and as a result of his hard work and dedication has been successful in gaining a building apprenticeship in 2026. Bailey is committed, hardworking and always strives to achieve his best in all of his endeavours. He ensures that all aspects of his work are completed to the highest standards and communicates any concerns and questions to a high standard.

3. O'Dea Farm Finance, Vet Tertiary Ag Award - Kodi Stark Year 12
Student studying Ag, who has fully engaged in Vocational Training Pathways, has maintained a high level of academic achievement in Ag studies and is focused on a Ag Tertiary Pathway $150

Kodi has shown a high level of engagement in her studies in Agriculture, achieving highly across all year levels. Her commitment to year 12 has seen her achieve exceptionally highly throughout the year, demonstrating deep and broad knowledge of animal welfare and handling. Kodi is committed to furthering her studies in a tertiary pathway as livestock vet and is a testament to her passion and drive to achieve in this industry. She has continued to work at a local vet to develop her knowledge of animal behaviour and required medications. Kodi has shown excellent communication skills and participation in a range of different learning experiences including education days, community shows and mentoring of younger students on correct handling techniques. Her engagement, achievement and focus have been a highlight.

14/12/2025

Thanks to all the people that supported the "EARLY CHRISTMAS" post. It was great to see so many people share the post and help reach a greater audience.
The names that were selected by random by drawing the names out of a hat were
Phillip Bigg
Jess Cullen
Julie West
We will get the vouchers to you all shortly.
Apologises to anyone else that entered and wasn't successful this time.
Thanks from the team at O'Dea Farm Finance

04/12/2025

🎄BREAKING NEWS: Christmas officially came early for one very lucky client!🎄

They’re unwrapping $15,000 in savings in year one and a whopping $24,000 in year two… all thanks to a nearly 0.7% drop in their interest rate. Now that is a gift that keeps on giving! 💸
This present wasn’t delivered by Santa or his reindeers though — it was dropped off by Two Extremely Jolly Men in Suits (no chimney required, not sure we would fit). 🎅😎
Moral of the story? Sometimes the best Christmas presents come in the form of better finance and bigger savings.
If you'd like to see what might be hiding under your tree this year, give us a call! 0417 883 243

🎁 COMPETITION TIME! 🎁
To celebrate, we’re giving away 3 x $100 gift cards! Like this post, share it, and comment “EARLY CHRISTMAS” to go in the draw. Winners announced 12th of December.

Send a message to learn more

21/10/2025

Time sure flies when you’re busy!
Over the past few weeks we’ve been on the move — from attending the Nelshaby Ag Bureau Field Day to witnessing some incredible results at recent land auctions and some outstanding results for Ram Breeders.

We’ve been putting together a wide range of credit proposals — big and small — across agricultural, commercial, and residential loans.

A trip over to the West Coast gave us a great opportunity to catch up with clients and meet some new faces.

It’s been a busy and exciting time, all while watching hay being baled across the countryside and farmers gearing up for harvest. 🚜🌾

If you’re looking to review your finance options before harvest or planning for 2026, we’re always happy to have a chat.

10/10/2025

Congratulations to our very own AJ Wood on being awarded Life Membership to the Blyth Snowtown Football & Netball Club. An amazing and well-deserved achievement AJ.
Attached is a photo of AJ with his award and family and then a list of his achievements whilst at the Club.
A Life Membership to any club is never handed out to just anyone, it's truly amazing how much you have done for this great community Football and Netball club, and you should be extremely proud.