Services
Farm & Rural Business Advisory Services
Successful farming businesses are built on more than financial results alone. They need careful planning, informed decisions, and advisors who understand the realities of New Zealand agriculture.
At R J Preston Ltd, we work alongside farmers, growers and rural business owners across New Zealand’s agricultural sector. From dairy, sheep & beef and arable farming through to horticulture, viticulture, contracting and other rural enterprises, we help clients improve profitability, plan for the future, manage risk and make confident business decisions.
Our advice is practical, personalised and focused on helping agricultural businesses succeed for the long term.
How we deliver farm advisory services
Why Do Our Clients Value a Personal Approach?
We believe the best advice comes from building genuine relationships and understanding the people behind the business.
That’s why we regularly meet clients on-farm, around the kitchen table, in the farm office or wherever the conversation is most comfortable. Seeing your operation first-hand helps us understand your goals, challenges and opportunities, allowing us to provide advice that reflects the realities of farming and rural business.
We know agriculture is about more than numbers. Family considerations, succession planning, staffing, health, seasonal conditions, finance and long-term goals all influence decision-making. By understanding the bigger picture, we can provide practical advice that helps you move forward with confidence.
As Chartered Accountants with extensive experience in New Zealand’s agricultural sector, we combine financial expertise with a practical understanding of rural business. We take the time to listen, build long-term relationships and provide support that goes well beyond annual accounts and compliance.
Budgeting & cashflow forecasting
Are You Planning with Confidence?
Seasonal conditions, commodity prices, interest rates and operating costs can all impact business performance. Having a clear financial plan helps you make informed decisions and prepare for opportunities before they arise.
We work alongside our clients to develop practical budgets, cashflow forecasts and financial plans that provide greater visibility and confidence throughout the year. Whether you’re planning for growth, purchasing assets, managing debt or working with your bank, we help ensure you have the information you need to make sound business decisions.
Services include
- Farm budgets
- Cashflow forecasts
- Scenario modelling
- Bank reporting
- Performance tracking
- Strategic planning
Farm succession planning
What’s Next for Your Farm or Rural Business?
Every agricultural business will experience change at some point.
Whether you’re planning for retirement, bringing family into the business, reviewing ownership structures, changing direction or considering future opportunities, having a clear plan can make all the difference.
These conversations are often about much more than finances. Family expectations, business goals, retirement needs, ownership structures, and the long-term sustainability of the business all need to be carefully considered.
We work alongside farming families and rural business owners to help navigate change with practical advice, thoughtful planning, and a focus on achieving the best outcome for everyone involved.
- Succession planning
- Ownership transitions
- Trust structures
- Asset protection
- Retirement planning
- Business valuations
- Exit planning
Farm benchmarking & performance analysis
How Does Your Farm Compare?
Understanding how your business performs is important, but numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.
With extensive experience working alongside farming families and agricultural businesses, we combine industry benchmarking data with a strong understanding of New Zealand agriculture to provide practical insights that help you make better business decisions.
Benchmarking allows you to see how your business is performing compared to similar operations, highlighting strengths, identifying opportunities for improvement and providing valuable insights into profitability and performance.
Most importantly, we help turn data into practical actions that support better decision-making, improved efficiency and long-term success.
- Farm benchmarking
- Segment analysis
- Profitability reviews
- KPI monitoring
- Industry comparisons
- Management reporting
- Performance analysis
Our annual farm statistical survey results are published in full on our resources page.
Strategic farm & rural business advice
Are You Making the Most of Every Opportunity?
Every farming and rural business faces important decisions.
Whether you’re considering expansion, investing in infrastructure, reviewing finance arrangements, improving profitability or planning for the future, we provide practical advice tailored to your goals.
Drawing on our experience across New Zealand’s agricultural sector, we help clients evaluate opportunities, manage risk and make confident decisions. Our focus is on helping businesses build a stronger and more resilient future.
Areas we can help with
- Farm business planning
- Growth strategies
- Investment analysis
- Financing and lending support
- Risk management
- Ownership structures
- Business restructuring
- Long-term planning
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of agricultural businesses do you work with?
We work with clients across dairy, sheep and beef, arable, horticulture, viticulture, contracting and other rural enterprises throughout New Zealand.
Can you help with more than accounting?
Absolutely. While we’re Chartered Accountants, our role extends far beyond annual accounts and tax compliance. We help clients with budgeting, cashflow forecasting, succession planning, benchmarking, business planning, financing decisions, software and technology solutions and strategic advice that supports long-term business success.
What makes R J Preston Ltd different?
We take a personal approach to advisory services. By building long-term relationships and understanding our clients’ businesses first-hand, we’re able to provide practical advice tailored to their goals, family circumstances, and future plans. As active farmers ourselves, we understand the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s agricultural sector and provide advice grounded in real-world experience.
Meet your farm advisory team
Led by Grant and James
Our farm and rural advisory services are led by Grant and James, who work closely with farming families and agricultural businesses throughout New Zealand.
As both Chartered Accountants and active farmers, they understand the realities of running a rural business firsthand. Combined with extensive experience advising clients across New Zealand’s agricultural sector, they bring a practical perspective that goes beyond the numbers.
Whether you’re discussing profitability, succession, growth opportunities, financing, benchmarking or long-term business planning, Grant and James take the time to understand your situation and provide advice tailored to your business, family and future goals.
Whether you’re planning for growth, preparing for change, improving business performance or looking for trusted advice from people who understand agriculture, we’re here to help.
Talk to Grant or James today and discover how R J Preston Ltd’s farm and rural business advisory services can support your business, your family and your future.
Contact Our Team