CommBank deepens agribusiness support with new national leadership team

International disruption to global supply chains and highly unpredictable costs are making 2026 a challenging year for Australian farmers. But they’re not all feeling the effects equally, according to Commonwealth Bank’s General Manager Agribusiness Natasha Greenwood.

“Some businesses are experiencing the impacts of supply chain disruption acutely while others have more capacity to absorb the current volatility” says Ms Greenwood, who travels regularly around the country speaking with agribusiness customers.

“For those in cropping, you’re most likely being impacted by increased diesel, fertiliser and other on farm costs – with the double whammy of a potentially drier seasonal outlook and softer commodity prices,” she says. “Whereas those in beef cattle, for example, are still seeing relatively good prices and while input cost increases are being felt, margins may not be as compressed”.

Greenwood, a passionate advocate for producers and regional Australia with more than 30 years’ experience at CommBank, is part of the bank’s dedicated national agribusiness team, established to help the Australian farming community build profitable and resilient businesses, embrace new technology, and meet growing demand for Australian produce.

CBA’s Executive General Manager of Regional and Agribusiness Banking, Kylie Allen, explains the creation of the dedicated team follows a commitment to regional Australia and farmers dating back more than 110 years, and comes at a time the industry is facing significant pressure.

“Urea prices have effectively doubled, and for many producers availability is now just as important as cost. In agriculture, timing matters, and what happens over the next few days and weeks can have long-term impacts and shape the entire season,” Allen says.

She says the CBA agribusiness team has stepped up engagement with customers in recent weeks and has found farmers are responding in disciplined, practical ways. “Some are revising planting plans, adjusting their crop mix and scrutinising margins more closely to manage risk. At the same time, we’re seeing greater use of technology and data to support decision making,” she says.

“As the sector evolves, farmers need banking partners who understand the realities of farming, seasonal volatility and the long term nature of investment on the land. They also need partners who are active in their local communities.”

The national agribusiness leadership team combines deep banking capability and first hand farming experience from across the country.

“It means when you bank with us as an agribusiness customer, you’re supported by a dedicated agribusiness banker who understands your operation and your sector,” Allen said.

“And these bankers are backed by our agribusiness leadership team, along with specialists across commodities, trade, agri economics and the broader capabilities of Australia’s largest bank.”

Another key member of the agribusiness leadership team is Roddy Brown, National General Manager, Agribusiness. An industry veteran with 25 years’ experience, Brown was born and raised on the land and brings deep sector experience.

“It taught me the value of hard work, community and staying grounded. I’ve owned my own farm and orchards, and I still love being surrounded by people in rural and farming communities,” says Brown.

“Since recently joining CommBank, I’ve been incredibly impressed by the agri bankers we have across the country, who show up every day to support our customers and the communities they’re part of. That partnership through the highs and lows of farming is what matters most.”

CBA’s Regional and Agribusiness Banking team of 700 employees across 70 centres, now serves more than 12,000 regional commercial businesses and agribusiness.

Since 2023 the bank has made multimillion-dollar investments in regional business banking centres. In just the last six months this has included upgrades in Moree, NSW and Hervey Bay, Queensland, with additional projects in Ballarat, Victoria, and Busselton, WA, scheduled to finish by the end of 2026.

“This, combined with CBA having the largest regional branch network in Australia, gives our customers access to more face-to-face and local support in their hometown,” says Allen.

CommBank’s agribusiness team also includes David Heuston, General Manager, Specialised Agribusiness Solutions, whose family owns and operates a beef cattle farm in the Hunter Valley, NSW. His team supports large corporate agribusinesses customers nationwide.

The agribusiness leadership team also includes Chris Le Lievre, General Manager, Agribusiness for NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory, who recently joined CommBank and brings more than 25 years’ banking experience.

Despite the serious challenges facing the nation’s farmers, Greenwood says she still describes herself as a “pragmatic optimist”.

“I am optimistic about the future for Australian agriculture, but I’m realistic about the challenges. That balance reflects the sentiment of most producers I meet. It’s what I admire most about Australian producers, and one of the reasons I love working in the sector.”

Originally published in The Weekly Times as How Australian farmers can tackle rising costs and supply disruption