Support is available for Riverland growers affected by the hailstorm which hit the region on Monday afternoon.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone said initial reports from growers suggested the hailstorm damage was spread across a number of towns, but with variable severity.
"I've spoken to growers and some are reporting they have lost everything with harvest for early varieties coming in now, and others are reporting smaller amounts of fruit lost to damage," he said.
"For farmers who have suffered extensive damage, the financial burden comes on top of the high cost of water they have had to pay to get crops to their current stage."
Crop damage assessment is in the process of being carried out by PIRSA staff, with Rural Business Support also providing assistance to those affected.
RBS chief executive officer Brett Smith said rural financial counsellors were available to meet with clients from early next week.
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"Talking with one of our team can help significantly, especially when growers are under strain financially and emotionally," he said.
"We want to assure growers that there is assistance available to help them move forward once the initial shock settles.
"The maths may not necessarily be as bad as they first think."
He urged growers not to panic.
"Our overall message to growers based on our past experience is to step back, assess the damage and seek technical help, before thinking about at what point this event will be felt financially.
"There is time for growers to seek support on how to best utilise existing income and plan for the next season."
- Rural Business Support: 1800 836 211
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