Farm Insurance :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Agricultural Premiums Skyrocket Amidst Climate Uncertainty

Agricultural Premiums Skyrocket Amidst Climate Uncertainty

Agricultural Premiums Skyrocket Amidst Climate Uncertainty?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

With farming sectors across Australia feeling the financial pressure, many agriculturalists are battling climbing costs in insurance premiums, a challenge compounded by higher asset values and dramatic climate events.

The reality for producers is stark: Farm insurance expenses have surged, more than doubling within a four-year timespan, thrusting annual premiums well beyond the $100,000 mark for some. These rising costs are turning into a substantial financial burden, forcing farmers to reconsider their insurance strategies.

The agricultural community faces a dilemma as equipment and infrastructure values inflate alongside heightened insurance rates, which affects standard farming assets like high-end combine harvesters, now priced at over a million dollars each.

Ryan Milgate, grain grower and advocate for the Victorian Farmers Federation, observed a troubling uptrend in the cost of safeguarding essential farming machinery.

"Our insurance bills have gone up significantly, particularly post-COVID-19. We're seeing a surge driven not just by an increase in premiums but because the assets themselves have become costlier to replace," shared Milgate.

Within this fiscal strain lies an increased propensity for risk-taking. Farmers, particularly those who are not obliged by lenders to maintain comprehensive coverage for financed purchases, might opt to either partially insure their assets or even forgo certain insurance policies.

This shift is not confined to Victoria. Instances resonate nationwide, as reflected in the experiences of NSW Farmers Association's vice president Rebecca Reardon, who will be scrutinizing insurance renewals with a critical eye, trimming unavoidable excess from her farm's expenses.

While customers tighten their belts, insurers justify the steeper costs by pointing to the more venal aspects of the weather. Increased volatility brought about by climatic aberrations plays a prominent role in redefining premium calculations.

An example of the struggle against extreme weather is demonstrated by Queensland's Shannon Moss, whose farming business has been struck by droughts, floods, and hail within five years. For him, the feasibility of crop insurance is overshadowed by the sheer frequency of crop-damaging events.

Moss recently contended with a major financial loss, reflecting on a particularly devastating flood: "Just last month, we took a bruising hit, costing us almost a quarter-million dollars in lost produce-mostly immediate harvest-ready crops," recounted the Lockyer Valley grower.

An added source of discontent among farmers like Milgate is the rising premiums due to catastrophic events in regions far removed from their spheres of operation, impassioned by the need for an insurance system sensitive to local risk profiles.

Differentiating between high and low-risk farming areas could become an increasing topic of discussion. "Some have been lucky with favorable seasons-insurances are being met now. Yet in the face of harsher times, such increases will be much harder to manage," expressed Milgate, hinting at the broader implications for the industry should conditions turn dire.

Published:Saturday, 10th Feb 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute
Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute
01 May 2026: Paige Estritori
In south-east Queensland, the Three Creeks Farm Stall, a cherished farmers' market operating in Eileen Hose Park near Gympie, is confronting potential eviction due to a disagreement over public liability insurance requirements imposed by the Gympie Regional Council. - read more
Record Surge in Insurance Complaints Due to Claim Processing Delays
Record Surge in Insurance Complaints Due to Claim Processing Delays
01 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reveals a significant increase in complaints against insurance companies, with an average of 100 complaints per day. This surge is primarily attributed to delays in processing everyday claims, affecting both home-building and motor vehicle insurance sectors. - read more
Climate Change Contributing to Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia
Climate Change Contributing to Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia
01 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has released a report indicating that climate change is increasingly influencing the rise in home insurance premiums across Australia. The report highlights that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as severe storms and hailstorms, are escalating, particularly in densely populated regions. - read more
Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute
Queensland Farmers' Market Threatened with Eviction Over Insurance Dispute
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
In a developing situation in south-east Queensland, the Three Creeks Farm Stall, a popular farmers' market operating in Eileen Hose Park near Gympie, is facing potential eviction due to a dispute over public liability insurance requirements imposed by the Gympie Regional Council. - read more
Record Surge in Insurance Complaints Due to Claim Processing Delays
Record Surge in Insurance Complaints Due to Claim Processing Delays
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent data from the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) reveals a significant increase in complaints against insurance companies, with an average of 100 complaints per day. This surge is primarily attributed to delays in processing everyday claims, affecting both home-building and motor vehicle insurance sectors. - read more
Climate Change Contributing to Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia
Climate Change Contributing to Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia
23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has released a report indicating that climate change is increasingly influencing the rise in home insurance premiums across Australia. The report highlights that the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as severe storms and hailstorms, are escalating, particularly in densely populated regions. - read more



Farm Insurance Articles

Livestock Insurance for Aussie Farmers: What You Need to Know
Livestock Insurance for Aussie Farmers: What You Need to Know
Livestock farming is a significant part of the Australian agriculture industry. As with any business, farmers face numerous risks such as disease, death, theft or extreme weather events, which could cause damage or loss to their livestock assets. Livestock insurance provides cover against these risks, ensuring that farmers are financially protected from any potential financial losses, which could devastate their livelihoods. - read more
What You Need to Know About Crop Insurance for Your Farm
What You Need to Know About Crop Insurance for Your Farm
Farming is a risky business. As a farmer, you are at the mercy of the weather, pests, and other challenges that can threaten your crops and your livelihood. That’s where crop insurance comes in. Crop insurance can provide financial protection in case your crops are damaged or destroyed, allowing you to recover from losses and move forward with your farm business. - read more
The Farmer's Handbook to Quick and Effective Insurance Claims
The Farmer's Handbook to Quick and Effective Insurance Claims
Insurance is a vital part of safeguarding any farming operation. As a farmer, protecting your property, equipment, and livelihood from unexpected events like natural disasters, theft, or accidents is crucial. Adequate insurance coverage ensures that you can recover quickly from setbacks without enduring overwhelming financial strain. - read more
Investing in Cybersecurity: A Crucial Step for Sustainable Farming
Investing in Cybersecurity: A Crucial Step for Sustainable Farming
Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. In the context of agriculture, it involves safeguarding the digital solutions and technologies that have become intrinsic to modern farming operations. As technological advancements continue to revolutionize the farming landscape, the importance of cybersecurity in securing farm data and operations has become more pronounced. - read more
The Impact of Weather on Farm Insurance Rates: What You Should Know
The Impact of Weather on Farm Insurance Rates: What You Should Know
Farming in Australia is a dynamic venture that requires careful planning and management. One of the crucial aspects every Australian farmer should consider is farm insurance. It provides a safety net against potential financial losses arising from various risks. These include natural disasters, damage to crops, livestock issues, and accidents on the farm property. - read more
The importance of income protection insurance for hobby farmers
The importance of income protection insurance for hobby farmers
As a hobby farmer, you may not rely on your farm for your main source of income. Perhaps you have a full-time job but enjoy farming as a way to supplement your income and pursue a passion. However, just because farming is a hobby does not mean there aren't risks involved. In fact, hobby farmers face many of the same risks as commercial farmers, such as injury, illness, loss of crops or livestock, and damage to property. - read more

Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.


Knowledgebase
Insurance:
In law and economics, insurance is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of potential financial loss.