Each week, Farm Insurance Australia brings a clear, reliable wrap of rural headlines shaping life on the land. We recap key stories on weather and climate risks, biosecurity, legislation and regulation, market shifts, safety, and claims trends—plus practical takeaways for producers and agribusiness owners. Expect straight facts, local context, and expert perspectives to help you stay informed and prepared, without the noise. A trustworthy, Australia-first news summary for busy farming communities.
This Week:
This week: Victoria freezes farm ESVF levy increases and lifts the CFA volunteer rebate cap, easing short‑term costs. The federal government will expand right‑to‑repair laws to include agricultural machinery, aiming to reduce downtime and service costs. The Bureau of Meteorology confirms a likely weak, short La Niña, still raising storm, cyclone and flood risks into early 2026. Rural crime remains widespread, with repeated thefts of fuel, GPS units and machinery parts; summer is a peak period. Practical tips focus on reviewing sums insured, documenting maintenance, securing equipment, and confirming storm, flood, cyclone and theft cover.
EPISODE 965 | Farm Insurance Australia Rural News Wrap | Sun, 7th Dec 2025
13 Dec 2025 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to the Farm Insurance Australia Rural News Wrap, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday 7 December 2025.
First, Victoria has deferred increases to its Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, or ESVF, and given farmers a two‑year rate freeze. The CFA, thats the Country Fire Authority, volunteer rebate cap on eligible farms doubles to about $10 million in capital improved value. This eases short‑term pressure on Victorian farm budgets. Treat it as breathing room: still review your farm property insurance before peak fire weather, and check sums insured for homes, sheds and fencing.
Next up, right‑to‑repair laws are set to expand to agricultural machinery. The federal government will consult early next year so farmers can access diagnostics and independent repairers, not just dealer networks. That should cut downtime and costs at harvest. Keep maintenance records and use qualified techs—good documentation helps when lodging machinery claims.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Meteorology says La Niña has re‑emerged, likely weak and short. Warmer seas can still feed severe storms, cyclones and heavy rain into early 2026. On‑farm prep counts: clear gutters and drains, tie down pumps and panels, and check your farm insurance for storm, flood and cyclone cover on buildings, grain and machinery.
And rural crime remains a serious risk. Around nine in ten farmers in one state reported incidents, with many hit multiple times. Thefts include fuel, GPS units and machinery parts, and livestock theft is often under‑reported, with summer a peak period. Simple deterrents help—locks, lighting, cameras and clear “private property—CCTV in use” signs—and make sure your policy covers theft from paddocks and outbuildings, with serial numbers listed for high‑value gear.
Thats the wrap. For independent help comparing farm insurance, fast quotes and reliable claims support, visit farm-insurance.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—stay safe on the land, and Ill catch you next week.
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.
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