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 weeks wrap covers BoM flood watches in north‑west Queensland, severe bushfire losses in WAs Midwest, a jail term for a hay‑sale scam targeting farmers, and proposals to toughen firearms laws that could affect on‑farm compliance. Each story includes what happened, why it matters to farm risk and cover, and practical steps to document damage, verify purchases, and keep policies aligned with changing conditions. Listeners are invited to visit farm-insurance.com.au for tailored farm insurance support.
EPISODE 1046 | Farm Insurance Australia Rural News Wrap | Sun, 28th Dec 2025
3 Jan 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Farm Insurance Australia Rural News Wrap, Im Paige Estritori, and its Sunday, 28 December 2025.
First, Queenslands north-west is under a flood watch as a monsoon trough drives widespread rain. The Bureau of Meteorology, or BoM, says multi‑day falls could flood rivers and cut roads. Great for pasture, risky for crops, machinery and stored grain. If conditions allow, secure fuel and gear, keep photos of any damage, and check how your farm insurance treats flood versus storm water so your cover matches the risk.
Over in Western Australias Midwest, farmers are counting losses after a fast‑moving bushfire before Christmas. Thousands of hectares burned, fences and hay stacks were destroyed, and hundreds of sheep were lost, with power and phones out for days. Its a stark reminder that summer fire can hit hard and fast. Document damage early, keep receipts for fencing and stock feed, and make sure your policy includes livestock, fencing and stored hay so claims can be assessed quickly.
Meanwhile, a man who scammed producers by taking money for hay he never delivered has been jailed in Tasmania. Dry conditions and tight feed markets made victims vulnerable. When buying supplies, verify sellers, use secure payments, and keep contracts and invoices — records that also help if you need to prove ownership or value in a claim.
And proposals for tougher firearms laws — including a national buyback — are on the table after recent events. Farm groups say changes must be workable for legitimate pest control on properties. Firearm storage and licensing are part of on‑farm risk. Keep storage compliant under current rules, follow the consultations, and update your insurer or broker if anything changes so your cover stays accurate.
Thats the wrap. For clear guidance and easy quotes on farm insurance — from buildings and machinery to crops and livestock — visit farm-insurance.com.au. Stay safe and see 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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Exclusion: Specific conditions or circumstances for which the insurance policy does not provide coverage.
