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: Cyclone Fina tightens on the NT, prompting port changes, cattle movements and preparations across the Top End; South Australia confirms another varroa mite detection near Salt Creek, raising pollination risk; Victorias CFA warns of hay stack fires during baling and storage; and the federal Disaster Ready Fund allocates nearly $350 million to 96 resilience projects, including levees and cyclone shelters. Practical tips focus on securing assets, checking cover for cyclone, flood, livestock and stored fodder, and aligning sums insured with current values. Visit farm-insurance.com.au for help comparing farm insurance.
EPISODE 916 | Farm Insurance Australia Rural News Wrap | Sun, 23rd Nov 2025
23 Nov 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 Saturday, 22 November 2025.
First up, Tropical Cyclone Fina is intensifying off the Top End with warnings in place for Darwin and the Tiwi Islands. Ports and events are pausing, fuel deliveries have been fast‑tracked, and stations are moving cattle off flood‑prone country ahead of heavy rain and strong winds. If youre in the watch or warning zones, secure machinery and loose gear, back up power, and check your policy for cyclone, flood and livestock impacts so you know whats covered before the weather turns.
Meanwhile in South Australia, the varroa mite has been detected again, this time near Salt Creek. Authorities are tracing hive movements and urging surveillance as producers brace for possible pollination and honey disruptions. If you rely on bees, revisit your biosecurity plan and confirm what your cover does and doesnt include for hives and any flow‑on income losses.
In Victoria, the Country Fire Authority, or CFA, has warned of a spate of hay stack fires during baling and storage. Spontaneous combustion risk rises when hay goes away too wet and too tight. Keep an eye on hay temperatures, separate stacks from sheds and fuel, and make sure your sums insured for stored fodder, sheds and equipment reflect todays values.
And nationally, round three of the federal Disaster Ready Fund will deliver close to $350 million across 96 projects, from levees and stormwater upgrades to cyclone shelters. Construction on many jobs starts straight away, aiming to reduce future damage and downtime in vulnerable regions. Its worth checking whether your council area is on the list, as local mitigation can help protect farm assets and support insurability over time.
Thats the wrap. For clear help comparing cover and quick, free farm insurance quotes, head to farm-insurance.com.au. Stay safe out there, and Ill 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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Insurance Underwriter: An insurance company, a financial institution that sells insurance.
