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: BOM flags a Pilbara cyclone risk with destructive winds and flooding; SA unveils low‑interest drought loans up to $250,000 with a two‑year pause; commercial insurance markets soften, offering chances to improve cover or reduce costs for clean risks; and updated data lifts October storm losses to about $1.5b, prompting tighter focus on roofs and solar installs. Practical tips include reviewing cyclone and flood cover, updating asset photos, reassessing sums insured after financing or restocking, and remarketing policies while conditions are favourable.
EPISODE 1249 | Farm Insurance Australia Rural News Wrap | Sun, 8th Feb 2026
12 Feb 2026 | 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, 8 February 2026.
First, the Bureau of Meteorology, or BOM, says a tropical low off WA is likely to intensify into a cyclone this weekend with destructive winds and flash flooding possible along parts of the Pilbara. If youre on stations or moving stock, plan for road closures and power interruptions, secure gear and fuel, and review how your policy treats cyclone, wind and flood. Keep fresh photos of buildings, machinery and fencing to speed any claim.
Next up, South Australia has announced low‑interest loans of up to $250,000 for drought‑affected grain and livestock producers in the Murray Mallee, Riverland and Upper North, with a two‑year repayment pause and applications due to open in March. That can help with seed, feed and cash flow ahead of sowing. If you take up finance or restock, check your sums insured on sheds, machinery, hay and livestock, and consider whether business interruption cover still fits your season. We can help compare options and tailor cover to your farm.
Also this week, commercial insurance prices softened through the December quarter as extra capacity returned, with broader cover and higher limits available in many lines. Property with heavy natural‑catastrophe exposure or recent losses still attracts tighter terms. If your loss history is clean, it could be a good time to remarket your program, seek improved conditions, or adjust deductibles to balance cost and protection.
Meanwhile, updated catastrophe data lifts the insured loss from Octobers east‑coast storms to about one and a half billion dollars, with hail and extreme winds again damaging roofs, solar panels and cladding. Expect closer scrutiny of roof condition, panel installation quality and yard storage at renewal. A quick maintenance check, clear photos and serial numbers, and tidy documentation of upgrades can reduce surprises and help claims run faster.
Thats the wrap for this week. For clear guidance, tailored protection and fast quotes, visit farm-insurance.com.au.
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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Knowledgebase
Insurance Deductible: That part of an insurance claim that must be paid by an insured person before the the balance is paid by the insurer.
