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 four risks shaping farm cover. Victorias fires were declared an insurance catastrophe with widespread losses and flood impacts along the Great Ocean Road. Ex‑Cyclone Koji brought heavy rain and wind to Queensland, driving claims and ongoing flood risk. Novembers NSW/QLD hail storms are now estimated at about $2.66 billion, adding repair delays and cost pressure. And a report on rural “vet access deserts” warns of animal welfare and biosecurity risks. Practical tips include documenting damage, checking flood and storm definitions, reviewing sums insured for sheds, solar and machinery, and planning for emergency veterinary care.
EPISODE 1153 | Farm Insurance Australia Rural News Wrap | Sun, 18th Jan 2026
23 Jan 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, 18 January 2026.
First up, Victorias fires have been declared a catastrophe by the Insurance Council of Australia, or ICA, on Friday, 16 January. Claim numbers are already in the thousands and roughly a third of property claims are total losses, with flash flooding along the Great Ocean Road adding to damage. If youre affected, photograph everything, keep damaged items if safe, and log your claim early. Ask your broker about cover for temporary fencing, debris removal, spoiled fodder and business interruption so your policy works as hard as you do.
Meanwhile, ex‑Cyclone Koji crossed Queensland early in the week, bringing torrential rain and strong winds, with more than 300 millimetres recorded in parts of the Clarke Range. Insurers are receiving hundreds of claims and flood risks continue as catchments respond. Check your policy wording on storm, rainwater and flood—those definitions matter. Do quick make‑safes, list damaged fences and pumps, and notify your broker promptly to keep repairs moving.
Next up, the initial industry loss for Novembers hail and severe storms in New South Wales and Queensland is estimated at about $2.66 billion. That puts it among the biggest convective storm events in decades. Expect pressure on roofers, panel beaters and solar repairs, which can stretch timelines and increase costs. Review your sums insured for sheds, solar and machinery, and consider your excess so cash flow isnt strained when the next storm hits.
Finally, a new report highlights “vet access deserts,” with more than 250,000 Australians living more than an hour from veterinary care. That raises animal welfare and biosecurity risks, and it can complicate claims if injuries or diseases arent treated quickly. Build a plan for emergency transport, keep treatment records, and speak with your broker about livestock mortality, transit and public liability cover so gaps dont appear when you need help most.
Thats the wrap. For clear guidance and to compare farm insurance options, head to farm-insurance.com.au and get your free quote today. Stay safe out there.
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
Subrogation: An insurance carrier may reserve the "right of subrogation" in the event of a loss. This means that the company may choose to take action to recover the amount of a claim paid to a covered insured if the loss was caused by a third party.
