Agriculture needs to remain vigilant

• As the UK faces the brunt of winter’s unpredictable weather—with storms, flooding, rain, snow, and high winds wreaking havoc – Mark Holroyde, Risk Manager, Towergate Insurance Brokers is calling on the agriculture industry to remain vigilant and prepared for the ongoing challenges

The recent extreme weather conditions underscore the increasing vulnerability of UK farms to climate-related disruptions. From waterlogged fields and damaged crops to disrupted supply chains and livestock welfare concerns, the impacts of severe weather are far-reaching and can have devastating consequences for farmers and their livelihoods.

Farmers are grappling with several critical risks as a result of the current poor weather.

Flooding and Waterlogging, heavy rainfall can leave fields waterlogged, rendering them unworkable and damaging soil structure. Prolonged water exposure can also lead to crop loss and delayed planting schedules.

High winds and flooding can strip fertile topsoil, reducing long-term productivity and increasing the risk of runoff into nearby water sources. Ice, snow, freezing temperatures, and high winds can put livestock at risk of hypothermia, illnesses, and stress.  Farm buildings, greenhouses, and machinery are vulnerable to storm damage, which can lead to costly repairs and business interruptions.  Blocked roads and transportation delays caused by ice, snow and flooding can hinder the movement of feed, crops, and goods, impacting farm operations.  Holroyde is encouraging farmers to take practical steps to address these challenges and build resilience.  Invest in proper drainage solutions, such as contour ploughing and installing retention ponds, to prevent waterlogging and protect soil structure.

Regularly inspect farm buildings, machinery, and fencing to ensure they are secured and capable of withstanding severe weather.  Ensure animals have access to shelter, adequate feed, and water during extreme conditions. Stockpile feed and bedding materials to avoid shortages.  Consider planting weather-resilient crop varieties and staggering planting schedules to reduce the risk of widespread loss.

Develop an emergency response plan that includes clear protocols for evacuating livestock, securing equipment, and communicating with suppliers during disruptions.

Leverage Technology: Use weather forecasting tools, satellite imaging, and farm management software to make data-driven decisions in response to changing conditions.

Holroyde is also urging farmers to consider these proactive measures to safeguard their operations.

Ensure your coverage includes key risks such as storm damage, flooding, and business interruption.  Create a Farm Risk Assessment Plan: Identify vulnerabilities across your property, including buildings, machinery, and livestock housing.  Prepare Livestock Housing: Secure shelters and ensure livestock has access to dry bedding and sufficient feed.

Monitor weather updates and utilise early warning systems to anticipate and respond to potential disruptions.  Ensure, before poor weather sets in, ditches and dykes surrounding fields and properties are clear of debris and all drainage systems (including treatment plants) are clean and serviced. All your personal and farm vehicles are maintained and serviced to ensure that, should you need to use them, you can and they will get you to where you need to go and back safely.  Be aware of your own, your family and employees physical and mental health capabilities and resilience. Remember, things can be replaced; people cannot.

“The UK’s agriculture industry is no stranger to the challenges posed by unpredictable weather,” said Mark Holroyde, Risk Manager at Towergate Insurance. “However, the intensity and frequency of these events are increasing, making resilience planning more important than ever. By adopting practical measures and ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage, farmers can better weather the storm—both literally and figuratively—and safeguard their operations for the future.”

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