How to help mitigate the 5 major risks in Australian livestock farming

Livestock farming faces a range of risks that can disrupt operations and threaten livelihoods.

From natural disasters to stock or machinery theft and liability incidents, it's important to provide Australian farmers with the knowledge needed to safeguard their livelihoods against preventable risks.

So, what are the top livestock farming risks, and how can farmers help mitigate them? Peter Morsley, Farm Underwriting Manager at ARGIS explains.

Let's examine the 5 major livestock farming risks

As an agency specialising in arranging farm insurance, ARGIS regularly sees the need for proactive risk management when it comes to livestock farming. Here are some of the key risks for livestock farmers.

Fire

The vast expanses of bushland and grassland, combined with extreme temperatures, create ideal conditions for these fires to ignite and spread rapidly across Australian landscapes.

But there's good news – there is plenty farmers can do to minimise the impact and reduce the risk of fire.

"Neglected equipment can easily spark incidents in dry conditions," says Peter. "To reduce the risk of a fire starting on a property, regular maintenance of machinery is crucial."

To minimise the impacts of a fire, farmers should develop space around buildings, clean up debris and undergrowth, ensure water sources are easily accessible, and have a plan to relocate livestock if needed.

Natural disasters

Australian farmers often face unpredictable weather events such as storms, hail, and high wind.

These can wreak havoc on agricultural operations, causing damage to buildings and livestock.

Advise your clients to identify and maintain vulnerable areas such as fencing and drainage systems.

"It's important for farmers to prioritise regular inspection and maintenance of fences, barns and other buildings like shearing sheds," Peter says.

"While they can't prevent the weather, they can mitigate the impact these events have on property, equipment, livestock and general operations."

Baled hay

Baled hay is a key part of feed and bedding for livestock operations, yet its storage presents risks.

"Improper storage of baled hay can lead to spontaneous combustion, jeopardising not only the hay but also the structures housing it," Peter says.

"Farmers must not only ensure proper storage conditions, including correct moisture levels and ventilation but also need to regularly monitor moisture content to prevent overheating."

Peter also advises farmers to implement fire breaks around storage areas to prevent the spread of potential fires. These simple tips go a long way in preventing fire and can limit damage if a fire starts.

Livestock theft

Theft of livestock can significantly impact a farmer's financial security and business sustainability.

Peter says maintaining boundary fences and securing external gates are fundamental steps in deterring potential thieves and safeguarding private property.

"Using identification livestock tagging can help track stolen animals. It also helps develop relationships with neighbours to facilitate a community watch approach and provide everyone involved with shared peace of mind."

Liability

The escape of livestock leading to third-party damage can result in costly liability claims for farmers.

For example, if a herd of cattle wanders onto a neighbouring property and damages crops or infrastructure, the farmer could face expensive repercussions.

Peter recommends regular inspection and maintenance of fences and proper gate security to help reduce the likelihood of livestock escaping.

Support risk mitigation with specialist farm insurance cover

In addition to implementing risk mitigation strategies, having comprehensive insurance cover is essential to safeguard livestock farms.

Specialised livestock cover provided by the ARGIS Farm Extra Insurance is tailored to the unique needs of livestock farmers, including protection for cattle, sheep, and other livestock.

We offer to arrange a robust policy, with key covers including:

• Fire cover.
• Farm contents.
• Goods in transit.
  
  

Contact ARGIS today at 1300 794 364 or email argis@argis.com.au to start your clients on the right path to protecting their livestock operations.

The cover is subject to terms and conditions, limits and exclusions of the policy. Any information provided above is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. SGUAS Pty Ltd t/as ARGIS Insurance (ARGIS) acts for the insurer, Pacific International Insurance Pty Limited (Pacific). Consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination, available by contacting ARGIS on 1300 794 364 or visiting www.argis.com.au, before deciding if it is right for your client.