On The Land
6 December, 2025
Prepare for storms
FAR North Queensland was one of the farming regions most seriously affected by summer storm activity over the past two years, a report by one of Australia’s leading rural and regional insurers has found.
An Elders report of storm-related farm insurance property claims over the past two years (1 January 2023-24 November 2025) showed summer accounts for the highest number of claims nationally.
The 2023-2024 summer months alone accounted for nearly half (47%) of all claims over the 12-month period (1 December 2023 to 31 November 2024) and the 2024-2025 period (December 2024 to 24 November 2025) tracked similarly, with 41% of claims to date lodged during the summer months - based on surveys of Elders policy-holders in that time period.
Of these national figures, Queensland and New South Wales were identified as hot spots, followed by Victoria and WA.
In Queensland, the Far North, SE Queensland, Wide Bay-Burnett and SW Queensland were most affected in summer 2023-2024. In summer 2024-2025, the FNQ continued to experience “significant impacts”.
Elders Insurance urges farmers to prepare for another damaging summer.
“Storm activity typically peaks over summer; those events can be incredibly costly and disruptive for farmers,” Elders Insurance general manager Dale Gleeson said.
“The impact on operations and recovery can be significant, especially when critical infrastructure is hit. Any storm damage to sheds, fencing, or machinery can bring operations to a standstill.
“Losing critical infrastructure during peak production can create a domino effect on productivity and profitability. That’s why preparation is essential before summer storm activity intensifies.”
The most common claims involved sheds, fencing, solar panels and immobile machinery – critical assets that could take months to repair or replace.
The reported also noted the rising costs of claims, with $92.14 million paid in total in 2024, close to double the $55.85 million paid in 2023.
Almost all farmers surveyed (90%) for the report ranked weather-related events as their top concern, ahead of market volatility and machinery failure.
Nearly half also stated they do not have a contingency plan for major disruptions, underscoring the need for proactive planning before summer storms hit.
Elders Insurance has prepared the following to help farmers prepare and help reduce risk:
Check your roof: Inspect for leaks, loose tiles, metal sheets, eaves, and screws. Clear gutters, downpipes, and drains regularly to prevent blockages and improve storm resilience.
Inspect and maintain fencing: Pay close attention to vulnerable sections near trees or watercourses.
Protect solar infrastructure: Ensure panels and inverters are securely mounted and fitted with surge protection.
Check water tanks and pumps: Anchor tanks by filling with water and inspect electrical components to improve storm resilience.
Prepare sandbags: Especially in flood-prone areas, to help safeguard homes and sheds.
Have a contingency plan: Identify backup suppliers, alternative storage options, and emergency contacts to keep operations moving if severe weather causes major disruptions.
Document assets: Take photos and keep records of machinery, infrastructure, and livestock to support faster claims processing.
Review insurance policies: Think about the sum insured and whether it reflects current replacement costs.
For more information or to speak with your local Elders Insurance agent, visit https://www.eldersinsurance.com.au/
