Farm Buildings Are Central To Farming Operations, Playing A Core Role In Storage, Shelter & Security

Given their integral use, it comes as no surprise that there are a myriad of risks – and if something does go wrong, the impact can be felt keenly. Toby Baker, of Farmers and Mercantile Insurance Brokers (FMIB), looks at the common risks of fire and theft and outlines how farmers can minimise chances of such events occurring.

Don’t play with fire

Farmers are faced with a number of fire hazards when it comes to farm buildings, from housing combustible materials to electrical faults in stored vehicles, so it understandable that managing risk is a challenge.

There are more than 1,000 fires in agricultural buildings each year, many of which are preventable, according to DEFRA.

Once tinder-dry hay and straw piled up in barns goes up in flames, it is almost impossible to put the fire out – and it is extremely expensive to replace produce which is needed to feed livestock through the winter.

Check there are no naked bulbs hanging from the ceiling, be wary of how any glass or mirrors are situated, check vehicles stored are well maintained and carry out regular electrical checks on the building.

Working farms will see the value of contents change constantly, so farmers should check exactly what they are insured for, what the limits are and if there are any restrictions.

For example, at this time of year, farmers need to be clear about policy restrictions on hay or straw stores, such as if there is a stipulated hay-stack limit defined by value rather than volume. Distance limits are often written into policies too, which is usually 20 metres, but this can vary.

The best way to comply with the terms of a policy is to split stacks and keep them in different locations.