An analysis of storm-related farm property claims lodged between January 2023 and late November 2025 shows summer remains the most damaging period for producers nationally.
Nearly half of all claims during the 2023-24 season were lodged between December and February, while the current 2024-25 period is tracking similarly, with 41 per cent of claims submitted during summer.
The cost of damage is also climbing sharply. Elders Insurance recorded about $92 million in storm-related payouts in 2024 — almost double the $55.8 million paid in 2023.
The average claim during the 2024-25 summer has reached around $24,000, with summer losses accounting for more than half of all payouts over the past 12 months.
Elders Insurance general manager Dale Gleeson said the figures highlighted the disruptive impact of severe weather on farm operations.
“Storm activity typically peaks over summer, and those events can be incredibly costly and disruptive for farmers,” Mr Gleeson said.
“Any storm damage to sheds, fencing or machinery can bring operations to a standstill. Farmers work to tight seasonal windows, and losing critical infrastructure can create a domino effect on productivity and profitability.”
NSW and Queensland have been the hardest hit this summer, accounting for 35 and 30 per cent of all claims respectively.
Victoria (15 per cent) and Western Australia (11 per cent) also recorded significant losses. Regional hotspots include the Riverina, Northern Tablelands, Far North Queensland, Gippsland and the Perth Hills.
A recent Elders Insurance survey of broad acre clients found 90 per cent ranked weather events as their biggest concern heading into harvest, yet almost half reported having no contingency plan for major disruptions.
To help farmers prepare, the insurer is encouraging producers to inspect roofs and gutters, check fencing, secure solar infrastructure, maintain water pumps and tanks, prepare sandbags in flood-prone areas and document key assets.
Reviewing insurance policies to ensure sums insured reflect current replacement costs is also strongly advised.
“Preparation is essential before summer storm activity intensifies,” Mr Gleeson said.
“A plan can make all the difference during peak production.”
