With reduced availability meaning straw values have risen considerably across the country on the year, farmers are being reminded to take precautions to reduce exposure to malicious attacks on straw and hay stacks, as well as any accidental damage or injury caused by falling bales.
“Even if you have a similar size straw stack from last year, the actual stack value will have shot through the roof this year, and insurers will work to values rather than tonnage,” said Georgie Spencer, director at Acres Insurance Brokers.
“The majority of insurers will impose stack limits on the value they insure. You, therefore, may need to check with your broker or insurer what the individual stack limit is, or run the risk that your existing limit may no longer cover replacement.”
“In the event of fire, theft or storm damage, you could be left paying the shortfall, as many farm policies will require you to inform the insurer of material change, which can include large increases in stock value,” she added.
Steps to reduce risks
Given the hot weather conditions, allied with the ever-present threat of fire risks caused by a criminal element, Acres Insurance Brokers is advising farmers to take common sense steps to reduce those risks.
“While there is a benefit to keeping bales easily accessible so they can be moved as soon as possible, having them in close proximity to farm roads does open up more opportunity for those with malicious intent to start fires, so we advise to get bales back to the main base or building as quickly as possible,” said Ms Spencer.
While the heat waves encountered this year do raise the risk of accidental fire damage, a sustained heavy downpour could also see rain-soaked stacks suddenly become unsafe and at risk of falling, having previously been perfectly stable.
“It is important to keep a check on the weather, but also always make sure there is appropriate signage in place. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires you to have danger signs around stacks, warning of the risk of falling bales.
“Even if the stacks are stored in a building, there should be appropriate signage on display outside of that building,” she added.
As well as urging farmers to keep stacks away from rights of way, or other areas where the public may have close proximity, Ms Spencer also reminded operators to avoid parking machinery next to stacks.
“There is always the potential of the machinery or vehicle being taken out if someone were to maliciously set fire to the stack, but this also helps avoid accidental damage from any falling bales,” she said
“It is all a bit of a reminder, and of course, every farmer needs to consider their own circumstances, but following a few common-sense steps can help reduce your risks.”
