Protect Your Hay and Silage Harvest

We are now in the month when many UK farmers are in full swing with their first (and sometimes second) cut of hay and silage. The air is thick with the scent of fresh grass and the pressure is on to make the most of every dry spell. However, as any seasoned farmer knows, this important period is a constant battle against the unpredictable British weather. One minute the sun is shining and the next dark clouds loom, threatening to ruin days of hard work and valuable crops.

At Farm and General, we understand the unique pressures and risks you face during haymaking and silage season. That's why we want to highlight the key challenges and more importantly, how the right hay and silage insurance cover such as Arable Farm Insurance can provide a vital safety net for your farm business.

The Perils of Summer Weather

The weather is the ultimate dictator when it comes to hay and silage. A sudden downpour on your freshly cut hay can leach out valuable nutrients, leading to a significant reduction in quality and even rendering the crop unusable. Consider this: According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in 2023 alone, adverse weather accounted for approximately £219 million in losses for the UK agricultural sector. Prolonged wet periods can delay cutting, pushing you into less favourable weather windows and potentially impacting subsequent harvests. These weather-related setbacks can translate directly into significant financial losses for your farm.

Other Risks Lurking in the Fields 

While the sky is often the primary concern, other risks can also derail your hay and silage operations:

• Unusable Machinery : Tractors, mowers, balers and silage harvesters are essential during this season. An unexpected incident that renders a critical piece of machinery unusable, like a fire or accident can cause significant delays, leading to missed harvesting windows and costly repair bills. This is where Farm machinery insurance comes in. Industry facts as published by the AEA state that across the UK, agricultural unusable machinery cost farmers an estimated average of £1,300 per incident.

• Liability Concerns: With increased activity on your land, there's always a potential for accidents. Whether it's a contractor helping with the work or even an unexpected visitor, liability issues can arise. It’s important you get this right to ensure you, your farm and your employees are protected by the right cover in the event of an insurance incident. This is particularly relevant as many farmers will be preparing to welcome the public for Open Farm Sunday on June 8th, 2025. While a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community, having robust Public Liability Insurance in place during this weekend is key to protecting against unforeseen incidents involving visitors.

Strategies for Success

Farmers are inherently strategic, constantly planning and adapting to mitigate risks with cover such as haymaking insurance. Here are some common strategies and how Farm and General insurance products can provide crucial support:

• Careful Weather Monitoring: Staying updated with forecasts is essential. However, even the best predictions can be wrong. Crop Insurance  from Farm and General, can help protect you against financial losses due to extreme adverse weather conditions that damage or destroy your hay or silage crops. This provides peace of mind knowing that your investment is safeguarded, even when the weather doesn't cooperate.
• Timely Machinery Maintenance: Regular servicing reduces the risk of breakdowns. However, even well-maintained machinery can fail. Machinery Breakdown Coverage is a vital part of your insurance portfolio, helping to cover the costs of repairs or replacements, minimising downtime and allowing you to get back to work quickly when the weather window is favourable.
• Safe Working Practices: Implementing strict safety protocols is paramount to prevent accidents. However, accidents can still happen. Public and Employers' Liability Insurance provides farmers protection against claims for injury or damage caused to third parties or your employees during haymaking and silage operations. This coverage can help with legal costs and compensation payouts, protecting your farm's financial stability.

Don't Let Risk Cloud Your June

June is a busy and often stressful time for many farmers focused on securing their winter feed. While you can't control the weather, you can take control of how you protect your business against the inherent risks.

Keep an eye out for the AHDB Harvest Survey, the initial results of which are often released around mid-June. While primarily focused on cereals and oilseed rape, the survey can provide valuable early insights into the overall growing season, which can indirectly impact forage production and market conditions.

Don't wait for a weather disaster or a costly breakdown to realise the importance of comprehensive farm machinery insurance during this busy period. 

At Farm and General, we understand the specific challenges of haymaking and silage production. Our tailored insurance solutions, including crop insurance, machinery breakdown coverage and liability insurance, are designed to provide you with the financial security and peace of mind you need to navigate this crucial season successfully.

Beyond the immediate risks of haymaking and silage production, remember that protecting your investment extends to how you store your valuable harvested materials. Understanding your stack limits and implementing proper storage techniques are crucial, not only for preserving forage quality but also for ensuring you have the right insurance coverage in place.

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Make the most of June's potential for a successful hay and silage harvest, but don't underestimate the risks involved. By combining smart farming practices with the right insurance protection from Farm and General, you can safeguard your livelihood and ensure