As anyone working in agriculture knows, resilience isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. But even the most resilient farmers can be tested when the skies open and the water rises.
Flooding is no longer a rare event; it’s becoming a regular occurrence. According to the Met Office’s State of the UK Climate Report 2024, six of the ten wettest October-to-March periods have occurred in the 21st century, with October 2023 to March 2024 the wettest on record. This contributed to 2024 being among the top 15 wettest years since records began in 1836.
This increased rainfall brings significant challenges for farmers who depend on stable ground conditions and predictable weather. This isn’t just an inconvenience, it can threaten land, livestock and livelihoods.
Persistent heavy rain saturates soils, overwhelms drainage systems and causes rivers to burst their banks. Waterlogged fields reduce grazing options, raise disease risk and delay planting. Infrastructure damage is another concern. Flooded sheds, buildings and access roads can halt operations and lead to costly repairs.
And it’s not just flooding which poses a risk. When soils remain saturated for long periods, slopes become unstable. In upland areas, this can trigger landslides that block farm tracks, damage fencing and even bury equipment. Beyond the immediate damage, landslides can alter field contours and drainage patterns, reducing long-term productivity and increasing erosion.
The combined impact of flooding and landslides is financial as well as physical. Repairing infrastructure, replacing stock and restoring land can cost tens of thousands of pounds. Insurance claims are rising, but underinsurance remains common. Reviewing cover and investing in resilience measures is no longer optional - it’s essential.
I work closely with clients to make sure they have the right insurance cover in place. By understanding the risks and threats to their specific businesses, I can ensure they have the peace of mind that they can recover and rebuild.
Preparing for flooding begins long before the rain arrives. The Environment Agency recommends creating a clear flood plan that identifies vulnerable areas such as low-lying fields, livestock housing and machinery storage, along with emergency contacts.
When rivers rise, fields can flood quickly so early warnings are vital. Signing up for Environment Agency flood alerts and joining your local flood group can give you vital extra time to relocate animals from high-risk areas before water levels become dangerous.
Once the water recedes, assess any damage carefully and only enter buildings when safe. Photograph everything for insurance claims and contact your broker promptly. Test soil before replanting, monitor livestock for disease and dispose of contaminated feed. Clean and disinfect buildings and equipment, and prioritise drainage repairs.
Recovery isn’t just about repairs, it’s about building resilience. Improving soil structure, planting cover crops and adopting natural flood management techniques can reduce runoff and improve infiltration. Flooding can’t be eliminated, but with preparation, swift action and long-term strategies farmers can protect their businesses and recover more effectively.
At H&H Insurance Brokers, we’re here to helpnot just with policies, but with practical advice drawn from years of experience. While farming is unpredictable, with preparation and protection, you can keep your business secure and mind at ease.