Autumn on the Farm: A Season for Protection, Preparation and Planning

Safeguarding your crops, buildings, machinery and business before winter sets in.

As autumn settles across the UK countryside, farms begin their seasonal shift, from the fast pace of harvest to the slower, more strategic work of preparing for winter. Fields are being drilled with winter wheat and oilseed rape, livestock are moving toward housing and farmers are racing the shorter days to get jobs ticked off the list before the first frost bites.

But with opportunity comes risk. The weather becomes more volatile and assets across the farm, whether growing in the field, housed in sheds or parked up for the winter, are increasingly exposed to damage. Autumn is, above all else a season for protection.

At Farm & General, we know this is the time of year where preparation really counts. From safeguarding fall crops to storm-proofing buildings, securing machinery and reviewing insurance cover, taking action now helps build the resilience your farm needs in the face of unpredictable months ahead.

Autumn Crops: Delicate Growth in an Unpredictable Window

Autumn sowing is a critical stage in the farming calendar. But the challenge lies in the balance: crops need to be drilled early enough to establish, but not so early they face pest pressure, poor seedbeds or wet soils. If the weather turns too quickly, young plants can be vulnerable to frost, flooding or wind damage. Oilseed rape is highly sensitive in its early growth stages. A cold snap before plants are well-rooted can severely impact viability.

Heavy rainfall presents another challenge, especially in low-lying or compacted fields. Persistent wet conditions can delay drilling altogether or worse, waterlog soils and wash away seeds. In recent years, we've also seen an increase in cases of soil erosion on slopes after heavy autumn storms, undoing hard work in just a few hours.

This is where well-tailored crop insurance becomes essential. Farmers should ensure their policy covers autumn-sown crops, not just what’s near harvest. If you’ve re-drilled due to poor germination or storm damage or if you’re trialling new varieties, keep your broker informed. Having the right protection in place ensures you’re not left exposed just as next season’s success is being sown.

Buildings Under Pressure: Storm-Proofing Before the Gusts Arrive

Farm buildings take the brunt of autumn weather. From corrugated barns and ageing sheds to modern grain stores and livestock housing, everything is exposed. Strong winds, heavy rain and fluctuating temperatures can all combine to test the strength of your infrastructure.

Now is the time to walk your yard and inspect every structure. Even small weaknesses can lead to major problems:

• Loose roof sheets or cracked skylights can cause water ingress and interior damage.
• Blocked or overflowing gutters lead to damp walls, foundation damage or roof rot.
• Polytunnels and field shelters should be securely anchored to withstand high winds.

It’s vital your buildings are accurately insured for today’s rebuild costs, especially with material prices still fluctuating. Many farmers are unknowingly underinsured, which can result in reduced payouts after a claim. Reviewing your buildings insurance now, before storms arrive, offers peace of mind and practical protection.

Machinery and Equipment: Don’t Leave Value Out in the Cold

Machinery downtime in autumn doesn’t just delay fieldwork; it can increase repair costs or compromise next season’s efficiency. After months of use, key equipment should be cleaned, serviced and stored correctly. Exposing tractors, trailers and harvesters to rain, frost or mud only accelerates wear and tear.

Equally important is theft prevention. As evenings draw in, rural crime typically rises. Fuel tanks, quad bikes, tools and GPS units are often targeted.

Take these key steps now:

• Clean, drain and protect sprayers, drills and irrigation systems.
• Store high-value machinery under cover and lock away smaller tools.
• Keep asset lists and serial numbers up to date for insurance claims.

Most importantly, ensure your farming insurance policy reflects the current value and location of your machinery - whether in storage, in transit or in use.

Livestock: Transitioning to Winter Housing Safely

Autumn means managing the careful shift from pasture to shelter. Wet weather increases the risk of foot problems and soil damage, while poor ventilation indoors can trigger respiratory issues. Livestock housing should be clean, dry and well-maintained before the herds come in.

Take time now to:

• Clear drainage channels, fix water troughs and inspect ventilation.
• Repair damaged gates, pens or bedding areas.
• Ensure outdoor shelters are anchored and placed on well-drained ground.

As livestock becomes more reliant on housing through autumn and winter, farmers should check that their insurance covers animals both in buildings and during transport. Severe weather-related losses, such as building collapse or flooding, can have devastating consequences if not fully covered.

Business Continuity: Build Financial Resilience Before Winter

Alongside physical protection, autumn is the time to think about the business side of your operation. With input bills rising and income from harvest not always immediate, financial resilience matters more than ever.

Many farmers underestimate how valuable business interruption insurance can be. If a storm takes out your grain dryer or livestock housing and you’re forced to pause operations, this type of cover can replace lost income or help you rent temporary facilities.

Other important areas to review include:

• Public and employer liability insurance (especially if bringing in seasonal labour).
• Environmental liability, particularly if operating near watercourses or with slurry systems.
• Cyber cover, for digital platforms used in machinery, sales or logistics.

Autumn is also a great time to schedule a full insurance review - Regardless of whether your policy is up for renewal. but to make sure your cover reflects How your farm operates now, to protect your business in the future.

A Season to Safeguard What Matters Most

Autumn isn’t just a transitional season; it’s a pressure point. Every part of your business is shifting, crops are growing, buildings are under strain and your finances are heading into the leanest part of the year. With the right preparation, you can take control of the season instead of reacting to it.

At Farm & General, we work with farms across the UK to provide tailored protection for every aspect of the business, from crops and livestock to buildings, machinery and liability. If it matters to you, it matters to us.

Get in touch today for a no-obligation farming insurance review and let’s make sure your farm is fully protected this autumn and beyond.