One-third of all irrigator claims are wind-related

WITH THE SPRING FOEHN WINDS FAST APPROACHING, RURAL INSURER FMG IS ENCOURAGING FARMERS TO GET READY.

WORDS SUPPLIED BY FMG INSURANCE

FMG’s Manager Advice Services, Stephen Cantwell says wind accounts for 34% of all irrigator damage claims, half of which occur in spring when the frequency and severity of foehn winds rise. Through claims’ insights and alongside IrrigationNZ, FMG has developed a new Irrigation Guide. The guide will help farmers and growers get ready and do what they can now to stop irrigators from blowing over when the winds rise. One key piece of advice in the guide is the importance of having a plan. “Farmers and growers have told us that when a windstorm is on the way having a plan can really ease the pressure. Now’s a great time to review or create your plan. Although it’s been a few years since the Canterbury windstorms we can’t get complacent as we never know when the next one will strike,” says Stephen. Another tip that the guide shares is to ‘Point, Park & Anchor’ your irrigator. “We’ve found that pointing an irrigator either into or away from the wind (if possible) remains an effective way to reduce damage to your irrigator in high winds. IrrigationNZ and FMG have worked with farmers and found that irrigators parked in this position significantly reduce the probability of damage— reduces the surface area exposed to the wind,” says Stephen. Once it’s pointing into the prevailing wind, park it there until the winds dissipate. Lastly, make sure the irrigator is anchored correctly. Other significant contributors to claims with FMG are the irrigator hitting something (27%), something hitting the irrigator (11%) and mechanical and structural failure (8%). Advice on how to prevent these causes of damage are also included in the guide. “We want to support farmers and growers use irrigation as part of their operation as we see irrigation as an important part of supporting the growth of strong and prosperous rural communities. “The collaboration of farmers, growers, and other industry partners with IrrigationNZ and FMG helped identify key causes of irrigator damage, both from winds and operational accidents. In order to continue to help irrigator users throughout the country, we have developed this guide on how to mitigate irrigator risks and minimise the disruption should damage unfortunately occur,” says Stephen. The full advice guide can be found at www.fmg.co.nz/irrigator