While winter frosts and dry river beds can still occur in some regions close to planting season, we’re still a way out from the summer maize planting period - as with all business - comes from planning ahead. This year’s planting season comes at an especially volatile time, with uncertainty over how US tariffs will impact SA’s agricultural exports. But the truth is, farmers have been battling rising input costs, climate change, and increasingly unpredictable weather for some years now.
Insurance for farmers that takes climate change into account
Comprehensive farming insurance solutions - starting with crop insurance - are vital. Knowing and planning according to the optimal planting dates for crops and regions will mitigate some of the natural risks. And whenever you choose to plant, you risk hail, floods, pests or disease. Ask yourself: What would peace of mind feel like this season? Climate change is impacting all sectors of human society, and agriculture, which is so deeply connected to land and soil health, has been one of the hardest hit. Climate change is expected to impact the amount of arable land, shorten growing seasons, and reduce impact crop yields - putting South African farmers in a tight position all round. And with an increasing risk of natural disasters and variable rainfall, it’s also not clear how crops will fare once they’re in the ground. Perhaps that’s why almost two-thirds of farmers rank climate change and weather volatility as their top concern, according to this year’s Santam Insurance Barometer. Climate smart agriculture practices, such as farming insurance, research into more resilient crops, and soil health practices, help agricultural businesses to adapt to the reality of climate change. And crop insurance is a valuable strategic tool that can be used to manage your risk.
Agricultural insurance in South Africa is about partnership
Santam Agriculture is the first, and still the only, South African agricultural insurer to establish a research farm near Bloemfontein. We wanted to understand exactly what our farmers are going through and help to mitigate the risks that threaten your business. We specifically study the impact of hail on crops so that we can give you the best insurance solutions. And as the first South African insurer to join the global insurance network ClimateWise, we’re at the forefront of climate change knowledge -using these insights in our research and product development on the farm. Santam can partner with you to proactively manage your risk. By working with a broker or Santam representative, you can get tailored advice from someone who understands your operations.
What does crop insurance cover?
Crop insurance protects your capital, improves planning, and helps you recover faster from setbacks and natural disasters. It’s an essential tool for long-term planning and financial stability. Santam offers comprehensive crop insurance solutions, including: Multi-peril crop insurance Hail insurance for crops, that includes perils like frost, fire, in transit and locust damage depending on the crop insured.
The right insurance for farmers
With the right insurance solutions in place, you can farm the way you want to, while remaining resilient and adaptable. You have the confidence to expand your crop cover, invest in your business, and operate sustainably. Santam has decades of experience in agriculture insurance, with local advisors who understand regional risks. Our claims support is designed to help you recover quickly and keep on farming. As your partner in agriculture, we aim to make insurance even more accessible and affordable. When it comes to risk management, we’ve got your back, so you can continue farming for a better tomorrow. Protect your season. Gain peace of mind. Speak to your intermediary or Santam representative today about Santam’s crop insurance solutions.