As summer settles over Missouri’s farmland, activity kicks into high gear. Families gather outdoors, hay bales begin to stack high, and the hum of equipment moving between fields becomes part of the daily rhythm. But with increased activity comes increased risk. From recreational use of UTVs to the demands of grain storage and hay handling, summer on the farm can quickly shift your property insurance needs.
Hay and Grain Storage Hazards
Hot weather and high humidity create the perfect storm for spontaneous combustion in hay bales and grain bins. Improperly dried hay or overpacked storage can trap heat, increasing the risk of fire. Grain bins also present unique safety and structural hazards, especially during frequent summer loading and unloading. Talk with your agent about coverage for outbuildings, stored crops, and equipment that could be at risk from fire or structural damage.
ATV and UTV Safety and Liability
Utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are staples on many Missouri farms, especially in the summer months when fields and livestock need constant attention. Whether used for work or weekend fun, they present serious liability risks, especially when operated by underage drivers or used on shared or recreational land. If your vehicle is unregistered or uninsured, you may be left uncovered in the event of an accident. Make sure your policy includes appropriate liability and equipment coverage.
Summer Events and Recreational Use
Hosting a wedding, bonfire, or community barbecue on your rural property? Events like these are summer highlights, but they also raise concerns about guest injuries, property damage, and liability. Even friends and neighbors attending private functions can become claim liabilities if accidents occur. If you allow public or semi-public use of your property for recreation, consider additional liability protections or seasonal endorsements.
Transportation and Equipment Movement
Summer means frequent transport of large equipment between fields and across roads. Accidents involving trailers, combines, or tractors can quickly turn costly. Coverage for detached equipment in transit is not always automatic. Reviewing how your policy handles transportation-related incidents can help prevent surprises.
Stay Ahead of Summer Risks
The best way to enjoy your land, your season, and your peace of mind is by checking in with your agent. Summer is a smart time to review your farm property policy and ensure it reflects your current activities and risk exposure. From hay to hospitality, the details matter.
At Lincoln County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, it’s our job to make sure your property is protected. Because we are a mutual company that is owned and managed by the policyholders, this means we are constantly assessing the risk in our charge. We want to offer the guidance that allows you to care for all that you work so hard for. That community of farmers formed this company to do just that – protect each other. Since that time, the members expanded into Pike County, MO, Warren County, MO, and Montgomery County, MO… and just kept going. We are now one of the top mutuals in our home area and can cover any property within the borders of Missouri. Community is everything. Check back with us as we continue to inform, support, and protect in any way we can.
Small enough to know you but strong enough to serve you.
