When a double red weather warning was issued for Rangitīkei on 15 February, Sheep and Beef farmers', Andrew and Kylie Stewart knew it was going to be serious. What followed was a storm that left widespread tree damage, blocked access, and three days without power. The farm is used to weather coming from the north-west, but this system struck from the south with extraordinary force, bringing down trees across the property and damaging fences.
"That night brought the strongest winds I've ever experienced in my 50 years on the property" said Andrew, reflecting on the event.
The rain was significant, but it was the wind that caused most of the damage. Mature poplars, macrocarpas, pines, mānuka and kānuka came down across the farm, crushing fences and blocking accessways.
The next morning, Andrew's focus was on checking stock and boundary fences.
"Unfortunately, we're getting used to these sorts of events a wee bit. You almost get into a routine. Once the weather clears it's about getting around the farm, checking stock, checking fences and making sure roads are safe."
Experience has taught him not to tackle everything at once.
"If you go out and try and do everything straight away, you'll break yourself and the people helping you. You've got to chunk it down and work your way backwards."
"The right machine can do a lot more work than me and a chainsaw, and with greater pace. You're running a farm, not a firewood operation."
As he worked through the clean-up, Andrew took photos and notes.
"A picture says a thousand words. The photos tell the story and help both me and FMG understand what's happened."
Once the immediate recovery work was under control, Andrew used those records to lodge a claim through FMG Connect. It was the first time he had used FMG Connect’s new farm fencing claims process.
"I didn't realise it was there, but it was straightforward. I uploaded the photos, descriptions and fence details I'd already gathered, and the settlement offer came back very quickly."
For Andrew, good digital record keeping is becoming part of modern farming, like having a good handle on fence lengths and materials.
"If you're accurate and honest with your record keeping, it helps speed things up when you need the support."
After several major storms over the years, he sees insurance as an investment in peace of mind.
"When you're knee deep in clean-up, knowing you've got insurance takes some of the mental strain away."
While there are still jobs left to finish, Andrew is already looking ahead.
"Sometimes these events give you an opportunity to redesign things and future-proof them. One of the biggest lessons is working smarter with Mother Nature rather than trying to fight her all the time."
