Farm insurance is designed to protect a wide range of risks, but no two operations are identical. As farms evolve, liability exposures often grow faster than insurance policies are updated.
Even if you already have farm insurance, it’s worth asking: Does your policy still reflect how your operation runs today?
Here are some of the most common liability exposures Ontario farms should review during the summer months.
Seasonal Workers and Casual Labour
Summer often means extra hands on the farm. Whether it’s seasonal employees, part-time help, or temporary labour brought in during peak periods, adding workers can change your liability exposure.
If someone is injured on your property, operating equipment, or performing work outside their usual responsibilities, your coverage should reflect those risks. It’s also important to consider family members, students, or unpaid helpers who regularly assist with day-to-day operations.
Farm Visitors and On-Site Traffic
Summer also brings more people onto farm properties. Delivery drivers, suppliers, customers, contractors, and even neighbours stopping by can all increase liability exposure.
A visitor slipping in the yard, being injured near equipment, or entering an active work area can quickly become more than a minor incident. If your farm includes roadside stands, pick-your-own operations, or direct-to-consumer sales, it’s a good time to confirm your policy reflects that additional public access.
Equipment on the Road
Moving equipment between fields, transporting produce, or using farm vehicles off-property can create exposures that aren’t always covered the way owners expect.
Farm-use vehicles, trailers, and mobile equipment may need to be reviewed depending on how they’re used, where they travel, and how often they operate on public roads. Harvest season is an ideal time to confirm your coverage matches your current operations.
Custom Work and Contracted Services
If your farm provides custom baling, spraying, hauling, or equipment services for others, your insurance should reflect those activities.
Likewise, if contractors regularly work on your property, it’s important to understand how responsibility would be handled if damage or an injury occurred. These are common areas to review with your broker.
Agritourism and Special Events
Corn mazes, farm tours, workshops, markets, and seasonal events continue to grow in popularity, but they also change the liability profile of a farm.
Inviting the public onto your property introduces different exposures than a traditional farming operation. If you’ve recently expanded into agritourism or added public events, it’s worth confirming your policy reflects those changes.
Why a Farm Policy Review Matters
Summer is one of the busiest times of year, and insurance often stays unchanged while farm operations continue to evolve.
Adding seasonal workers, purchasing new equipment, offering new services, or welcoming more visitors can all affect your liability exposure. Reviewing your policy regularly helps ensure your coverage keeps pace with your operation.
If it’s been a while since you last reviewed your farm insurance, or if anything has changed on your farm, now is a great time to have a conversation with your Merit Insurance broker. We’ll help you review your current policy, identify any gaps, and make sure your coverage reflects the way your farm operates today.
