Farming under pressure: how insurers are stepping up
The latest episode of the Insurance Post Podcast digs deep into the evolving role of insurance in agriculture and features Charlie Yorke, propositions manager for farming at NFU Mutual, and Steve Smout, head of agriculture at McLarens.
This conversation takes listeners behind the scenes of the UK’s farming landscape, revealing how underwriters and claims handlers are innovating to provide more responsive and robust protection in an era of rapid change.
From the rise of agri-tech like laser weed zappers to the diversification of farms into hospitality ventures, this episode sheds light on shifting risk profiles and what insurers are doing to satisfy farmers in 2025.
The discussion also addresses the impact of climate change and subsidy shifts to the mental health toll of unpredictable policy decisions such as Labour’s decision that from April 2026 the inheritance tax relief available for agricultural and business property will be restricted.
Smout provides a compelling commentary on the industry’s moral duty to support the nation’s food producers through reliable coverage and informed risk management and highlights how elections can be won or lost on the price of eggs.
A must-listen episode for anyone invested in the intersection of agriculture, innovation, and insurance.
As well as being able to listen to the podcast by clicking on the player above, you can also download and keep this episode of the Insurance Post Podcast to listen to anytime, anywhere you want to.
To download the episode, go to your podcast provider of choice (Apple, Google, Samsung, Spotify, Audible, etc.) and search for Insurance Post.
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@postonline.co.uk or view our subscription options here: https://subscriptions.postonline.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@postonline.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@postonline.co.uk
More on Commercial
Marsh launches AI-powered broker tool
Marsh has launched Broker WorkBench, an artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to assist Marsh’s brokers operating in the London market in serving their clients.
How dyslexia shapes Markel’s Manders’ thoughts and work
From processing differences to creative problem-solving, Mark Manders, senior business analyst at Markel UK and neurodiversity co-lead for Markel’s Inclusion Network, shares his experience of dyslexia in the workplace.
Diary of an Insurer: Allianz’s Faith Kitchen
Faith Kitchen, head of client relationship management at Allianz, focuses on growing accounts, mentors an A Level student, and finishes the week watching her son's cricket practice.
Insurance Post Census exposes employment progress and problems
While insurance may have more women reaching CEO and C-suite roles than ever before, Insurance Post’s 2026 Census exposes how progress is not being experienced evenly across the workforce.
Allianz deal to bring Coalition to 15 markets by mid-2027
Coalition CEO Joshua Motta has told Insurance Post the firm’s partnership with Allianz will take it into 15 countries by the end of June 2027.
Allianz’s Lalwani on need for collaboration around AI governance
The insurance industry must work together to implement customer-centric artificial intelligence governance, according to Allianz UK’s chief data officer Akhil Lalwani.
Are insurers ready for autonomous vehicle crashes?
William Balfry, member of the motor sector focus team at the Forum of Insurance Lawyers and senior associate at DWF, examines the increasing rollout of automated passenger services and insurers will soon have to handle claims resulting from collisions.
KPMG’s Evans reveals US investors set to snap up UK insurers
US investors are lining up to buy mid and top-tier UK MGAs and brokers in the year ahead, according to Huw Evans, partner and head of insurance at KPMG UK.