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As extreme weather continues to pose ongoing challenges to agricultural operations across the country, Nationwide is stepping up with a new tool to help farmers stay ahead of the storm.

The insurer has partnered with a third party to alert farm policyholders when inclement weather is forecast so that they can proactively protect their property, equipment and livestock from severe hail and wind damage.

To address these weather hazards, the new service will send a text alert and damage prevention tips to farm customers when specific weather conditions are forecast in their areas. Those who sign up to receive the weather alerts will be notified when sustained winds greater than 50 miles per hour, gusts greater than 58 miles per hour, or hail greater than 1 inch are expected.

The growing impact of hail and wind

Weather’s unpredictability is a constant in the agricultural world, but its effects are becoming more costly. According to Nationwide claims data:

• Wind and hail alone account for approximately 35% of all farm-related damage yearly.
• The cost to repair hail-damaged insured vehicles has risen sharply, from a median of $3,454 in 2020 to $4,960 in 2024.
• The percentage of farm vehicles deemed total losses or rendered undriveable from hail damage has grown from 12.6% in 2020 to 17% YTD by 2025.
• Wind damage to Nationwide-insured farms is most reported in Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Arkansas, and Nebraska.

“Farm structures like grain bins, machine sheds, and outbuildings, along with essential equipment such as tractors and combines, are increasingly vulnerable during severe weather events,” said Nick Andersen, vice president of Agribusiness Claims for Nationwide. “By integrating this text alert program into their risk management practices, we hope to help farmers better safeguard their operations, protect their employees and livestock, and potentially prevent damage.”

Introducing weather alerts from Nationwide

Nationwide’s new alert system allows farm customers to register up to five addresses to receive timely text notifications when severe weather is forecast. These alerts empower farmers to take immediate action, such as:

• Sheltering livestock and employees
• Moving vehicles, machinery and equipment under shelter
• Securing items that could be damaged or become hazardous in high winds
• Closing exterior doors and windows to minimize the risk of damage
• Building resilience against future storms

While immediate storm preparations are critical, it’s equally important to plan ahead. Nationwide encourages farmers to take proactive steps now to mitigate long-term risks and impacts of severe weather:

• Invest in storm-rated roofing materials for structures like machine sheds and barns.
• Conduct routine inspections to maintain the integrity of grain bins, fencing or outbuildings. Early detection of vulnerabilities can prevent structural failure during severe weather events.
• Review insurance coverage to ensure adequate protection for property and equipment.
• Document all major assets through written descriptions, photographs or video to ensure smoother claim processes if damage occurs.

For more information or to sign up for weather alerts, farm policyholders should contact their Nationwide agent or visit ofb.ag/nationwideweatheralert.

Nationwide works with one or more separate and non-affiliated third parties to obtain this information. Notifications are provided as a courtesy and neither Nationwide nor the third parties make any express or implied warranties, guaranties or affirmations relating to the notifications including, but not limited to, that weather will occur or has occurred. Program subject to change.

References: 1. Nationwide. 2024 Farmer Resiliency Study. Retrieved December 2024. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2025 Nationwide.