Created from equal parts sustainable living and a passion for agriculture, hobby farming is a trend that you may not have even noticed in your own town. Hobby farms come in many different shapes and configurations, ranging from a few chickens in a backyard henhouse to a dedicated half-acre of crops.
You may already be aware that large commercial farms have insurance packages to protect them, but did you know that a similar option exists for hobby farmers? The requirements and specifications are a bit different, but the insurance functions the same way: to help protect you, your farm, and your investment in it.
Today, we’ll explore the differences between a hobby farm and a full-scale farm, and how you can find out if you’re a good match for hobby farm insurance.
The Difference Between a Hobby Farm and a Regular Farm
When thinking about the definition of a hobby farm, the answer lies somewhere between a home vegetable garden and a full-blown commercial farming venture. The best way to tell whether you have a hobby farm or a regular farm is to ask: am I planning to make money with this?
A hobby farm might produce some eggs you could sell at the farmers’ market, or maybe some vegetables to share with your friends, but that’s not the reason you do it. You’re doing it for the fun of it. You’re not in it to make money; you’re in it to care for animals, or tend to crops, or to make your own cheese.
The Importance of Hobby Farm Insurance
Tending chickens and watering a garden may not sound intense to anyone else, but to you, it’s a big part of your life. What would happen if one of your chickens got loose and caused a car accident as they were running around in the road? Or suppose that you invited a friend over to tour your hobby farm, and they were accidentally injured by a piece of farm equipment?
Hobby farm insurance can provide you with coverage and protection for your livestock, your produce, and your equipment. You can even find coverage to help you recover after being the victim of a robbery. Hobby farm insurance can be sold as an add-on to your regular home insurance, so be sure to ask your insurance broker for further details.
Do You Qualify for Hobby Farm Insurance?
In order to obtain hobby farm insurance, there are some requirements that your hobby farm needs to meet. To get a better idea as to whether you may qualify, consider the following questions:
- Is revenue the main purpose of your farm?
- Is your farm larger than 10 acres in size?
- Do you own more than six animals or pieces of farm equipment (i.e. a tractor)?
- Do you have any outside employees?
If you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions, you may need to explore traditional farm insurance to protect your investments. However, if you consistently answered “No” to the above questions, then hobby farm insurance may provide precisely the coverage you’re looking for.
Finding Farm Insurance at Will Marshall Insurance Brokers
Will Marshall himself worked at Simcoe District Co-op for eleven years before opening Will Marshall Insurance Brokers. When we provide advice on farm insurance, we’ve got the experience necessary to understand it from a farmer’s perspective. We are committed to providing impeccable service to every client, addressing and thoroughly explaining all their insurance options and concerns. Our goal is to make your insurance experience as pleasant as possible, which is why we focus on an elevated level of customer service and professionalism.
If you’d like more information on insurance for your farm or business, give us a call at 705-726-2551 or send us a message online.