Thabo Twalo, Chief Underwriting Officer at Santam

Small oversights on a farm rarely stay small for long. A cracked irrigation pipe, a seized bearing or a build-up of debris on machinery can quickly escalate into a major loss event. For local farmers operating under tight margins and demanding seasonal conditions, recognising and acting on early warning signs can be the difference between routine maintenance and a significant insurance claim.

According to Thabo Twalo, Chief Underwriting Officer at Santam, one of the clearest examples of how minor maintenance lapses can trigger major losses is the risk of fires linked to combine harvesters during harvesting season. “Harvester fires contribute significantly to our agricultural claims,” he says. “They are often directly linked to debris build-up and missed intervention points during the day, rather than a complete lack of maintenance.”

Twalo points to a 2025 claim in which Santam paid out more than R7 million following a harvester fire. “The fire occurred in the late afternoon, and photographs taken after the incident revealed excessive debris on the machine that ignited,” he explains. “If that debris had been removed during midday, the risk would have been significantly reduced. At the very least, the fire may have been contained before resulting in a total loss.”

From an underwriting perspective, harvesters represent one of the highest fire risks on farms, particularly when harvesting oil-rich crops such as sunflower, canola and soya. “These crops are highly flammable, and when straw and dust accumulates in hot zones on the machine, the ignition risk increases dramatically,” says Twalo, who recommends a scheduled midday clean with a broom or a leaf blower to remove any residue buildup.

A burnt‑out harvester may not seem particularly serious because it’s covered by insurance and the loss can be managed, however, when a fire spreads to neighbouring farms and crops, the potential liability claims can be far more significant. These can result in legal action, reputational damage and severe financial losses that insurance may not fully cover. Understanding this broader risk landscape underscores why proactive fire prevention is essential for both the business and greater community.

Mechanical condition is equally important. “Scheduled servicing should never be skipped,” Twalo cautions. “A seized bearing, for example, can generate extreme heat and act as an ignition source for debris that has collected around it. These are preventable risks if equipment is properly maintained.”

Beyond machinery, Twalo emphasises the importance of regular inspections across all farm infrastructure. “Small cracks in cast-iron components or early signs of wear can often be addressed before they lead to a breakdown that causes secondary damage or downtime.”

He notes, however, that not all warning signs are mechanical, with weather-related risks warranting attention too. “Lightning damage, particularly to tractors, is another significant contributor. These incidents typically occur while equipment is in operation rather than when it is stored, which means farmers need to remain alert to changing weather conditions while working.”

Building a practical maintenance routine into an already demanding farming schedule requires planning and discipline. Twalo recommends breaking maintenance into smaller, regular interventions rather than relying on a single daily or seasonal check. “Midday cleaning and inspections during harvesting, having fire extinguishers readily available, and ensuring operators are trained to recognise early signs of fire such as smoke or burning smells can make a meaningful difference,” he says. “In high-risk periods, having a second person monitoring machinery and fields can also help detect problems before they escalate.”

Proactive maintenance, Twalo explains, is in the best interest of both farmers and insurers. “The insured is required in terms of the policy wording to take all reasonable steps and precautions to prevent accidents or losses, so not doing so can definitely influence how assessors look at the damages at hand after a claim.  Proactive maintenance may also result in fewer claims and more sustainable premiums over time.”

So, while these small maintenance habits may seem trivial day to day, Twalo urges farmers to make them a priority. “Paying attention to the small things is one of the most effective ways farmers can protect their equipment, their livelihoods and their peace of mind,” he concludes