Agricultural Loss Adjustment and Quantification
Independent agricultural loss assessment
PeritusAg is a specialist agricultural consultancy that understands the unique characteristics and risks of farming and agribusiness. We provide independent loss adjustment and quantification services for insurers, lawyers, agribusinesses, and primary producers across all agricultural sectors. Our specialists measure and quantify losses at both individual farm and industry wide levels to support fair, evidence based claim outcomes.
Where agricultural losses occur
In agriculture, there is potential for loss on many fronts, and when adverse events occur, timely and accurate appraisal is critical. PeritusAg has the experience and technical expertise to quantify agricultural losses across all sectors of primary industry, including, but not limited to:
- Crop loss due to weather, fire, pests, and pathogens
- Crop loss due to faulty seed, chemicals, or other inputs supplied by third parties
- Livestock mortality, morbidity, or long term performance impairment
- Economic loss arising from regulatory decisions or access restrictions
- Forestry and plantation losses, including fire and storm damage
Agricultural losses are not always single, discrete events. In many cases, the impacts extend over multiple seasons or years. We specialise in assessing both immediate loss and loss of future production across a wide range of agricultural enterprises.
Historical and future loss quantification
Calculating future losses requires different skills to those used for simple historical loss measurement. Effective assessment depends on a detailed understanding of:
- Technical production parameters for the relevant agricultural system
- How variables outside the control of the affected party (such as climate, markets, and regulation) may influence future outcomes
By combining technical production knowledge with commercial and risk insight, PeritusAg can quantify both past performance and the likely financial trajectory “with and without” the loss event, providing a sound basis for reserve setting, negotiations, and dispute resolution.
Methodology, tools, and technology
Designing the right methodology is the first step in any robust quantification process. Knowing which tools to use, and how to use them correctly, is equally important. PeritusAg’s agronomy consultants are skilled in applying a broad range of technologies to improve timeliness, accuracy, and cost effectiveness, including:
- Satellite and aerial imagery
- Remote sensing and drone based assessments
- Soil and plant tissue analysis
- Farm record analysis and benchmarking
Our detailed knowledge of agricultural systems means we can quickly determine the most appropriate approach for each claim. Where highly specialised agricultural expertise is required, we draw on a trusted network of technical specialists to ensure all aspects of the loss are properly investigated and quantified.
Ongoing loss management
Agricultural loss events are often ongoing, with financial and production impacts that persist over months or years. Effective loss management requires not only accurate measurement, but also practical interventions that minimise additional losses.
For example, consider an established macadamia orchard damaged by an incorrectly formulated spray mix. If the trees are severely affected but not killed, a structured protocol is required to:
- Decide whether trees should be removed or can be recovered
- Design and implement management interventions to restore tree health as quickly as possible
- Measure and quantify the difference between expected and actual yields over multiple seasons
- Identify the point at which the loss ceases, which for perennial crops may be several years after the event
PeritusAg has the experience to manage and resolve these complex, ongoing loss situations across a broad range of primary industries. We know when additional agricultural expertise is required, how to coordinate it effectively, and how to accurately quantify complex loss patterns while helping to minimise the long‑term impact of the event.
We can also give a clear, objective understanding of what has been lost, why it has been lost, and how long the loss is likely to continue, so that coverage decisions, liability apportionment, settlement strategies, and litigation positions can be formed on a solid technical and financial foundation.
Contact us for a no-obligation discussion.