Livestock
Comprehensive livestock cover shaped by local knowledge and real‑world farming experience
Life in Central Otago is shaped by the land - rugged hills, sweeping plains, and the hard work of those who farm, grow, and live rurally. At C&R Brokers, we understand that rural life comes with unique risks and responsibilities. That’s why we offer tailored rural insurance solutions to protect what matters most. Rural insurance is a specialised form of coverage designed for those who live and work on the land. Our team is ready to go beyond standard property or vehicle insurance by addressing your specific needs. Whether you manage a high-country station, a vineyard, or a lifestyle block, rural insurance helps safeguard your livelihood against the unexpected.
We understand that animals are both a commercial investment and a personal commitment, which is why livestock insurance is designed to protect against the unexpected. Cover can extend to losses from disease, accidents, theft, natural disasters, or injury during transport, as well as protection for breeding animals and those used for shows or competition. Our brokers work closely with trusted rural insurers to tailor policies to your specific situation, ensuring your animals are safeguarded in line with how you choose to farm. For example if a sheep farmer loses part of their flock in a sudden snowstorm. Livestock insurance covers the value of the animals and helps with restocking costs, ensuring the farm can recover quickly without a major financial setback.
Secure the right livestock cover today and safeguard your operation for tomorrow.
Protecting the animals that power your rural operation
Livestock insurance in New Zealand is a specialised safeguard for farmers, offering financial protection when animals are lost, injured, or affected by sudden illness. As climate pressures and biosecurity risks continue to evolve, this cover has become an essential part of building resilience across rural operations.
Types of cover commonly available include:
Blanket (herd) cover — broad protection for commercial groups such as sheep flocks.
Specified animal cover — higher‑value animals (stud bulls, elite dairy cows, championship rams) insured individually with agreed values.
What livestock insurance typically protects against:
Accidental death and injury, including drowning, falls, vehicle strikes, or dog attacks.
Natural disasters, such as fire, flood, lightning, earthquakes, and extreme weather.
Theft or malicious harm, providing reimbursement if animals are stolen or intentionally injured.
Transit‑related losses, covering death or injury while animals are being transported between properties, to sales, or to shows.
Humane destruction, when a veterinarian certifies that an animal must be put down due to sudden illness or incurable injury.
Common exclusions to be aware of:
Routine or endemic disease (e.g., mastitis, facial eczema) unless specific extensions are added.
Pre‑existing conditions present before the policy begins.
Losses caused by management failures such as malnutrition or improper care.
Normal mortality rates that fall within expected annual loss (typically 2–4%).
Specialised add‑ons that strengthen protection:
Biosecurity extensions, covering government‑mandated culling for listed diseases.
Infertility (loss‑of‑use) cover for valuable breeding animals.
Post‑shearing protection for sheep in the 14 days following shearing.
Emergency veterinary cost allowances to support life‑saving treatment.
By tailoring livestock insurance to the specific needs of your operation, you gain confidence that your animals — and the investment behind them — are protected against the unexpected, helping your farm recover quickly and maintain long‑term stability.
Here’s how we help
We listen first. We take the time to understand your business model, your goals, and your pain points.
We tailor your cover. From retail to trades to tourism, we build policies that reflect your actual risks — not generic templates.
We advocate for you. If you need to make a claim, we’re right there with you — helping you navigate the process and get fair outcomes.
We stay connected. As your business evolves, we’re here to review and adjust your cover so it keeps pace with your growth.