Which of the following is covered under the basic cause of loss form for farm insurance?

The basic cause of loss form for farm insurance is designed to provide coverage for specific perils that can directly lead to damage or loss of insured property. One of the primary perils included in this form is fire and lightning. This coverage is essential for farmers, as agriculture-related properties often face significant risks from these natural threats. Fire can result from a variety of sources, including electrical faults or human activity, making it a common and crucial area of coverage in farm policies.

While other options like normal wear and tear, mechanical breakdown, and vandalism (if property is vacant) may be relevant concerns, they are typically not covered under the basic cause of loss form. Normal wear and tear is seen as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden or accidental loss, while mechanical breakdown pertains to equipment failures rather than external causes. Vandalism may have specific conditions or may not cover property that is vacant, which further limits its applicability in this scenario. Thus, fire and lightning are included for their direct impact on farm property, justifying its position as the correct answer.