CARTHAGE, Mo. (RFD News) — As National Dairy Month events continue across the country, industry stakeholders are highlighting not only production and market contributions, but also emerging risks facing dairy operations of all sizes.
Kevin Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to discuss how insurance providers are adapting coverage options to meet the evolving needs of dairy producers nationwide.
In his interview with RFD News, Charleston said one of the fastest-growing areas of concern in the dairy industry is cyber insurance, noting that large volumes of financial transactions flow through dairy operations, creating exposure to fraud, including risks tied to misdirected wire transfers or unauthorized system access. He said these incidents can result in significant financial losses and are not always covered under traditional farm insurance policies.
He also discussed how coverage needs vary by region, noting differences between operations in states like California, where liability coverage is often a primary focus, and in the Midwest and Southwest, where livestock insurance and weather-related risk protection are more central concerns. He added that workers’ compensation and employee benefits coverage remain a growing challenge for dairy employers nationwide.
Charleston further emphasized the importance of industry engagement at major agricultural events, noting that insurers often connect directly with producers at conferences and expos to address coverage gaps and provide tailored risk management solutions.
