LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD-TV) — Dairy and livestock producers across the Northeast are entering year-end planning with fresh reminders of how quickly markets, costs, and weather can change. Preparing for 2026 is increasingly about more than setting budgets — it requires a full review of risk management strategies to protect revenue and maintain financial stability.
The past year featured volatile milk prices, tight cattle supplies, shifting global demand, and rising input costs. Evaluating how tools such as Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) performed in 2025 can help identify gaps and fine-tune coverage for the year ahead. Changes in expansion plans, debt levels, or facility investments should also be considered when assessing how much price risk an operation can realistically absorb.
Megan Clancy, a Livestock Insurance Specialist for Crop Growers, says updating break-even costs remains critical as feed, fuel, and operating expenses fluctuate. Scenario planning—testing outcomes under scenarios where milk prices fall, cattle prices soften, or feed costs rise—can clarify where protection is most needed. Aligning risk tools with operational and financial goals helps improve cash-flow predictability and lender confidence.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Reviewing risk management now can help dairy and livestock producers enter 2026 with clearer margins and fewer surprises.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
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Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
January 08, 2026 11:42 AM
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Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
January 08, 2026 08:00 AM
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Retail pricing confirms tight cattle supplies and supports continued leverage for producers, reinforcing the need for disciplined risk management.
January 07, 2026 06:00 PM
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Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.
January 07, 2026 12:57 PM
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Long-term demand uncertainty is reshaping specialty crop strategies as producers adapt to fewer, older consumers.
January 07, 2026 08:01 AM
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Seasonal boxed beef softness does not change the tight-supply outlook — leverage remains closer to the farm gate heading into 2026.
January 07, 2026 06:00 AM
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As the new year begins, both farmers and rural families are taking stock of their finances and planning ahead for 2026.
January 06, 2026 03:23 PM
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Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.
January 06, 2026 03:09 PM
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