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
Duane Simpson, CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), joined us in Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on the USDA’s plan and potential impact on producers.
September 29, 2025 12:17 PM
·
Land values are increasing faster than farm income, making it more challenging for young and beginning farmers to expand, but supporting equity for current landowners.
September 29, 2025 09:58 AM
·
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, Crop Insurance, and a Business Planning Complication
September 28, 2025 01:56 PM
·
While treatable with a vaccine, anthrax is a dangerous threat to cattle herd health if not identified and treated immediately.
September 26, 2025 06:10 PM
·
Strong corn exports are anchoring U.S. trade, while soybean sales remain steady, but shipments lag.
September 26, 2025 04:48 PM
·
Smaller slaughter numbers across beef and pork signal tighter supplies into late 2025, while record-low veal production highlights ongoing structural changes in the sector.
September 26, 2025 04:35 PM
·
Beal joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss her election to NASDA’s presidency, challenges facing American agriculture, and her background as a Mainer and dairy farmer.
September 26, 2025 03:12 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us on Friday’s
Market Day Report to break down what this extension means for affected ranchers.
September 26, 2025 02:03 PM
·
Potash has seen the most significant decline, falling 11 percent over the same five-year period.
September 26, 2025 01:36 PM
·
