USDA Announces Updates to Livestock and Dairy Insurance Programs

Changes to several Risk Management Agency programs are set to begin with the 2027 crop year.

LUBBOCK, TX (RFD NEWS) — Livestock and dairy producers will see updates to several USDA insurance tools beginning with the 2027 crop year. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) says changes are coming to Livestock Risk Protection, Livestock Gross Margin, and Dairy Revenue Protection.

The updates include common policy changes across the three programs, including revised beginning farmer and rancher definitions, updated subsidy percentages, and permission for concurrent coverage between similar livestock programs. RMA says the changes are meant to expand options and improve consistency.

Livestock Risk Protection will add more flexibility for forage disaster exemptions, extend cull cow coverage to 52 weeks, and add new unborn feeder cattle types. LRP helps protect against declining livestock market prices.

Livestock Gross Margin changes raise insurable weight limits for cattle and update target feeder and live cattle weight rules. Dairy Revenue Protection will move its sales period end date to match other livestock insurance programs.

Producers should review the changes with a crop insurance agent before the 2027 crop year.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Updated livestock insurance rules may give cattle, swine, and dairy producers more flexibility to manage price and margin risk.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
The annual corn maze brings visitors to the farm while helping support its cattle and crop operation.
President Donald J. Trump announced the launch of the America First Seafood Strategy (PDF, 11.4 MB) and several actions the Trump Administration is taking to support the American seafood industry.
New grocery models are being explored as communities look for ways to keep local food access available.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Final details on eligible endorsement combinations are expected by the end of November.
Stronger East Coast shipments are giving U.S. corn another route to overseas markets.
Higher restaurant spending could support foodservice demand for U.S. agricultural products.
Lower production is tightening domestic supplies and pushing rice prices higher.
Growing biofuel use is helping support domestic soybean crush demand.
The special provision giving producers the higher of ARC or PLC for 2025 will not continue next year.
Higher shipping costs could make U.S. grain less competitive overseas.
Higher heating costs are putting added pressure on household budgets in rural communities.
The planned UAE facility could create a new annual export outlet for American corn growers.
Slower exports and stronger foreign competition are weighing on the U.S. pork sector.
AFBF Deputy Chief Economist Dr. Faith Parum says Title I commodity payment rates are expected in November. Producers should watch for USDA application details and contact local FSA offices.
More soybeans are being processed domestically as renewable fuels drive demand for soybean oil.