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
Jenna Stanton with the United States Cattlemen’s Association joins us to discuss beef import concerns, cattle market signals, and the latest developments surrounding U.S. beef trade.
RealAg Radio Host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the latest U.S.-China ag trade agreements, market reaction, and what producers should watch moving forward.
Rayburn Electric Cooperative’s Chris Anderson discusses rapid AI data center expansion, mounting pressure on the electric grid, and impacts on agriculture and rural communities.
CWD is an infectious, degenerative disease of cervids that causes brain cells to die, ultimately leading to the death of the affected animal.

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:

The global rice surplus outweighs tighter U.S. supplies, pressuring prices.
A weaker dollar supports export demand and may strengthen crop prices.
Smaller supplies could support cotton prices despite weak demand.
Federal aid helps, but producers will bear most of the losses. Balance sheets may look stable, but margins remain fragile without policy support.
RFD NEWS Markets Specialist Tony St. James reviews the USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2025 Summary.
Strong corn exports support prices while soybeans lag yearly pace. However, large carryover stocks limit upside despite solid yields.