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
ASFMRA’s Paul Burgener shares updates on the Hunggate Fire, Panhandle wildfire conditions, infrastructure damage and potential impacts to agriculture in the region.
For producers, the next proof will be actual export sales, shipment pace, and buyer breakdowns.
Smith says the measure would expand fuel choices for consumers while advancing energy independence.
Growers should work with local agronomists, check state registrations, and follow all restricted-use label requirements.
Potato growers now have a fresh benchmark for comparing fertilizer, pesticide, and pest-management practices across major production states.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation shares how teens are helping fuel stronger demand for traditional U.S. dairy products.

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:

Aimee Bissell discusses Iowa planting progress, weather conditions, fertilizer costs, and concerns over early crop development.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses SDRP payment limits and offers advice for those seeking higher limits.
Farmers are closely watching upcoming U.S.-China trade talks as rising fertilizer and diesel costs continue to pressure exports, margins, and rural economies.
Dr. David Anderson says lean beef demand and lighter cow culling are still giving cull cow prices room to push higher.
Stronger overseas demand for both fuel ethanol and feed co-products continues to reinforce corn use beyond the domestic market.
The inverted Choice-Select spread is not a strong warning sign in today’s tighter, higher-quality beef market, according to new analysis from Terrain.