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Dairy Farm Insurance Policy Information

Dairy Farm Insurance. Whether you operate mid-sized dairy farm that produces milk and other dairy-related products for your local town, or you own a massive amount of cattle that produces milk-based products that are shipped throughout the country, you're going to need to make sure that you have the right type of protection.

Being a dairy farmer is extremely rewarding; however, several liabilities are associated with this line of work.

Of course, making sure that you and your staff stay abreast of the latest safety standards and protocols and making sure that you upkeep your equipment are vital ways to ensure safety. But what happens if the unexpected occurs?

A piece of equipment malfunctions, a third-party is injured, or someone alleges that your herd is being treated cruelly? With the right type of insurance coverage, you can protect yourself, your staff, your herd, third-parties, and your entire business from serious repercussions.

dairy farmers produce milk and milk products such as butter, buttermilk, cheese, and yogurt, from cows or goats. Milking is done two to three times each day, with some modern dairies performing milking on a 24-hour basis.

After sanitizing the animal, a device is attached to the udder to pump milk into a holding tank. There, the milk is refrigerated until processed by the dairy or transported to an aggregator for combining with other milk before being processed.

Since milk naturally contains bacteria that will cause it to spoil quickly even if refrigerated, it is put through a heating process called pasteurization to destroy the bacteria. If the dairy sells the milk directly to retailers, homogenization also occurs to keep the cream from rising to the top. Additional processes are used to manufacture other milk products.

Many operations raise their own grain to turn into feed for their livestock. To keep milk production high, dairy animals must be bred regularly, which also maintains a steady supply of replacements for milking. Dairies are subject to regulation by the USDA, FDA, and EPA.

Why is insurance so important for dairy farmers? What type of dairy farm insurance coverage should you invest in? Below, we'll answer these questions any more so that you can make the best decisions for your specific needs.

Dairy farm insurance protects your cows producing raw milk for bulk sale, hay, pollution liability and more - with rates as low as $77/mo. Get a fast quote and protect your income now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked dairy farm insurance questions:

• What Is Dairy Farm Insurance?
• How Much Does Dairy Farm Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Dairy Farmers Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Dairy Farmers Need?
• What Does Dairy Farm Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Dairy Farmer's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures is moderate. FDA inspectors and veterinarians regularly visit the premises. Dairy farms are often visited by school-age children and other tour groups who can trip and fall on uneven walking surfaces or housekeeping hazards. Visitors should be accompanied by an employee. Restricted areas should be secured to keep visitors from straying into operational areas. Fences should be well maintained to prevent animals from straying, especially onto roads.

Retail operations should have excellent housekeeping to prevent slips and falls. All exits should be adequately marked. The dairy may present an attractive nuisance to trespassers. There must be adequate security to prevent unauthorized entry.

Products liability exposures are moderate due to the potential for contamination, spoilage, and foreign objects in the milk. Raw milk should be tested before delivery to milk processors. Effective procedures are required to ensure sanitary working and processing conditions. The workplace must meet all FDA specifications and be arranged so that foreign substances do not enter processing areas. A testing laboratory should be on-site to perform quality control.

Tanker cleaning must be done on a continuous basis and fully documented. Controls must be in place to prevent contamination from exposure to chemicals such as insecticides and pesticides. Stock dating and rotation are crucial factors. An effective working recall program that can be activated immediately must be established.

Environmental impairment liability exposures are moderate due to the potential for air, land, or water pollution from the application of chemicals and pesticides, disposal of animal waste and the existence of motor vehicle fuel storage tanks. Larger operations or those raising animals in confined settings may have on-site manure lagoons that produce toxins including ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane that are hazardous to humans and animals.

Drugs, needles, and syringes used to administer medications or to artificially inseminate animals are considered biohazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. Shipments of manure may result in off-premises pollution in the event of an accident or spill. If there are underground storage tanks, a UST policy will be required.

Workers compensation exposures are high due to the use of equipment and interaction with unpredictable dairy animals that can bite, kick, suffocate, or trample an employee. Training, supervision, and communication is important in maintaining a safe work environment. Slips, trips, falls, burns from heating equipment, back injuries from lifting, foreign objects in the eye, hearing impairment from noise, and muscle strains are common.

Exposure to farm chemicals, noxious odors from animal waste, and organic dust can lead to respiratory issues. Workers can suffocate in confined spaces such as grain bins, tanks, silos, and pits. Adequate safety equipment should be required for employees in grain bins and animal handling areas. Anhydrous ammonia refrigerants are poisonous when leaked into confined spaces such as coolers. Controls must be in place to maintain, check, and prevent such injury. Injuries can result from loading and unloading animals from vehicles. Employees can pick up diseases from working with animals.

Property exposures are high because of numerous ignition sources, such as heaters, cooling equipment, electrical fixtures and milking equipment combined with combustible materials such as hay, straw, animal feed and bedding, oils, and motor vehicle fuels. All machinery and equipment must be inspected and maintained regularly to avoid wear and tear or overheating losses. Wiring must be up to date and of sufficient capacity. All machinery should be grounded to prevent static buildup and discharge.

Electrical fixtures should be dust and moisture proof. Due to its combustibility, an ammonia detection system should be in place if ammonia is used as a refrigerant. Dairy products must meet extremely high sterility requirements, with most processes taking place in closed containers to prevent contamination. This sterile environment helps control most fire exposures. However, if a small fire does begin, a total loss could occur as state, local, or federal regulations may require the disposal of major portions of stock and raw materials that have been exposed to fire, smoke, heat, or water.

Spoilage losses can be severe if the refrigeration and cooling equipment malfunctions or loses power. Controls, such as alarms, must be in place to warn if power is out or if temperature rises in coolers and freezers. Emergency backup systems, such as emergency generators, should provide power if an outage or shutdown occurs. Lightning may strike buildings unprotected by rods and Ground Fault Interrupter (GFIs), and severe winds and tornados may destroy property in certain geographical areas. Dairy farms are in rural areas where fire response time may be slow and a water supply to douse a fire may be undependable.

Auxiliary fire-fighting procedures should be in place, including evacuation of the animals. Fire extinguishers should be well distributed. Automatic fire detection and suppression systems should be considered, especially in larger operations. Smoking should be prohibited. Business income and extra expense may be high after a loss due to the unavailability of backup facilities.

Equipment breakdown exposure is high due to the automated milking and processing equipment which can malfunction or break down.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and theft but are relatively minor if there are no retail or delivery operations. Pre-employment checks should be conducted for employees. Inventory controls should be in place. Money-handling responsibilities should be separated, with no employee handling both receivables and disbursements. A money and securities exposure exists if there are retail operations on premises or if products are delivered to customers. While milking equipment is not attractive to thieves, some prescription medications for animals may be targeted.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the dairy bills customers, computers (which may include controls for automated milking equipment), livestock, mobile equipment, and valuable papers and records. Mobile equipment is common for cleaning barns and moving the animals. A wide range of farm machinery may be needed if the operation grows its own feed grain. Valuable papers and records include pedigree information, records needed to substantiate FDA Grade A requirements, product information that may be needed in case of a recall, and veterinary records.

High-value animals may be candidates for animal mortality insurance. Goods in transit coverage will be needed if bulk milk or finished products are transported. Bulk milk must be transported in tankers used only for milk. Each must be sanitized after each use. Bulk milk tankers are bulky, and overturns usually result in a total loss. Refrigerated trucks used to transport dairy products can malfunction, resulting in spoilage.

Business automobile exposures may be limited to hired and non-owned if milk processors transport the milk. If the dairy delivers its own product or transports animals, the exposure increases. Drivers must have appropriate licenses and acceptable MVRs. Liquids may sway while being transported which will affect handling of the vehicle. Drivers must be trained in handling the sway of cattle trailers. All vehicles must be well maintained with records kept.

What Does Dairy Farm Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Dairy farms can be subject to lawsuits for a variety of reasons. Here are a few potential issues and the ways that insurance can help protect these farms from the financial consequences of litigation.

1. Employee Injuries: Dairy farming involves a lot of physical labor and the use of heavy machinery, which can sometimes lead to accidents and injuries. If an employee gets injured and sues the farm, workers' compensation insurance would cover the costs. This insurance generally includes liability coverage, which can pay for legal fees, court costs, and any settlements or judgments related to the lawsuit.

2. Product Liability: If consumers get sick from consuming a dairy farm's products due to contamination or other issues, they could file a lawsuit. Product liability insurance can protect the farm in such cases. It can cover the cost of legal defense, settlements, and any damages awarded by the court.

3. Environmental Claims: Dairy farms generate a significant amount of waste, which can potentially contaminate local water sources if not properly managed. If a neighbor or a local entity sues the farm for environmental damage, environmental liability insurance can help. It typically covers legal defense costs and any damages or cleanup costs resulting from the lawsuit.

4. Property Damage: Sometimes, farm operations may accidentally cause damage to a neighbor's property. For example, a piece of machinery might break through a fence or a fire might spread to a neighboring property. Property liability insurance can help cover the costs associated with these types of lawsuits, including legal defense costs and any damages awarded.

5. Animal Cruelty: Dairy farms can be sued for alleged mistreatment of animals. If a farm is sued for animal cruelty, general liability insurance may cover the legal defense costs. However, it's important to note that insurance may not cover any fines or penalties associated with animal cruelty violations.

It's important for dairy farms to work with knowledgeable insurance agents to ensure they have the appropriate types and levels of coverage to protect their operations. Every farm's needs are unique, and the right insurance coverage can make the difference between a manageable incident and a financial disaster.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 0241 Dairy Farms
• NAICS CODE: 112120 Dairy Cattle and Milk Production, 2 112420 Goat Farming, 112990 All Other Animal Production
• Suggested ISO Farm and Commercial General Liability Code(s): 02518, 02519, 02618, 02619, 02718, 02719, 02818, 02819
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 0036 Farm - Dairy & Drivers

0241: Dairy Farms

Division A: Agriculture, Forestry, And Fishing | Major Group 02: Agriculture Production Livestock And Animal Specialties | Industry Group 024: Dairy Farms

0241 Dairy Farms: Establishments primarily engaged in the production of cows'milk and other dairy products and in raising dairy heifer replacements. Such farms may process and bottle milk on the farm and sell at wholesale or retail. However, the processing and/or distribution of milk from a separate establishment not on the farm is classified in manufacturing or trade. Establishments primarily producing goats'milk are classified in Industry 0214.

• Dairy farms
• Dairy heifer replacement farms
• Milk production, dairy cattle farm

Dairy Farm Insurance - The Bottom Line

To find out what type of insurance coverage you should invest in, how much coverage you should carry, and how much your coverage will cost, speak to a reputable insurance broker. You might also be able to find umbrella policies that will lump several types of coverage together.

For the safety of yourself, your employees, and your livelihood, having the right Dairy Farmer insurance coverage is absolutely essential.

Additional Resources For Agribusiness Insurance

Learn about small business agribusiness insurance - a type of commercial insurance protects farmers against loss of, or damage to crops or livestock.

• Insurance Farming Terms Glossary
• Aquaculture Fish Farm
• Beekeepers
• Commercial Fishermen
• Crop
• Dairy Farm
• Equine & Horse Farm
• Farm And Ranch
• Farm Equipment Dealers
• Farm Labor Contractors
• Livestock & Cattle
• Mushroom Farms
• Nursery And Greenhouse
• Nut Farm
• Orchards & Groves
• Poultry Farm
• Sheep & Goat Farm
• Swine, Hog & Pig Farm
• Tobacco Farm
• Specialty Farm Risks

The agribusiness industry is a vital sector of the global economy, providing food, fiber, and other essential products to people around the world. However, it is also a complex and risky industry, with many potential sources of loss and damage. This is why the agribusiness industry needs commercial insurance.

One major risk in the agribusiness industry is natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes. These events can devastate crops and livestock, leading to significant financial losses for farmers and other agribusiness owners. Business insurance can help protect against these losses, providing a financial cushion to help businesses recover and continue operating.

Another risk in the agribusiness industry is the potential for accidents or injuries on the farm. Farming can be a dangerous occupation, and accidents can occur while working with heavy machinery or handling animals. Insurance can help cover the costs of medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses related to these accidents.

In addition to these risks, the agribusiness industry is subject to various legal and regulatory requirements, such as food safety standards and environmental regulations. Noncompliance with these requirements can result in costly fines and legal action. Insurance can help cover the costs of legal fees and settlements, protecting businesses from financial ruin.

Overall, the agribusiness industry needs insurance to protect against the various risks and challenges it faces. Without commercial insurance, businesses in this industry would be vulnerable to financial losses that could threaten their survival. By investing in insurance, agribusiness owners can safeguard their businesses and ensure their continued success.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Buildings, Business Personal Property, Crop Insurance, Employee Dishonesty, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Goods in Transit, Mobile Equipment, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Environmental Impairment, Umbrella, Business Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Business Income and Extra Expense, Earthquake, Equipment Breakdown, Farm Owners, Flood, Computer Fraud, Employee Dishonesty, Forgery, Money and Securities, Cyber Liability, Employee Benefits, Employment-related Practices Liability, Product Recall, Underground Storage Tank, Stop Gap Liability and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) (Drones).