Livestock And Cattle Insurance Policy Information

Livestock And Cattle Insurance. If you own a business that raises, breeds, or houses livestock, you stand to lose money if any of those animals succumb to disease or injury, or suffer death as a result of an accident or illness. Protecting yourself against this type of loss to your valuable assets can be achieved by purchasing livestock insurance.

Beef farmers raise cattle for their meat. Calves are generally bred on-site using a bull or artificial insemination. Some farmers board feeder calves owned by others. The calves may graze in pastures when available but in drought or severe weather conditions may be kept in paddocks.

They feed on grass, hay and other approved feed and supplements until they reach market weight. At that time, the farmer either drives the animals to the processing plant or hires a carrier to transport them. Many operations raise their own grain to turn into feed for their livestock.

Cattle farms are subject to regulation by the USDA, FDA, and EPA.

This type of insurance is used to cover range animals such as cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, etc. Depending on what kind of animal your farm maintains, it can also include stock like emu, bison, ostrich, and alpacas. Regardless of the livestock you raise, show, or distribute, ensuring you are covered with livestock and cattle insurance if you have a loss is vital to your livelihood.

Livestock insurance varies depending on the type of business, number of animals, and the size of your farm. Other factors include the kind of animals you own and the business purpose they provide on your farm.

For example, a large farm with several livestock varieties will require a different type of policy than a small operation that owns only a small number of cattle.

Livestock and cattle insurance protects your farm and investment in cows, bulls, swine, goats, lambs and sheep - with rates as low as $67/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked livestock insurance questions:

What Is Livestock And Cattle Insurance?
How Much Does Livestock And Cattle Insurance Cost?
What Type Of Livestock And Cattle Insurance Do Smaller Farms Need?
What Type Of Livestock And Cattle Insurance Do Larger Farming Operations Need?
hat Does Livestock And Cattle Insurance Cover?
What Types Of Animals Are Covered Under Livestock Insurance?
What Types Of Animal Mortality Insurance Policies Are Available?
What Does Livestock And Cattle Insurance Cover & Pay For?

What Is Livestock And Cattle Insurance?

Livestock and cattle insurance is a type of insurance that protects farmers, ranchers, and other livestock owners from financial loss due to unexpected death, injury, or theft of their animals.

This type of insurance is designed to cover the costs associated with replacing lost or injured animals, as well as any lost income from the sale of their products, such as meat, dairy, or wool. The coverage typically includes the value of the animal itself, veterinary expenses, and transportation costs, and may also include the cost of hiring a professional to manage the recovery or disposal of the animal.

This type of insurance is important for farmers and ranchers who rely on their livestock as a source of income, as unexpected losses can have a significant financial impact on their operations.

How Much Does Livestock And Cattle Insurance Cost?

The average price of a standard Livestock And Cattle Insurance policy for small farms from $67 to $89 per month based on the type and size of operation, number of animals, location and more.

What Type Of Livestock And Cattle Insurance Do Smaller Farms Need?

A small or midsize operation may be insured through a farm policy, a hybrid type of coverage that acts as a combination of commercial coverage and a homeowner policy. This policy would cover all aspects of the farm, incorporating personal assets such as your home and its contents.

The commercial element would cover the farm assets and those things associated in the pathway for the business side of it. This would include such things on your farm as your barns, all animal structures, machinery, and business property like hay and grain.

What Type Of Livestock And Cattle Insurance Do Larger Farming Operations Need?

Large operations can utilize varying forms of coverage on a net policy based on herd and operation size. For example, with this type of coverage, you can schedule the insurance to cover an entire herd of cattle at one rate.

However, if you have a higher value partition of your livestock, say for breeding purposes, you should have those declared and scheduled individually. The risk of their loss would have a higher financial impact.

It should be noted that animals such as chickens and other types of birds are not considered livestock. They would have to be insured separately under a poultry farm policy.

A livestock and cattle insurance policy would cover your animals during their time on your premises, or off your premises, as long as they are in transit under your management.

Livestock is typically not covered if you are using a 3rd party carrier to move the animals. Livestock and cattle insurance coverage may also end when at a public stockyard for sale, and at a slaughterhouse.

What Does Livestock And Cattle Insurance Cover?

Most livestock and cattle insurance policies protect you broadly from loss and damages to your animals. This coverage would include death, as policies typically include mortality insurance.

More specifically, these events may include:

Animal Attacks
Drowning
Fire and lightning
Livestock Theft
Sinkholes and earthquake
Transportation accidents
Vehicular strikes of livestock

There are three ways to cover your animals:

Individual Coverage - This livestock and cattle insurance usually covers high-value animals on an individual basis. The animals are listed with an identifying marker or description, like an ear tag, and they are covered for a specified dollar amount.
Blanket Coverage - This type of livestock policy allows you to insure all your farm property for a predetermined value. It can include structures, equipment, tools and cattle and livestock.
Herd Coverage - This is the simplest type of insurance for livestock. This coverage allows you to insure a specific number of animals, for example, 180 beef cattle or 300 pigs.

What Types Of Animals Are Covered Under Livestock Insurance?

Livestock and cattle insurance typically protects the following kinds of animals:

Alpacas
Bison
Buffalo
Cattle
Chickens
Deer
Elk
Emus
Goats
Horses
Llamas
Ostriches
Pigs
Sheep

Please note this is not an exhaustive list.

What Types Of Animal Mortality Insurance Policies Are Available?

There are two types of mortality coverage typically offered to livestock farm owners, limited and full mortality coverage:

Limited mortality coverage would not see a benefit from the death of your livestock from conditions such as disease or other natural causes.

Full mortality coverage would protect the farm owner in the event of death from natural causes or accidental, as long as the nature of the death is not expressly excluded in the policy itself. This often includes injuries, theft, and loss of use protections.

During the application process for full mortality insurance, a document of health-filled out by a certified veterinarian must be provided to the insurance company to show that the animal is in healthy shape.

It should be noted; if selling any animal covered by these policies, they are non-transferable to the new owner.

Livestock And Cattle Farmer's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures is moderate. FDA inspectors and veterinarians regularly visit the premises. Livestock 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 always be accompanied by an employee. Restricted areas should be secured to keep visitors from straying into operational areas. Bulls should be securely confined when not servicing cows. Fences should be well maintained to prevent animals from straying, especially onto roads.

All exits should be adequately marked. Manure lagoons should be fenced with warning signs. The farm 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 of meat products and passage of disease to consumers. Effective procedures are required to ensure that vaccinations are up to date on each animal, and that animals with communicable diseases are not sent to a processor.

Controls must be in place to prevent contamination from exposure to chemicals such as insecticides and pesticides. There should be an effective working recall program that can be activated immediately.

Environmental impairment liability exposures are high due to the potential for air, land, or water pollution from the use of agricultural chemicals and pesticides application, disposal of animal waste, and 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 livestock that can bite, kick, suffocate or trample an employee. Working with bulls is particularly hazardous as they can be very territorial.

Training, supervision, and communication is important in maintaining a safe work environment. Slips, trips, falls, back injuries from lifting, foreign objects in the eye, 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 manure lagoons.

Respiratory equipment and safety lines should be used in grain bins and manure pits. Injuries can result from loading and unloading animals from trailers. Employees can pick up communicable diseases from working with animals.

Property exposures are high because of numerous ignition sources, such as heaters, electrical fixtures and 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. There should be ventilation systems to prevent accumulations of gases from decomposing animal wastes that can result in explosion. Lightning may strike buildings unprotected by rods and GFIs, and severe winds and tornados may destroy property in certain geographical areas.

Cattle 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. When cattle graze at a distance from the main house, cattle thieves may steal the animals, so fences must be secured, and the herd kept under surveillance.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and theft but are relatively minor if there are no retail or delivery operations. Pre-employments 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. Some prescription medications for animals may be targeted by thieves.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the farm bills customers, computers, livestock, mobile equipment, and valuable papers and records. Calves are small and may be attacked by predators. Mobile equipment is used 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, finished products, semen or embryo are transported. Animal carriers are bulky and may overturn.

Commercial auto exposures may be limited to hired and non-owned if carriers or processors transport the calves to processing centers. If the farm transports its own animals, the exposure increases.

Drivers must have appropriate licenses and acceptable MVRs. Drivers must be trained in handling the sway of cattle trailers. All vehicles must be well maintained with records kept at a central location.

What Does Livestock And Cattle Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Livestock And Cattle Insurance Claim Form

Following are some examples of livestock and cattle insurance claims and coverage:

1. Loss due to Natural Disaster: Imagine a situation where a farmer's herd of cattle is lost due to a devastating flood. The farmer would have to face a significant financial loss, potentially jeopardizing their livelihood. But, if the farmer had Livestock Insurance, the insurer would cover the loss, helping the farmer to recover financially and rebuild their herd. This insurance will provide compensation for the value of the livestock lost, enabling the farmer to replace the cattle without absorbing the entire financial burden.

2. Disease Outbreak: In another scenario, a rancher's cattle might be affected by a contagious disease, such as foot and mouth disease or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The entire herd might need to be culled to prevent the spread of the disease. In such a case, Livestock Disease Insurance can help cover the costs associated with the loss of the animals, as well as any quarantine or cleanup required.

3. Accidental Death or Injury: If a farmer's livestock gets injured or dies due to an unexpected accident (e.g., a barn fire or a lightning strike), the Livestock Insurance policy would cover the loss. This type of insurance claim would provide the farmer with the necessary funds to replace the livestock, saving them from potential financial ruin.

4. Theft or Vandalism: In the unfortunate event of livestock theft or vandalism, where the cattle are stolen or harmed by malevolent acts, the Livestock Insurance would cover the loss. This policy can provide the farmer with compensation for the stolen or harmed animals, helping them to maintain the continuity of their business operations.

5. Transit Coverage: Suppose a rancher is transporting cattle and an accident occurs resulting in the loss or injury of the animals. A Livestock Insurance policy could help cover the financial loss associated with this incident. Transit coverage is particularly important for businesses that frequently move livestock between locations.

In each of these examples, Livestock and Cattle Insurance serves as a financial safety net, helping to protect farmers and ranchers from potentially crippling losses. It provides the assurance that, in the face of unexpected disaster or loss, the livestock business can survive and continue to operate.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

SIC CODE: 0212 Beef Cattle, Except Feedlots, 0211 Beef Cattle Feedlots
NAICS CODE: 112111 Beef Cattle Ranching or Farming, 112112 Cattle Feedlots
Suggested ISO Farm and Commercial General Liability Code(s): 01518, 01519, 01618, 01619, 01718, 01719, 01818, 01819
Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 0083 Farm - Cattle or Livestock Raising NOC & Drivers

0212: Beef Cattle, Except Feedlotss

Division A: Agriculture, Forestry, And Fishing | Major Group 02: Agriculture Production Livestock and Animal Specialties | Industry Group 021: Livestock, Except Dairy And Poultry

0212 Beef Cattle, Except Feedlots: Establishments primarily engaged in the production or feeding of beef cattle, except feedlots. Establishments primarily raising dairy cattle are classified in Industry 0241.

Beef cattle farms, except feedlots
Cattle raising farms
Cattle ranches

0211: Beef Cattle Feedlots

Division A: Agriculture, Forestry, And Fishing | Major Group 02: Agriculture Production Livestock and Animal Specialties | Industry Group 021: Livestock, Except Dairy And Poultry

0211 Beef Cattle Feedlots: Establishments primarily engaged in the fattening of beef cattle in a confined area for a period of at least 30 days, on their own account or on a contract or fee basis. Feedlot operations that are an integral part of the breeding, raising, or grazing of beef cattle are classified in Industry 0212. Establishments which feed beef cattle for periods of less than 30 days, generally in connection with their transport, are classified in Transportation, Industry 4789.

Cattle feeding farms
Cattle feedlot operations
Feedlots, cattle
Stock yards, exclusively for fattening cattle

Livestock And Cattle Insurance - The Bottom Line

Your livestock is vital to you and your business. Whether large or small, your operation should factor in all the livestock and cattle insurance options at your hands.

Assessing risks and mitigating events detrimental to your operation can be managed with the right types of coverage for you. Protecting your livelihood will add peace of mind and focus on what matters the most to your animals.

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.

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).

Buy Livestock And Cattle Insurance