Farm Insurance

Farming is an unpredictable venture, and livestock owners are no strangers to the inherent risks associated with raising animals. From illness and accidents to natural disasters, unexpected events can lead to significant financial losses. This is where farm livestock insurance may prove to be a valuable investment. 

What Types of Farm Animals Can Be Insured Under Livestock Insurance? 

 

Farm livestock insurance is a specialized policy designed to protect a wide range of animals typically found on farms, including the following: 

• Cattle
• Poultry (e.g., chickens, turkeys and ducks)
• Swine
• Sheep
• Goats
• Horses 

How Does Livestock Insurance Protect Against Animal Mortality? 

 

One of the primary objectives of livestock insurance is to provide financial support in the event of animal mortality, illnesses or injuries. This coverage typically can financially respond to the following incidents: 

• Accidental deaths—If an animal dies due to an unforeseen accident, such as a fall or collision, the insurance policy will compensate the farmer for the loss.
• Diseases—Livestock insurance often covers diseases that can affect the entire herd or flock, providing reimbursement for treatment or compensation for loss due to culling.
• Natural disasters—Events like floods, wildfires and severe weather can devastate livestock. Insurance helps farmers recover losses incurred during such disasters.
• Theft—Livestock theft is unfortunately not uncommon. Insurance can reimburse farmers for stolen animals.
• Attacks by wild animals—Farmers may be reimbursed for their losses if a wild animal, such as a fox or coyote, attacks their livestock. 

What Coverage Limits and Exclusions May Apply to Livestock Insurance? 

 

It's essential for farmers to understand that livestock insurance policies may have specific coverage limits and exclusions. These limitations can vary based on the insurance provider and the policy chosen. To ensure coverage is adequate, farmers should consider the following features and clauses of their insurance: 

• Deductibles—Similar to other insurance types, livestock insurance may require the policyholder to pay a deductible before the coverage kicks in.
• Breed-specific exclusions—Some policies may exclude certain breeds or species from coverage, especially if they are considered high-risk.
• Age restrictions—Policies may limit coverage based on the animal's age, with older animals often having reduced coverage.
• Preexisting conditions—Livestock insurance may not cover animals with preexisting conditions or illnesses. 

How Can Farmers Find Affordable Livestock Insurance? 

 

To find affordable livestock insurance, farmers should consider the following steps: 

• Risk assessment—Assess the specific risks your farm and livestock face to determine necessary coverage levels.
• Policy bundling—If you have multiple types of insurance (e.g., farm, crop and livestock), bundling them with one provider can lead to overall savings.
• Risk management—Implement risk management practices on your farm to reduce the likelihood of losses, potentially leading to lower insurance premiums. 

Get the Right Coverage 

 

At Reynolds Insurance Services, we have nearly 30 years of experience helping farmers, families and businesses assess and address their coverage needs. Contact us today for a personalized quote or to learn more about farm livestock insurance.