Livestock Risk Protection Policy Updates and June 30 Transfer Deadline

The USDA Risk Management Agency has announced significant updates to the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program effective July 1, 2025. These changes are designed to give producers more tools to manage risk and better align coverage with market dynamics. The deadline for producers to transfer LRP providers is June 30, 2025.

LRP offers producers protection against a decline in livestock market prices and insures fed cattle, feeder cattle and swine. There are two new LRP coverage options for the 2026 crop year to provide better risk management tools for dairy and livestock producers, including feeder cattle unborn calves coverage and fed cattle cull cows coverage. The new coverage options allow producers to lock in price protection with more flexibility and weight options.

Other LRP changes effective, July 1, 2025, include clarified language on subsidy capture, postponed billing and termination dates, and the flexibility to use forward contracts or purchase agreements to establish coverage. Additionally, there will be new recordkeeping requirements and a drought exemption for feeder cattle.

The expanded coverage and increased flexibility of LRP can help producers further protect the value of their livestock. To enroll, producers must work with an agent who is authorized to provide Federal crop insurance. Crop Growers’ knowledgeable agents can provide detailed information and assist producers in customizing coverage to fit their needs. Producers can sign up for the program at any time, but any existing policies can only be transferred to another provider by June 30, 2025.

Crop Growers, from Farm Credit East, offers and services crop, dairy and livestock insurance throughout New York, New Jersey and New England. Producers do not need to be a Farm Credit customer to purchase crop insurance. Contact your Crop Growers agent or the Crop Growers Customer Service Center at 1-800-234-7012 to learn more.