How Livestock Coverage Works in Dairy Farm Insurance Policies
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Livestock is the heart of every dairy operation. From milking cows and replacement heifers to calves and high‑value breeding stock, the health and safety of your herd directly impacts your production and profitability. That’s why understanding how livestock coverage works in dairy farm insurance is essential before requesting a cattle farm insurance quote. Below is a guide to how livestock coverage protects your dairy and what options are available.
1) What Livestock Coverage Actually Protects
Livestock insurance is designed to reimburse you for covered losses to your animals. In dairy operations, this can include:
Milking cows
Dry cows
Calves
Breeding bulls or registered genetics (if scheduled)
Coverage typically applies to cattle that are owned, kept, or in your care as part of normal operations.
2) Types of Livestock Coverage Found in Dairy Policies
Basic Form Coverage
Provides protection from named perils such as:
Fire
Lightning
Windstorm
Smoke
Theft
Explosions
This is the minimum coverage most dairy farms carry.
Broad Form Coverage
Adds protection for more farm‑specific hazards, like:
Electrocution (common around barns or parlours)
Drowning (waste pits, ponds, troughs)
Attacks by wild animals (coyotes, dogs)
Loading/unloading accidents
Collision during transit
Dairy farmers often choose broad form because it reflects real‑world livestock risks.
Scheduled Livestock & High‑Value Animals
Used for:
Registered bulls
Embryo donors
Show cattle
High‑value dairy genetics
Scheduling cattle ensures precise valuation, so you receive the full insured value after a covered loss.
Animal Mortality Coverage (Optional)
Covers death from accident, disease, or illness, depending on the form.This is especially important for:
High‑value dairy cows
Bulls used for breeding
Purchased replacements with high genetic value
Mortality coverage is an add‑on, not included automatically.
3) What Livestock Coverage Does Not Automatically Include
Standard livestock coverage does not cover:
Normal sickness (unless mortality coverage is added)
Infertility
Elective surgery
Herd disease outbreaks (unless endorsed)
Market price decline
This is where working with a dairy‑focused insurance agency becomes crucial.
4) Why Proper Livestock Limits Matter
Your limits should reflect:
Per‑head value
Total herd value
Replacement cost (not purchase price)
Class breakdown (milking cows vs. replacements)
Incorrect limits can inflate the cost for dairy farm insurance or leave gaps at claim time.
Protect Your Dairy Herd With the Right Coverage
Not every insurer understands dairy operations, herd valuation, mortality risk, or the unique hazards of parlour environments. Wexford Insurance partners with top‑rated carriers that specialise in dairy and cattle farm insurance, helping owners choose the right livestock limits, deductibles, endorsements, and policy structure.
👉Request your Dairy Farm Insurance quote from Wexford Insurance today and ensure your herd, income, and operation are fully protected.
