By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is gearing up for a series of in-person and virtual workshops this winter, bringing producers up to speed on updated and expanded livestock risk management products. Known as the “Livestock Roadshow,” these events, organized by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), aim to spotlight policy enhancements developed from insights gathered directly from America’s livestock producers.
RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger emphasized the agency's commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of farmers and ranchers. "Listening to farmers and ranchers, learning about their needs, and using feedback to make improvements to risk management options is a top priority for Risk Management Agency," said Bunger.
The livestock insurance enhancements have seen substantial growth over recent years. Livestock Risk Protection experienced a remarkable 250% surge in two years, covering approximately 27 million head of cattle in 2023. Similarly, Livestock Gross Margin witnessed a 600% increase over the same period, insuring around 14.5 million head of cattle in 2023.
To ensure broad accessibility, two virtual Livestock Roadshow events are scheduled for January. Detailed information about these virtual sessions, along with a comprehensive listing of upcoming in-person events, is available on the Livestock Roadshow webpage.
Producers attending the Livestock Roadshow workshops can anticipate comprehensive insights into various aspects, including Annual Forage, Dairy Revenue Protection, Livestock Gross Margin, Livestock Risk Protection, Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage, as well as Weaned Calf Risk Protection.
This Livestock Roadshow initiative supplements recent outreach endeavors by RMA. An earlier roadshow spotlighting insurance options for specialty crops, organic, and urban producers drew more than 3,000 attendees. Since 2021, RMA has also invested around $13 million in partnerships dedicated to advancing risk management education.
Photo Credit: USDA
Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy