Are Your Farm Animals Covered? Understanding Livestock Coverage on a Farmowners Insurance Policy

For many farmers, livestock isn't just part of the operation—it's the heart of the farm and one of its biggest investments. Whether you raise cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, or poultry, protecting your animals means protecting your livelihood. A question commonly asked by farmers is: "Are my farm animals covered under my farmowners insurance policy?" The short answer is no—but coverage depends on the cause of the loss and the details of your policy.
What Is Typically Covered?
Most farmowners insurance policies provide protection for livestock against specific covered perils, such as:

• Fire
• Lightning
• Certain wind and hail events
• Vehicle collisions involving livestock
• Suffocation by snow

For example, if a barn fire results in the loss of several cattle, your farmowners policy may help reimburse you for their value, subject to your policy limits and deductible.
What Isn't Covered?
It's just as important to understand what your policy generally does not cover. Most farmowners policies exclude losses caused by:

• Illness or disease
• Old age or natural death
• Neglect or improper care
• Routine mortality
• Unexplained disappearance

If your operation includes valuable breeding stock, registered livestock, or show animals, additional coverage options may be available to better protect those higher-value animals.
Don't Forget About Off-Premises Coverage
If your animals regularly leave your farm for shows, fairs, breeding, boarding, or auctions, be sure to mention that to your insurance agent. Coverage may differ when livestock is off your insured premises, and additional protection may be needed depending on how your operation functions.
Conclusion
No two farms are exactly alike, and neither are farmowners insurance policies. The best way to know whether your livestock is properly protected is to review your coverage with your insurance agent on a regular basis.
Your animals represent years of hard work, careful management, and financial investment. Taking the time to understand your coverage today can help prevent costly surprises tomorrow and provide peace of mind that your farm is protected when the unexpected happens.

​