Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) has become an crucial tool for producers managing price risk in the cattle market, and new research from Kansas State University is showing its growing popularity. As cattle market volatility continues to increase, producer behavior around LRP has shifted too, particularly with an increase in the level of feeder cattle protection. The K-State research also found more operations are extending coverage lengths and locking in protection at higher levels than in years past.

K-State study highlights – LRP usage in 2026 compared to 2025:

  • Feeder cattle coverage: The number of feeder cattle covered under LRP policies dipped slightly in 2026 compared to last year, but most producers are selecting the maximum 100% coverage level for more comprehensive coverage.
  • Fed-cattle coverage: 9,786 policies sold in 2026 covering 1.49 million head, up from 1.39 million head covered in 2025.
  • Unborn calf coverage: Added as insurable by the USDA for the 2026 crop year, 9,597 policies were written covering 831,362 unborn calves in 2026.
  • Contract lengths: Producers are opting for longer coverage lengths. The 52-week feeder-cattle policy has jumped from covering just 7,071 head (0.1% of all policies sold) in 2025 to 309,444 head (5.6% of all policies sold) in 2026.

For producers looking to explore whether LRP is a good fit for their operation, the best place to start is to talk to a local ProAg agent.

Read the full breakdown in DTN.

Additional LRP resources: