343: Livestock Risk Protection: What Every Cattle Producer Needs to Know in 2026 with Samantha Cozza-Wright

Samantha Cozza-Wright joins Lauren once again on today's episode for a deep dive into Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) and the major changes cattle producers need to understand heading into the 2026 coverage year. Samantha breaks down how LRP works, why more producers are using it to manage risk in today’s volatile cattle market, and how it compares to traditional futures and options strategies. She also explains new updates taking effect July 1, including expanded unborn calf coverage, beginning farmer benefits, drought exemptions, and other important policy changes that could impact cattle operations across the country.

Connect with Samantha:Email - samantha@cattleusainsurance.com Phone - 785-940-5533

LinksCattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l...⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleu...CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...Facebook - / cattleusamedia Instagram - / cattleusa.media Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/c...CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - / _laurenmoylan Lauren’s Youtube - / @showboatmediaco The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

• What Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) is and how it works
• How LRP helps protect cattle producers from downside market risk
• Why volatility makes risk management more important than ever
• The difference between LRP and futures/options trading
• How LRP premiums are subsidized through USDA programs
• New 2026 LRP updates taking effect July 1
• Expanded unborn calf coverage options
• Additional benefits for beginning farmers and ranchers
• Drought and natural disaster exemptions producers should understand
• Why protecting profitability matters even during record cattle prices

02:00 What is Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)?

05:00 How LRP protects cattle producers from market volatility

08:00 Understanding coverage dates, weights, and policy structure

11:00 How LRP settlements and claims actually work

16:00 Real-world example of an LRP payout

21:00 Understanding premium subsidies and producer savings

24:00 Why risk management matters in high-priced cattle markets

27:00 Major 2026 LRP updates explained

30:00 Expanded unborn calf coverage options

33:00 Beginning farmer and rancher subsidy changes

35:00 Drought exemptions and disaster provisions

38:00 Application deadlines and transfer requirements

41:00 Final thoughts and producer resources

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