Dairy Cattle & Livestock Mortality for dairy farms

Grade cattle are typically valued at a set market rate; registered, show, and high-genetic animals are scheduled individually on their merit. The difference at claim time can be enormous — which is why proper scheduling matters before a loss.

Named-peril pays only for listed causes (fire, lightning, certain accidents). Full mortality covers death from almost any cause, including disease. Most dairies want full mortality on valuable milking cows and breeding stock.

Under full (broad) mortality, yes — death from disease is covered subject to the policy terms and any health disclosures. Named-peril policies generally exclude disease, which is why high-value herds usually carry full mortality.

Yes — theft and, on some forms, mysterious disappearance of scheduled animals are covered perils under a full-mortality policy. Documentation and animal ID strengthen the claim.

Animal ID (tags or tattoos), breed, age, and value — and for registered stock, registration papers. Good records up front mean a mortality claim is paid quickly and at full value rather than disputed.

Yes. Transit and exhibition coverage can be added so animals are insured while being hauled or shown — common exposures for registered-stock and show operations.

Cost is driven by herd size and value, parlor and equipment value, payroll, feed inventory, and loss history. We quote your actual operation in about 15 minutes — never a ballpark from a generic farm form.

Yes. Contractors Choice Agency is licensed in all 50 states and writes dairy programs nationwide — Wisconsin, California, the Northeast, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, and everywhere dairy operates.

Typically 15 minutes on a call. Larger or higher-value programs may take a day or two to place with the right markets, but we move fast and set expectations up front.

Often yes. We have admitted and E&S markets for dairies declined over manure exposure, prior loss runs, OSHA citations, or other issues. Bring us your situation and we'll find a market.

Usually yes. A coordinated program closes gaps between policies and is typically cheaper than separate policies from separate carriers — and far easier to manage at claim time.

A.M. Best ratings reflect a carrier's financial strength and ability to pay claims. We place coverage with A-rated (and A.M. Best A+ where possible) carriers so the coverage is there when a barn fire, bulk-tank failure, or pollution claim hits.

Yes. Organic herds carry premium stock and feed value; pasture-based and seasonal dairies have different equipment and labor profiles; raw-milk and direct-market operations carry added product-liability exposure. We tailor each program accordingly.

Registered, show, and high-genetic animals are scheduled individually at their real value — not a flat grade-cattle rate. Proper individual scheduling is what ensures a mortality claim pays what the animal was actually worth.

Herd size and breakdown, animal values (especially registered stock), parlor type and milking system, equipment list and values, acreage and feed inventory, payroll and crew size, current coverage, and loss history. The more detail, the more accurate the quote.

It can, with the right endorsement. Hosting tours, petting zoos, or events adds visitor-liability exposure that standard policies under-cover. Tell us if the public visits and we'll add agri-tourism liability.

Yes. Seasonal calving and grazing dairies have different feed, labor, and equipment patterns — and often lower confinement exposures. We reflect how you actually farm in the rating and coverage, not a generic confinement-dairy code.

Livestock claims are paid against records. Incomplete ID, breed, or value records mean delays and reduced payments. We help you document the herd properly up front so a claim is settled quickly and fully.

Yes. If you milk at multiple sites, raise heifers off-site, or lease acreage, we build one coordinated program covering owned, leased, and custom operations with no gaps.