36 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN September 2026 The most profitable cattle operations know flexibility is the key to controlling feed costs. The NEW Forge C105 Compact Feed Mixer lets you utilize lower-cost by-products and commodities while reducing reliance on expensive processed feeds. Capacity: 105 cu ft Height: 52” Length: 8.5’ Weight: 2,500 lbs Forge C105 Compact Mixer Interested? Contact Us: (308) 529-1358 NEW www.forge-ind.com PEERS NCIG PROTECTING THE INVESTMENT WHY LIVESTOCK MORTALITY INSURANCE MATTERS FOR SHOW ANIMALS JOE ROBERTS | CHIEF MARKET OFFICER, FNIC Across Nebraska and the Midwest, livestock exhibitions are more than weekend competitions. They are the result of long hours in the barn, careful genetic decisions, family commitment and significant financial investment. Whether it is a county fair prospect calf, a state fair contender or a national-level show animal, today’s livestock can represent thousands of dollars – and in some cases much more – before the animal ever enters the show ring. As both a cow-calf producer and someone who has spent more than 20 years helping farmers and ranchers protect their operations, I understand that investment from both perspectives. That combination of farm experience and insurance background has given me a practical view of livestock mortality coverage and how it fits into a larger risk management plan. Livestock mortality insurance is often overlooked, but it can be one of the most practical risk management tools available to cattle producers, breeders, show families and youth exhibitors. As cattle values remain strong and elite genetics continue to command premiums, the financial exposure tied to a single animal has grown right along with the opportunity. The need is especially clear in the show animal world. A heifer or steer may begin as a major purchase, but the true investment grows over time. Families commit to quality feed programs, daily care, veterinary attention, entry fees, bedding, equipment, professional fitting and transportation. For breeding animals, there may also be value tied to pedigree, embryo work, donor potential, future calf crops or proven performance in the ring. A single unexpected event can change everything. Illness, injury, accident, theft, transportation loss, heat stress, severe weather or complications during treatment can quickly create a financial loss that is difficult for a family or operation to absorb. Livestock mortality coverage is designed to help protect the insured value of the animal if a covered loss occurs. Transportation is one of the most common exposures for show livestock. Animals may travel hundreds of miles during a show season, moving from farm to fairgrounds to regional and national events. The more miles an animal travels, the more opportunities there are for something to go wrong. Every trip adds risk, from loading and unloading injuries to trailer accidents, stress, heat and changing environments. Livestock mortality insurance helps transfer that financial risk away from the owner. Nebraska cattle producers also understand the risk of weather. Extreme heat, blizzards, lightning, flooding, wind CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
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