To amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to require certain types of cattle to be included in a livestock pilot program, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 5, 2026
Bottom line
This bill expands federal crop insurance coverage to specific categories of cattle, aiming to provide greater financial stability and risk management tools for livestock producers.
What it actually does
This bill amends Section 523(b)(1) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act to explicitly include bred cattle, replacement heifers, and cull cattle within the scope of the livestock pilot program. This expansion of federal crop insurance coverage is mandated to begin with the crop year 2027.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this expansion addresses critical gaps in current livestock insurance offerings, providing essential risk management tools for producers of these specific cattle types. They contend that this will stabilize agricultural income, protect valuable livestock assets, and contribute to the overall resilience and food security of the nation's cattle industry.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that expanding federal insurance programs could increase taxpayer exposure to agricultural risks, potentially distort market incentives by encouraging riskier practices, or that existing insurance mechanisms are sufficient to cover these livestock categories without additional federal mandates.
The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, requiring minimal time for an informed reader to understand its direct implications.
Section 1, amending Section 523(b)(1) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1523(b))
Expansion of Livestock Pilot Program to Include Specific Cattle Types
This provision mandates that the Federal Crop Insurance Act's livestock pilot program must include bred cattle, replacement heifers, and cull cattle. This change takes effect starting with the 2027 crop year, ensuring these specific categories of livestock are eligible for federal insurance coverage under the program. It aims to provide more comprehensive risk management options for cattle producers.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that including bred cattle, replacement heifers, and cull cattle addresses a critical gap in existing livestock insurance, providing essential financial safeguards for producers who face significant risks with these valuable assets. This ensures more comprehensive risk management for the cattle industry, protecting investments in breeding stock and herd sustainability.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that expanding the program to these specific categories could lead to increased moral hazard, where producers might take on more risk knowing they are insured, or that the administrative costs and potential payouts could strain federal resources without sufficient justification for the specific inclusion of these cattle types.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to provide comprehensive risk management for specific segments of the cattle industry, particularly those investing in breeding and herd maintenance, against concerns about potential increased federal expenditures, the complexity of insuring diverse livestock categories, and the potential for moral hazard.