For more on this part of the insurance industry:
Livestock insurance protects farmers, breeders, and businesses that raise animals for agriculture. It also covers animals and compensates losses from disease, accidents, or theft. Livestock includes:
With more than 31 million sheep, 9 million cattle, and 176 million poultry in the UK, livestock insurance helps keep farms running and food production steady.
Pig farmers in 2024 lost money after a 9% drop in the pig population. Disease outbreaks and rising costs made it hard to recover.
Many without insurance had to shut down their farms. Insurance could have covered losses and helped safeguard both farmers and their animals.
Efforts are underway to reintroduce the tauros breed in Scotland to restore biodiversity. Lab-grown meat applications also signal changing consumer demand in the UK.
Insurers are now using satellite data to offer faster payouts for weather-related losses. But along these developments are emerging risks, such as:
The return of white-tailed eagles is raising concerns about livestock losses. At the same time, fewer beef cattle in Scotland are affecting meat supply and farm profits.
Insuring animals means securing farmers and businesses from financial loss if their livestock die, get stolen, or fall sick.
Livestock insurance pays compensation to help farmers recover. Policies can cover individual animals, herds, or even breeding materials like embryos and semen.
It covers key hazards that could harm their income by:
With insurance for livestock, farmers can focus on their work without worrying about sudden financial setbacks.
Different groups rely on this insurance for stability and risk management, including:
Different animals need different safeguards, so speaking with a broker helps find the right coverage for each farm’s needs.
The most typically included coverage options in insurance for livestock include:
A key livestock insurance coverage option that all farms need is the disease outbreak cover, which provides compensation if animals must be culled due to disease.
A livestock health plan helps prevent disease and improve animal welfare, reducing financial risks for farmers. Strong health management initiatives, like DEFRA’s farm health planning, can also lower insurance costs.
Yes, sheep can be insured for losses from accidents, disease, and theft. Some livestock insurance policies also cover monetary problems from business disruptions.
Most farms can keep six to ten sheep per acre of good grassland. Stocking rates depend on land quality, climate, and grazing management. Farmers can insure individual high-value sheep or entire flocks.
Sheep are at risk from predators like foxes and dogs. Guardian animals, like dogs or llamas, can support with flock protection.
Yes, guardian animals can be insured for accidents, illness, or death. Coverage varies, so farmers should check with insurers for specific options.
Can you keep livestock on agricultural land?
Yes, livestock can be kept on agricultural land in the UK. Farming laws allow animals to be raised for food, wool, skins, or fur. However, farmers must follow specific rules to protect animal health and the environment.
Livestock owners must register their land with a County Parish Holding (CPH) number and keep records of their animals.
They must also follow rules for disease control and animal welfare. Livestock insurance provides extra financial protection. These steps help prevent outbreaks and keep livestock healthy.
