Managing Risk on a Young Livestock Farm

Beginning livestock farmers Caleb and Jacqueline Shinn have struggled to find affordable insurance coverage for their farm business. The Shinns will share details about their farm and the process they’ve gone through as they evaluate their risk-management options. Rodney Sebastian, with USDA Risk Management Agency, will discuss current insurance programs and risk assessment tools the Shinns could consider.

Caleb and Jacqueline Shinn raise beef cattle, pastured poultry and eggs at L4 Farms near Osceola. They are a part of Practical Farmers’ Savings Incentive Program to help expand their operation.

Rodney Sebastian grew up on a farm near Spencer and has worked with USDA for more than 30 years. Before joining the Risk Management Agency 15 years ago, he worked with USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service in Dairy Programs.