A regular homeowners policy usually stops at the edge of the yard. Barns, hay, livestock, tractors and the liability that comes with farming often need a farm and ranch policy.
We'll walk your operation with you, in person or on the phone, and list everything that should be covered. Then we compare farm policies from the insurance companies we work with and explain what each one does with your buildings, animals and equipment.
What a policy can cover
Farm dwelling
The farmhouse and your personal belongings, similar to a homeowners policy.
Barns & outbuildings
Barns, shops, sheds, corrals, grain bins and fencing, scheduled individually.
Hay, feed & grain
Stored hay and feed against fire, lightning and other covered perils.
Livestock
Cattle, horses, sheep and goats against covered perils like fire, lightning, attack by animals and accidental shooting.
Equipment & machinery
Tractors, balers, swathers, ATVs used for farm work, and portable equipment.
Farm liability
Protection if someone is hurt on your property or your livestock get out onto the road.
| Operation | Typical profile | Common approach |
|---|---|---|
| Hobby farm | A few acres, horses or small livestock, no or little farm income | Farm policy or a homeowners policy with farm endorsements |
| Working ranch | Cattle, hay sales, custom work | Farm and ranch policy with scheduled property and farm liability |
| Ag business | Employees, custom farming, agritourism | Farm policy plus workers' comp, commercial auto and umbrella |
What we see on local operations
Livestock on the highway. Fences fail and cows get out. Farm liability is what responds if your cattle cause an accident on County Road 25 or Highway 491.
Hay fires. Wet hay can heat and ignite. Stored hay should be scheduled with a realistic value, and stacks kept away from buildings when possible.
Irrigation equipment. Pivots, pumps and gated pipe are expensive and exposed to wind and lightning. Make sure they're listed.
Custom work and side jobs. If you hay or haul for neighbors, tell us. That changes your liability picture.
Want a list to work from? Our ranch coverage checklist goes line by line.
Discounts worth asking about
- Bundling farm and auto
- Claim-free history
- Fire-resistant buildings
- Higher deductibles
- Multiple policies
- Paid in full
Discounts, coverages and limits vary by insurance company and are subject to eligibility and underwriting.
Questions people ask
Do I need a farm policy if I only have a few horses?
Not always. Some homeowners policies can be endorsed for a small number of horses. Once you sell hay, board animals or run livestock commercially, a farm policy usually makes more sense.
Are my cattle covered if they die from illness?
Standard farm policies cover livestock for named perils like fire, lightning and attack by animals, not disease or old age. Livestock mortality coverage is a separate option.
Does a farm policy cover my employees?
Farm liability doesn't cover injuries to your own employees. That's workers' compensation, which Colorado requires for most employers.
Is crop insurance part of a farm policy?
No. Federal crop insurance is a separate program. We focus on property, livestock, equipment and liability coverage.