Todd Johnson, OSU Agricultural Communications Services Livestock Risk Protection insurance might be an option for cattle producers looking to retain ownership of their livestock this summer. Cattle are the largest agricultural commodity in Oklahoma, according to National Agricultural Statistics Service data. Consider whether USDA's Livestock Risk Protection insurance program would be beneficial to your operation. The rising feedlot cost of gain in the southern Great Plains should have cattle producers considering economic opportunities for operations in forage-based stocker and backgrounding programs, said Oklahoma State University Extension experts. Cost of gain, or the expense of gaining a pound of livestock bodyweight, involves several critical factors such as feed costs, flesh condition, animal genetics, weather and cattle health. When grain prices rise and cost of gain increases – as is currently the case – feedlot operators shift their favor to heavier-weight cattle.