diff --git a/crates/ld-server/src/lib.rs b/crates/ld-server/src/lib.rs
index 102e59a..f3fb3c8 100644
--- a/crates/ld-server/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/ld-server/src/lib.rs
@@ -199,7 +199,10 @@ pub async fn run() -> anyhow::Result<()> {
     let state = AppState::new(cfg, db).await?;
 
     seed::ensure(&state).await?;
-    participation::refresh(&state, false).await?;
+    // A measure missed leaves the reference in place; the sweeper takes it again.
+    if let Err(e) = participation::refresh(&state, false).await {
+        tracing::warn!(error = %e, "usual participation");
+    }
     auth::bootstrap(&state).await?;
     if let Err(e) = publish::ensure_key(&state).await {
         tracing::warn!(error = %e, "publication key");