FSA reminds producers of loss coverage programs

    The Livestock Indemnity Program provides assistance to eligible producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather, disease and attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law.
    LIP compensates livestock owners and contract growers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, wildfires, extreme heat or extreme cold.
    For disease losses, Farm Services Agency county committees can accept veterinarian certifications that livestock deaths were directly related to adverse weather and unpreventable through good animal husbandry and management.
    For 2019 livestock losses, eligible livestock owners must file a notice within 30 calendar days of when the loss is first apparent.
    Participants must provide the following supporting documentation to their local FSA office no later than 90 calendar days after the end of the calendar year in which the eligible loss condition occurred:
    — Proof of death documentation.
    — Copy of growers contracts.
    — Proof of normal mortality documentation.
    USDA has established normal mortality rates for each type and weight range of eligible livestock (i.e. 1.5 percent for adult beef cows and 3 percent for nonadult beef cattle less than 400 pounds). These established percentages reflect losses that are considered expected or typical under “normal” conditions.

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