Producers who suffer qualifying livestock losses because of natural disasters, including extreme cold, could be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program, United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Executive Director Jennifer Hudnall said in a prepared statement.

“LIP provides livestock producers with a vital safety net to help them overcome the damaging financial impact of natural disasters,” said Hudnall.

The LIP national payment rate for eligible livestock owners is based on 75 percent of the average fair market value of the livestock, Hudnell said.

When impacted by an eligible weather event, LIP compensates livestock owners and contract growers for livestock death losses when they exceed the normal mortality rate. She said these types of weather events include losses because of extreme heat, cold, floods, blizzards, disease and wildfires.

“A notice of loss must be filed with FSA within 30 days of when the loss of livestock is apparent,” said Hudnall.

“Livestock that die within 60 days of the date of the eligible loss condition may be considered eligible for loss benefits if the animal died because of the eligible loss condition. Producers must also file an application for payment no later than 90 days after the calendar year in which the eligible loss condition occurred.”

Hudnell said to submit a loss and application for payment producers should contact the Fayette County FSA office at 859-233-0194 to schedule an appointment.

Hudnell said producers should bring supporting evidence which includes documentation of the number and kind of deceased livestock.

If possible, producers should also bring  photographs or video records to document the loss, purchase records, veterinarian records, production records or other similar documents.

For more information on LIP, please contact the Fayette County FSA office at 859-233-0194 or visit FSA online at www.fsa.usda.gov.