Disaster Assistance Available for Livestock Losses

February 23, 2021

The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides assistance to you 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.

For disease losses, FSA county committees can accept veterinarian certifications that livestock deaths were directly related to adverse weather and unpreventable through good animal husbandry and management.

For 2020 livestock losses, you must file a notice within 30 calendar days of when the loss is first apparent. You then must provide the following supporting documentation to your local FSA office no later than 60 calendar days after the end of the calendar year in which the eligible loss condition occurred. Proof of death documentation; Copy of grower’s contracts; Proof of normal mortality documentation

USDA has established normal mortality rates for each type and weight range of eligible livestock, i.e. Adult Beef Cow = 1.5 percent and Non-Adult Beef Cattle (less than 250 pounds) = 3 perecnt. These established percentages reflect losses that are considered expected or typical under “normal” conditions. In addition to filing a notice of loss, producers must also submit an application for payment by March 1, 2021.

For more information, contact the Lewis County USDA Service Center at 573-767-5274 or visit fsa.usda.gov.