Disaster Assistance Available For Livestock Losses Under The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)

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 2023 livestock losses, you must file a notice and 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

Livestock beginning inventory documentation

USDA has established normal mortality rates for each type and weight range of eligible livestock, i.e. Adult Beef Cow = 1 percent; Non-Adult Beef Cattle 799 pounds or less = 4.10 percent and Non-Adult Beef Cattle 800 pounds or more = 1 percent. These established percentages reflect losses that are considered expected or typical under “normal” conditions.

In addition to filing a notice of loss, you must also submit an application for payment by March 1, 2024.

For additional information about LIP, including eligible livestock, contact the local USDA Service Center and/or visit http://www.farmers.gov and/or fsa.usda.gov/mt.