Changes would result in more accurate and timely assistance from LIP for livestock producers who have experienced deaths from adverse weather or diseases.

April 25, 2018

2 Min Read
USDA makes clarifications to Livestock Indemnity Program
During severe cold periods, producers need to feed cattle a little more hay or other forage so their natural heat source - the rumen - can do its work.Kansas State University Research & Extension

Starting April 24, agricultural producers who have lost livestock to disease resulting from a weather disaster have an additional way to become eligible for a key U.S. Department of Agriculture disaster assistance program. USDA undersecretary for farm production and conservation Bill Northey announced an administrative clarification nationwide to the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

In the event of disease, this change by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) authorizes local FSA county committees to accept veterinarian certifications that livestock deaths were directly related to adverse weather and unpreventable through good animal husbandry and management. The committees may then use this certification to allow producers' eligibility for LIP on a case-by-case basis.

“This change is part of USDA’s broader effort to better serve America’s farmers, ranchers and foresters through flexible and effective programs,” said Northey, who was in Texas on Tuesday visiting with ranchers affected by drought and wildfires. “America’s farmers feed our nation and much of the world, and throughout history, they have known good years and bad years, but when disaster strikes, USDA is ready to step in and help.”

The changes match requests Sen. John Thune (R., S.D.) made in an April 16 letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. In June 2017, Thune introduced legislation that would codify these requests in law.

Related:Thune seeks livestock assistance following winter storms

“I appreciate the quick turnaround regarding a letter I sent April 16 after winter storm Xanto pounded portions of South Dakota with record snowfall right before birthing season,” Thune told Perdue in a hearing earlier in the day Tuesday, adding that he received a response from Northey “informing me that FSA is announcing clarifications to the LIP policy based on my request. I’d like to say now that your timely response and sensitivity to this issue to assist our livestock industry is very much appreciated.”

LIP provides benefits to agricultural producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather, disease or attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government. Eligible weather events include earthquakes, hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, storms, blizzards and flooding. Earlier this year, Congress amended the LIP program to cover losses incurred by selling livestock at a reduced price following a disaster, and the $125,000 payment limitation was also removed.

Producers interested in LIP or other USDA disaster assistance programs should contact their local USDA service center.

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