The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides assistance to eligible producers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather. LIP compensates livestock owners and contract growers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather, including extreme cold.

For 2019, eligible losses must occur on or after Jan. 1, 2019, and no later than 60 calendar days from the ending date of the applicable adverse weather event. A notice of loss must be filed with FSA within 30 days of when the loss of livestock is 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. Adult Beef Cow = 1.5 percent and Non-Adult Beef Cattle (less than 400 pounds) = 5 percent. These established percentages reflect losses that are considered expected or typical under “normal” conditions. Producers who suffer livestock losses in 2019 must file both of the following:
• A notice of loss the earlier of 30 calendar days of when the loss was apparent
• An application for payment by March 31, 2020.
Additional Information about LIP is available at your local FSA office or online at: www.fsa.usda.gov

How to Document Livestock Losses
Producers should record all pertinent information regarding livestock losses due to the eligible adverse weather or loss condition, including:
• Documentation of the number, kind, type, and weight range of livestock that have died, supplemented if possible by photographs or video records of ownership and losses;
• Rendering truck receipts by kind, type and weight – important to document prior to disposal;
• Beginning inventory supported by birth recordings or purchase receipts;
• Documentation that livestock were removed from grazing pastures due to an eligible adverse weather or loss condition.

For more information on these programs and documentation requirements, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/disaster or contact your local FSA office.