Hello friends,
Weather patterns these days are as unpredictable as the presidential election. Just when you think it is settling down, all of a sudden something pops up that makes you say “I can’t believe this is happening.”
The summer of 2016 might be recorded as one of those unbelievable time periods. While we may have never reached record temperatures or had D3 drought conditions recorded, it was still an extremely stressful summer.
It is hard to remember a time when we has such a long stretch of constant heat. This was really compounded in areas that were dry as well.
Livestock can be particularly affected by these extreme weather events. I know that most operations take the utmost care in providing comfort and shelter for their animals, but even the best operations can have things go wrong from time to time.
Livestock Indemnity Program
I think now is a good time to pass along information on the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). The LIP program through FSA provides assistance to eligible producers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather conditions.
Normal mortality rates are established for each type of eligible livestock. Contact your local FSA to find out the loss trigger for your particular operation.
LIP covers livestock deaths due to a number of eligible weather events, including but not limited to floods, blizzards, wildfires, extreme heat or extreme cold. As with most programs, LIP does have some time frames and deadlines.
Death losses are required to be reported to the FSA office within 30 days of when the loss is apparent. All applications for payment must be filed by Jan. 30 for prior year losses.
So for example for 2016, death losses are to be reported within 30 days and the application for payment must be filed by Jan. 30, 2017.
Documents
Along with the application for payment, supporting documentation needs to be filed. This includes proof of death documentation, copy of grower contracts if applicable and proof of normal mortality documentation.
Veterinarian records, purchase records, rendering receipts, sales documents, photos and video records are all examples of good supporting documentation.
Third party verifications may be used in certain instances. LIP is an ongoing program that can be applied for at any time.
For more information or to report livestock deaths, contact your local FSA office today.
That’s all for now,
FSA Andy
