There is still time to sign up for the USDA’s Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). This program was enacted as part of the 2014 Farm Bill and provides retroactive authority to cover eligible livestock losses back to October 1, 2011.

It was intended to provide benefits to livestock producers, who experienced livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality, caused by adverse weather. It additionally covers attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government, or protected by federal law.

LIP’s payments are equal to 75 percent of the market value of the deceased livestock. The payment is based on the value of the animal on the day before it dies, as established by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

There are specific eligibility requirements for LIP. These include a livestock producer legally owning the animal(s) the day it died, and it must have died as a direct result of an eligible event.

Cattle, poultry, and swine may qualify for this program. Minor species, including goats, horses, sheep and llamas, may also be able to meet the qualifications.

The final date to submit an application for full coverage of losses back to October 1, 2011, is September 30, 2014. The final application date for this program is January 30, 2015. Make an appointment with your local FSA Office ASAP, to take advantage of this and other Farm Bill programs for livestock producers.

For more information, download the USDA Fact Sheet:

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)

There are other Disaster programs available to livestock producers through the 2014 Farm Bill:

Livestock Producers Urged to Enroll in Disaster Assistance Program

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