The Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced this week it will extend the deadline to May 3 to file notices of livestock losses due to adverse winter weather under the USDA Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). This is applicable for adverse weather conditions occurring from January 1 through April 3.
To qualify for LIP under the late-filed provision, certain criteria must be met. According to FSA, all late-filed notices of loss must be similar to notices filed on time by other livestock producers in the county. This includes a similar loss event and dates; and similar loss percentage in livestock deaths based on kind, type and weight range.
Following the notification of loss, a separate application for payment, along with supporting documentation, must be filed within 60 calendar days after the end of the year in which the eligible loss condition occurred. Livestock owners must record all pertinent information, including number and kind of all livestock and those impacted by an eligible loss condition resulting in either death losses or disease. Payments are based on losses in excess of normal mortality. Eligible adverse weather events include blizzards, extreme cold and winter storms lasting three consecutive days and accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall and extremely cold temperatures.
Producers should expeditiously check their eligibility for LIP and file notice of losses by calling the local FSA office.