LIP offers payments to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by bad weather. LIP also covers attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law. This includes attacks by wolves and birds.

LIP payments equal 75 percent of the livestock’s market value on the day before the date of death.

To qualify, you must have legally owned the eligible livestock on the day they died. The livestock must also:

• Have died due to an eligible weather event, which occurred on or after Oct. 1, 2011, and no later than 60 days from the end date of the event.
• Been raised for commercial use in a farming operation on the day they died.

Excludes wild, free-roaming animals, or pets or animals used for recreational purposes, like for hunting, roping, or show.

Contract growers of poultry and swine are also eligible. You must have had possession and control of the livestock and a written agreement with the livestock owner. The specific terms, conditions, and obligations of both parties must be set.

To apply for payment, you must submit a notice of loss and an application at your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. The notice of loss must be submitted:

• The earlier of 30 days of when the loss of livestock is known, or
• 30 days after the loss calendar year end.

You must include a copy of the grower contract if you’re a contract grower. Supporting documents must show:

• Evidence of loss,
• Current physical location of livestock inventory, and
• Location of the livestock at the time of death.

For more details, read the Livestock Indemnity Program fact sheet.