USDA Livestock Disaster Program Requires Documentation of Loss

Eligible Producers Urged to Begin Compiling Proof of Loss
 
According to Debby Folsom, Acting State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Florida, livestock producers who incurred eligible livestock death losses due to adverse weather events on or after January 1, 2008, and before October 1, 2011, should begin gathering related loss documentation in accordance with FSA’s Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provisions.
 
“Losses because of adverse weather, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture during the calendar year, including blizzards, disease, extreme cold, extreme heat, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, are eligible for LIP,” said Folsom.
 
Producers are advised that verifiable death loss documentation will not be accepted by FSA County Offices until LIP applications are filed.


Adequate documentation must prove the death of eligible livestock occurred as a direct result of an eligible adverse weather event in the calendar year for which benefits are being requested. 


If adequate verifiable proof of death records documentation is not available, a livestock producer may provide reliable records, along with verifiable beginning and ending inventory, as proof of death.


Certifications of livestock deaths by third parties may be accepted only if verifiable proof of death records or reliable proof of death records along with verifiable beginning and ending inventory records are not available.  A third party statement is an independent source who is not affiliated with the farming operation, such as a hired hand or a family member.
 
“Our staff can provide producers with a list of acceptable proof of death, producer records and verifiable inventory documentation,” said Folsom.  “LIP indemnity payments will be 75 percent of the fair market value of the livestock as determined by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC),
 
Additional information about LIP is available at FSA County Offices or by visiting the national FSA website at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/