The agriculture industry works closely with Mother Nature and has weathered many ups and downs including extreme heat and humidity. Cattle producers, in particular, are grappling with the distressing consequences of high heat and humidity, leading to cattle death losses. Sadly, these losses are often not covered by standard insurance policies, leaving producers vulnerable. However, amidst this difficult situation, there is a ray of hope in the form of the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) – a government disaster assistance program designed to provide support to producers in these situations.
Challenges with Insurance Coverage
As an insurance broker, NCIG carefully reviews policies to have a clear understanding of the risks they cover, but unfortunately, they do not cover every situation. Most standard insurance policies do not cover losses of cattle attributed to heat and humidity-related events. This leaves producers without a safety net during these extreme weather events, and unfortunately, such coverage is often not even available for purchase.
The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)
The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) emerges as a possible resource for cattle farmers. Administered through local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices, LIP provides much-needed assistance to eligible producers who have suffered livestock death losses due to specific weather events, including extreme heat and humidity.
How LIP Works
LIP operates on the basis of providing financial assistance to producers who have incurred eligible livestock death losses. The program covers cattle, as well as other types of livestock, such as sheep, goats, and swine. To qualify for LIP, producers must meet specific eligibility criteria, report the loss within the designated timeframe, and apply for the program through their local FSA office.
Time Sensitive: Act Now!
Given the time-sensitive nature of the Livestock Indemnity Program, it is crucial for cattle producers to act promptly. Timely reporting and application are essential for qualifying for assistance. If you are a producer who has experienced cattle death losses due to the recent heatwave do not hesitate to reach out to your local FSA offices to initiate the application process.
NCIG: Providing Resources and Support
While the Livestock Indemnity Program is not administered by NCIG, we’re here for you. As you navigate the complexities of disaster assistance programs, NCIG is ready to offer valuable information and resources to guide you through the process.
To learn more about the Livestock Indemnity Program please visit the FSA page: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/livestock-indemnity/index
The LIP Fact Sheet offers a detailed overview of the program.
To find your local FSA office please visit: https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator