Livestock producers, who suffered losses during recent winter storms, are being encouraged to use the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) that provides assistance to livestock producers when losses are incurred as a result of harsh weather.

“I encourage all affected producers to report your losses to the Farm Services Agency ahead of the LIP deadline,” said Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb. “I was pleased to work with USDA to increase the accuracy of livestock compensation under this program last summer. Due to the recent winter storms and temperatures consistently below zero, producers have faced losses again this year. I want to ensure everyone is aware of the upcoming program payment deadlines.”

To be eligible for LIP for livestock losses suffered during 2009, livestock owners and contract growers must file a notice of loss no later than 30 calendar days from when the loss of livestock is apparent and must apply for payment no later than Jan. 30, 2010. Producers who experience a loss in 2010 are encouraged to report those losses to their county FSA office within 30 days of loss of livestock as well.

LIP provides payments to eligible livestock owners and contract growers who suffered eligible livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality as a direct result of adverse weather, including hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires and extreme heat and cold. Under LIP, which was authorized by the 2008 farm bill, producers are helped to recover from their losses stemming from 2008 and subsequent disasters.