Livestock and poultry producers that have faced recent death losses in their herds from weather or disease can sign up USDA’s Livestock Indemnity Program.  South Dakota FSA Executive Director Steve Dick says LIP provides benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather like the recent winter storm.

He says LIP payments are equal to 75% of the average fair market value of the livestock and producers will need to show proof of loss.

Poultry producers can also qualify for an indemnity if they faced losses from the recent bird flu outbreak and had to depopulate their flocks.  In the event of an HPAI outbreak, USDA, through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is authorized to provide qualifying bird owners with (1) fair market value compensation for the value of the birds destroyed as determined by an official appraisal prior to
destruction; (2) destruction and disposal assistance; and (3) cleaning and disinfection assistance.

Producers can get more information on the FSA website.