The US Department of Agriculture announced Friday that soon they would roll out changes to a federal program that’s designed to cattle ranchers during this extended heat wave.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that now, payments under the Livestock Indemnity Program, or LIP, would increase from $1244 per head of cattle to $1618, which is considered 75% of fair market value. Vilsack said that unfortunately, cattle producers have been suffering losses in this heat, and it’s not showing any sign of stopping.
“These heat domes, they plague the United States and they prove to be unsurvivable for animals,” Vilsack said. “And temperatures unfortunately in the near term aren’t necessarily expected to let up.”
Vilsack said the USDA is increasing payment amounts under the program for two main reasons: the price of cattle has increased sharply in recent months due to inflation, and cattle weigh more now as well. This means any losses hit ranchers particularly hard. “These heat domes plague the United States and they prove to be unsurvivable for animals. And temperatures unfortunately in the near term aren’t necessarily expected to let up.”
“The heat has taken its toll,” he said. “It’s our job to work with producers to help them weather these events.”
Vilsack said he thinks the increased payment amounts are more in line with real world cattle values.
The LIP doesn’t just provide for cattle losses. Farmers and ranchers who lose other livestock, like chickens or pigs, to a natural disaster are able to file a claim.
Back in January, the USDA expanded access to this and other programs, paving the way for federal assistance.
To file a claim, producers should submit an application to their FSA county office. Timelines for payouts vary from program to program.
However, in order for a loss to be eligible, it must be filed within 30 days of the loss occurring.
For more information on the Livestock Indemnity Program, click here.
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