Report Losses to Your Local FSA Office
The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides assistance for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather events, including qualifying extreme heat events, disease and attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law.
For 2026 livestock losses, you must file a notice of loss and application for payment to your local FSA office by March 1, 2027. The following supporting documentation must be submitted with your application:
Documentation to support eligible loss condition
Proof of death documentation
Copy of grower’s contracts
Proof of normal mortality loss documentation
Livestock beginning inventory documentation
USDA has established normal mortality rates for each type and weight range of eligible livestock, i.e. Adult Beef Cow/Bull = 1.5%, Beef Non-Adult 800 lbs. or more = 1.5%, Beef Non-Adult less than 400 lbs. = 5%. These established percentages reflect losses that are considered expected or typical under “normal” conditions.
Additionally, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act recently has expanded eligibility for livestock losses. LIP will now apply to unborn livestock losses due to an eligible loss condition. In addition, producers can now provide sales documentation to support and request an alternative market value for their eligible livestock to be used for the payment calculation when it exceeds the national average market price established for eligible covered livestock. FSA is currently implementing policy updates associated with the Working Families Tax Cuts Act changes.
For more information, contact your County USDA Service Center or visit fsa.usda.gov.