Farmers and ranchers who have animal death losses due to the Texas floods can apply for federal aid through the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) under the 2014 Farm Bill. The program offers payments to farmers and ranchers who have experienced livestock loss beyond their normal mortality rates.
A farmer or rancher must have legally owned the eligible livestock on the day the livestock died in order to qualify for assistance.
There is a 30-day window to establish the claim of loss with the local Farm Service Agency (FSA).
“The producer, if experiencing a loss, should contact their local FSA office immediately. A phone call will get things going, but they must make an appointment,” said Dr. David Anderson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service livestock economist in College Station to inforney.com. “They then most go in and provide documentation to prove the losses.”
Proof of purchase will be required and examples must be documented. The examples, according to inforney.com, can include video of what was lost, digital images, bill of sale receipt or other necessary paperwork to provide proof of purchase.
“It’s important for producers to know that these are not voluntary programs, so it’s up to the producer to make the phone call and set up an appointment with their local Farm Service Agency office,” said Judith Canales, Texas state executive director for the USDA Farm Service Agency.
Click here for more information on the program.