Livestock producers across the United States who have suffered significant losses due to natural disasters are receiving additional support and flexibility from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) has implemented policy enhancements and extended the deadline for key programs including the Emergency Assistance for Livestock Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), and Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP).
Producers now have until June 2, 2023, to submit notices of loss and applications for payment for losses incurred in 2022. This extended deadline, along with program flexibilities, is available to eligible producers nationwide who have suffered losses from qualifying natural disaster events. Assistance can be sought for above-normal feed purchases, above-normal freight expenses, and other eligible costs related to the disasters.
The USDA is committed to supporting livestock production and has continuously worked to improve and adapt their programs. In the previous year, the LIP policy was revised to better reflect the investments made by producers in newborn livestock. This year, the extension of the application deadline for critical programs demonstrates the USDA's understanding of the recovery process and the importance of providing producers with sufficient time to manage their operations effectively.
Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Emergency Assistance for Livestock Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) provide reimbursement for a portion of the value of livestock, poultry, and other animals that have died due to qualifying natural disasters. Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) offers benefits for grazing losses caused by qualifying drought or wildfire.
Producers who have not previously applied for ELAP assistance or wish to revise their 2022 ELAP, LIP, or LFP applications can do so until June 2, 2023. Additionally, the FSA is waiving the 30-day timeframe for submitting a notice of loss for the 2023 ELAP program year in counties without a 365-day grazing season. This flexibility allows producers to submit a notice of loss from the date the loss becomes apparent, as far back as January 1, 2023, for eligible losses in both 2022 and 2023.
Livestock producers seeking assistance should provide evidence that livestock death was due to an eligible adverse weather event or loss condition. They should also gather supporting evidence such as documentation of the number and type of livestock that died, photographs or video records of the loss, purchase records, veterinarian records, and production records.
Producers can apply for ELAP, LFP, and LIP benefits at their local FSA county office. For more information or to submit a notice of loss or an application for payment, please contact your local FSA office or visit farmers.gov/recover.
The USDA remains committed to supporting livestock production and addressing the immediate needs of producers affected by natural disasters, fostering a more resilient and sustainable agricultural industry.
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Categories: Ohio, Government & Policy, Livestock