Program helps producers who lose livestock to heat

Livestock producers who incur eligible livestock death losses due to the recent extreme temperatures and other adverse weather events may be eligible for the USDA Farm Service Agency?s Livestock Indemnity Program.

?Extreme temperatures have impacted many of our livestock producers,? said John R. Whitaker, state executive director for Iowa?s Farm Service Agency. ?Those producers who have suffered eligible livestock losses should contact our offices to file a notice of loss.?

As of this morning, Jefferson County?s Farm Service Agency in Fairfield had received one application for the L.I.P., but due to confidentially rules could not releases any information about who submitted the claim, how many or what breed of animals had died.

Heat-related livestock deaths have been reported in several states, including an estimated 100 cattle in far northern Iowa?s Winneshiek County last week.

Waterloo television station KWWL reported the cattle operation sits only a few feet from the state line with Minnesota, and two Minnesota fire departments responded to calls for aid and helped save most of the operation?s livestock.

Veterinarians say livestock need to be kept out of the sun and have plenty of water in order to survive the deadly combination of extreme heat and humidity. Spraying water on them can help, too.

According to the Dubuque Telegraph Herald, a farmer near Cascade reported more than 20 cows died there Tuesday.

Staff at the Jefferson County FSA Office said producers who need advice on how to help livestock during the hot, humid weather should call the Jefferson County ISU Extension Office or visit the Iowa and Missouri Extension service?s websites. The staff said local veterinarians also would be able to offer advice.

For 2011 calendar year livestock death losses, producers must provide a notice of loss on the FSA-914 form the earlier of the following: 30 calendar days of when the loss of livestock was apparent to the producer; or Oct. 31.

?Producers who suffered eligible livestock losses due to adverse weather will be required to provide documentation of the livestock lost for the L.I.P. Program,? said Whitaker. ?FSA staff can provide producers with a list of acceptable loss documentation.?

Adequate documentation must prove the death of eligible livestock occurred as a direct result of an eligible adverse weather event in the calendar year for which benefits are being requested. If adequate proof of death documentation is not available, certifications of livestock deaths by third parties, who are not affiliated with the farming operation, may be accepted.

L.I.P. indemnity payments will be based on 75 percent of the fair market value of the livestock as determined by FSA.

Producers can learn more about L.I.P. by visiting the website www.fsa.usda.gov and can contact a local FSA county office, such as the Jefferson County FSA office at 472-2558 to sign up for L.I.P.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this article.