Producers Experiencing Livestock Losses from Extreme Heat Encouraged to Contact FSA

Producers Experiencing Livestock Losses from Extreme Heat Encouraged to Contact FSA

As extreme heat impacts livestock across Nebraska, producers who have experienced animal losses are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office as soon as possible to determine whether they maybe eligible for assistance through the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

County FSA offices can help producers file a notice of loss,explain documentation requirements, and determine eligibility for available assistance. Producers should report losses promptly, as documentation is an important part of the claims process.

The Livestock Indemnity Program provides financial assistance to eligible producers for livestock deaths that exceed normal mortality and are caused by adverse weather, including extreme heat. County FSA staff can walk producers through the reporting process and answer questions specific to their operation.

In addition to working directly with their local FSA office,producers can find current program information, payment rates, and eligibility details on the Livestock Indemnity Program webpage.

Several recent updates to the program resulting from the Working Families Tax Cuts Act include:

• Alternative Market Value Option: Beginning retroactively Jan. 1, 2026, eligible producers may submit verifiable sales documentation to request an alternative market value for livestock when it exceeds the national average market value established by USDA. Approved alternative values may be used in payment calculations, up to 145% of the national average market value.
• Expanded Coverage for Unborn Livestock Losses: The program now covers eligible unborn livestock losses occurring on or after Jan. 1, 2024. USDA will automatically issue retroactive payments for qualifying 2024 and 2025 losses when eligible adult female livestock losses have already been approved. Additional provisions will take effect beginning with the 2026 program year.
• Updated Predation Payments: For losses occurring on or after Jan. 1, 2026, payment rates for livestock lost to federally protected or endangered predators will increase to 100% of the determined market value. Other eligible predation losses will continue to be compensated at 75% of market value.

USDA officials note that additional implementation guidance for some of the new provisions, including the Alternative Market Value Option,is still forthcoming. At this time, the Livestock Indemnity Program web page remains the best source for current written guidance.

Producers with livestock losses due to the recent extreme heat are encouraged to contact their county FSA office promptly to begin the reporting process and ensure they understand the documentation needed for a potential claim.

‍