Disaster can strike at any time. In both Charlotte and Lunenburg counties, July and August have been hot and humid. This can take its toll on livestock. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) wants to provide program reminders to be aware of for weather related losses.

The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides assistance to eligible producers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather and attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law. LIP compensates livestock owners and contract growers for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, wildfires, extreme heat or extreme cold, according to a recent press release from FSA.

“For 2016, eligible losses must occur on or after Jan. 1, and before Dec. 31. A notice of loss must be filed with FSA within 30 days of when the loss of livestock is apparent. Participants must provide supporting documentation to their local FSA office no later than 30 calendar days after the end of the calendar year for which benefits are requested,” the release stated.

“The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides assistance for livestock death losses; feed and grazing losses that are not due to drought or wildfires on federally managed lands; losses resulting from the cost of transporting water to livestock due to an eligible drought; losses resulting from the additional cost associated with gathering livestock for treatment related to cattle tick fever, honeybee feed, colony and hive losses; and farm-raised fish feed and death losses.  Producers who suffer eligible livestock or honeybee losses from Oct. 1, 2015 to Sept. 30, 2016 must file a notice of loss the earlier of 30 calendar days of when the loss is apparent or by Nov. 1 and an application for payment by Nov. 1.”

For more information on disaster programs and eligibility requirements, contact the office at (434) 542-5121, ext 2.