The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides assistance to you for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather, disease and attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law.

LIP compensates eligible livestock producers for livestock deaths or injuries due to attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law, including wolves and avian predators, that directly result in the death of eligible livestock in excess of normal mortality or injury to livestock that are then sold at a reduced price.

In Illinois, for example, LIP can provide compensation to producers for confirmed livestock death or injury by turkey vultures and black vultures.  For avian predation losses, producers must provide FSA with acceptable proof, obtained through FSA-recognized sources, of livestock death losses or injuries because of an eligible animal or avian attack.   Producers should contact their local FSA county office for details regarding eligibility and required loss documentation.

For 2024 livestock losses, you must file a notice and provide the following supporting documentation to your local FSA office no later than 60 calendar days after the end of the calendar year in which the eligible loss condition occurred.  

• Proof of death documentation
• Copy of grower’s contracts
• Proof of normal mortality documentation
• Livestock beginning inventory documentation

USDA has established normal mortality rates for each type and weight range of eligible livestock, i.e. Adult Beef Cow = 1.5% and Non-Adult Beef Cattle = 5%.  These established percentages reflect losses that are considered expected or typical under “normal” conditions.

In addition to filing a notice of loss, you must also submit an application for payment by March 3, 2025.

For more information, contact your local County USDA Service Center or visit fsa.usda.gov.