LIP (Livestock Indemnity Program) pays livestock owners for deaths above normal mortality caused by adverse weather, eligible disease, or attacks by federally protected animals. Payments are 75% of FSA's market value, or 100% for losses to endangered or protected predators.
Eligible events include blizzards, extreme heat, floods, wildfire, hail and lightning, plus eligible diseases and attacks by animals the federal government protects or reintroduces.
What changed recently, per FSA:
- Predation losses to endangered or protected animals are paid at 100% of market value, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026. Other losses stay at 75%.
- Unborn livestock losses are covered for losses on or after Jan. 1, 2024.
- You can ask for an alternative market value with sales records, up to 145% of the national average, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026.
Documentation is key: inventory records, dated photos, vet or rendering records, and proof of the event.
The final date to file both the notice of loss and the application is March 1 after the program year in which the loss occurred. Tell your county FSA office about a loss early so they can tell you what records to keep.
Official sources
Rules checked against these pages on Oct 18, 2026. Live numbers update with each data load. Information only: the agency decides. Not affiliated with USDA.