Report livestock losses immediately

Thursday, July 28, 2011

The summer of 2011 has been a hot and dry one, and it looks like it will continue on that course for at least a few more weeks. These conditions always help to temper any anxiety toward colder weather, as the cooler fall days will present a welcome change.

This is one of those summers where "legends" are born. Young folks will mention to their own children how hot it was back in 2011, and what unusual occurrences they witnessed or suffered due to the heat -- like frying an egg on the sidewalk, etc.

I have overheard the comment recently comparing this summer to 1980 -- also a hot and dry time. So, I looked back at the conditions that year.

In 1980, we had 10 days over 100 degrees in June, and 25 days over 100 degrees in July. June's total rainfall in 1980 was 1.4 inches, while July produced a paltry .24 inches.

In 2011, there were "0" days over 100 degrees recorded in June -- though several days were close. And for July this year, there will likely be 10-15 days over 100 degrees before we are through.

This year's total rainfall for June was approximately 2.49 inches, and for July has varied around the county so far. Cocorahs reports show (through Tuesday) 3.72 inches at Devon, 2.47 inches at Fort Scott, and 1.48 inches at the recording station northeast of Fort Scott near the state line.

It appears, then, that we have a ways to go to "top" 1980 for severe heat and drought, but no matter how you slice it, this year's heat has been miserably significant. The extreme weather situation, then, might indicate some attention be paid to the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

The extreme heat of the past several weeks can cause stress in livestock and even cause some death losses to occur. Weather-related death losses can be covered under LIP provided documentation of the loss is available and a timely report of the loss is filed.

Weather-related losses must be initially reported to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) office within 30 days of the death loss occurrence. This initial report can be in person or by phone.

Most types of livestock are covered under the program including beef animals, dairy, pigs and hogs, sheep, goats, and poultry. Eligible animals must have died as a direct result of an adverse weather condition.

Payments are based on a per animal basis at the established rates (i.e. $336.04 for a beef calf, $746.95 for a beef cow, $201.03 for a sow or boar, etc).

Documentation can include a dated picture recording the loss, a vet's record showing the loss and reason for the loss, a rendering truck receipt showing the carcass pick up, an impartial third party verification of the loss, etc.

Some kind of contemporary inventory records are also needed to verify total numbers on hand on the applicable dates to evaluate the application of normal mortality rates, etc.

The important first step is to report the weather-related death losses to the FSA office within the 30-day initial timeframe.

Then, also, gather contemporary documentation to be provided to our office later when a request for payment is eventually filed. LIP is funded through Sept. 30, 2011, at this time.

If you have questions about the application of this program to your recent experiences, please call our office in Bourbon County at (620) 223-1880.