(Albuquerque, N.M.), August 31, 2015 - New Mexico USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Molly Manzanares reminds producers who suffered qualifying livestock losses due to attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by the federal government that they could be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)-this includes losses from wolves and avian predators. LIP also covers livestock death losses caused by adverse weather conditions.

"LIP, along with other livestock disaster assistance programs, was restored by the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill which provides livestock producers with a vital safety net to assist in recovery from the economic impact of livestock losses," said Manzanares.

LIP compensates livestock owners and contract growers for attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal law, including wolves and avian predators. LIP benefits are also available for livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to an eligible adverse weather event, including losses due to hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat and extreme cold.

"A notice of loss must be filed with FSA within 30 days of when the loss of livestock is apparent," said Manzanares. "Livestock that die within 60 days of the date of the qualifying event will be considered eligible for loss benefits."

The LIP national payment rate for eligible livestock owners is based on 75 percent of the average fair market value of the livestock.

According to Manzanares, producers should contact their local County FSA Office to schedule an appointment to submit a notice of loss and application for payment.

Producers are encouraged to bring supporting evidence, including documentation of the number and kind of livestock that died, supplemented if possible by photographs or video records to document the loss, purchase records, veterinarian records, production records and other similar documents.

For more information on LIP, please contact your local County FSA Office or visit FSA online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/nm.