By Scout Nelson
Wildfires can result in major livestock losses and financial hardship for agricultural producers. To help with recovery, the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides financial assistance when livestock deaths exceed normal mortality levels due to qualifying disasters such as wildfires.
The program covers livestock that die as a direct result of wildfire and, in some cases, animals injured by wildfire that are later sold at a reduced value. To qualify, producers must own the livestock at the time of the loss, raise the animals for commercial purposes, and report losses that occur within 30 days of the wildfire event.
Proper documentation is essential for receiving assistance. Producers should maintain records of livestock inventories, grazing activities, veterinary reports, photographs, receipts, inspections, and other wildfire-related documents. Accurate records help verify losses and simplify the claims process.
LIP payments are based on USDA-established national rates for different livestock categories. For example, 2025 payment rates include $2,353.12 per beef bull, $1,810.09 per beef cow, and $1,260.18 per equine animal. Additional livestock categories may also qualify.
Producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA FSA office as soon as possible after discovering losses to determine eligibility and complete required paperwork. For 2026 wildfire losses, Notices of Loss and final payment applications must be submitted by March 1, 2027.
The Livestock Indemnity Program is one of several USDA initiatives designed to help farmers, ranchers, and rural communities recover from wildfire damage and support long-term agricultural resilience.
Visit the Center for Agricultural Profitability’s website at cap.unl.edu/recovery to access wildfire recovery resources and follow the ongoing recovery series.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker
Categories: Nebraska, Livestock, Beef Cattle