By Scout Nelson
Livestock losses due to wildfires are an unfortunate reality for many ranchers. Mary Keena, a livestock environmental specialist, emphasizes the importance of documenting losses before any carcass disposal. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers disaster assistance through the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) for livestock death losses caused by wildfires.
To qualify for LIP, ranchers must document their beginning livestock inventory and losses caused by eligible weather events. Proof can include photos, ownership records, and documentation of losses. Ranchers need to submit a notice of loss to their local FSA office by March 1, 2025.
Beau Peterson, Agricultural Program Director with USDA FSA, encourages producers to keep contemporaneous records, such as cattle books, to help support their LIP applications. These records will prove crucial in showing losses beyond normal mortality.
After dealing with the documentation, ranchers must prioritize carcass disposal. North Dakota regulations require animals to be disposed of within 36 hours of death. Approved methods include burial, composting, landfilling, and incineration. Burying livestock in clay soils, with at least four feet of cover, is often the easiest option. Composting can also be a viable method, requiring base and cover materials like straw, old hay, and manure.
For large-scale losses, ranchers can seek technical assistance from the Department of Environmental Quality to ensure proper disposal methods are followed.
By following these steps, ranchers can manage livestock losses and access the financial assistance needed for recovery after wildfires.
Photo Credit:usda-farm-service-agency
Categories: North Dakota, General, Livestock