Heinrich Announces Resources To Help N.M. Ranchers Impacted By Winter Storms

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) encouraged livestock producers in New Mexico who have suffered eligible disaster-related losses from recent winter storms to apply for federal disaster assistance.

"Farmers and ranchers play a critical role in our state's economy. I encourage New Mexico families who have suffered financial hardship due to the winter storms to utilize these relief programs so they can rebuild their herds and continue our rich agricultural traditions," said Sen. Heinrich. "For more information about eligibility and applying for disaster assistance, New Mexicans should contact their local U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency office, or visit fsa.usda.gov."

The 2014 Farm Bill permanently authorized the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) to provide benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather. LIP payments are equal to 75 percent of the market value of the applicable livestock on the day before the date of death of the livestock as determined by the Secretary. The livestock must have been maintained for commercial use as part of a farming operation. LIP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Additional Disaster Assistance Resources:

• Farm Service Agency Disaster Assistance Programs at a Glance 
• Emergency Disaster Designation and Declaration Process 
• Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) 
• Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) 
• Emergency Loan Program 
• Tree Assistance Program 
• Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for 2015 and Subsequent Years 
• Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) - Livestock Assistance 
• Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)