The USDA has begun accepting applications for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP). This program compensates producers for animals that were euthanized during the pandemic. The department’s Farm Service Agency said the program will help farms that “suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing [and these farms] can apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals.”

Layers are eligible for PLIP payments at a rate of $4.94 per bird after application of an 80 percent payment factor (only 80 percent of losses are covered). FSA’s website includes complete information on applying for payments, including application forms.

Several limitations apply. Notably, a farm’s adjusted gross income during 2016, 2017 and 2018 must have averaged $900,000 or less. (This is a common income threshold in farm programs.) In addition, the individual or company applying for benefits must have had an ownership interest in the birds; contract producers are not eligible. Applications will be accepted from July 20 through September 17.