Dealing with Livestock Losses

Details for Documentation of Losses from BH Winterstorm

Message from SD Department of Agriculture

 

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) reminds producers who have lost livestock during the recent blizzard to document losses. Proper documentation is critical to ensure processing of potential claims.

 

“This early season, record setting blizzard is devastating to our producers and our thoughts are with them,” said Secretary of Agriculture Lucas Lentsch. “We are working to coordinate with ag industry stakeholders to establish and execute a response plan.”

 

SDDA is working closely with the Office of Emergency Management, Animal Industry Board, Brand Board and Governor’s Office on recovery efforts.

 

Documentation of Livestock Losses

Documentation of livestock losses are critical. Documentation will help emergency authorities understand the scope of the impact of this storm and help you as producers to file claims and receive potential compensation for losses.

  • Producers should document all livestock losses with pictures of carcasses, vaccination and hauling receipts and records, or any other records such as tags, Bangs clips, etc.
  • Third-party verification of losses is recommended and can be a simple piece of paper explaining the facts and signed. This can come from a veterinarian, a local law enforcement official or even an arms-length third party such as a neighbor or pastor. Family members or hired employees are not considered third-party.
  • If you have questions regarding livestock identification, please contact the South Dakota Brand Board at 605.773.3324.

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    Disposal and Identification of Livestock Carcasses

    The South Dakota Animal Industry Board (AIB) will be coordinating disposal of livestock carcasses. Brand Board inspectors will be involved in identifying livestock and livestock carcasses and will document these losses and ownership. Call the Animal Industry Board at 605.773.3321.

     

    For carcass disposal information, contact the AIB at 605.773.3321. Disposal guidelines are available at http://aib.sd.gov/pdf/Carcass%20Disposal%20Guidelines%202011.pdf

     

    A large scale effort to gather carcasses from the roadways will begin on Tuesday morning. Please contact your county emergency management or the Animal Industry Board for details or to report livestock for removal.

     

    Help document the loss of livestock found on your property that don’t belong to you before disposing of those carcasses with photographs or by calling Emergency Management or a brand inspector.

     

    Human Stress and Mental Health

    Don’t forget to take care of yourself and your family members!
    Self worth is not tied to net worth. These tragic losses are not your fault and don’t reflect on your capabilities as a rancher or as a person.

     

    Individuals experiencing disaster-related stress should contact a local community health provider or call Youth and Family Services in Rapid City at 605.342.4195 or 605.342.4870. Information is also available at http://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealthservices/community/outpatientservices.asp

     

    Reporting Loss of Livestock

    Reporting losses will help us manage the situation across the state but also help us to identify livestock ownership of animals that strayed in the storm.

    Affected producers should contact their local county emergency manager listed below.

    Bennett County:
    Jeff Siscoe, 605.685.5994
    Butte County:
    Martha Wierzbicki, 605.569.2766
    Corson County:
    Brad Schell, 605.273.4481
    Custer County:
    Mike Carter, 605.673.8152
    Fall River County:
    Frank Maynard, 605.745.7562
    Haakon County:
    Lola Roseth, 605.567.3515
    Harding County:
    Kathy Glines, 605.375.3313
    Jackson County:
    Jackie Stilwell, 605.488.0334
    Jones County:
    Angie Kinsley, 605.669.7101
    Lawrence County:
    Paul Thomson, 605.578.2122
    Meade County:
    Angella Sutton, 605.347.7623
    Mellette County:
    Karen O’Brien, 605.259.3371
    Pennington County:
    Dustin Willett, 605.394.2185
    Perkins County:
    Kelly Serr, 605.224.5243
    Shannon County:
    Frank Maynard, 605.745.7562
    Todd County:
    Kara Walking, 605.429.3246
    Ziebach County:
    Mike Burgee, 605.365.5129