LINCOLN- Recent blistering temperatures caused higher-than-normal losses of cattle in feedlots in eastern Nebraska, prompting a call from Gov. Jim Pillen for federal help. Pillen said he called U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting prompt financial help for livestock producers via the Livestock Indemnity Program. The governor’s call came four days after U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, sent a letter to the USDA seeking similar help.

The federal indemnity program pays livestock producers roughly 75% of their losses, but losses or injuries must be reported within 30 days to a local Farm Services Agency. “The weather situation only lasted a few days, but some Nebraska producers were significantly impacted,” Pillen said. “Connecting affected producers with emergency resources available to them is important.”

The Governor’s Office could not provide figures on how many cattle died during the recent heat spell, which sent temperatures soaring to near 100 and above for three days last week in east-central Nebraska, including Pillen’s hometown of Columbus. High humidity and the lack of wind compounded heat-related stress, the governor said. Cattle prices are high right now, with the typically feeder steer bringing between $2,500 and $3,000 each.

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