§ 1439.405 - Proof of loss.

(a) Livestock producers must, in accordance with instructions issued by the Deputy Administrator, provide adequate proof that the loss of eligible livestock or livestock products, and the corresponding reduction of income, occurred in the area of a Presidential designation or Secretarial declaration referred to in § 1439.401 and that the death of the eligible livestock was reasonably related to the recognized natural disaster. The documentary evidence of loss, quantity of the loss, and type of eligible livestock claimed for payment, shall be reported to CCC together with any supporting documentation under paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) The livestock producer shall provide any available supporting documents that will assist the county committee in verifying the loss and the quantity of eligible livestock that perished in the natural disaster. Examples of supporting documentation include, but are not limited to: written contracts, production records, veterinarian receipts, bank loan papers, rendering truck receipts, Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Guard records, and any other documents available to confirm the presence of the livestock and the subsequent losses. Certification of third parties or the producer and other such documentation as the county committee determines to be necessary for the verification of the information provided by the applicant may be submitted, subject to review and approval of the county committee. Failure to provide documentation that is satisfactory to the county committee can result in disapproval of the application by the county committee.

(c) In all circumstances, livestock producers shall certify to the accuracy of the information provided. As provided by various statutes, providing a false certification to the government is punishable by imprisonment, fines and other penalties. All such remedies, as well as all civil remedies, may be applied. All information provided is subject to verification and spot check by the CCC.