By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated several Nebraska counties as primary natural disaster areas following significant drought conditions. This designation allows eligible producers in both primary and surrounding counties to apply for emergency loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).
These emergency loans are intended to help producers recover from production and physical losses. They can be used to replace livestock, repair or replace equipment, refinance certain debts, or reorganize farming operations. Approval is based on the extent of damage, repayment ability, and available security.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, affected counties experienced either eight or more consecutive weeks of D2 (Severe Drought) or conditions classified as D3 (Extreme Drought) or D4 (Exceptional Drought) during the 2024 growing season.
Producers in the following counties have until January 27, 2026, to apply:
Primary counties: Antelope, Boone, Holt, Knox, Madison, Pierce, Wheeler
Contiguous counties also eligible: Boyd, Cedar, Garfield, Greeley, Keya Paha, Loup, Nance, Platte, Rock, Stanton, Valley, Wayne
South Dakota counties included: Bon Homme, Charles Mix, Yankton
An additional designation sets a deadline of February 2, 2026, for these areas:
Primary counties: Blaine, Brown, Cheyenne, Custer, Dawson, Deuel, Garden, Garfield, Greeley, Hooker, Kimball, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Platte, Rock, Sherman, Thomas, Valley
Contiguous counties also eligible include several Nebraska counties, along with Colorado counties: Logan, Sedgwick, Weld and Wyoming counties: Laramie.
This declaration offers critical support to producers dealing with the financial impact of extended drought.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-zhuda
Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy, Weather