Nebraska Producers Gain Access to USDA Disaster Relief

By Scout Nelson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated several Nebraska counties as natural disaster areas following losses caused by wildfires and high winds. The designation enables eligible farmers and ranchers to seek assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).  

The disaster declaration makes emergency loan funding available to agricultural producers affected by the severe weather events. These loans can help cover recovery costs, including replacing damaged equipment, purchasing livestock, restoring operations, and refinancing qualifying debts.

FSA will review applications based on the extent of damage suffered, available collateral, and the producer’s ability to repay the loan. The program is designed to support producers as they recover and return to normal operations after disaster-related losses.

The primary counties covered under the disaster designation are Garden, Grant, Lincoln, and Morrill. Agricultural producers in these counties are eligible to apply for emergency loan assistance through the FSA.

Farmers and ranchers in neighboring counties may also qualify for aid. Eligible contiguous counties include Arthur, Banner, Box Butte, Cherry, Cheyenne, Custer, Dawson, Deuel, Frontier, Hayes, Hooker, Keith, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Scotts Bluff, and Sheridan.

Emergency loans can be used to address a variety of recovery needs, including repairing or replacing essential farm assets, reorganizing farming operations, and restoring production capacity following wildfire and wind damage.

The deadline to apply for emergency loan assistance is March 6, 2027. Producers are encouraged to begin the application process as early as possible to ensure timely review and access to available resources.

USDA also encourages producers to take advantage of resources available through Farmers.gov, including the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance Fact Sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool. Farmers needing help, wishing to file a Notice of Loss, or seeking information about available disaster programs should contact their local USDA Service Center for assistance.

Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency