By Scout Nelson
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) designates several Nebraska counties as natural disaster areas because of drought conditions during the growing season. The designation provides important financial assistance to farmers and ranchers affected by extended dry weather.
Through this action, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes emergency loans available to eligible agricultural producers. These loans help farmers recover from drought-related losses and continue operating their farms.
According to the USDA, counties become eligible when drought conditions reach severe levels for an extended period or when extreme to exceptional drought develops during the growing season.
Under different drought disaster designations, multiple Nebraska counties receive primary disaster status. These counties include Blaine, Brown, Harlan, Thomas, Fillmore, Franklin, Lancaster, Saline, Dakota, and Thurston. Several neighboring Nebraska counties also qualify for assistance because they border the primary disaster areas.
The USDA announces different application deadlines for each drought designation. Farmers in counties covered under Disaster S6222 have until February 1, 2027, to apply for assistance. Producers affected under Disaster S6281 may apply until March 1, 2027. Those eligible under Disaster S6304 have a deadline of March 29, 2027. Producers covered by Disaster S6389 and Disaster S6397 have until May 3, 2027, to submit loan applications.
Emergency loans may be used for several recovery needs. Eligible producers can replace essential equipment, purchase livestock, reorganize farm operations, or refinance certain debts. Loan requests are reviewed based on the extent of losses, available security, and repayment ability.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy, Weather