By Scout Nelson
More Nebraska farmers will now have access to emergency financial assistance after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved additional drought disaster designations across the state.
The new designation allows eligible producers in more counties to apply for emergency loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Governor Jim Pillen announced that two primary counties and 11 contiguous counties have been approved under the latest USDA secretarial disaster designation.
The action expands financial support for producers facing difficult growing conditions caused by ongoing drought.
“This most recent secretarial disaster designation from Sec. Brooke Rollins will now increase the number of counties that can access to emergency loans. I appreciate Sec. Rollins, her constant attention to the needs of or farmers and ag producers who might require this assistance as a result of the drought impact during this growing season,” said Gov. Pillen.
The newly designated primary counties are Lancaster and Saline.
The approved contiguous counties include Butler, Cass, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Otoe, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, and York.
These counties become eligible for USDA emergency loan assistance because they are directly affected by drought or are located next to counties experiencing severe drought conditions. The loans are designed to help producers recover from crop losses, reduced production, and other financial challenges caused by unfavorable weather.
Earlier this year, in May, USDA approved similar disaster assistance for 13 Nebraska counties, expanding access to financial support for producers dealing with drought-related losses.
The latest designation continues USDA's efforts to provide timely assistance as dry conditions affect more areas across the state.
Farmers in the newly approved counties have eight months from the disaster declaration date to submit applications for emergency loans.
These loans may help cover production losses, operating expenses, and other eligible farm-related costs resulting from drought conditions.
Local USDA Farm Service Agency offices are available to help producers understand eligibility requirements, complete applications, and explain available assistance programs.
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Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy, Weather