By Scout Nelson
The United States Department of Agriculture has designated several South Dakota counties as natural disaster areas because of severe drought conditions. The declaration allows eligible farmers and ranchers to apply for emergency loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency.
The emergency loan program is designed to help producers recover from weather-related losses and continue operating during difficult conditions. Financial assistance may help replace livestock, repair or replace equipment, reorganize farming operations, and refinance certain debts connected to agricultural production.
The drought designation follows reports from the U.S. Drought Monitor showing severe to exceptional drought conditions. Counties qualified after experiencing either severe drought for at least 8 consecutive weeks or extreme to exceptional drought levels during the growing season.
In South Dakota, the primary counties eligible under the first disaster designation are Brule, Gregory, Lyman, and Tripp counties.
Farm Service Agency officials will review emergency loan applications based on the level of production losses, available security, and the applicant’s repayment ability. The loans are intended to support producers as they recover from drought impacts and prepare for future growing seasons.
The application deadline for both disaster designations is January 6, 2027. Producers in eligible counties are encouraged to contact local USDA Farm Service Agency offices for information about loan eligibility, application procedures, and available recovery support programs.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy, Weather