USDA Offers Low Interest Loans After South Dakota Disasters

By Scout Nelson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency is making low-interest physical loss loans available to eligible agricultural producers in Union County, South Dakota. The assistance helps farmers and ranchers recover from physical property damage caused by natural disasters.

The USDA program supports producers whose essential agricultural property is damaged or destroyed by qualifying disasters. Eligible losses can include farm buildings, equipment, livestock, fixtures, perennial crops, fruit and nut trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay.

Union County is listed as an eligible contiguous county for three separate disaster events affecting nearby areas during 2026. These events include a wildfire in March and severe weather events in May and June.

The first disaster, identified as N1958, involves a wildfire that occurred from March 28 through March 29, 2026. Union County is listed as a contiguous eligible county for this disaster. The primary affected county is Woodbury County, Iowa.

The second disaster, identified as N1959, covers severe thunderstorms, high winds, and tornadoes that occurred from May 15 through May 18, 2026. Union County is again included among the eligible contiguous counties. Several counties in Iowa are identified as primary disaster areas, with additional eligible counties in Minnesota and South Dakota.

The third disaster, identified as N1960, involves severe thunderstorms, high winds, and tornadoes that occurred from June 10 through June 11, 2026. Union County is not listed as an eligible county for this event, which primarily affects counties in Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska.

For the first two disasters, the application deadline is April 19, 2027. Producers in eligible areas can use physical loss loans to repair or replace property that is important to their farming or ranching operations.

The program provides an important financial option for South Dakota producers recovering from disaster-related losses. Farmers and ranchers in Union County should review their eligibility and contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office for application information and assistance.

Photo Credit: usda