By Scout Nelson
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced emergency financial support for farmers and producers in South Dakota and nearby states impacted by severe drought conditions. This assistance comes under a Secretarial natural disaster designation, offering emergency loans through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
These emergency loans help farmers recover from natural disasters like droughts by covering various needs. Farmers can use the loans to replace essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganize their farm operations, or refinance certain debts. The FSA carefully reviews each loan application based on the extent of damage, available security, and the farmer's ability to repay the loan.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the affected counties experienced either severe drought (D2) lasting eight or more consecutive weeks, or extreme to exceptional drought levels (D3 or D4) during the growing season.
The primary counties eligible in Montana are Beaverhead, Carter, Cascade, Custer, Dawson, Deer Lodge, Fallon, Lake, Prairie, Ravalli, Richland, Silver Bow, and Wibaux.
In addition to these, nearby counties in other states are also eligible for assistance. These include:
- Idaho: Clark, Fremont, Idaho, and Lemhi
- Montana: Chouteau, Flathead, Garfield, Granite, Jefferson, Judith Basin, Lewis and Clark, McCone, Madison, Meagher, Missoula, Powder River, Powell, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sanders, and Teton
- North Dakota: Bowman, Golden Valley, McKenzie, Slope, and Williams
- South Dakota: Butte and Harding
- Wyoming: Crook
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Government & Policy, Livestock, Weather