By Scout Nelson
Agricultural producers in Minnesota affected by severe weather in 2025 may be eligible for financial assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). The assistance includes emergency loans to help farmers recover from losses caused by flooding, excessive rain, hail, and high winds.
The USDA's Secretarial disaster designation program provides emergency credit to support farm recovery efforts. These loans can be used to replace equipment or livestock, reorganize operations, and refinance certain debts.
One disaster declaration, identified as S6261, was issued following excessive rain and flooding in Minnesota. Faribault County was named the primary disaster area, making nearby counties eligible for disaster assistance.
Eligible Minnesota counties under this designation include Blue Earth, Freeborn, Martin, and Waseca. Iowa counties Kossuth and Winnebago also qualify due to their proximity to the affected area, and applications are due by April 26, 2027.
A second designation, S6262, was issued after excessive rain, flash flooding, hail, and high winds impacted Stevens County, Minnesota. The declaration extends emergency loan eligibility to neighboring counties affected by the same weather conditions.
Counties eligible under the contiguous county provision include Big Stone, Douglas, Grant, Pope, Swift, and Traverse. Producers seeking assistance under this designation also have until April 26, 2027, to apply.
Farmers and ranchers can explore available programs through resources on Farmers.gov, including the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool Additional support and application guidance are available through local USDA Service Centers.
These disaster designations are intended to help Minnesota producers recover from weather-related losses, restore farm operations, and strengthen the long-term resilience of their agricultural businesses.
Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy, Weather