By Scout Nelson
The United States Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of low-interest physical loss loans for producers across Minnesota who were affected by several severe weather events in 2025.
These loans, offered through the Farm Service Agency, are designed to help producers repair or replace essential property damaged or destroyed due to storms, high winds, excessive rainfall, hail, tornadoes, or flash flooding.
Physical loss of loans can support a range of needs that are critical to agricultural operations. Eligible items include essential farm buildings, equipment, fixtures attached to real estate, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees, harvested or stored crops and hay. These resources are important for maintaining production and stability, especially after major weather disruptions.
Minnesota experienced a series of destructive storms throughout June and July 2025. Each event triggered separate disaster designations, making multiple counties eligible for support. Primary and contiguous counties qualify for assistance depending on the specific disaster event.
Several disasters occurred in July, including high winds, excessive rain, hail, flash flooding, and tornadoes. Counties such as Sibley, Chippewa, Pope, Scott, Stevens, Le Sueur, Swift, Fillmore, Stearns, and others were affected.
Each disaster event carries an application deadline of May 29, 2026. Producers in these areas could apply if they experienced physical property losses directly connected to the designated storm event.
Earlier weather events in June also resulted in federal disaster designations. Tornadoes, excessive rain, lightning, and hail affected counties including Freeborn, Houston, Wabasha, Fillmore, Pope, Carver, and others. These events have an application deadline of July 24, 2026. Eligible adjoining counties in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin may also apply if impacted.
The disaster designations ensure that producers have access to critical financial support to rebuild and continue operations. The loan program helps restore stability and protect agricultural productivity after damaging weather conditions.
Producers seeking assistance should contact their local Farm Service Agency office for guidance on eligibility, documentation, and the application process. These loans play an important role in helping Minnesota’s agricultural community recover and prepare for future seasons.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Hay & Forage, Government & Policy, Livestock, Weather