By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated nine Minnesota counties as natural disaster areas due to severe drought conditions during the 2026 growing season. The designation allows eligible farmers and ranchers to access emergency assistance through USDA Farm Service Agency programs.
Producers who experienced drought-related losses may qualify for emergency loans to help recover and continue operations. These funds can be used to replace equipment or livestock, reorganize farming operations, or refinance certain debts.
The designation was triggered by drought conditions that met federal disaster criteria. Affected areas experienced either severe drought for an extended period or reached extreme drought levels, according to U.S. Drought Monitor data.
The primary Minnesota counties eligible for assistance are Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Otter Tail, and Wadena. Farmers and ranchers in these counties can apply for disaster assistance through May 31, 2027.
An additional 19 contiguous counties are also eligible for assistance because of their proximity to the designated disaster areas. This expands access to recovery resources for producers affected by the drought.
USDA will evaluate emergency loan applications based on factors such as production losses, available security, and repayment ability. Producers are encouraged to review available assistance programs and determine which options best fit their needs.
Farmers affected by drought can access USDA tools and local Service Centers for guidance. These resources can help producers explore disaster assistance programs, submit required documentation, and learn more about available recovery support.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy