By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering low-interest Physical Loss Loans to help farmers in eligible Minnesota counties recover from weather-related damage. The program provides financial assistance for repairing or replacing essential farm property affected by natural disasters.
Minnesota producers in Winona County and Wabasha County may qualify for assistance under federal disaster designations linked to a 2026 blizzard and severe spring storms. These loans can help producers restore damaged assets and maintain farm operations.
Winona County is eligible under a disaster declaration associated with the March 14-16, 2026, blizzard. Wabasha and Winona counties are also eligible under a separate designation covering spring storms that occurred from April 9 through May 17, 2026.
Physical Loss Loans can be used to repair or replace damaged farm buildings, equipment, livestock, harvested crops, stored hay, perennial crops, and fruit or nut-bearing trees. The assistance is intended to help producers recover from significant losses and strengthen farm resiliency.
Administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency, the program supports agricultural recovery by helping farmers rebuild infrastructure and replace essential assets needed for ongoing production.
More Information
- Eligible counties: Winona County and Wabasha County
- Application deadline: May 3, 2027
- Contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office for assistance.
- Review eligibility requirements and prepare documentation of losses before applying.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Government & Policy, Livestock, Rural Lifestyle