USDA Expands Drought Support Across Minnesota

By Scout Nelson

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) designates numerous Minnesota counties as natural disaster areas due to ongoing drought conditions across several regions of the state. This action allows eligible agricultural producers to apply for emergency loans through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to support recovery efforts.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the affected areas experience severe drought conditions, including D2 Drought-Severe for eight or more consecutive weeks and, in some locations, D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional conditions. These dry conditions place pressure on crops, livestock, pastureland, and overall farm productivity.

The USDA issues several drought-related disaster designations began on July 28, 2026, August 11, 2026, August 18, 2026, and August 25, 2026. The designations cover primary and contiguous counties in Minnesota, with some neighboring counties in Wisconsin and North Dakota also included because of their connection to affected farming regions.

Through the emergency loan program, producers can receive financial assistance to recover from drought-related losses. These loans may be used to replace essential items such as equipment and livestock, restore farm resources, reorganize farming operations, and refinance certain existing debts when eligible.

The Farm Service Agency reviews each application based on the extent of losses, available security, and the applicant’s ability to repay the loan.

The designated Minnesota counties span multiple areas of the state, including central, eastern, western, southeastern, and northern regions. This broad coverage reflects the widespread impact of drought on agricultural communities during the growing season.

Eligible producers should note the application deadlines associated with these disaster designations. Assistance requests for affected areas must generally be submitted by June 15, 2027, or June 21, 2027, depending on the specific disaster designation.

Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency