By Scout Nelson
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 11 South Dakota counties as natural disaster areas because of severe drought conditions. The designation allows eligible farmers and ranchers to apply for emergency financial assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).
The disaster declaration is intended to help agricultural producers recover from drought-related losses that affect farming and ranching operations. Emergency loans made available through the FSA can help producers replace essential equipment, purchase livestock, reorganize farm operations, or refinance certain existing debts.
The designation follows drought conditions identified by the U.S. Drought Monitor. The affected counties experienced severe drought for at least 8 consecutive weeks or reached extreme to exceptional drought levels during the growing season. These conditions created significant challenges for agricultural production across the region.
The primary South Dakota counties eligible for assistance include Bennett, Bon Homme, Charles Mix, Clay, Custer, Fall River, Jackson, Oglala Lakota, Pennington, Turner, and Yankton counties.
In addition to these counties, several neighboring counties in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming are also eligible for assistance because they are located next to the designated disaster areas. This expanded eligibility helps ensure that producers affected by similar drought conditions can also access support.
When reviewing loan applications, the Farm Service Agency considers the extent of production losses, available collateral, and the applicant’s ability to repay the loan. The emergency credit program is designed to provide financial relief while helping producers continue operating during difficult conditions.
Agriculture remains an important part of the regional economy, and drought can significantly affect crop production, livestock operations, and farm income. Access to emergency loans can provide valuable support as producers work to recover from weather-related challenges.
Eligible producers interested in receiving assistance should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office for information about application requirements and available programs. The application deadline for emergency loan assistance related to this drought designation is February 1, 2027.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy, Weather