By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced the availability of low-interest physical loss loans for producers affected by natural disasters during 2026. The program is designed to help farmers repair or replace essential agricultural property damaged by severe weather events.
For Minnesota producers, assistance is available under disaster designations related to a March blizzard and spring storms that impacted parts of the Upper Midwest. Eligible farmers can use the loans to restore damaged facilities, equipment, livestock assets, and other critical resources needed for agricultural operations.
Under the disaster declaration for the March 14-16, 2026 blizzard, Winona County is eligible for assistance as a contiguous county. Producers affected by this event have until May 3, 2027, to apply for physical loss loans.
Additional assistance is available through a second disaster declaration tied to spring storms that occurred from April 9 through May 17, 2026. Under that designation, Wabasha and Winona counties qualify for loan eligibility.
The program can help cover losses involving farm buildings, equipment, machinery, livestock facilities, fencing, perennial crops, fruit and nut trees, and stored agricultural products. The financial assistance is intended to help producers recover and continue operating after weather-related damage.
USDA officials encourage eligible producers to review available disaster assistance options and contact their local USDA Service Center for support. Additional resources are available through Farmers.gov, including tools that help producers identify disaster assistance and loan programs.
With applications accepted through May 3, 2027, the loans are expected to support Minnesota producers as they recover from the impacts of severe weather and strengthen the resilience of their farming operations.
Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy