By Scout Nelson
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has designated several Nebraska counties as primary natural disaster areas following severe storms that occurred in August 2025. This designation allows eligible producers in affected counties and nearby regions to apply for emergency loans to support recovery from losses.
According to USDA, these areas experienced severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding Aug. 8–10, 2025. The weather events caused production losses and physical damage, leading to the disaster designation. The emergency loan program is designed to help operations recover and continue normal activities after major natural disasters.
Emergency loans can help producers replace essential equipment or livestock, reorganize operations, or refinance certain debts. Loan approval depends on the extent of losses, available security, and repayment ability. These loans provide financial assistance to help restore stability after weather-related damage.
The application deadline for the designated counties is June 22, 2026. Primary counties included in the designation are Burt, Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Washington, and Webster.
In addition to the primary counties, several contiguous counties are also eligible for assistance. These include Adams, Butler, Cass, Clay, Cuming, Dodge, Franklin, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Kearney, Otoe, Pawnee, Polk, Richardson, Sarpy, Thurston, and York. Neighboring counties in other states also qualify, including Harrison, Monona, and Pottawattamie in Iowa; Jewell, Republic, Smith, and Washington in Kansas; and Atchison and Holt in Missouri.
This disaster declaration highlights the importance of recovery programs that help agricultural communities manage the impact of extreme weather. Emergency loans offer a path for rebuilding operations and restoring productivity after significant losses.
For more information and application details, visit the USDA Farm Service Agency website
Programs like these help support rural communities by providing financial tools that encourage recovery and long-term stability after natural disasters. Eligible producers are encouraged to review requirements and apply before the deadline to access available assistance.
Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency
Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy, Weather