By Scout Nelson
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated parts of Wyoming and nearby counties as a natural disaster area due to severe drought conditions. This designation allows the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to offer emergency loans to agricultural producers affected by the drought.
These emergency loans are designed to help farmers recover from losses and restore their operations. The funds can be used for several important purposes, including replacing damaged or lost equipment and livestock, reorganizing the farming business, or refinancing existing debts. The FSA reviews each loan application carefully, considering the extent of the losses, the security offered for the loan, and the farmer’s ability to repay.
The drought severity in this region was identified by the U.S. Drought Monitor, focusing on areas that experienced either severe drought (D2) for at least eight weeks or extreme (D3) to exceptional drought (D4) during the growing season.
This disaster declaration covers several counties in Wyoming including Converse, Goshen, Laramie, Niobrara, and Platte. Additionally, contiguous counties in Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming itself are also eligible for the emergency loan program. Eligible counties in these states include Larimer and Weld in Colorado; Banner, Kimball, Scotts Bluff, and Sioux in Nebraska; Custer and Fall River in South Dakota; and Albany, Campbell, Carbon, Johnson, Natrona, and Weston in Wyoming.
Farmers and ranchers in these areas can apply for emergency assistance to help them recover from drought damage. The deadline for submitting loan applications is January 5, 2026. This support aims to stabilize agricultural operations and help producers continue their vital role in the food supply chain.
This program is an important resource for farmers facing the financial challenges caused by natural disasters such as drought, providing critical aid to keep farms running and communities strong.
If you are a producer in these eligible counties, consider applying for USDA emergency loans to help recover and rebuild your farming operation.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Nebraska, Business