By Andi Anderson
Three counties in Indiana—Dearborn, Franklin, and Ripley—have been declared a primary natural disaster area by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) due to severe drought conditions.
This designation allows farm operators in the affected areas and nearby counties to access emergency loan assistance from the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA).
The drought, categorized as D2 (severe) or worse, lasted for eight or more consecutive weeks in the growing season, significantly impacting farming operations in the region.
Farmers in primary and contiguous counties, which include Decatur, Fayette, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Rush, Switzerland, and Union counties, are now eligible to apply for these loans to help recover from their losses.
FSA emergency loans can be used to replace essential items like equipment or livestock, reorganize farming operations, or refinance debts.
Each loan application will be reviewed based on the extent of the losses, the security available, and the applicant’s repayment ability. The deadline to apply for these emergency loans is May 30, 2025.
This emergency assistance provides a critical lifeline for farmers facing financial difficulties due to the drought’s impact on their crops and livestock. These loans help farmers recover and ensure that their operations remain viable during difficult times.
Farmers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office to learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process.
With the assistance provided through this program, impacted farmers can begin rebuilding their operations and recovering from the effects of this challenging growing season.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zhuda
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy