USDA Declares Disaster in Eight Indiana Counties After Heavy Rain

By Andi Anderson

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially designated eight Indiana counties as a natural disaster area following excessive rainfall that began on March 30, 2025, and continues to impact farms. The designation unlocks critical support for producers struggling with recovery efforts in one of Indiana’s key farming regions.

Through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), farmers in the affected counties will be eligible for emergency loans. These loans are designed to cover a range of recovery needs, including replacing essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganizing farm operations, and refinancing specific debts.

Each loan application will be carefully reviewed by the FSA, with consideration given to the extent of losses, available security, and repayment ability.

Ripley County has been identified as the primary disaster area. Neighboring counties also eligible for assistance include Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, and Switzerland. Farmers in these areas are encouraged to apply for assistance promptly, as the application deadline is April 4, 2026.

The designation underscores the USDA’s role in supporting farmers during difficult weather conditions that disrupt normal operations. Excessive rainfall can cause significant damage to crops, delay planting, and weaken soil conditions, leading to both short-term and long-term challenges for producers.

Farmers seeking guidance on available programs can access tools and resources at farmers.gov, including the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, the Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and the Loan Assistance Tool.

Producers may also contact their local USDA Service Center to file a Notice of Loss or ask questions directly about available support.

By extending this designation, the USDA reaffirms its commitment to providing timely resources for farmers in need, helping them stabilize their operations and continue contributing to Indiana’s agricultural economy.

Photo Credit:usda