By Blake Jackson
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has issued a Secretarial natural disaster designation, allowing the agency to offer critical emergency credit to producers affected by recent natural disasters.
Through FSA emergency loans, eligible farmers can address a range of recovery needs, including replacing essential equipment or livestock, reorganizing their farming operations, or refinancing qualifying debts. Loan applications will be evaluated based on the producer’s documented losses, available collateral, and ability to repay.
The designation is based on conditions reported by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Counties qualify if they experienced either severe drought (D2) for at least eight consecutive weeks during the growing season, or extreme exceptional drought (D3 or D4) at any point.
Affected Area: Missouri
Disaster Type: Fast-Track Drought
Application Deadline: May 22, 2026
Primary Eligible Counties:
Butler, Dunklin, New Madrid, and Pemiscot.
Contiguous Eligible Counties:
Missouri: Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Ripley, Scott, and Wayne.
Producers who need to report a loss or obtain details about available assistance programs are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.
Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy