The USDA has designated seven Nebraska counties as primary natural disaster areas due to ongoing drought conditions, making emergency loans available through the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Farmers in Banner, Box Butte, Cherry, Dawes, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties are eligible for assistance, along with producers in neighboring counties across Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
This designation follows drought intensity levels meeting USDA criteria, including eight or more consecutive weeks of severe (D2) drought or periods of extreme (D3) or exceptional (D4) drought. Emergency loans can be used to replace equipment or livestock, reorganize operations, or refinance certain debts.
Application Deadline: December 9, 2025
For more information or to file a Notice of Loss, visit your local USDA Service Center or use the Disaster Assistance Tool at farmers.gov.