An emergency designation from the United States Department of Agriculture means emergency support is available for farmers impacted by severe drought.
The USDA issued the natural disaster designation for counties that suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season of D2 (Severe) for eight or more consecutive weeks or D3 (Extreme) or D4 (Exceptional). Primary counties eligible include Breckinridge, Hardin, Hart, LaRue, and Nelson. Contiguous counties that are also eligible include Bullitt, Grayson, and Meade.
The natural disaster designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to extend emergency credit to producers through emergency loans. The USDA says the loans can be used to meet recovery needs “including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts.”
The FSA will review loans based on “the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability”. Contact your local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov to access resources to determine program or loan options.
