USDA supports drought recovery in Montana
In response to severe drought conditions, the USDA has designated Carbon County in Montana as a primary natural disaster area, enabling local farmers to apply for emergency financial assistance. This support aims to mitigate the hardships caused by the drought and sustain the agricultural community.
The USDA's emergency loans are designed to assist with the recovery process, allowing farmers to replace essential items like equipment and livestock, reorganize their farming operations, or refinance certain debts. Eligibility for these loans hinges on experiencing significant drought conditions during the growing season, classified as D2 or higher.
Areas adjacent to Carbon County, including Big Horn, Park, Stillwater, and Yellowstone in Montana, plus Big Horn and Park in Wyoming, are also eligible for this critical support.
The deadline for loan applications is set for August 11, 2025. Farmers seeking guidance on the application process or further assistance can utilize tools and resources available on the farmers.gov website, such as the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool and the Loan Assistance Tool.
To further assist with the application process or address any concerns, the USDA encourages affected farmers to reach out to their local USDA Service Center. This initiative reflects the USDA's ongoing effort to support and revitalize agricultural communities facing natural disasters, ensuring the stability and growth of America’s food supply.