COLUMBUS — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has declared primary natural disaster area due to the recent drought.

Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability. The deadline for producers in designated primary and contiguous counties to apply for loans is May 23, 2025.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the following primary and contiguous counties suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season.

Primary Counties: Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Delaware, Greene, Logan, Miami, Montgomery, Union, and Warren.

Contiguous Counties: Auglaize, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Darke, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Highland, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Preble, and Shelby.

More information on FSA emergency loan assistance can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/emergency-farm-loans/index.