The Drought Was So Bad These Minnesota Counties Were Declared Disaster Areas

If you thought this was a dry summer, you're not wrong. It's been one of the most severe droughts we've seen in over a decade, and farmers have suffered from a dismal growing season.

Some farmers report losing 75% of their hay and pasture grazing this summer.

USDA Declares Several Minnesota Counties As Disaster Areas

The United States Department of Agriculture has declared several counties across Minnesota as disaster areas due to the weather this past year. St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties in Northern Minnesota are included in the disaster declaration.

The counties are declared disaster areas due to the recent severe drought the region has suffered from. Now, farmers in these counties are eligible for FSA disaster loans and disaster recovery loans.

Other counties included in the disaster declaration are near the Twin Cities metro, like Sherburne, Anoka, Wright, Carver, Scott, Dakota, Washington, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties.

Severe To Exceptional Drought This Summer

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, these counties had a drought intensity value of D2 (Drought-Severe), D3 (Drought-Extreme), or D4 (Drought-Exceptional) for 8 or more consecutive weeks during the growing season.

The deadline for the disaster loan applications is May 3, 2027. The emergency loans can be used to help farmers recover from a difficult season. Money can be used to replace equipment, livestock, or refinance debt. The Farm Service Agency reviews the loans based on the needs of the farmer and their ability to repay.

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Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, and Koochiching counties in Minnesota may also be eligible. Douglas County in Wisconsin has also been included in the disaster area.

Who Is Eligible For Recovery Loans?

To be eligible for the loans, applicants must have received at least 25% of their annual gross income from farming in the past year. You must demonstrate an ability to repay the loan, and the damage must be certified within a county that was declared a disaster.