JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Farmers in portions of central and south-central Missouri may qualify for emergency financing following a federal drought disaster designation.
The USDA Farm Service Agency announced Nov. 1 that Camden, Laclede, Phelps and Pulaski counties are primary natural disaster areas because of qualifying drought conditions during the growing season.
Producers in 12 adjoining Missouri counties may also be eligible: Benton, Crawford, Dallas, Dent, Gasconade, Hickory, Maries, Miller, Morgan, Texas, Webster and Wright.
The designation makes certain producers eligible to apply for FSA emergency loans. The loans may help replace essential equipment or livestock, reorganize farm operations or refinance some debts connected to disaster losses. Approval is not automatic; FSA considers the losses, available security and the applicant’s ability to repay.
According to USDA, the qualifying drought conditions involved severe drought lasting at least eight consecutive weeks or more intense drought classifications during the growing season.
The application deadline is June 21, 2027. Producers should contact their USDA Service Center for eligibility details and application assistance.
The designation does not include Shelby County. Farmers outside the listed counties should not assume they qualify under this particular disaster declaration.
File photo: Cattle on pasture, USDA photo by Ryan Thompson, public domain. Image is illustrative.
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