USDA Offers Emergency Loans for Storm Damage

By Andi Anderson

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made low-interest emergency physical loss loans available to help farmers recover from damage caused by severe weather events. These loans are designed to support agricultural producers in six Illinois counties who experienced property losses from storms that struck on February 14, 2025.

The affected counties include Alexander, Gallatin, Hardin, Massac, Pope, and Pulaski. These areas faced a combination of severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides, which resulted in significant damage to farm operations.

To support recovery, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is offering financial assistance through physical loss loans. These loans help farmers repair or replace essential property that was damaged or destroyed. This includes farm buildings, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut-bearing trees, and harvested crops such as hay.

“Extreme weather can cause extensive, expensive damage to Illinois farms,” said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director. “Producers with storm damage in these six counties should contact their local USDA Service Center to confirm eligibility.”

These loans provide a financial safety net for producers as they recover and rebuild. The goal is to help farms get back to regular operation without taking on a heavy financial burden.

To determine which programs or loans may be right for them, farmers can use online tools available at farmers.gov. Resources such as the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool can guide applicants through the process.

Farmers who need to report a loss or learn more about their options should contact their local USDA Service Center for assistance. Timely action is important, so eligible producers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

This emergency aid is part of ongoing efforts to support the agricultural community during difficult times caused by unpredictable weather and natural disasters.

Photo Credit: usda