USDA declares agricultural disasters in parts of Minnesota due to drought conditions
![FILE - In this April 20, 2020, file photo, a farmer is silhouetted by the setting sun as a field is planted near Walford, Iowa.](https://kstp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/kstp_farmerplantingloans.jpg)
FILE - In this April 20, 2020, file photo, a farmer is silhouetted by the setting sun as a field is planted near Walford, Iowa.[Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette via AP, File]
Wednesday, Gov. Tim Walz announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated primary agricultural disasters for parts of Minnesota due to extreme drought conditions earlier this year.
The declaration means farmers in Jackson, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone and Rock counties are now eligible to apply for emergency loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency.
"Extreme drought this growing season added stress and financial hardship during an already difficult time for the agricultural industry," Walz said in a statement. "Harsh weather conditions directly impact our farmers’ bottom line. These disaster declarations will provide some assistance to help them recover."
You can find more information on the USDA’s website.