Farmers in nine Virginia counties are eligible for emergency loans after their drought-stricken areas have been designated natural disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to extend much-needed emergency loans to farmers affected by drought. The loans can be used for replacing equipment or livestock, reorganizing a farming operation, or refinancing certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.
Counties eligible for the loan program include: Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Henry, Nelson, Pittsylvania and Sussex.
Additionally, the following contiguous areas are eligible: Albemarle, Augusta, Bedford, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Fluvanna, Franklin, Greensville, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Patrick, Prince Edward, Prince George, Rockbridge, Southampton and Surry counties, and the cities of Danville, Lynchburg and Martinsville.
The deadline to apply for a loan is Jan. 31, 2027. Farmers can determine program and loan options by visiting farmers.gov and using its Loan Assistance Tool.
To file a Notice of Loss or for other questions, contact your local USDA Service Center.
