USDA designates two Wyoming counties as primary natural disaster areas

THERMOPOLIS (WNE) — The United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency has extended emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. 

The FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Natrona, Washakie, Hot Springs, Big Horn, Carbon, Converse, Fremont, Johnson and Park counties are eligible 

These counties suffered from drought rated severe, extreme or exceptional for eight or more consecutive weeks during the 2025 growing season.

The application deadline is December 10, 2026. 

The Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool available on farmers.gov. can help applicants determine program or loan options.

To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, farmers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center. 

This story was published on April 30, 2026.