By Blake Jackson
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has designated a Secretarial natural disaster area in Kentucky, allowing farmers affected by recent flooding, flash floods, and excessive rainfall to access emergency loans.
These loans provide critical financial support to help producers recover from losses and restore operations following natural disasters.
Emergency loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including replacing essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganizing a farming operation, or refinancing certain existing debts.
FSA evaluates each loan application based on the extent of losses, available security, and the applicant’s repayment ability, ensuring that assistance is tailored to individual needs.
The primary counties eligible for this disaster designation include Anderson, Campbell, Franklin, Hancock, McLean, Owen, and Woodford.
Contiguous counties also eligible for assistance include Breckinridge, Carroll, Daviess, Fayette, Gallatin, Grant, Henderson, Henry, Hopkins, Jessamine, Kenton, Mercer, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Ohio, Pendleton, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Washington, and Webster.
Producers interested in applying must submit a Notice of Loss and complete applications before the deadline of August 24, 2026.
For more information on available programs or to begin the application process, farmers should contact their local USDA Service Center. These emergency loans offer a lifeline to help Kentucky’s agricultural community recover and rebuild.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Government & Policy