USDA has designated seven Minnesota counties as primary natural disaster areas because of drought.
The secretarial designation for Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Le Sueur, Ramsey, Scott, and Sibley means producers in those counties can use emergency credit to replace equipment, livestock, or refinance certain debts.
Local Farm Service Agencies will review applications based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.
Contiguous counties that are also eligible include Blue Earth, Goodhue, Nicollet, Renville, Sherburne, Waseca, and Wright.
