WASHINGTON D.C. (NMB) – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 14 Montana counties as primary natural disaster areas due to a recent drought.
Counties in our area that received that designation include Garfield, Phillips and Valley.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, these counties suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season categorized as either severe, extreme, or exceptional.
Counties that have been named contiguous natural disaster areas due to the drought include Blaine and Fergus.
A Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in these counties eligible for assistance provided through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), including emergency loans. Producers in affected areas are encouraged to work with their local FSA office to receive more information and apply.
