Natural disaster areas declared for Ohio counties

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Counties across the state of Ohio have been designated as natural disaster areas.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency has labeled 22 counties as being subject to living in primary natural disaster areas, due to drought conditions.

Sixteen additional Ohio counties have been labeled as contiguous for drought conditions, including Champaign, Clark, Clinton, and Greene counties.

It is reported by the USDA that the disaster declaration comes after counties have reached either extreme or exceptional drought conditions for at least eight consecutive weeks.

Farm operators have the ability to now apply for emergency assistance through an FSA emergency loan. According to the FSA, the loans are used to replenish lost “essential items.”

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

Prospective applicants in counties labeled as primary or contiguous have until April 25, 2025, to apply for a loan. To apply now, click here .

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