USDA Designates Blackford County a Drought Disaster Area

Federal announcement, February 5, 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated Blackford County as one of 13 primary Indiana counties eligible for emergency farm loans due to drought.

The designation, Secretarial Designation S6098, opens the door for Blackford County farmers to apply for emergency loans through August 31, 2026. The loans can be used for equipment replacement, livestock expenses, farm reorganization, or debt refinancing. Neighboring counties including Grant, Henry, and Huntington are also eligible as contiguous counties.

Blackford County farmers affected by the drought should contact the USDA Farm Service Agency before the August 31 deadline to apply.

Source: USDA Farm Service Agency news release, February 5, 2026 (fsa.usda.gov)