USDA Drought Disaster Deadline Approaching for Blackford County Farmers

From the USDA Farm Service Agency disaster designation on February 5, 2026

Blackford County farmers and agricultural producers have until August 31, 2026 — roughly 10 weeks away — to apply for federal disaster assistance related to the 2025 drought.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated 28 Indiana counties as natural disaster areas on February 5, 2026. Blackford County is listed as a primary eligible county, meaning local farmers can apply directly for emergency loans and other USDA disaster assistance without needing to demonstrate contiguous-county eligibility.

The Small Business Administration has also offered low-interest disaster loans to Indiana small businesses and nonprofits affected by the drought, announced in January 2026.

Eligible residents can contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to begin the application process before the August 31 deadline.

Source: USDA Farm Service Agency