TIMES-NEWS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday designated eight counties in south-central Idaho as natural disaster areas for drought, opening up eligibility for emergency loans for farmers.

The department issued an emergency designation naming Jerome, Minidoka, Gooding and Blaine counties are the primary counties where farmers are eligible for the emergency loans. Producers in Twin Falls, Cassia, Camas and Lincoln counties are also eligible.

These counties experienced a severe, extreme or exceptional drought, as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Farmers can use the emergency loans to replace livestock and equipment or to refinance debt.

The deadline is May 5, 2026, for farmers to apply for the loan. Find information about eligibility at farmers.gov .

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