# USDA Designates North Dakota Counties as Disaster Areas

The United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) has officially designated seven counties in North Dakota and four contiguous counties in Montana as natural disaster areas due to severe drought conditions starting May 12, 2026. This designation enables affected agricultural producers in these regions to apply for emergency loans to support recovery efforts. Applications for these loans are being accepted through April 13, 2027, providing a significant window for eligible producers to secure financial assistance.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals and contractors involved in agricultural services, disaster recovery, and emergency loan processing should be aware of increased demand for related services in the designated counties.
- Agencies and vendors supporting USDA disaster relief programs may see expanded opportunities to assist producers with loan applications, technical assistance, and recovery projects.
- This designation signals potential procurement needs for drought mitigation, agricultural support services, and related infrastructure improvements in North Dakota and Montana.
- Organizations should consider aligning resources and capabilities to support USDA FSA’s disaster response efforts within the affected regions during the loan application period.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** August 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA)

### Sources
- [USDA Designates 7 North Dakota Counties as Natural Disaster Areas | Farm Service Agency](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/news/08-25-2026/usda-designates-7-north-dakota-counties-natural-disaster-areas) - FSA