# USDA Designates Texas Counties Disaster Areas

The United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) has officially designated Bailey, Cochran, and Nolan counties in Texas as natural disaster areas due to severe drought conditions. This designation enables agricultural producers in these counties, as well as additional counties in Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico, to access emergency loan programs to support recovery efforts. Applications for these emergency loans are being accepted through March 29, 2027, providing a critical financial lifeline for affected producers.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals and contractors involved in agricultural support services, emergency loan processing, and disaster recovery should note the expanded eligibility and extended application window.
- Agencies and vendors can anticipate increased demand for services related to drought recovery, including financial assistance administration, agricultural inputs, and technical support.
- Organizations serving agricultural communities in the designated Texas counties should prepare to engage with USDA FSA programs and align offerings to meet urgent recovery needs.
- The designation signals ongoing federal support mechanisms for natural disaster response, highlighting opportunities for contractors specializing in emergency agricultural services and loan facilitation.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 15, 2026

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

### Sources
- [USDA Designates Three Texas Counties as Natural Disaster Areas | Farm Service Agency](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/news/09-14-2026/usda-designates-three-texas-counties-natural-disaster-areas) - FSA