# USDA Designates North Dakota Counties Disaster Areas

The United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA) has officially designated six counties in North Dakota as natural disaster areas due to severe drought conditions. This designation enables affected agricultural producers in these primary and contiguous counties across North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota to apply for emergency loans to support recovery efforts. The application deadline for these loans is May 17, 2027, providing a clear timeframe for affected parties to seek assistance. This action creates procurement opportunities for contractors and service providers specializing in agricultural recovery, disaster assistance, and related support services.

- **Agencies involved:** USDA FSA is the primary federal agency managing this disaster designation and loan program.
- **Why this matters:** Contractors offering agricultural recovery services, drought mitigation, and disaster relief support can engage with USDA programs to assist affected producers.
- **Actionable insight:** Businesses should prepare proposals and service offerings aligned with USDA emergency loan programs and disaster recovery initiatives targeting the designated counties.
- **Geographic focus:** Opportunities are concentrated in specific North Dakota counties and their contiguous areas in Minnesota and South Dakota, emphasizing regional expertise and presence.

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

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

### Sources
- [USDA Designates 6 North Dakota Counties as Natural Disaster Areas | Farm Service Agency](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/news/09-25-2026/usda-designates-6-north-dakota-counties-natural-disaster-areas) - FSA