Emergency Farm Loans Available
(NOAA Drought Map August 2024)
The US Department of Agriculture has designated St. Mary’s County, along with several other Maryland jurisdictions, as a primary natural disaster area due to drought and excessive heat occurring between June 22, 2024, and October 22, 2024. The designation allows eligible farmers and agricultural producers in the county to apply for emergency loans to aid in recovery efforts.
Loans are available to assist producers in replacing essential equipment or livestock, reorganizing farming operations, or refinancing certain debts. The USDA Farm Service Agency will evaluate loan applications based on the extent of losses, available security, and repayment ability.
The deadline to apply for assistance is September 15, 2025.
In addition to St. Mary’s, the following Maryland counties are designated as primary disaster areas: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Dorchester, Harford, and Prince George’s. Several neighboring states including Delaware, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, are also eligible for assistance.
Farmers seeking more information on available resources can visit here and use the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Loan Assistance Tool to explore program options.
