Posted: Thursday, May 01, 2025
Author: JW Robinson, Associate Broker | Licensed in WY
Landowners in several Wyoming counties may be eligible for emergency drought funding. Ranching in Wyoming or any of the other Rocky Mountain states can provide many unique challenges. Often, landowners operate on narrow margins before weathering difficulties such as droughts, flash floods, and natural disasters. These scenarios can leave producers in a difficult position and may have operations, scratching their heads and sharpening their pencils, looking for a path forward.
Thankfully, the Secretary of Agriculture can initiate a natural disaster designation when unplanned events occur. According to the USDA, this designation provides the FSA with the resources and ability to provide emergency funding to agricultural producers affected by an event. In 2025, 10 Wyoming counties were declared primary natural disasters due to drought conditions.
Thankfully, the Secretary of Agriculture can initiate a natural disaster designation when unplanned events occur. According to the USDA, this designation provides the FSA with the resources and ability to provide emergency funding to agricultural producers affected by an event. In 2025, 10 Wyoming counties were declared primary natural disasters due to drought conditions.
Farms and Ranches in Albany, Big Horn, Carbon, Fremont, Hot Springs, Lincoln, Natrona, Park, Sublette, and Washakie counties are eligible to seek assistance at their local FSA office. Surrounding areas, including other counties in Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and Utah, may also be eligible.
While operations are encouraged to consider the possibility of assistance, they are also carefully considered by the applicant’s losses, available collateral, and payback ability. Landowners considering using this funding may find helpful tools on farmers.gov and, most importantly, can find specific details through their local USDA office. Hopefully, this assistance helps ag operations move forward through these drought conditions.
