Farmers in St. Mary’s County and several other Maryland jurisdictions will have access to federal aid after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) declared the region a primary natural disaster area due to drought and excessive heat that lasted from June 22, 2024, to October 22, 2024.
The designation, which also includes counties across Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, allows agricultural producers to apply for emergency loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). These loans can help farmers recover losses, replace essential equipment or livestock, and stabilize their operations following months of extreme weather conditions. The deadline to apply is September 15, 2025.
Drought and Heat Take a Toll on Local Farms
The drought and high temperatures across the region put severe stress on crops and livestock, with many farmers facing significant financial setbacks. Without sufficient rainfall, corn, soybeans, and other staple crops suffered reduced yields. Pastures dried out, limiting feed for cattle, while water sources for irrigation and livestock dwindled.
For farmers already managing tight margins, the impact has been significant. The USDA’s disaster designation provides a critical opportunity for those affected to apply for financial assistance.
“St. Mary’s County remains committed to supporting our agricultural community as they navigate the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions,” said Commissioner President Randy Guy. “We encourage all eligible producers to take advantage of these federal resources to help sustain their farming operations.”
Counties and States Included in the Designation
Along with St. Mary’s County, the USDA’s disaster declaration includes Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Dorchester, Harford, and Prince George’s counties. Farmers in neighboring states, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, are also eligible for assistance due to the widespread nature of the drought and heat conditions.
The emergency loans are designed to help farmers repair or replace essential infrastructure, cover losses due to crop failure, and refinance certain debts. Loan applications will be evaluated based on the extent of losses, available collateral, and repayment ability.
How Farmers Can Apply for Assistance
Farmers seeking aid can visit www.farmers.gov to use the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, review the Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and explore the Loan Assistance Tool to determine their eligibility.
To file a Notice of Loss or inquire about the loan application process, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center.
More information on emergency farm loans and eligibility requirements is available at www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/emergency-farm-loans.
