Minnesota agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture physical loss loans.

The Farm Service Agency offers these low-interest loans to agricultural producers in Blue Earth, Clay, Marshall and Nicollet counties, the primary damaged area, who incurred losses caused by a blizzard and excessive snow that occurred Feb. 1 through March 15. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including the loss of buildings and livestock. Applications are due Dec. 24.

“Minnesota’s hardworking ag producers feed our neighbors, the nation and the world,” said State Executive Director Joe Martin. “When they suffer losses because of extreme weather, helping them get back on their feet is important. We encourage those affected to reach out to their local USDA Service Center to apply for these emergency loans.”

Producers in the contiguous Minnesota counties of Becker, Beltrami, Brown, Faribault, Kittson, Le Sueur, Martin, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Renville, Roseau, Sibley, Waseca, Watonwan and Wilkin, along with Cass, Grand Forks, Pembina, Richland and Walsh counties in North Dakota are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.

Physical loss loans can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses. Examples of property commonly affected include essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay.

For more information on FSA disaster assistance programs or to find your local USDA Service Center visit www.farmers.gov/recover.