USDA Farm Loans Help Wisconsin Recover From Storms

By Blake Jackson

Wisconsin agricultural producers who suffered property or livestock damage from severe weather may be eligible for physical loss loans through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA).

These loans are designed to help farmers repair or replace essential property that was damaged or destroyed and is necessary for continuing their agricultural operations.

Eligible losses can include farm buildings and fixtures, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay.

Two recent weather events have triggered eligibility for affected Wisconsin producers.

The first disaster was a blizzard that struck Wisconsin from March 14 through March 16, 2026. Primary counties eligible for assistance include Brown, Crawford, Door, Eau Claire, Jackson, Jefferson, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Oconto, Shawano, Sheboygan, Trempealeau, Waupaca and Wood.

Producers in numerous neighboring counties may also qualify. Applications must be submitted by May 3, 2027.

The second qualifying event involved spring storms that occurred from April 9 through May 17, 2026. Primary affected counties include Bayfield, Buffalo, Calumet, Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Marathon, Marquette, Milwaukee, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Trempealeau, Walworth and Waukesha.

Producers in additional contiguous counties may also be eligible. The application deadline is May 3, 2027.

Producers who experienced qualifying losses should contact their local USDA Service Center to file a Notice of Loss and learn more about available disaster assistance programs and eligibility requirements.

Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency