The USDA designated 89 Nebraska counties as primary natural disaster areas due to the drought.  Further, surrounding contiguous counties are also eligible to receive assistance.  This includes counties in South Dakota, Wyoming, Kansas, Colorado, and Missouri.

Due to the natural disaster designation, farmers and ranchers are eligible for emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency if eligibility requirements are met.  Farmers and ranchers have eight months from the time of the natural disaster declaration to apply for loans.