Relief loan applications open for Utah's farmers impacted by ongoing drought
The state of emergency declaration was made after – only 44% of Utah's normal snowpack. At the time of the declaration, Cox urged Utahns to be 'extremely mindful' of their water use and find every possible way to conserve.
But for Utah's farmers, the ongoing drought and water scarcity threaten crops, livestock and long-term viability, according to (UDAF) Commissioner Kelly Pehrson.
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'We recognize the tremendous strain drought places on farm families and rural communities, and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is committed to doing everything we can to help,' said Pherson. 'This loan program is just one of the tools we're using to support producers through this crisis and keep our agricultural economy strong.'
Under the loan relief program, eligible farmers in the 17 impacted counties, found below, will be able to apply for a low-interest loan of up to $100,000. UDAF said the loans are seven-year loans with no interest for the first two years and a 2.75% interest rate for the five remaining years.
The counties eligible for the loan are:
Beaver
Carbon
Emery
Garfield
Grand
Iron
Juab
Kane
Millard
Piute
San Juan
Sanpete
Sevier
Tooele
Uintah
Washington
Wayne
UDAF officials said applications for the relief fund loan will only be accepted until Oct. 23, 2025. Guidelines and application materials can be found online on the UDAF website, here. Farmers can also find additional relief programs through the with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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Relief loan applications open for Utah's farmers impacted by ongoing drought
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