Ag producers eligible for emergency loans with ‘natural disaster’ designation
Burnet and Llano counties are among 86 counties in Texas that have been designated “natural disaster areas” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture due to ongoing drought conditions. With the designation, farmers and ranchers are eligible for fast-tracked emergency loans to help them cope with the arid weather and loss of property.
The natural disaster designation was assigned to counties across the Highland Lakes area, including Burnet, Llano, Lampasas, Blanco, Travis, and San Saba counties. To qualify for the definition of a disaster, drought conditions must be recorded as D2, D3, or the most severe rating of D4 on the U.S. Drought Monitor during a region’s growing season.
As of March 27, Burnet and Llano counties are almost completely under D3 drought conditions and their southern portions under D4.
Farmers and ranchers within natural disaster areas may apply for Farm Service Agency emergency farm loans, which can be used to restore or replace essential property like livestock, equipment, and structures. The loans can cover up to $500,000 in production or physical losses and are made at a below-average interest rate set by the FSA.
The application deadline for the emergency farm loans is Nov. 24, 2025.
To apply, contact the FSA’s Burnet Service Center at 512-863-6502 or Bubba.VanZandt@usda.gov or the Llano Service Center at 325-247-5154 or Fred.Reyna@usda.gov.