Utah Department of Agriculture offers new loan program to help farmers fight drought conditions
May 20, 2025, 4:00 PM
FILE - Luke Naisbitt does groundwork before planting yellow onions on Gibson’s Green Acres and Bennett Farms in West Weber, Weber County, on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.(Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)
(Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is helping farmers facing drought conditions by offering a low-interest loan program.
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food started putting the program together after Gov. Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency for 17 central and southern Utah counties at the end of April.
However, department spokesperson Caroline Hargraves said they only have $2 million total for the Emergency Disaster Relief Loan program.
“The applications are approved on a first completed, first processed basis for funding,” Hargraves explained, “so we encourage agricultural producers to apply early.”
Hargraves said each applicant can get up to $100,000 and they won’t have to pay interest for the first two years on the seven-year loan.
She said farmers should also check federal programs since some offer grants and other aid.
To apply for the Emergency Disaster Relief Loan, visit the UDAF website. UDAF also offers a list of drought resources.
For some federal programs, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.
