Farmers in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia may soon see relief after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated 126 Georgia counties as natural disaster areas due to ongoing drought conditions.

The designation, announced this week, stems from severe to exceptional drought conditions that began December 15, 2025, and persisted through the growing season. While Chattooga County is not listed as a primary disaster county, it has been included as a contiguous county, making local producers eligible for federal assistance.

Through this designation, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) can offer emergency loans to farmers and agricultural producers impacted by the drought. These loans are designed to help cover a range of recovery needs, including replacing livestock or equipment, reorganizing farming operations, and refinancing certain debts.

Officials say loan applications will be evaluated based on the extent of production losses, available collateral, and the producer’s ability to repay. The application deadline for assistance is set for December 10, 2026.

The drought classification is based on data from the U.S. Drought Monitor, which indicates areas experienced either severe drought for at least eight consecutive weeks or extreme to exceptional drought conditions during the growing season.

The disaster designation impacts multiple states across the Southeast, including Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.

Local farmers in Chattooga County are encouraged to contact their nearest USDA Farm Service Agency office for more information on eligibility and the application process.