USDA Declares Disaster for 17 Pennsylvania Counties Following April Freeze

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced May 26 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 17 Pennsylvania counties as natural disaster areas following below-freezing temperatures that occurred April 19–21, 2026. The declaration is intended to help agricultural producers recover from freeze-related damage and losses.

Secretary Rollins met with agricultural leaders in Pennsylvania alongside U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan to announce the assistance.

“Fighting for our farmers means being there for them when Mother Nature hits, today we are showing that USDA stands with Pennsylvania agriculture — and we will continue working to ensure producers have the support they need to recover and move forward,” said Rollins. “This designation is a first step forward to help agricultural producers access emergency loans and programs in the aftermath of freezing temperatures. Under President Trump, USDA will continue to put farmers first and make sure they have the resources they need.”

According to the USDA, the declaration allows the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to offer emergency credit to eligible producers impacted by the freeze. Emergency loans may be used to replace essential equipment or livestock, reorganize farming operations, or refinance certain debts. Loan eligibility is determined based on the extent of losses, available security and repayment ability.

“Our farmers cannot control the weather, but Washington can make sure they are not left to shoulder these losses alone,” said Rob Bresnahan. “The April freeze devastated orchards and specialty crop producers across Pennsylvania, and this declaration will help get critical relief to the growers who keep our communities fed and our agricultural economy strong. I’m grateful to Secretary Rollins for working with us to deliver support for Pennsylvania farmers.”

Counties Eligible for Emergency Loan Assistance

Pennsylvania producers in the following counties are eligible to apply for USDA emergency loans

• Adams County
• Columbia County
• Cumberland County
• Dauphin County
• Franklin County
• Lackawanna County
• Lancaster County
• Luzerne County
• Lycoming County
• Monroe County
• Montour County
• Northumberland County
• Perry County
• Susquehanna County
• Wayne County
• Wyoming County
• York County

Farmers in eligible counties have until Jan. 26, 2027, to apply for emergency loans through USDA’s FSA.

In addition to emergency loans, USDA said producers may have access to other disaster recovery tools, including crop insurance support, loan servicing options, conservation programs and additional financial assistance programs for weather-related losses.

USDA is also reviewing disaster designations for remaining Pennsylvania counties and gathering additional damage data.

Producers seeking assistance through FSA or the Natural Resources Conservation Service should contact their local USDA Service Center. Farmers with crop insurance claims should contact their insurance agent.