Emergency Disaster Relief Loan Program

How it works

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), through the Utah Conservation Commission, offers the Emergency Disaster Relief Loan Program to help agricultural producers address extraordinary circumstances tied to declared disasters that caused production losses. Applications are currently open for the disaster declarations listed on the page, and each application must match the specific disaster affecting the operation.

What the money covers

Loan funds may be used only for declared-disaster-related losses and expenses. The page says all losses and expenses submitted for funding must be documented, and they must be losses related to the official disaster declaration. Funds cannot be used for any value-added projects. Losses already covered by indemnity, insurance, or other compensation are not eligible.

Amounts and loan terms

The current loan maximum is $100,000 per entity. Loans are unsecured and fully amortized over 7 years. Interest is 0% for the first 2 years and 2.75% thereafter. The borrower may choose the month payment is due and may select monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payments. No prepayment penalty applies, and extra payments are applied to principal.

Timing and deadlines

Applications must be submitted to and approved by the local Conservation District by the deadline for the relevant declaration. The page also says the Conservation Districts and the Utah Conservation Commission require a minimum of 90 days to process, approve, and close a loan. All disbursements must be completed within six months of loan closing or before another specified date unless the UCC extends the deadline.

How to apply

Start with the appropriate application for the declared disaster and work with your local UDAF Resource Coordinator or Planner. The Conservation District must approve the application first, after which the Resource Coordinator forwards it to the UDAF Loan Department. The loan staff review repayment ability and other required information, then the proposal is presented at the next Utah Conservation Commission meeting if requirements are met. After UCC approval and closing, funds are disbursed when invoices and supporting documents are submitted.

Declared disasters listed on the page

• May 15, 2026: Freezing Temperatures — Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Iron, Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Utah, Weber; application deadline November 15, 2026.
• May 21, 2026: Drought Conditions — All Counties; application deadline November 21, 2026.
• June 25, 2026: Recent Wildfires — All Counties; application deadline December 25, 2026.
• July 9, 2026: HPAI — Box Elder; application deadline January 9, 2027.
• July 21, 2026: HPAI — Weber; application deadline January 21, 2027.
• July 22, 2026: Wildfires and Flooding Related to Wildfires — Beaver, Piute, Sevier; application deadline January 22, 2027.