Drought Monitor Map Week Of July 8 2021An additional 101 Midwest and West U.S. counties have been added to the USDA’s drought natural disaster areas. This designation remains important as it opens up eligibility for up to $500,000 in USDA emergency ag loans, which can be used for a variety of things such as equipment replacements, livestock or financial reallocation. In May, the natural disaster list started with 402 counties bringing the current total to 503 eligible counties. Get more information about the qualifications needed for a USDA emergency ag loan.