September 27th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Governor Patrick Morrisey and West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) Commissioner Kent Leonhardt have announced that ten counties in West Virginia have received a Secretarial disaster designation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous to primary counties are eligible to be considered for Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loan assistance. “West Virginia’s farmers play an important role in our state’s economy, culture, and way of life,” said Governor Morrisey. “I want to thank the USDA and the Trump administration for stepping up to help West Virginians in need. My office will continue to work with the WVDA and our partners at the federal and local levels to provide assistance to those affected by the drought.”  

“USDA’s quick declaration, combined with the strong cooperation of our partners, shows how important it is to work together in times of need,” said Commissioner Leonhardt. “Our farmers are facing real challenges, and this coordinated response ensures they will get help when it matters most. WVDA will continue working closely with state and federal partners to deliver resources quickly and strengthen agriculture for the future.”

Counties receiving a disaster declaration are: 
Barbour 
Brooke 
Lewis 
Braxton 
Hancock 
Nicholas 
Pocahontas
Randolph 
Upshur
Webster 

Contiguous counties eligible for assistance are: 
Calhoun 
Clay 
Doddridge 
Fayette 
Gilmer
Grant
Greenbrier
Harrison 
Kanawha 
Ohio 
Pendleton
Preston 
Taylor 
Tucker

Local FSA offices can provide affected farmers with further information.