Assistance in the form of federal emergency loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency will be available to Ashland, Bayfield and connected counties, including Iron thanks to a federal drought disaster declaration. TheAshlandDailyPress reports the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that both counties were in drought status earlier in the summer. The Farm Service Agency will review loan applications and make determinations based on extent of loss, security available and repayment ability. The deadline to apply is March 25 th of 2024.