Family farmers in three Nebraska counties can now apply for low-interest emergency loans to help them recover from damages caused by severe weather.

The loans can cover up to $500,000 of losses suffered after a May 25 storm brought tornadoes and flooding to Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties.

Applicants must be family farm operators in one of those counties. Loans can be used to buy feed, seed, fertilizer, livestock or refinance certain debts, and to repair or replace damaged property.

Farmers may apply through their local Farm Service Agency offices.