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Nine counties get aidOKLAHOMA CITY (AP)--Gov. Brad Henry was notified July 22 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued an agricultural disaster declaration for nine Oklahoma counties. Henry said the action will allow ranchers and farmers in those counties and five contiguous counties to receive federal assistance. Extreme heat, dry weather and high winds have contributed to heavy damage to hay forages, livestock grazing lands, alfalfa and other crops in parts of western and northwest Oklahoma. The disaster designation will help farmers and ranchers in Cimarron, Texas, Beaver, Harper, Woodward, Ellis, Roger Mills, Dewey and Woods counties. The five contiguous counties affected by the designation are Alfalfa, Beckham, Blaine, Custer and Major counties. "This is good news for farmers and ranchers in northwest Oklahoma who are enduring what may be the worst drought in our history," Henry said. "I will continue to work with local, state and federal officials to provide any and all help for Oklahoma farmers. "Meanwhile, we should all continue to pray for what farmers and ranchers in the Panhandle truly need--several good, soaking rains to help end the drought." The disaster designation will make farm operators eligible for low-interest emergency loans through the Farm Service Agency and for payments under the Livestock Indemnity Program and Supplemental Crop Revenue Assistance Program. Farmers and ranchers also will be allowed to postpone for one year the taxes on any gain from livestock sold early due to drought conditions. Rep. Frank Lucas, R-OK, announced recently that the disaster declaration had been approved and was being processed. 8/4/08 Date: 7/31/08
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