Farmers and ranchers in 14 northwest Oklahoma counties, including the three Panhandle counties, will be eligible to receive federal assistance, the governor’s office announced today.
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The U.S. Agriculture Department issued an agricultural disaster declaration, which will make farm operators in those counties eligible for low-interest loans through the Farm Service Agency’s emergency loan program as well as payments under the Livestock Indemnity Program and Supplemental Crop Revenue Assistance Program.
The designation will also allow farmers and ranchers to postpone paying for one year the taxes on any grain from livestock sold early because of drought conditions.
Extreme heat, dry weather, high winds and lack of rain have damaged hay forages, livestock grazing lands, alfalfa and other crops.
Nine counties were named primary natural disaster areas: Beaver, Cimarron, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward.
Five counties were named contiguous disaster counties: Alfalfa, Beckham, Blaine, Custer and Major.
Farmers and ranchers in both primary and contiguous counties are eligible to be considered for the federal assistance. Local Farm Service Agency offices can provide further information.
Gov. Brad Henry, who toured drought-plagued Cimarron County last week, had asked for the federal assistance.
“This is good news for farmers and ranchers in northwest Oklahoma who are enduring what may be the worst drought in our history,” the governor said.
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