Governor Brad Henry Seeks Disaster Aid For Oklahoma Farmers, Ranchers

NewsOn6.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry is asking for federal disaster aid to assist farmers and ranchers in all 77 counties of the state. Henry said extreme weather and drought conditions have caused serious damage and losses to Oklahoma's farming and ranching industries.

Summer and fall crops, hay forages, livestock grazing lands, and alfalfa have been particularly hard-hit, Henry said Thursday in a letter sent to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak.

"Oklahoma's farmers and ranchers have endured a very difficult year," Gov. Henry said.

"Extreme and unpredictable weather has taken its toll on Oklahoma's crops. A federal disaster declaration won't cover all the losses, but it will offer some relief to our state's hardworking farmers and ranchers."

In his letter, the governor asked that the feds authorize the Farm Service Agency to complete damage assessment reports on all Oklahoma counties. The period of extreme weather was from November 1, 2009 to October 31, 2010.

If the disaster declaration is approved, Oklahoma farmers and ranchers will be eligible for low-interest loans to address losses caused by the extreme weather conditions.

Get more agricultural news with the Oklahoma Farm Report.