Disaster Aid Sought for Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers

July 22, 2009

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry is seeking federal disaster designation for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers hit hard by extreme weather conditions the past 10 months.

Henry said he made the request in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak.

The governor says drought conditions - combined with floods, hail, fire, high winds and freezing temperatures - had caused serious damage and losses to crops and livestock.

The letter noted the state's wheat harvest was expected to be far below normal and ranchers have been hampered by a short supply of hay and grazing forage.

Approval of the disaster declaration would qualify farmers and ranchers for low-interest loans.