JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Gov. Jay Nixon says Missouri farmers struggling against the drought will be eligible for low-interest loans and other federal aid.
Nixon's office said Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a request to designate all 114 Missouri counties as disaster areas. The designation allows eligible farmers to be considered for assistance from the federal Farm Service Agency, including receiving emergency loans.
Nixon asked for the federal assistance last week. Heat, dry weather and a lack of snow last fall and winter have contributed to the difficult conditions for Missouri farmers and ranchers.