Agricultural officials welcomed the designation but said it was the first step in providing relief from the combination of a spring freeze along with the drought.

“Our livestock producers in particular need immediate, direct assistance for emergency water and feed supplies, to try and protect as much of our livestock industry as possible,” said Marshall Coyle, president of the Kentucky Farm Bureau.

The disaster designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture allows farmers in the state’s $4 billion-a-year industry to seek emergency assistance, including low-interest loans to help pay for essential farm and living expenses.

Farmers interested in applying for the assistance should contact their local Farm Service Agency offices for additional information.

Source: WHAS-TV