State Declared Disaster Area Because of Drought

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman declared the entire state a drought disaster area, a move cheered by state officials who consider it leverage in a fight for more disaster aid for stricken farmers.

The state's congressional delegation has lobbied for more disaster aid as critical to helping producers.

The designation, announced during Veneman's trip to the state, clears the way for farmers and ranchers affected by drought to receive emergency loans or other assistance, officials said.