Federal help for Ohio farmers hit by weather

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Farmers in several Ohio counties may be eligible for federal loans after suffering agricultural losses due to severe weather last winter and in the late summer.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Emergency Physical Loss loans will be available in thirteen counties due to Sept. 14 high winds caused by remnants of Hurricane Ike.

Eligible farmers in 33 counties designated primary agricultural natural disaster areas are eligible for low-interest emergency loans from the USDA's Farm Service Agency, also due to the Sept. 14 windstorms.

Thirty-five counties also have been designated primary agricultural natural disaster areas for damage from February rain, floods, hail, frost, lightning, high winds and tornadoes.