Western Ohio counties get federal disaster area tag

WASHINGTON (AP) — Eight western Ohio counties have been designated as natural disaster areas after months of heavy rain and flooding.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture tag for Butler, Darke, Defiance, Hamilton, Mercer, Paulding, Preble and Van Wert counties means farmers there can seek federal assistance including emergency loans. They also can get guidance on applying from local Farm Service Agency offices.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown announced the designations in Washington on Wednesday. The Ohio Democrat who serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee says the aid helps farmers manage risk and keep up a reliable food supply for Ohio and the world.