Oklahoma Governor Henry Requests Designation to Help Oklahoma Farmers

July 11, 2007 -- (Oklahoma City) In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry has requested a Secretarial Disaster Designation for all of Oklahoma’s 77 counties for weather that has occurred since January 1. Such a designation is necessary for Oklahoma farmers to have access to assistance from the federal government.

“The combinations of extreme rainfall, flooding, high winds, tornadoes and freeze due to extreme low temperatures have caused serious and extensive damage,” the letter states. “Oklahoma’s wheat crop, for example, was projected to produce 160 million bushels, but at this time there has only been approximately 90 million bushels harvested. If any more wheat is harvested it will have poor quality and a very low value.”

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Gov. Henry also noted that hay producers are experiencing similar losses.

USDA Farm Service Agency representatives will do damage assessment reports for each county.

“While we are working with FEMA to secure assistance for local governments and individuals, we cannot forget about Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers who, more than any of us, feel the effects of extreme weather,” Gov. Henry said. “Agriculture is a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s economy and we must do all we can to see that our producers get the help they deserve.”

Source: Oklahoma Governor