Federal Drought Aid Sought

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry is seeking disaster assistance for farmers in nine northwestern Oklahoma counties suffering from drought and extreme weather conditions.

Officials say damage has been caused to hay forages, grazing lands, alfalfa and other crops by a combination of heat, dry weather, high winds and stressful moisture conditions.

The governor sent a letter seeking assistance to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer. The request is for farmers and ranchers in Cimarron, Texas, Beaver, Harper, Woodward, Ellis, Roger Mills, Dewey and Woods counties.