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Three-quarters of South Carolina’s counties have been designated primary natural disaster areas because of persistent drought.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture this month says 35 of the state’s 46 counties have the designation because of damages and losses caused by excessive heat and drought that began May 1.

All qualified farm operators in the designated areas are eligible for low-interest loans to help offset losses that might not be covered by crop insurance.

They have eight months to apply for the loans from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Officials say farmers and ranchers in 10 counties next to the disaster areas also qualify for federal assistance.

Topics Agribusiness South Carolina