Producers in nine Nebraska counties are now eligible for disaster relief because of drought and storms.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has designated the counties agriculture disaster areas after a request from the governor.

A disaster designation certifies that counties have suffered at least a 30 percent loss in one or more crop or livestock areas. The designation provides farmers access to low-interest loans and other assistance programs.

The counties designated disaster areas because of drought are Banner, Box Butte, Dawes, Kimball, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan and Sioux.

The counties designated because of flooding, hail and wind storms earlier this year are Hitchcock and Hayes.