Four western Nebraska counties have been declared natural disaster areas because of damage from spring and summer storms.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the designation on
Monday. The counties included in the designation as primary natural
disaster areas are Arthur, Hayes, Hitchcock and Perkins counties.

The designation covers farmers and ranchers who suffered losses
as a result of severe storms between May 23 and Aug. 11.

The designation also includes 11 contiguous counties.

Qualified farmers and ranchers will be eligible for low interest
emergency loans.