DENVER—Two Colorado counties have been designated federal disaster areas because of crop damage from cold, windy weather.
Gov. Bill Ritter said Tuesday that Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack approved the disaster designations the state requested for Montrose and Otero counties.
The designations make farmers eligible to apply to the Farm Service Agency for assistance and loans.
Officials in Otero County in southeastern Colorado say nearly 50 percent of the melon crop has been damaged or destroyed.
Freezing temperatures in April claimed nearly all the sweet cherry crop in Montrose County in western Colorado.
Ten other counties have been designated contiguous disaster areas, making some aid available.
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Online: Farm Service Agency:
