WASHINGTON — Farmers in Rich, Summit and Daggett counties may get emergency loans from the government, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Wednesday.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said the USDA designated farmers in the three counties as eligible to qualify for agriculture disaster assistance based on the existing drought. This will allow farmers to apply for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency.

The FSA will consider applications based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability, according to Hatch's office.

"I appreciate the Department of Agriculture's swift action in granting disaster designation to these three northeastern Utah counties," Hatch said in a statement. "Utah is the second driest state in the country, and when a severe drought hits, it's vital that our farmers have access to emergency loans."