Guv seeks disaster aid for farmers

in six counties

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has issued an agricultural disaster declaration for six rural counties, the first step in obtaining federal low-interest loans to help farmers and ranchers dealing with drought, fires and freezing temperatures.

Garfield, Millard, Sanpete, Kane, Piute and Box Elder counties have lost at least a third of their crops or forage, valued at $28.7 million, Huntsman said in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Shaffer.

If Shaffer agrees with the declaration, farmers and ranchers would be eligible to apply to the Farm Service Agency for emergency loans. Some producers affected by grazing losses and have been forced to liquidate their herds.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared all of Utah's 29 counties disaster areas from drought, fires, insect infestation and freezing temperatures.

- Dawn House

Positive listening

Contemporary Mormon radio

hits the Web

An online radio station aimed at Mormon listeners launched Monday.

The contemporary music station is at www.yourLDSradio.com. The Web site is affiliated with yourLDSneighbor- hood.com, which was started in 2007 by Salt Lake City entrepreneur Gaylen Rust.

Sam Payne, a singer, songwriter and radio station host, is the program director.

The station aims to attract a worldwide audience that listens to a broad range of music with positive lyrics.

Built into the Web site is a discussion board where listeners can request songs or comment about the programming.

- Paul Beebe

Online

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