Farmers in Utah's troubled dairy and turkey industries would be eligible for low-interest state loans under a bill approved Monday by the Utah Senate.

The $12 million loan program would come through the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food and charge farmers 3 percent interest.

"Both of these industries are struggling. They're really in trouble," said Sen. Ralph Okerlund, R-Monroe. He said 27 percent of Idaho dairies are failing, and he wants to avoid that fate in Utah.

Both industries are hard hit by feed costs and by low prices for their products, he said. Their markets are starting to recover, he said, and they need help to ensure they remain in business through the recession's end.

"We can prevent a lot of bankruptcies in Utah," said Sen. Dennis Stowell, R-Parowan.

The measure passed the Senate unanimously and now goes to the House.